College is expensive. To get the best bang for your buck, you’ll need to do more than just go to class. Here are some ways to make the most of your experience.
For one hour only on Thursday, December 2, Parkland teamed up with the University of Illinois and hosted a round of opportunities for its students this summer through their science research fair. For those who went, it was a chance to network and learn more about what they could do as students hopeful to join the science community. For those who had class or other obligations, here is the rundown.
Science is a huge part of academics and our world. Each year, innovations come forth to make lives easier and better. Going to school to study science means you want to be part of the solution but going to class will only get you so far. Much of science has to do with research and projects that happen outside of class. You learn, then you create. Just as vast as there are disciplines of science, the U of I has many different research projects that any student can sign up for this summer.
Engineering uses math and science to create real-world applications to solve problems. To help jump-start your career in engineering, think about helping the POETS this summer. The Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS) offers a 10-week summer research program where you will earn a stipend of $6,000 and a chance to travel. The goal of this program is to encourage students to graduate from engineering studies. Students will be placed in one of four universities: Howard University, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois, and Stanford University. Here students will work alongside faculty and graduate mentors in research seminars, social events, and then present their research findings. If you see engineering in your future, visit their website, poets-erc.org/REU for more information. February 18, 2022, is the cutoff date for applications.
Another science-related opportunity is the RISE program. This 10-week summer research opportunity focuses on getting underrepresented students interested in the world of bioenergy, and it includes a $5,000 stipend with room and travel included. You can learn about plant biology, agronomy, synthetic biology, environmental sciences, chemical engineering, and civil and environmental engineering; the subjects are as diverse as the Earth. In this internship, students will be paired with a mentor to conduct research, attend career development seminars, learn about graduate school, and practice presenting research materials at the summer symposium. If this sounds interesting but you need more information, contact Elizabeth Murphy at eamurphy@illinois.edu. For more details and to apply, visit cabbi.bio/RISE. Just make sure to apply before February 24, 2022.
The New Laws of Wave Propagation in Materials and Structures is one last research possibility for anyone who loves the concept of flying. When it comes to flying there are generally two different ways of going about it: the high energy cost of hovering from any start point like a drone, or the low energy cost of airplane travel using differing pressures and wings, with the downfall of needing a lot of room to get started. This 10-week, $6,000 stipend program has the goal of optimizing flying with the use of new materials. Research with mentors and faculty to network and learn more about this amazing STEM field, leading up to a presentation of your findings at an all-expense-paid conference in Washington D.C. For questions on how to join, email Joe Muskin at jmuskin@illinois.edu.
These are only three of the many science-related opportunities available to students. The key to finding the right experience for you is to keep an ear to the ground and keep a tenacious attitude.
For more summer research opportunities try this website to start: https://www.btaa.org/resources- for/students/stop/overview. Amongst all the scientific skills you will be learning there are even more important skills such as networking, working with a team, and creating a strong resume. For advice on these skills, surprise, there’s a website for help: https://pathwaystoscience.org/Library.aspx.
College is an investment of your time, energy, and most importantly—your money. You want to use this paid opportunity to the best of your ability by going to and doing your best with all of your classes. Above all, you need to take advantage of the extracurriculars given to you by your college. Parkland is such a wonderful leader in education where anyone from any background or age can jump-start their academic career. Be smart, be tenacious, and do not waste it.
