Drones, AI and Arduino: Inside SIUE's School of Engineering Summer Camp

Drones, AI and Arduino: Inside SIUE's School of Engineering Summer Camp

High school students built drones, wrote code for AI projects and programmed Arduino boards at this summer's Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) camp. The projects were new this year, but the camp itself is a long-running tradition that introduces students to the programs within the School. The program is made possible through the generous support of the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery.

During each morning and afternoon, students took part in a hands-on introduction to one of SOE's programs, and throughout the week they saw an overview of everything the School of Engineering offers.

Chris Gordon, PhD, SOE professor and Associate Deang, has led the camp for 15 years. Each activity is guided by faculty, staff and students from their respective areas, giving campers a look at every field from the people who teach and study it.

"We are constantly updating our camp experiences," Gordon said. This summer's drone design, AI and Arduino projects were among the newest additions. His aim is for students to leave knowing engineering holds more possibilities than they expected, to get a taste of campus life and to have a fun, safe experience exploring the field.

"Our School of Engineering summer camps are a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their interests in engineering and technology," Gordon said. "Our campers bring new perspectives, energy and enthusiasm to the camps as they learn more about the tremendous possibilities in each field."

Photos by Howard Ash