Engineering
Digging into Data Science
9-12th graders | Session A | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Students will have a hands-on opportunity to experience the growing field of data science. After a brief introduction and appreciation on why data science is the most sought-after profession in the 21st century, the students will immerse in analyzing and visualizing a large data set to discover insights using state-of-the-art data science tools.
By means of a series of interactive examples in various domain/subject areas, they will gain experience in data science techniques such as data preparation and exploration, data visualization, and an introduction to predictive modeling. The hands-on working sessions will be complemented by tours of university research laboratories engaged in the exciting area of data science.
Instructor: Ajay Anand, faculty, Goergen Institute for Data Science
Introduction to Engineering
9-12th graders | Session A | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Through stimulating lectures, interactive labs, and informative field trips, this class introduces you to the many disciplines of engineering. You will get an overview of the necessary tools for analysis and problem solving and will use your creativity, energy, and interpersonal skills while participating in several in-class design projects. Additionally, you will learn the importance of mathematics, science, and technology in everyday engineering situations.
By the end of the course, you will have a better-defined idea of engineering, its requirements, and your options for a future within this field.
Instructor: Veena Ganeshan, faculty, Hajim School of Engineering
Biomedical Technology: Engineer, Doctor, or Both?
9-12th graders | Session B | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This course teaches you the underlying physiology of crucial human organ systems and the process of recording the biological signals that dictate how they perform. You will learn about vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and electrical signals produced by the muscles and heart. You will also learn to interpret and integrate these signals with biological processes and diseases.
Instructor: Kanika Vats, assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Terahertz Science and Technology
9-12 graders | Session B | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The terahertz range is the least well explored region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This emerging topic has attracted growing attention for its rich potential in both fundamental science and commercial applications. We will introduce foundational concepts relating to terahertz science and technology. We will then develop these ideas by focusing on a few specific topics in the physical and chemical sciences, and on the two most important emerging applications: wireless communications and imaging. You will have the opportunity to use a terahertz spectrometer and make some basic measurements to explore the properties of materials in this spectral range, or the use of functional devices such as terahertz waveguides.
The course focus starts with the basics of electromagnetic waves as they apply to propagation in empty space or in materials. We will discuss how terahertz radiation interacts with solids, liquids, and gasses, and explore the implications of these ideas for the use of terahertz waves for imaging or for sending wireless data signals through the air. We will describe the meaning of time-domain signals and how to interpret them using advanced mathematical tools such as the Fourier transform. This will prepare you for making hands-on measurements and interpreting the results.
There are no prerequisites for this course, although some experience in algebra and trigonometry would be helpful.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Have some insight into one of the most exciting emerging frontiers in electrical engineering.
- Gain understanding of the basic properties of electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to microwaves to visible light to x-rays.
- Gain a basic understanding of how such waves interact with all the things around you, which explains why water is transparent but metals are opaque (and why those answers need not be the same for terahertz waves as they are for what you see).
- Have made measurements with a cutting-edge terahertz spectrometer and learned how to interpret the results.
Instructor: Michael Ruggiero, faculty, Department of Chemistry
Aerospace Engineering
9-12 graders | Session B | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
An introduction to aerospace engineering for pre-college students, spanning aerodynamics; lift and drag forces via interaction with air; thrust forces for propulsion in air and in space; and structures and materials for aerospace applications, with emphasis on safety.
Students contrast aerospace and aeronautical engineering; assess properties of air as an engineering fluid at different altitudes; describe the dynamics of motion through air; compute drag and lift forces on aircraft based on aerodynamic principles; assess propulsion systems using fuel, ignition, and combustion to create thrust forces via propellers, air-breathing jets, or rockets for space propulsion; and evaluate how aerospace structures are designed to ensure mechanical safety under pressurized loads and fatigue conditions for materials ranging from light metals and their alloys to fiber reinforced composites.
These concepts are applied to outlining, applying, and assessing the “Great Flight Diagram” that encompasses and contrasts flying structures from the fruit fly to the Boeing 747 (and everything in between.)
The course includes one short experiment conducted in small student teams, and case studies of specific aircraft systems.
Instructor: John Lambropoulos, faculty, Mechanical Engineering
Introduction to Optics
9-12 graders | Session B | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Come and explore the growing field of optics and optical engineering. Students spend the week attending faculty lectures, touring the Laser Lab and working on projects in the Institute of Optics laboratories.
Instructor: TBD, faculty, Institute of Optics