Students elevate STEM skills at Ohio State Marion

A group of 80 middle and high school students from across central and north central Ohio descended on the Marion campus June 10-14, 2024, to be part of Ohio State Marion’s annual high school STEM camp, high school and middle school engineering camps.

Coordinator of Engineering Programs at Ohio State Marion, Dr. Golrokh Mirzaei, shared that Ohio State initiated the summer camp program about 10 years ago to engage and motivate K-12 students in science and engineering.

“The goal is to show them how new inventions in these areas can change daily life and inspire them to be the creators of tomorrow when they come to college,” said Mirzaei.

“I am thrilled to see so many young minds appreciate and embrace our initiatives. This success would not be possible without the dedication of our STEM faculty and the support of our administration,” she said.

According to one of the camp organizers, Dr. Tiffiny Rye-McCurdy, who serves as administrative manager of the campus Academic Success Center, and chemistry and biology center coordinator for Ohio State Marion, when students are introduced to hands-on science and engineering projects at a young age the longer they have to hone these skills, increasing their chances of using those skills successfully as they progress through their academics and professional life.

Rye McCurdy said, “Our camps are designed to either introduce and expand on existing foundations our participants have in science and engineering. The sessions encourage critical thinking and collaboration through completion of multidisciplinary projects covering computer science, engineering, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.” 

“Students gain invaluable experience touring real manufacturing facilities, including the Honda East Liberty plant, and of course by working side-by-side with Ohio State Marion faculty in our science and engineering labs,” Rye McCurdy added.

Ohio State Marion Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Dr. Nima Mansouri, who is the coordinator of Summer Engineering Institute, shared that he was impressed with the energy the attendees had during the camp.

"They efficiently completed a roller coaster project, a college-level lab assignment, a 3D project, and a robotic project, making me feel they are ready for college work," said Mansouri.

"Their interest level was impressively high," he added. "They expressed a desire to become engineers and pursue research in college to ensure their studies make a difference in the community they are growing up in." 

Mansouri said, "I am looking forward to seeing the campers next year."

Response to the annual hands-on academic camps meant to inspire students with a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics was positive among attendees.

One student who attended the STEM camp shared, “It was a great camp!  The professors and the leaders were so kind.”

Another student who was part of the Summer Engineering Institute for high school students said, “I thought the camp was planned very well.  The professors were nice and did a good job explaining various subjects.  Overall, it was a good camp.”

What also made the camps unique for attendees were the community partnerships inviting students to travel to and engage in learning at locations throughout central Ohio. Short day trips included a tour of the Honda East Liberty Manufacturing Plant, participating in the camps annual Boat Regatta held at Marion Family YMCA and plant exploration at the Terradise Nature Center.

Middle school camp coordinator, Dr. Qudsia Tahmina, who also serves as an associate professor of practice in the Ohio State’s department of electrical and computer engineering, shared that the middle school students participated in the camp activities that broadened their knowledge and skills.

“They learned critical thinking and problem-solving skills that helped develop an appreciation for engineering,” said Tahmina.

“Research shows that students start building self-awareness in middle school, learning about potential careers, developing a pathway for high school coursework and making informed decisions to achieve future goals,” she said. “Our camps provide this opportunity for participants to engage in hands-on activities and build foundational skills". 

The sessions involved project-based learning utilizing engineering tools, mathematical reasoning and software applications, team building and networking with faculty and industry professionals. 

“Students toured Honda manufacturing facilities in Marysville and learned about the automotive industry and the use of robots to build a car. They also visited the Honda Heritage Museum to explore the history of Honda America," she added.

Additional work in teaching and coordination of camp sessions was provided by Dr. Chandika Annasiwatta, Dr. Ranjith Kumar, Dr. Chris Orban, and Dr. Scott Zimmerman.