Engaging tomorrow’s high-tech workforce in STEM
Fifty high school students spent a week of their summer vacation building solar-powered radio control cars at SMU Lyle – designing, programming, problem-solving, and learning advanced engineering concepts.
From soldering to machine learning and energy conversion, 9th and 10th grade students in the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education advanced engineering camp used various skills from physics, math, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science to build their car prototypes. The camp is funded by the Hamon Foundation.
“The one-week summer camp is designed to help campers comprehend the importance of solar energy by providing many practical and contextual ways to understand and introduce robotics in STEM,” said Divya Baranwal, Ph.D., post-doctoral researcher who designed the camp curriculum in collaboration with Ashish Gandhi, who has a Ph.D. in Physics and a postdoc in Mechanical Engineering. “Our goal is to provide the campers with hands-on experiences in engineering design principles and solar energy utilization, teach problem-solving, and cultivate computational thinking skills.”
The Caruth Institute for Engineering Education is a national center of excellence focused on researching, developing, delivering, and evaluating new and innovative K-16 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs. The advanced engineering camp is one of many programs that provide a creative environment for students to learn the fundamentals of engineering and STEM through hands-on, interactive team projects.
“Students are exploring their interests at this age, making it the perfect time to introduce them to STEM,” Baranwal said. “These programs build essential skills – like problem-solving and teamwork – while boosting confidence and interest, especially for girls facing societal stereotypes.”
The Institute strives to increase the number and diversity of students interested in pursuing the study of engineering or cutting-edge technology to meet the ever-increasing demand for a well-educated, high-tech workforce. To make this possible, the Institute sponsors a variety of programs designed to familiarize students with engineering-focused STEM activities that also spark science, technology, and mathematics learning.
“Hands-on projects and real-world applications make learning relevant, fostering curiosity and creativity,” Baranwal said. “Early exposure to STEM prepares students for technology-driven careers and equips them to tackle global challenges. By investing in STEM education now, we are nurturing tomorrow's innovators and leaders.”
About the Bobby Lyle School of Engineering
SMU's Lyle School of Engineering thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. Founded in 1925, SMU Lyle is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
About SMU
SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, community and the world.