STEM Research Academy & Camps

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026, 01:39 PM

SIU STEM Education Research Center

The STEM Education Research Center (SERC) at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIU) is a research and public service unit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). SERC is a community of faculty, staff, educators, and industry partners working together to prepare the next generation of STEM educators, researchers, and professionals. SERC addresses critical issues in STEM education at local, state, and national levels through multidisciplinary and integrative strategies in research, education, and service. SERC builds regional and state-wide collaborations with other institutions to strategically advance STEM literacy and learning. SERC creates new programs for students to engage in STEM learning like the camps listed below.  

SERC-produced camps include; Challenge to Excellence, STEM Research Academy, Involving Girls in STEAM, and, Sensory Engineering. 

Interactive engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is at the core of each camp.  Fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while encouraging teamwork and collaboration, each camp immerses campers in real-world challenges and cutting-edge technologies.  These camps inspire curiosity and prepare the next generation for the rapidly evolving workforce. Campers will gain technical knowledge and develop essential soft skills like communication and adaptability, which are crucial in today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven world. Ultimately, SERC camps provide a unique platform to inspire young minds and cultivate the skills needed for future success.

Details about each camp are listed below.

STEM  Research Academy

June 8-21, 2025 - 9th-12th grades

Southern Illinois University is excited to announce a new 4-week Summer Researchers Camp. A wide range of projects are available and campers submit their top choices when completing camp registration. Studies include white light solar flares, the US Supreme Court, Mississippi River Wetlands, algae, white-tailed deer, and more.

Campers will delve into their research project, getting a hands-on experience during their stay.  The camp culminates with presenting their findings through an academic poster.   

STEM Research Academy Registration and Details

SCHEDULE: 

Week 1 (40 hours), Remote: Students work under the guidance of their respective research professor to complete a review of the literature to gain the requisite background knowledge to participate in hands-on science during weeks 2 and 3. 

Weeks 2-3 (80 hours) - In Person at SIU Campus: Students work with their respective research professors to conduct hands-on data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. Additionally, students will have a full schedule of extracurricular activities throughout their stay at SIU. 

Week 4 (40 hours) - Remote:  Students work under the guidance of their respective research professor to complete an academic poster to use as a visual aid to present and publish individual research findings. 

Register with STEM

Please contact the SIU STEM Center for details.

Involving Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math

July 14-17, 2025 - 6th-8th grades

Girls STEAM Camp is a four-day program designed for middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math during the summer break from school.

Faculty and students from the College of Engineering, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, College of Science, and College of Agricultural Science will lead students through hands-on experiments, exploring the natural environment, and engaging demonstrations.

The goal is to explore the world around us, to enhance confidence in problem-solving, to meet new people, and to spark our students' interest in important careers that can improve the world in which we live. 

Sponsored by the STEM Education Research Center (SERC) in collaboration with the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences; College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics; College of Liberal Arts; College of Arts and Media; College of Health and Human Sciences; School of Medicine; and School of Education.

Assistance may be available to cover some costs, please complete a scholarship application if needed. 

*Please note, that SIU is committed to gender inclusivity. As such, this camp is open to all persons, including boys. 

 

STEAM Registration Details

Cost

Camp Fee:  $140

Registration

 

Contact Information

Angela Henson
Camp Director
For camp questions
abox@siu.edu

Rebecca Dycus
For registration questions
rdycus@siu.edu

Sensory Engineering In The Field

July 21-25, 2025, 7th-8th grades

Camp Time 8:30 am-12noon

This camp for students entering grades 7-8 will integrate biology, engineering, and computer coding for five half-days in July. Farmers and biologists have always used their five senses to assess the health of plants. Increasingly, smart machines can be programmed to do the same. Students will learn about the function of the human sensory systems and create devices to duplicate these systems using electronic sensors and tiny computers (micro: bits). Students will learn to program using a simple form of block coding. By the end of the week, each student team will have created and programmed a device to scan a plant leaf, identify common problems, and recommend the appropriate corrective action.

This camp is offered in partnership with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)

imsa-logo

 

Sensory Engineering In the Field Registration and Details

Registration

Register Online

Registration Form

Phone 618/536-7751

Registration deadline is July 7, 2025

 

Contact Information

Patrick Young
Camp Director
For camp questions
patrick.young@siu.edu

Rebecca Dycus
For registration questions
rdycus@siu.edu