Photos by Steven Lucin, Class of 2008

More than 30 middle school and high school students from the Capital Region who are considering careers in science, engineering, and technology had an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the field of the physical sciences during a weeklong, summer enrichment science education program developed by Yvonne Akpalu, assistant professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rensselaer.

The “Why Plastics?” program, held July 10-17, was originally created to inspire historically underrepresented students, including African American, Hispanic, Native American, and economically disadvantaged students, to explore and pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering, according to Akpalu.

“There are many bright young people with an interest in the field, and all they need is an opportunity to nurture their talents and actively participate in the exciting innovation and discovery that science has to offer,” said Akpalu. “The students participating in this program are selected because they have expressed interest in pursuing a career in the field of science or engineering. At this age and even younger, they are an untapped reservoir of talent, and this program will help them realize the possible career opportunities that exist in the field.” 

“Why Plastics?” is a sponsor-funded program that provides hands-on science education, career development training, and enrichment activities to students from local and national school districts. The chemistry lessons involved hands-on experiments, computer activities, and written exercises. Mentoring and workshops — led by Rensselaer faculty, students, staff, and local professionals — on a range of topics including: leadership and career development, computer simulation models in mathematics, the relationship of the arts to science, description of the roles and responsibilities of being a scientist, and admissions and financial aid information, among other things.

 The program is one of several offered through Summer@Rensselaer. Summer@Rensselaer offers credit, academic short courses, and enrichment programs for individuals of all ages including elementary, middle school, high school and college students, adults, and working professionals. The expanded summer programs are supported through Rensselaer’s Outreach Programs within the offices of Undergraduate and Graduate Education. For more information, go to www.rpi.edu/summer.

Published July 31, 2006