The program offers a unique hands-on experience where high school students develop functioning prototypes to address global issues, closely mentored by Duke faculty and graduate students, and build a digital portfolio for college or job applications.
The Duke Summer STEM Academy is an immersive, 3-week intensive program for rising high school juniors and seniors, offered by the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEMS) at Duke University. The program focuses on engineering design practice through the active application of theory, aiming to develop a tech talent pipeline for the Research Triangle. Participants gain hands-on experience with computer-aided drafting and advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, laser-cutting, microcontroller programming, electronics, and shop tools. Students also learn project management, product design, technical communication through presentations and websites, and teamwork. They are closely mentored by graduate students, faculty, and staff as they identify socially important problems and develop solutions in advanced fabrication facilities and laboratories. The program culminates in students presenting their designs and prototypes and preparing a digital portfolio of their work, which can be used for college or job applications.
Students work in small groups, have lunchtime talks by renowned faculty, continuously present their designs and prototypes, and prepare a digital portfolio.
This program is ideal for rising high school juniors and seniors who want to immerse themselves in engineering design, gain practical skills in advanced manufacturing, and receive mentorship from university faculty and graduate students.
Duke University, Durham, NC
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