engaging young minds - swanson school of engineering€¦ · young minds in the wonders of science...

IN THE WONDERS OF SCIENCE AND BIOENGINEERING

engaging young minds

U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H | S W A N S O N S C H O O L O F E N G I N E E R I N G

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

DEPARTMENT OF BIOENGINEERING

CampBioE

2018 ANNUAL REPORT CAMPBIOE

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Since 2007, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Bioengineering has been addressing deficiencies in youth STEM education by offering CampBioE, an immersive summer camp that explores bioengineering and regenerative medicine. It is now the signature outreach program of the department and one of the most successful K-12 outreach initiatives at the University.

The goal of our program is to engage young minds in the wonders of science and bioengineering and the potential to benefit the human condition, while also showing them that STEM can be a fun and exciting field of learning with promising career opportunities. We seek to engage diverse groups of students, particularly those that are underrepresented in STEM fields. Relying on our nationally-ranked Department of Bioengineering and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center partnerships, our curriculum

utilizes regenerative aspects of the natural world and current topics in bioengineering to explore how state-of-the-art research can be translated to human medicine and treatment. Our “near-peer” mentorship strategy integrates excellent undergraduate bioengineering students from Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering as content creators and camp counselors.

We aim to provide middle and high school students who have burgeoning interests in science with an exceptional opportunity to explore our academic resources. Through hands-on experiences with new technologies, experimental strategies, and ethical considerations, we introduce them to the diverse fields of bioengineering and regenerative medicine.

Mission Statement


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CampBioE continues to receive outstanding support from our sponsors, which has allowed our program to grow and reach more underrepresented students and students from underserved school districts in the Pittsburgh Area. We continue to increase the number of registration-free scholarships offered each year, and this past summer, we gave a record-breaking 60 scholarships to students in need – a whopping 66 percent increase from the previous year!

This impressive increase shows that we are achieving our goal of increasing STEM interest and awareness among diverse populations. Most importantly, it shows that our efforts in this area are gaining significant momentum.

The figure shown to the left describes participation of URM and lower income campers as a percentage of the total number of campers for each year from 2014-2018, we have had significant gains in participation each year since implementing our campaign to strategically target these groups in 2015. Prior to that, participation was between 4-7%, which also happens to correlate closely with national numbers of students from these demographics pursuing STEM majors in college. With that historical context, we are now very proud to show that for the first time, just four years into our campaign, the number of campers that received registration-free scholarships was greater than our paid registrants!

2018 Summary

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

URM Participation Rate

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 and prior

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement Kathy Humphrey cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Homewood Community Engagement Center. Photo credit: University of Pittsburgh.

96 Total Students in 2018

Male Students59%

Female Students41%

Middle School Students

77%

High School Students

23%


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This success is especially amazing when one considers that our camps are subscribed on a first come, first served basis. In other words, we open registration in February and close registration for any given week once we have reached maximum capacity. There is no application process or pre-screening. With that said, we were thrilled that our 2018 camps were fully subscribed within one month of opening registration. In fact, the camps sold-out before we could even begin our annual recruitment efforts. This demonstrates very clearly that the camp’s benefit is spreading through word-of-mouth, especially within those demographics that are traditionally challenging to reach.

As always, we did a statistical evaluation of the program to discover where we can continue to improve our efforts in making STEM education more accessible to all students. The results of the 2018 evaluation can be found on our website (engineering.pitt.edu/CampBioE). As the camp is primarily

focused on providing an exposure to STEM disciplines and careers with the hope of building student confidence, we are very happy to see that we are having an impact, especially with our underrepresented and underserved campers.

This summer we also had the privilege of partnering with the Jeron X. Grayson Center in the Hill District for a free one-day camp session (23 URM participants) and the Crossroads Foundation in Homewood for a free 4-day camp experience (19 rising sophomore scholar participants). These camp experiences were not included in the evaluation and numbers reported above; however, if they were, then CampBioE provided free experiences for more than 100 kids this year!

Another unique aspect of 2018 was our first experience with campers who do not use English as their first language. Three of our campers had very recently immigrated to the United States from Venezuela. We learned of the language barrier only a week

60 scholarships

went to students in need –

a 66 percent increase from

the previous year!

Dr. Steven Abramowitch demonstrating a virtual reality module in the Homewood CEC’s science laboratory. Photo credit: University of Pittsburgh.


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prior to the camps so we scrambled to make arrangements. Fortunately, we were able to add a bilingual camper to their team and recruited undergraduate students from the University of Pittsburgh to serve as translators. We were extremely pleased that these campers participated the entire week, and though they were given the option to do their final presentation in Spanish, they collectively chose to present to a crowd of parents in English!

Looking forward, 2019 will mark the year that we move into a new home - the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Engagement Center in Homewood! It is outfitted with a computer laboratory and STEM laboratory, which will be significant upgrades from our current facilities at Pitt’s Center for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CNBIO). The computer lab will enable

us to explore new activities that include CAD modeling and more advanced data processing. This new location in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood is also more accessible for local lower-income residents.

