A Synergistic Approach to Outreach and Teaching: Combining Service Learning at the College Level with a Summer Hands-on Outreach Program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering for High School Girls

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-134385

Abstract

A synergetic approach to combine service learning at the university level with a high school outreach program is described. A holistic view is presented by discussing the importance of outreach and service learning, survey results, and outcomes. Overall, it was found that the unique program increased the self-efficacy (belief about one’s abilities) of students ranging from high school to graduate level, and positively impacted the social responsibility attitudes of university student participants. 

Author Biographies

Geeta Verma, Case Western Reserve University

Geeta Verma is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). She obtained her BS degree in chemical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). During her undergraduate studies, she gained an interest in the use of nanomaterials for environmental remediation. She currently works in Dr. Renner’s lab studying peptide-based materials for the recovery of rare earth elements from industrial wastes.

Sogol Asaei, Case Western Reserve University

Sogol Asaei is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. She earned her BS and MS degrees in chemical engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST). Her current research is focused on surface-bound elastin-like polypeptides and their transition behavior. She is also researching peptide-modified biosensors for environmental and medical applications

Jacob D. Hostert , Case Western Reserve University

Jacob D. Hostert is a Ph.D. graduate from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He obtained his B.S. in chemical engineering from Miami University. During his Ph.D., he examined using peptides for nutrient and rare earth recovery. He currently is a postdoctoral research scientist at Corteva. 

Rebecca Ahn, Case Western Reserve University

Rebecca Ahn is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). She earned her BS degree in chemical engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT). Her current research focuses on polyproline peptides and their antifouling properties, adsorption behavior on gold surfaces, and potential as biomaterials. 

Julie N. Renner, Case Western Reserve University

Julie N. Renner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Dean's Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Case School of Engineering. Her research group focuses on developing engineered polypeptides to control solid-liquid interfaces and enabling new technologies for implantable devices, sensors, water treatment and renewable energy. She earned her degrees in chemical engineering from the University of North Dakota (BS) and Purdue University (PhD).

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Published

2024-04-24

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 3 (2024): Summer 2024

Section

Manuscripts