MSAS Lab High School Research Program (Summer 2024)

The MSAS Lab at IPPM-UTARI, organized a special summer research program for high school students. Four participants – Jesus Aguire from Cassata Catholic High School, and Ayshi Abed, Farris Syed, and Fayek Syed from Colleyville Heritage High School – received training in Composite Manufacturing, Materials Testing, Electrospinning, and basic Python Programming. The program aimed to introduce young minds to advanced scientific concepts and research methodologies. Students gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and techniques, bridging the gap between high school education and university-level research. This initiative not only provided valuable experience but also aimed to spark lasting interest in STEM fields among the participants.

Here the students share their summer research experience:

Outreach Program at Harmony School of Innovation

The MSAS Lab at IPPM-UTARI, in collaboration with the SAMPE Student Chapter at UT Arlington, conducted an outreach program at Harmony School of Innovation on May 11th, 2023. The event aimed to showcase composite materials through engaging activities. Students from kindergarten to 5th grade had a great time playing with catapults made from composites while also gaining insights into the fundamentals of composites and material science.

Upward Bound Tours at UTARI

UTA’s Upward Bound visited UTARI to learn more about the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies and the Automation and Intelligent Systems Division. Students met with researchers and toured UTARI labs. As a part of the tour, MSAS Lab members demonstrated composite manufacturing technique and mechanical testing procedures to the students.

Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded program founded in 1965 by the U.S. Department of Education. Located at several institutions throughout the country, the Upward Bound Program at UT Arlington has been providing services to area high school students since 1982. UB provides students with tutoring, college readiness workshops, college tours, career development, networking opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and college credit.