To close, we are tremendously enthusiastic about our accomplishments in 2018. We could not have provided such a significant number of free registration scholarships without the generous and thoughtful support of our sponsors. For that, we thank you! Of course, these numbers are not sustainable without your continued support. Campers that cannot afford our program need your help, and we need your help to achieve our goal of showing diverse populations that STEM can be a fun and exciting field of learning with promising career opportunities.

The Homewood Community Engagement Center’s computer laboratory and teaching space.

The Homewood Community Engagement Center’s science laboratory – a teaching space reserved for hands-on teaching and learning that is outfitted with large tables that can accommodate group activities.


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CampBioE served a total of 96 students in 2018. Students were given a survey on the first day of the camp (pretest) and on the fifth day of the camp (posttest). The statistical report documents information about the students’ background information, their camp experience, and changes in STEM attitudes.

Based on the results of the survey, students from underserved and non-underserved schools had an equally positive experience at camp; there were no significant differences in their responses to the camp experience questions.

For changes in STEM attitudes, mean ratings were slightly higher for all items from the pretest to the posttest. The two items that exhibited the most change were I am confident in my STEM abilities and I know what career opportunities are available in STEM. The survey demonstrated slight differences in STEM attitudes between the underserved and non-underserved students. It found that underserved students had slightly more change in (1) I like STEM classes more than other classes, (2) I would like to learn more about STEM, and (3) A STEM job is for someone like me. There were more positive changes in STEM attitudes for the underserved group.

To see the full statistical summary, visit engineering.pitt.edu/CampBioE.

Statistical Report

Summary


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“ My daughter came home fascinated and marveled by some of the things they had done, the things that it taught her, and the things that it implied that she could do.”

“ It exposed my daughter to things that she never would have seen otherwise, and it is in an environment that is really supportive and helps her understand what she can do to benefit her future career.”

“ CampBioE is worth it because it really makes them love learning. You’re learning by doing and experimenting, and I really think it engaged the kids completely.”

“ The exposure to science makes CampBioE great. I think it is important for minorities to know that there are so many fields out there that they have the intelligence to do and that if they put their minds to it early, they can pursue it through high school and college.”

“ I like the fact that CampBioE is introducing children to these types of careers. When they get to college, they think their choice is just doctor or lawyer. This showed that you can merge technology with medicine and do great things. So I thought it was a great program! The more people who are into these fields, the more chance we have to solve a lot of problems in our world.”

Selected Feedback from Parents


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Leadership

Sanjeev Shroff

Distinguished Professor and Gerald McGinnis Chair Department of Bioengineering Swanson School of Engineering University of Pittsburgh

Steven Abramowitch

Associate Professor Department of Bioengineering Swanson School of Engineering University of Pittsburgh

Camp Director

Juel Smith

Associate Professor of Biology Community College of Allegheny County

Camp Mentoring and Education Specialist

Mark Krotec

Biology Teacher Central Catholic High School

Camp Master Educator

We would like to recognize

our junior counselors

and thank them for

their contributions.

Maranda Braden

Jayla Dorsey

Anna Jablonski

Julia Kissingler

Khalil Robinson


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A team of forensic detectives investigating the crime scene.

Dr. Abramowitch modeling the “inconspicuous” communications device

design created by one of the teams.

Overall Camp Theme

Forensic investigation was this year’s theme, as we aimed to build the next generation of super-sleuths. Each week, campers were faced with solving a murder. They investigated a staged crime scene and then performed experiments throughout the week to rule out specific suspects. The scenario changed each week, and the experiments were modified to allow teams that successfully performed the activities to uncover the true murderer. Teams presented their conclusions to a “jury” of parents for their final presentations.

PHILIPS COLLABORATION

Philips contributed to the fun by allowing teams to build an “inconspicuous” communications device that utilized bone, a conducting speaker, and a number of other materials to hide necessary components. Campers were judged on the form and function of their designs after outfitting them onto our camp director, Dr. Abramowitch. The team from Philips also developed an activity demonstrating the potential and limitations of current voice assistive technologies and artificial intelligence. Finally, Philips engineering team members presented a number of talks.


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Patricia Donehue

Patricia Donehue is a rising junior molecular biology major at the University of Pittsburgh. She is returning for her third year working at CampBioE. Her dream career would be to become a pediatrician. Outside of academics, she greatly enjoys reading and dancing, including volunteering as an assistant dance teacher.

“I Spy Something Red” introduced students to the use of chemical indicators in forensics. They were given pieces of “evidence” with red stains and the task of determining if any of the stains were blood. They used several different forensics tests and the results of those gave them valuable information they could use to help solve the crime.

A camper team member tests the evidence for blood.

I Spy Something Red


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Katie Horner

Katie Horner is a rising junior in the biomedical engineering program at Duquesne University. She is also getting a minor in mathematics and chemistry. On campus she is involved in Strong Women Strong Girls, Love Your Melon, Best Buddies, and a service sorority. Her hobbies are hiking, running, playing board games, and hanging out with friends. Katie has lived in downtown Pittsburgh her entire life.

“Tell Tale Toxins” was an activity that allowed campers to explore the potential of various materials to be used as implants in the body. Given a number of materials, campers cultured cells in the presence of those materials and determined their toxicity based on cell growth in their wells.

