Summer High School Research Program

Overview

The Summer High School Research Program offers high school students the opportunity to work on emerging energy technologies, CAD/3D modeling or semiconductor engineering for six weeks. The purpose is to introduce STEM concepts in real-world practicality and keep young people interested in engineering as a college major and career.

Attendees come to campus four days per week starting in July and ending first week of August. Each week's curriculum is centered on a unique theme. In the final week, students tour various laboratories and make presentations to faculty and mentors.

Emerging energy technologies

Our emerging energy technologies program will provide the knowledge and skills needed to be competitive in the battery industry. Upon completion of training, students can expect to find their skills on par with those within the the automotive battery and technology divisions. The curriculum will be updated at regular intervals based on feedback from participants.

Students will learn:

  • Material synthesis
  • Electrode preparation
  • Morphological studies
  • Material characterization
  • Batteries design and fabrication
  • Batteries testing and data evaluation
  • Mechanical testing
  • Micro sensor fabrication and development
  • Sensor field test evolution
student in lab

CAD/3D modeling

The goal of the CAD/3D modeling program is to inspire students to become productive researchers and engineers and enabling them to work on original research work. They are taught skills needed to test their ideas, how to work as a team, and encourages them to invent. This specific concentration of the program will introduce students to basic 3D modelling skills using commercial computer aided design software (CAD), 3D printing technology, circuitry design, electronics, and programming. The students will be able to join the faculty member's research lab and work on related topics in soft robotics and smart materials.

Students will learn:

  • Computer aided design
  • 3d printing and fabrication
  • Testing and validating prototypes
  • Mechanical testing and analysis
  • Working as a team
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
Female student holds and observes material

Semiconductor engineering

The Semiconductor Stars program encourages participants to dive into the world of cutting-edge semiconductor technology and explore the field of microfabrication. Students will learn about computer chips, how they are made and will gain hands-on experience in designing and building them and understanding the sophisticated processes involved in their manufacturing.

Students will learn:

  • Semiconductor fabrication and characterization equipment
  • Cleanroom protocols
  • How to prototype and test microelectronic devices
  • How to use optical microscopes for device characterization
  • How to work in a group to solve scientific challenges

Details

July 22 - August 16, 2024
Monday-Thursdays (No Fridays)
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration is now closed for summer 2024.

History

The program, established in 2017, was formerly called the Summer High School Apprentice Program in Engineering (SHAPE).