National Biologic Merit Exam Students participated in hands-on bioengineering activities and rated them a highlight of their trip to Clemson April 19-20, 2012.
Middle and high school students from nine downstate schools were sponsored by SC Life to attend the annual National Biology Merit Exam at Clemson. While here, the students experienced bioengineering first hand through Adventures in Bioengineering Design and Clemson University Retrieval of Explants Programs in Orthopaedics activities. Both interactive experiences were developed and led by Dr. John DesJardins as part of his research and Creative Inquiry activities within the department. Dr. Melinda Harman and Creative Inquiry students assisted in the Implant Retrieval experience; both activities have been a highlight of tours by K-12 students for many years.
In a letter to Dr. DesJardins following the event, Dr. Barbara Speziale, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, wrote “Most (>65%) of the 229 students we hosted are from underrepresented minority groups; many are the first in their families to go to college. Few have been on college campuses, so this visit is a major event for them. These exciting activities and especially your welcoming and informative conversations with the students go a long way towards making them feel that they could succeed at Clemson.”
According to Dr. DesJardins, “Our entire department benefits from the opportunity to interact with the students sponsored by SC Life. We are excited about helping students develop an interest in science and carry their experiences back to their schools and homes."