Tell Tale ToxinsTime to count those cells!


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Lacey Kostishack

Lacey Kostishack is a rising senior in the bioengineering department at the University of Pittsburgh. She is specializing in cellular bioengineering and working toward a minor in political science. Her plans post-graduation include earning her master’s degree in international health policy with a focus on women’s mental health. On campus, Lacey is involved in Pitt Global Brigades, Students for Healthcare Equality, and the Pitt Outdoors Club. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, everything art related, rock climbing, and spending time with friends and family. She also loves hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

“Bioreactors” allowed students to build a flow perfusion bioreactor as a team and perform analyses on its

functionality. Two students developed the motor and circuitry of the bioreactor while the other two students built the chamber and tubing of the bioreactor.

“Nose Molds” allowed students to build four nose scaffolds using different gelatin mixtures. They used the same technique that is used in 3D-printing scaffolds. Students then tested the mechanical properties of the scaffolds to determine which was the strongest.

“Relay Race” was an obstacle course in which teams compete through the six stages of tissue engineering: cell extraction, cell cultivation, cell proliferation, scaffold construction, tissue development, and implantation. Students gained hands-on experience as they completed each stage.

Top left – Close inspection of a nose scaffold to determine if it is going to stand up to testing.

Top right – Camper building the circuitry to run a flow perfusion bioreactor.

Bottom – The conclusion of the relay race that required the host, represented by the campers,

to protect their implanted scaffold from infection, i.e. water guns and water balloons.

Nose Molds Bioreactors

Relay Race


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Austin Kuntz

Austin Kuntz is a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in bioengineering and minoring in mechanical engineering. Austin’s academic and career interests include tissue biomechanics, injury prevention, and human factors engineering. After graduating in 2020, Austin plans to continue into graduate studies in bioengineering. Outside of engineering, Austin is a member of Pitt’s undergraduate mock trial team and is an editor for The Pitt Pulse, a creative science magazine. Austin’s hometown is Economy, PA, and he grew up around Pittsburgh for most of his life.

“A-Tension to Detail” was a module exploring the biomechanical properties of different tissue types. Students placed chicken skin, muscle, and fat under tensile tests by gradually hanging more weight from the clamped tissue. By measuring the amount of weight added and the amount the tissue deformed until failure, students were able to determine the differences in stress-strain relationships and failure rates for different biological tissue.

A-Tension to DetailA camper getting ready to perform mechanical testing on biologic tissue.


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Meredith Lie-Atjam

Meredith Lie-Atjam is a rising senior bioengineering student at the University of Pittsburgh. She is on the cellular track and is also pursuing a minor in chemistry. She intends to go into industry after graduation. On campus, Meredith is also involved in Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and a service sorority. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, running, and exploring the city with friends.

“Mannequin Overboard” helped student learn about Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and prototyping. Campers were tasked with designing the best-looking

and safest helmets. The helmets were then drop tested from three stories with our custom mannequin head forms; the less damage to the brain molds the better.

“Koroners Korner” was an activity where the campers used clues to perform an autopsy on the murder victim. They had to correctly identify and remove the organs without injuring the body cavity and tripping the alarm. Inspecting the organs can lead to information about time and cause of death.

Top – Campers modeling their safety designs before dropping them from our

garage to determine the impact on brain molds created earlier in the week.

Bottom – A significant amount of skill and knowledge is required to complete

this “autopsy” successfully.

Koroners Korner

Mannequin Overboard


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Ethan Paules

Ethan Paules is a rising senior in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. He is pursuing a major concentration in Medical Devices, along with minors in Industrial Engineering and Economics. Ethan is originally from York County, PA. After graduation, Ethan plans to go into industry, having particular career interests in medical device design and health systems optimization. Outside of the classroom, Ethan is the Vice President elect of the University of Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club, which he joined during his freshman year.

“Mind Over Bladder” was a hands-on tissue engineering activity that focused on the utility and benefits of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) hydrogels. In teams of two, students engaged in the initial process of ECM hydrogel formation by delaminating pig bladders in order to isolate the Urinary Bladder Matrix (UBM). Overall, this activity introduced students to the basic principles of tissue engineering while providing them with first-hand experience in the cutting-edge techniques that tissue engineers use every day in the lab.

Mind Over BladderCampers preparing their urinary bladder.

We would like to thank the following sponsors

The information printed in this document was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing and is subject to change at any time at the University’s sole discretion.

The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. 03/19

CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS

ALung Technologies, Inc.

Computer Enterprises, Inc.

The Grable Foundation

InCube Labs, LLC

Innovation Works

Philips

Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse

INDIVIDUALS

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. and Ann R. Berenfield

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. and Amy B. Clineff

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald E. and Audrey L. McGinnis

Xceptional Beauty Supply (Myong Davis)

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition

Department of Bioengineering

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Department of Radiology

Innovation Institute

Office of the Chancellor

Office of Community and Governmental Relations

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Vascular Medicine Institute

University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Department of Bioengineering 302 Benedum Hall 3700 O’Hara Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261engineering.pitt.edu

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