‘Full STEM Ahead’ hoped to inspire future problem solvers through science

Over the past couple of weeks, Eisenhower Middle School students have been building up a head of steam as they immerse into the world of science at Cameron University.

One hundred and eighty two sixth through eighth graders have made the trip to the Cameron University Science Center as part of the “Full STEM Ahead” program.

The focus, according to Christopher Sauer from the university’s mathematics program, said the hope is to open doors to kids who might not be otherwise inclined to find interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning. He said it teaches about persistence through education.

“We’re trying to provide one or two moments where they go ‘I can be a STEM major,’” he said.

In one lab, Dr. Justin Nash, from the biology department and lead programs on bacterial culturing and cheek cell observation asked the students to look at the petri dishes with their names on them. On one side, there was a bacterial culture with samples from their unwashed hands. On the other side, cultures were developing at a much slower rate from hands and under fingernails washed thoroughly over 20 seconds using a good amount of soap. The experiment was to understand “firsthand” the effectiveness of hand washing.

Nash said the experiment is an introduction to science that could lead to careers as medical lab technicians or various other healthcare fields. The program is designed to expose STEM learning to students who might not have an opportunity to find if its tenets are what inspire their learning.

“We’re trying to inspire these students to go into STEM careers,” he said. “So far, they’ve really enjoyed this experience and hope by getting them interested in STEM so they come here.”

Sauer concurred and said it would be beneficial as STEM-related opportunities arise locally, it’s hoped some of these young learners will be able to fill engineering roles, for example, such as at the FISTA Innovation Park and the Westwin Cobalt Refinery. He believes Cameron is a great starting place and could ultimately be where there education careers continue.

“They’re more likely to stay here if they’ve been here,” he said.

The program’s funding came from grants, Sauer said. Dr. Michelle Smith from the Department of Education helped write the grand and find student volunteers from her department as well as the university’s chemistry and engineering clubs to assist with the projects and chaperon students.

Along with Nash and Sauer, Dr. Ann Nalley from chemistry, Dr. Susmita Hazara from physics, Dr. Kyle More, chair of chemistry, physics and engineering, and Dr. Ehsanul Kabir from engineering have led the educational portion of the program.

Sauer called Nalley, who was leading her students through a soap making experiment, the “STEM queen.” She has been a staple of the university so long she’s taught students, their children and now their grandchildren, he said.

“She is a legend here at Cameron University,” he said. “She is a go-getter at all times.”

As Eisenhower Middle School eighth grader Angel Ngo poured her soap into forms in an ice tray, Jessica Hutchings looked on with a grin on her face.

“We’ve been learning a lot,” Ngo said.

Hutchings said the experience has been “pretty cool.”

Back in Nash’s lab, he asked the students to explain how the experiment is designed by the scientific method: observe, form a question or hypothesis, design the experiment, collect data, examine and analyze, draw conclusions from the data and, finally, design and refine the next experiment. Once is never enough for science.

“We test multiple times,” he said.