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A Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) transportation summer camp for students aged 10-14, featuring fun, hands-on activities developed by University of Maryland (UMD) faculty in collaboration with partners at White Earth Tribal & Community College (WETCC) in Mahnomen, MN, was held during the week of June 9.
The camp, which included a field trip to nearby North Dakota State University (NDSU), was organized by the UMD-based Center for MultiModal Mobility in Urban, Rural and Tribal Areas (CMMM), with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Led by UMD Professor Ciniza Cirillo, CMMM is a Tier 1 Urban Transportation Center housed at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The CMMM team includes WETCC faculty member, Allen Derks, who collaborated with UMD colleagues in developing the activities.
Campers Jax Gillis (left) and Keegan Anderson completing one of the many hands-on activities.
Young learners participating in the camp had the chance to explore key concepts in STEM, including polarity, hydrophobicity, energy systems, environmental engineering. At the same time, it encouraged them to think critically about the impact of transportation and fossil fuels in their communities. One of the key topics campers learned about was the environmental risks associated with oil pipelines—an important local issue for the White Earth Nation and the other tribes and communities in Minnesota.
"Our objective was to convey the possible environmental impacts of pipelines and how those impacts can be mitigated," explained UMD Professor Alba Torrents, who is Ben Dyer Centennial Chair at the civil and environmental engineering department. She and other departmental faculty, including Cirillo, Senior Faculty Specialist Marya Anderson, and Faculty Specialist Patricia Arcellana helped develop the activities and lead the camp, together with UMD doctoral candidate Faeze Momeni Rad and other UMD graduate students.
"This summer camp provides a unique opportunity for our area youth to participate in hands-on STEM learning helping them see the connections between science and community action," Derks said.
A second camp for high school students is scheduled for July 7-12, again at WETCC and NDSU, with activities focused on drones, soil science, and transportation safety.
About WETCC
White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) is a two-year college located in Mahnomen, MN, dedicated to academic xxcellence grounded in Anishinaabe culture, values, and traditions. The college strives to provide quality education and training that meets the needs of the White Earth Nation and surrounding communities. WETCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is open to all, regardless of tribal affiliation.
June 30, 2025
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