Young Scholars Unveil “STEAMy” Summer Projects At Utica University

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Young Scholars Unveil “STEAMy” Summer Projects At Utica University

Students in the Young Scholars Program at computers in a classroom as part of a 3 week STEAM program.

Students participated in intensive courses taught by Utica University professors

A group of 40 high school students from Young Scholars LPP, a collaboration between Utica University and the Utica City School District, have completed a three-week intensive Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Scholars Summer Learning Program at Utica University this summer.

The program was funded by M&T Bank/Partners Trust Fund and the Mele Family Fund, two donor-advised funds of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties Inc.

The students participated in intensive courses taught by Utica University professors: Dr. Angel Rivera, supervising instructor and associate professor of computer science; Dr. Hava Turkakin, assistant professor of physics; Dr. Jeff Miller, associate professor of communication; and Dr. Alyssa Thomas, associate professor of chemistry. Assisting the professors were Gladys Leitch and Ethan Parlota from Utica University, Daniel Rivera from SUNY Poly, and Abby McCarthy from St. Lawrence University.

The STEAM scholars presented their research and websites they created July 29. Some of the projects examined problems with fast fashion, what protein does for your body, what dopamine can do to your body, and why serial killers enjoy killing.

Started in 1993, the Young Scholars Program asks teachers to nominate 6th grade students who are identified as possessing the potential for success in secondary and post-secondary school, but who may not achieve their full potential due to various social and economic risk factors. Accepted students are then provided with academic support, special review sessions, SAT preparation and much more for their junior and senior high school years. The students can also receive many beneficial awards and scholarships to help them continue their education.

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- Tanner Deveans ‘24, PR Intern