STEPS ExPlorers Summer 2024 Program Recap
By: Kailyn Gilliam
From July 8-12, 2024, STEPS hosted our annual STEPS ExPlorers summer program, a one-week camp for high school students passionate about STEM. The camp took place at Union Square on the campus of University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The week was a perfect blend of learning, innovation, and fun.
Our participants dove deep into the fascinating world of phosphorus sustainability, exploring it through the lens of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The week included:
Hands-on learning: Students engaged in activities like designing and developing models using 3D printers, working with nanobeads and sensors, and much more.
University visit: Students had an inspiring visit to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where students got a taste of college life at the university dining hall and witnessed the cutting-edge research at the Harold L. Martin, Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex.
Shark tank pitches: The week culminated in exciting “Shark Tank” pitches, where students presented their own innovative solutions to the phosphorus issues addressed by STEPS.
Mac Alexander, a three-time ExPlorers participant, said of the event: “Every year, STEPS ExPlorers Summer Program is something different. There is so much variety in the activities that we do, that it is nearly impossible to get bored at ExPlorers Camp. At other camps, you can go there one time and you’ve seen it all; but with ExPlorers, every year, there are new interesting concepts to learn about.”
We are so proud of the creativity and dedication these young minds displayed throughout the camp. Their enthusiasm for STEM and commitment to sustainability were truly inspiring.
STEPS would like to thank our amazing broadening participation team, including Dr. Sherine Obare, Dr. Eric McLamore, Chartanay Bonner, and Kailyn Gilliam, along with Dr. Clara Adams, chair of chemistry, physics, and astronomy at Central Carolina Community College, for their efforts to create a wonderful, enriching camp experience. We would also like to thank the graduate students at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering for serving as instructional leaders during the week.
