SAN MARCOS, CA (July 20, 2016) – Students who participated in the Palomar College Summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy gathered to celebrate their accomplishments on Saturday, July 16 at the College’s STEM Center along with their families, instructors, Summer Academy coordinators and STEM Ambassadors.

The celebration included remarks by Palomar College’s new president, Dr. Joi Lin Blake and Interim Dean of Mathematics and the Natural and Health Sciences (MNHS) Dr. Kathryn Kailikole. Also in attendance were former Palomar College President Dr. George Boggs and Assistant Director of the Foundation Debbie King. Students received certificates and shared what they created during the three-week camp held at Palomar College’s San Marcos campus. Demo stations were set up at the Saturday event, where students and instructors showed family members and guests examples of their work.

The camp, funded jointly by a Title III HIS STEM II grant and the Palomar College Foundation, was designed to give students hands-on experience working in the areas of career and technical education. Students worked with programming, multimeters, circuit boards, e-portfolio development, robotics, and drones.

Palomar faculty members who worked with the students were Terrie Canon, robotics and programming, associate professor, computer science and information technology (CSIT); Mark Bealo, drone technology, associate professor, graphic communications; Teresa Pelkie, e-portfolio, adunct instructor, CSIT; and Sergio Hernandez, diesel technology, associate professor, trade and industry/diesel technology. Summer Academy coordinators were Sean Figg, assistant professor, geology; Maria Zapien Rangel, STEM Assistant, and Cynthia Cordova, STEM Outreach Coordinator. STEM Ambassadors who participated were Miguel Moraleja, Shelldon Boyd and Joseph Ayala.

The camp was developed by a team of Palomar College faculty and staff members led by Earth Sciences Associate Professor Wing Cheung and Math Professor Cynthia Anfinson. Cheung said the goal of the academy is to show students the applications of a STEM skill (i.e. computer programming) in a variety of career and technical pathways. For more information, contact Cheung at 760-744-1150 x3652.

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Media Contacts:

Melinda Finn, Palomar College Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x2365
Laura Gropen, Director, Palomar College Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x2152
Wing Cheung, Associate Professor, Earth Sciences, 760-744-1150 x3652