High school students participating in the STEAMM Inventor’s Studio at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a green roof to offset the effects of climate change, a cooling system for athletes, and lightweight leg supports that eliminate the need for a cane — all in just two weeks.

Students came from across the country to participate in the summer program taught by Rensselaer faculty. This hands-on learning experience was created to give high schoolers interested in science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and medicine the opportunity to experience college education for two weeks. While on campus, they learn more about possible career paths and consider global challenges in critical areas, such as the environment, human health, and societal challenges, that are currently being addressed by engineers and scientists.

On Friday, August 2, students presented the problems they were working to address and the creative solutions they came up with.

“We target a multidisciplinary learning and working environment from the beginning. While students work toward scientific and engineering solutions in teams, they also experience artistic expressions, mathematical challenges, and many times medically related technological problems,” said Emily Liu, professor of nuclear engineering and engineering physics. “This is a holistic journey from invention to design to product, where students are introduced to cutting-edge technologies and techniques in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, materials science, astrophysics, nuclear physics, communication, and presentation skills.”

“This program trains students to think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively. Students are encouraged to define their own problem, and then find innovative solutions,” said Asish Ghosh, professor of practice in mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering. “Students are also encouraged to come up with new careers that do not exist right now but may exist 20 years from now, which closely align with their true passion.”