News Release
University of Detroit Mercy hosts summer camp for young women interested in engineering and science
Curious about the world of engineering and science? Well, the University of Detroit Mercy in partnership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is excited to be introducing young women to the world of engineering through their Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer Camp (STEPS).
STEPS is a one-week resident summer camp held for two consecutive weeks on UDM's McNichols campus June 17-22 and 24-29 to encourage high school age women to pursue careers in engineering. The STEPS Open House for this session will be held on Friday, June 29 from noon- 2p.m. The campers will have a chance to present their camp projects, followed by a closing ceremony. Joining the event for the final ceremony will be Dr. Grace Bochenek, director of the US Army's Tank Automotive Research, Engineering and Development Center in Warren, MI.
With over 15 years of technical and managerial experience; Dr. Bochenek developed a successful program strategy to integrate virtual environment technologies into the product design and development process and reducing cost, product development cycle time, and improving quality. She has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Wayne State University, a master's degree from the University of Michigan in engineering and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Central Florida.
STEPS was created by SME in 1997 to help encourage young women to become more involved in science and engineering. Designed for girls entering the 10th or 11th grade, UDM's STEPS program combines "hands-on" laboratory experience with academic study and recreational activities. The core curriculum includes classes in rocketry, aerospace and robotics. UDM camp's main sponsor is Ford Motor Company, with additional support from DaimlerChrysler.
The UDM STEPS program prides itself on including multiple activities allowing for maximum exposure to different aspects of engineering and science. Young women are getting the opportunity to learn from professors with extensive engineering and science backgrounds. When the campers leave, they gain a stronger understanding of manufacturing techniques along with robotic control systems, circuits and sensors through laboratory experience.
By the week's end, the campers have built an autonomous robot, with abilities to guide itself through an obstacle course.
"STEPS continues to grow and is now being held at 12 different schools in seven different states," says Dan Maggio, UDM Director of Pre-College Programs. "More then 4,000 young women have benefited from the program. UDM is proud to participate and introduce young women to the science and engineering world."
Release date: June 29, 2007
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