Alumni in the Spotlight

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy. . .”

This George Gershwin lyric, from his song “Summertime,” doesn’t exactly describe summer in the College of Engineering and Science. The “livin’” might more accurately be called “intriguing” or “informative.” Others might say “educational.” Some might even use the word “challenging.”

Clemson’s College of Engineering and Science sponsors and participates in a wide range of summer programs.

A WISE Adventure

Science, engineering and mathematics offer a world of interesting and exciting careers that improve our lives, and women make important contributions to all of these fields. Clemson University’s College of Engineering and Science provides an introduction to these disciplines and the opportunities they offer. Project WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) is a fun-filled academic summer camp for girls. It’s open to young women who will enter the 8th grade in the 2004-2005 school year.

Project WISE gives campers a chance to experience Clemson University and the many wonders of science, mathematics and engineering. Participants live in a campus residence hall and eat in University dining halls. Camp counselors are Clemson undergraduate women who are majoring in science, mathematics or engineering. They live with campers to assist during the program and oversee activities in the residence halls.

Project WISE is not all work. The girls have a great time participating in dance classes, trips to the movies, swimming, outdoor and indoor games, and much more. They grow personally, and learn more about who they are, and what they want in sessions that promote strong self-esteem. The campers stay busy and involved. They bond with one another and often build lasting friendships.

Project WISE is sponsored by Women in Science and Engineering and Duke Energy Corp. If you have any questions or if you would like information on financial assistance, please contact Serita Acker, the program director, at (864) 656-7472 or email wserita@ces.clemson.edu.

Summer Science, Engineering and Architecture
Enrichment Programs

Think of every activity you did today. Did you brush your teeth? Take a shower? Ride in a car? Each was made possible by the work of scientists and engineers. Nearly every hour of every day, we depend on the work they do and the products they develop.

Lisa Benson, research assistant professor in bioengineering, supervises campers as they “perform surgery.” As students “suture” their bananas, they get an idea of the challenges faced by surgeons who are working on bone and joint implants.

It’s important to encourage exceptional students to consider a career in the sciences and engineering and expose them to this type of work at an early age. For this reason, Clemson University offers the Summer Science, Engineering and Architecture Enrichment Program for gifted and talented junior and high school students.

Clemson’s Summer Enrichment Program offers the opportunity for students to focus on a concentrated area of study and to be taught by some of Clemson’s finest teachers.
Interest areas include:

One of the most popular Clemson summer camps is the Mindstorms® Madness Robotics course. This experience gives campers the opportunity to not only build robots, but also design computer programs that direct the robots to perform specific tasks.

The program provides a balanced schedule of academics, recreational activities and cultural events to help expand a student’s intellectual boundaries and develop creative abilities. Evening and weekend activities include nature study hikes, small group discussions with Clemson faculty, and career and educational guidance. Yet, there is also time for movies, tennis, swimming and racquetball.

The Summer Enrichment Program gives students a taste of life at Clemson. Bunking in a campus dormitory, eating in a University dining hall, attending classes on campus provide an extraordinary experience for the extraordinary junior high and high school student.

Campers in the chemistry summer camp carefully measured and mixed specific compounds to create a flammable gel similar to sterno. They then used the material to toast marshmallows for ‘smores.

For more information, contact the Summer Science, Engineering and Architecture office:
Phone: 864-656-5849
Fax: 864-656-1480
Email: cnell@clemson.edu

Summer Program for Research Interns

The Summer Program for Research Interns is designed to motivate bright, academically talented rising high school seniors in public and private schools in South Carolina to pursue careers in science, mathematics, or technology. Students are paired with researchers at various state universities and are given an average of six weeks to conduct an original research project in a wide variety of subjects in both a field and laboratory setting. At the end of the six week period, students present their findings in a poster session. In addition, the students will submit a formal abstract and present their work again at the annual South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Research Colloquium the following February. Several students have also chosen to submit their projects to the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science for competition.

For more information, contact Karen Hall, SC LIFE Project Office, 132 Long Hall, Clemson SC 29634, 864-656-0721, carlson@clemson.edu.

“Summertime,” also contains the following verse:

One of these mornings
You’re going to rise up singing
Then you’ll spread your wings
And you’ll take to the sky.

That describes what happens to students when they take advantage of a summer experience here at Clemson. They leave motivated, inspired – virtually forever changed.

Earnest is published by the College of Engineering and Science at Clemson University for the alumni and friends of the College. Subscriptions are free upon request.

Send any comments/questions to: Ron Grant (email: Rong@clemson.edu)
College Relations/Marketing Director, Clemson University.