Science in the summer is a unique time at SUNY Old Westbury. In addition to students taking course work in various classes including microbiology, weather studies, and anatomy, the University hosts the Science and Technology Entry Program for local high school students interested in pursuing careers in STEM, and welcomes its incoming cohort of Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program students.
This summer, both the STEP and CSTEP students were given the opportunity to learn hands-on, and have real field work experience on the campus, including a clean energy assessment led by Camille Warner, a 2011 SUNY Old Westbury Biological Sciences graduate working as a project manager for New York State’s Energy Research and Development Authority.
Warner was excited to be back at the University that helped her pursue the dream of working in the field of environmental protection.
“SUNY Old Westbury taught me the importance of critical thinking, and problem solving, and gave me a passion for global thinking, and research,” said Warner. “When I was a student, I made the most of my time by attending and presenting at conferences, doing faculty-assisted research and by being mentored and supported by the talented scientists here– it only felt natural to work alongside the same team to give back and guide our future STEM leaders.”
Each summer, a group of incoming CSTEP students participate in a three-week enrichment program that prepares them for entry into the CSTEP targeted majors helping them to successfully complete their academic goals. The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) is funded by the New York State Education Department, with a goal of increasing the number of students from under-represented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields.
STEP at Old Westbury has a similar goal of empowering Long Island students in grades 7-12 to discover their potential in science and tech. Partner schools include Westbury, Baldwin, Freeport, and Uniondale, as well as other exceptional regional schools.
