High school students trade classroom for engineering labs

Arindam Chowdhury presents hurricane assessment and solutions developed at WOW

This year, the Miami PREP program came with a twist when high school students participating in the five-week summer camp got to play scientists in various College of Engineering and Computing research labs.

“The Miami PREP program administered by the Office of Student Access and Success (OSAS) within the College of Engineering and Computing, exposes fourth to 11^th graders to hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related projects, research laboratory experiential learning, teamwork, conflict resolution and recreational activities that are essential for the nurturing of competitive global citizens,” said Norman Munroe, professor and director of the OSAS and the Center for Diversity in Engineering and Computing.

Miami PREP is a STEM-focused academic enrichment and recreational program serving about 180 elementary, middle and high school students across South Florida. A new learning experience –  the Research Laboratory Internship – was introduced this year for the high school students aspiring to attend college. The goal was to expose students to individualized and group experiences outside the classroom. About 40 high school students spent one hour per day, four times a week, in research labs shadowing graduate students and being mentored by faculty and researchers so that they may be exposed to various engineering disciplines.

ANS lab demonstration of electromyography (EMG) signals to open and close a prosthetic hand, monitor signals on a computer screen and maneuver a remote control car

“I believe the idea and excitement of STEM education is most successful when students develop connections outside of their classroom, which is happening here at FIU. This experience evokes interest in engineering as the students interact with research scientists with similar interests,” said Vishal Musaramthota, a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and program coordinator for the Miami PREP summer program. “Students also get a taste of college life at FIU.”

3D printing in action with Juan Manjarres

Participating students got to field test different aspects of robotics, coding and programming – all essential tools in engineering. Students visited the Wall of Wind and learned about hurricane assessment and solutions that are developed at WOW, one of the nation’s major Experimental Facilities. At the Mechanical and Materials Engineering 3D Printing Lab, they actively participated in the design and printing of a simple two-part prototype consisting of a small container and top.

Through the Biomedical Engineering Department, students learned about drug delivery applications in Anthony McGoron’s laboratory, and also current research related to limb loss, prosthetics and neuroprostheses at interim dean Ranu Jung’s Adaptive Neural Systems Laboratory. One of the most exciting visits for the students was taking a car for a “simulated” test drive in the Driving Simulation Lab, while learning about research to improve the safety and mobility of travelers.

Graduate student Joseph Sadeghvaziri demonstrates the principles of a driving simulator and its advantages to MiamiPREP students

“This program is really great. It allows you to explore different aspects of engineering,” said Longchang Li, 18.

Alexander Lopez, 17, always liked building things and electronics.

“This program made it a lot easier to pick something [to focus on]. I liked robotics and the civil engineering class.” Felipe Jannarone, 15, also came to the camp with an interest in the field, which was furthered by the program.

“I was looking for engineering programs with 3D printing and computer sciences,” he said. “I was really into robotics, but with modular parts. Here it is a lot more complex, and more fun and challenging.”

Also new this year, the introduction of an anti-violence component to gives students a forum to discuss everything from bullying to problems at home in a safe and nurturing environment.

“It’s a component we’ve added to this program because the real world requires teamwork, problem solving and cooperative groups,” said Juan Diaz, program director of recruitment for the program. “It’s preparation for school, life and family.”

The program has inspired students like 14-year old Jaalen Jones. “I try to stay focused on school, but street life pulls you in. I get involved in sports as much as I can, draw and talk to people about what I’m going through.” Despite coming from a tough neighborhood, Jaalen maintains a 3.7 GPA, and says that after participating in the program, he now wants to study at FIU and become either an architect or a civil engineer.

Miami PREP is staffed by FIU graduate students and alumni, and some of the kids are bused in from surrounding neighborhoods. Funding from The Children’s Trust provided scholarships for up to 30 needy students, several of whom were classified as having disabilities. Additional support from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and Florida Department of Transportation-National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) also helped fund scholarships for approximately 70 students.