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UST Freshman Participate in Science and Math Summer Institute
7/28/2009
 Imagine trying to estimate the number of blades of grass on the University of St. Thomas Academic Mall – this is just one of many exercises which challenge a group of 25 UST incoming freshman in Science and Math Summer Institute to integrate mathematical and scientific knowledge with critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
An intensive residential five-week program held from July 6 to August 7, the Institute is designed to increase student success in entry-level science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses, the Institute is funded for two years by the Department of Education through a $2.4 million grant under the Comprehensive College Access Act for Hispanic Serving Institutions.
The Institute’s $500 fee covers tuition for a math and science course and room and board for seven days a week over the five week program. Scholarships may be available after the second year based on academic achievement.
“The goal is to increase the pool of students who eventually graduate in STEM areas,” said Dr. Tom Malloy, program director and professor of chemistry. “Educational research, as well as our own observations as math and science educators, has shown that a lack of mathematical and study skills are good indicators of difficulty in math and science entry-level courses. We have designed a collaborative learning community where the focus is not on remediation, but rather, on additional instruction, thus ensuring the success of carefully selected program participants.”
The Institute curriculum includes a math course taught by Drs. John Starner, associate professor of mathematics and John Palasota, associate vice president for Academic Affairs. The course emphasizes the creative and effective problem solving techniques in a real world context. Students were led by undergraduate mentors in small-group problem-solving sessions such as the Academic Mall grass exercise.
 The science course features guest speakers and tours of local scientific facilities including the Rice Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology, the United States Environmental Protection Agency Lab, the Shell Westhollow Technology Center and the Baylor College of Medicine at the Texas Medical Center. Students also learned test-taking, time-management and leadership skills.
The final week of the program will be rotations in groups of five through day-long exercises in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and computer science where the students will get hands-on laboratory experience. These will be taught by faculty in the various departments.
Michael Brannon, a graduate of Alvin High School, enrolled in the STEM Institute to refresh his math skills before his first semester of college begins.
It’s been a year since I’ve had any math at all, so this will help with math going into the semester,” Brannon said. “Plus, the program is such an incredible deal. It’s the cheapest six hours you will ever get at UST.”
Brittany Garza, a graduate of Bellaire High School, plans to major in math and has enjoyed the group math problems.
“The program is challenging, intense and really fun,” Garza said. “It’s not like any kind of math I have ever tried before and I am learning so much by working with the other students in my group.”
Garza originally planned to commute to campus in the fall, but after living in Guinan Residence Hall this summer, she has become a commuter convert and hopes to live on campus next semester.
“I’ve seen how beneficial it is to live on campus,” she said. “It’s so convenient and comfortable. You have access to resources and instead of struggling through your homework, we all help each other out.”
Evan Flance, a graduate of the Woodlands Christian Academy, plans to major in environmental science. He has been especially interested in the science tours such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency lab.
“You get to see facilities you would not normally have access to, and hear from experts you may never get a chance to meet,” Flance said.
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