High school students passionate about STEM careers flock to Drexel University's Biomedical Summer Academy
The Biomed Summer Academy, a four-week program for high school students passionate about STEM, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the exciting world of biomedical engineering and neuroscience. Based at Drexel University, this programme exposes participants to cutting-edge biomedical technology and concepts, providing hands-on projects and interactive learning experiences.
Located in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, Cecil Ekhelar, a student at Trinity Hall High School, and Levi Heckard, a student at Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, are among those who have benefited from the programme. Both students share a keen interest in biomedical engineering and the study of the brain.
The Biomed Summer Academy covers a wide range of topics, including tissue engineering, neural circuit engineering, and biomaterials. Students also gain essential knowledge in important biomedical subjects such as bioethics, gene editing, health equity, and lab safety. In addition, they receive training in advanced laboratory and research skills.
One of the key aspects of the programme is the exposure to neuroengineering methods, such as brain-computer interfaces. These interfaces enable people to control devices, like computers, wheelchairs, and humanoid robots, through brain signals. Students work with neuroimaging tools like electroencephalograms (EEGs) to measure electrical brain activity and learn how these tools relate to broader applications, including artificial intelligence, aviation, medical science, and robotics.
The programme also includes a project on creating a brain-mimicking environment. This environment, a precursor to animal and human testing, is overseen by Kurtulus Izzetoglu, an associate professor in Drexel's school of biomedical engineering. Danielle Shoshany, a doctoral student in Drexel's school of biomedical engineering, is working on testing and fine-tuning medical devices in the Biomed Summer Academy.
The students' projects extend beyond the brain-mimicking environment. Levi Heckard, for instance, is currently working on an artificial kidney filtration system as a group project. Meanwhile, Cecil Ekhelar is exploring the possibilities of creating artificial limbs and organs.
The Biomed Summer Academy is timely, given the expected rise in STEM jobs over the next decade. Between 2023 and 2033, the number of STEM jobs is expected to increase by more than 10%. However, in 2021, only 20% of high school graduates were reportedly prepared for college-level STEM courses. The Biomed Summer Academy aims to bridge this gap by providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM fields.
Moreover, the programme goes beyond traditional STEM subjects. Techniques for human-machine interaction are being applied to improve complex systems in aviation, surgical tools, and other areas. EEGs are also used in a healthcare setting to diagnose various brain disorders, according to Ayaz.
In an experiment, a group of students interacted with the humanoid robot named Pepper. This interaction serves as a testament to the programme's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in biomedical engineering and neuroscience.
In conclusion, the Biomed Summer Academy offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for high school students interested in STEM. By focusing on biomedical engineering and neuroscience with extensions to AI, aviation systems, medical applications, and robotics through brain-machine interaction technologies, the programme equips students with the skills they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of STEM.
- The Biomed Summer Academy, a four-week program for high school students passionate about STEM, delves into the world of neuroscience and biomedical engineering, offering students essential knowledge in areas like neural circuit engineering and tissue engineering.
- In addition to the hands-on projects and interactive learning experiences, the program also exposes participants to essential subjects like bioethics, gene editing, health equity, and lab safety, providing a comprehensive understanding of biomedical technology.
- The program's focus on neuroengineering methods, such as brain-computer interfaces, allows students to work with neuroimaging tools like electroencephalograms (EEGs) and learn how these tools relate to broader applications, including artificial intelligence, aviation, medical science, and robotics.
- Students also have the opportunity to collaborate on projects, such as Levi Heckard's work on an artificial kidney filtration system and Cecil Ekhelar's exploration of creating artificial limbs and organs, thus fostering innovation and creativity in biomedical engineering and neuroscience.
