Open to Students Entering Grades 10-12
Students entering grades 10–12 will participate in an immersive experience designed for those interested in pursuing STEM-related subjects in higher education. Participants will focus on a single, in-depth, weeklong project aligned with their interests in science, engineering or technology, building both technical and academic skills through sustained inquiry and problem-solving. In addition to project work, students take part in leadership development and college readiness activities that introduce them to college-level expectations, learning environments and pathways in STEM. Over the course of the week, participants will build confidence as emerging STEM scholars and future college students, while exploring the college landscape and the skills needed to succeed. Read the full description here.
- Frontiers in Regenerative Medicine: The Cryopreservation Project (Grades 10-12) This program offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore a critical challenge in modern biomedical science. Regenerative medicine holds tremendous promise for repairing damaged tissues and organs, but the cells and tissues used in these therapies must often be stored at ultra-low temperatures in liquid nitrogen (–196 °C) through a process known as cryopreservation. Ensuring this process is safe, reliable, and effective remains a significant scientific challenge. Integrating core concepts from chemistry and biotechnology, participants will investigate the principles of cryopreservation through laboratory-based experimentation and mentorship from university faculty and PhD researchers. The curriculum examines current limitations in the field, fascinating examples of cryopreservation in the wild, and foundational chemical and biochemical concepts, including properties of cells and water, freezing point depression, and protein structure and function. Students will also develop technical wet-lab skills and gain insight into the realities of biotech research. This program provides valuable exposure to a cutting-edge scientific discipline and a strong foundation for students considering future STEM studies and careers.
- The Heat Equation: Studying Genuine Math, Physics, and Engineering (Grades 10-12) Students will explore how mathematics, physics, and engineering intersect to solve real-world problems in this immersive program. Participants will build a computer simulation from the ground up using MATLAB, a widely used programming language in engineering, to model how heat moves through space and time. Students will then validate their models by comparing simulation results with real thermal data collected using a thermal camera. Through this applied approach, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how abstract mathematical and physical concepts translate into practical tools for solving problems. Led by a mechanical engineering professor, the program offers a supportive learning environment and an authentic introduction to academic life as a student pursuing a STEM pathway. Participants will leave with new technical skills, a renewed perspective on high school mathematics and physics, and a greater understanding of the distinctions between undergraduate pathways in physics, mathematics, and engineering. Prior completion of Algebra I is required; no prior programming experience is necessary.
