Newman University recently held its 2024 Investigative Summer STEM Program (ISSP).
ISSP camp is an immersive, weeklong experience that allows high schoolers to develop a better understanding of work in STEM-related fields through science, technology, engineering and math. For five days from June 3-7, students performed hands-on research with Newman faculty, experienced living on campus in the residence halls and earned college credit.
At the camp, students engaged in a variety of research activities and experiments that covered topics such as DNA extraction, projectile motion, “pawfessors,” synthesis of artificial flavors and even making ice cream with liquid nitrogen. In addition to daily science and math exploration sessions, campers were tasked with investigating and presenting a selected topic in biology or chemistry.
By conducting individual research, examining existing literature and collaborating with other campers, students built valuable teamwork skills and experienced scientific investigations on a collegiate level.
ISSP is made possible by Spirit Aerosystems and the IMA Foundation.
Campers find a community
Many students were enthusiastic to learn about various areas of scientific study.
Angel Lemus of Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, spoke about his experience with computer science at ISSP.
“I wanted to get a background in coding before I went to college,” he said. “Being a part of the academic project we’re doing — developing a steganography program — has been really cool.”
Additionally, Lemus discussed how ISSP will aid him in his path to becoming a software engineer.
“Taking this camp and having a good background (in computer science) and motivating myself to learn more about coding, I think that would be really helpful for the future,” he said.
For many of the campers, staying in residence halls and partaking in college life was a new experience.
Alyssa Janssen, a senior at Wichita South High School, plans to major in chemistry in college. By attending ISSP, she became familiar with that area of study on an undergraduate level. She feels “like taking this program was a great step.”
“Just living on campus, it’s such a cool experience to be able to have dorm mates and hang out with people and go to the student center and things like that,” said Nevaeh Mabry, a senior at Wichita East High School.
I’m known as very shy … and (ISSP) has really helped me feel more comfortable and less anxious to meet new people and try new things out.
Nevaeh Mabry
Other students shared similar sentiments.
“Meeting a lot of new people has probably been the best part for me,” said Lemus.
“I just wanted to experience the college life and see what everything was about,” commented Janssen.
A valuable experience for high schoolers
Ryan Huschka, associate professor of chemistry at Newman, serves as the program director for ISSP. He emphasized the importance of students exploring STEM fields before entering college — a unique experience that ISSP provides.
“Students get an opportunity to actually work in a college lab and use equipment they wouldn’t otherwise use,” he said. “You also get to talk with industry professionals that can give you an idea of what it’s actually like to work in a STEM field.”
Joan “Joey” McCoy, a student attending The Studium at Northfield School, recommends the program to all high school students — even individuals who may not be interested in pursuing a scientific career.
“It’s just a good opportunity to get out of the house for summer and to learn something new.”
Joey McCoy
Learn more about the Investigative Summer STEM Program at Newman
Our summer science camp is designed for 10th-12th graders (2024-25 school year) to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through interactive hands-on experiences.
