Takes part

WORCESTER —Nikolay P. Ionkin of Pomfret, a junior at Clark University, and a fellow physics major from Rumford, worked with Physics Professor Arshad Kudrolli to fine-tune a mathematical model that captures the development of erosion underground. Their research, which was funded by Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) initiative, could eventually could help scientists better understand the effects of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and other cases where fluids carve out channels and destabilize the earth.

Both students used a device and applied the theories of physics – and engineering – to a hands-on experiment.  Their research may be included in a publication in a scientific journal.

Ionkin will graduate with Clark’s Class of 2018; he hopes to pursue Clark’s 3/2 Engineering Program with Columbia University. Ionkin is a 2014 graduate of Woodstock Academy.