UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — What if you had the opportunity, as a teenager, to design a building, learn how to program artificial intelligence for construction purposes, tour world-class labs and facilities, interact with top-of-their-field professionals and immerse yourself in the fast-paced world of architectural engineering? Now, high school students can do all of this and more at the AEspiring Architectural Engineering camp at Penn State.
This five-day overnight camp, open to anyone entering ninth grade through those graduating from 12th grade in the United States and its territories, will be held June 19-24 at Penn State University Park.
“The AEspiring Architectural Engineering camp provides students with the opportunity to learn how technical engineering skills combine with artistic creativity to create and advance our built environment,” said Sez Atamturktur Russcher, Harry and Arlene Schell Professor and head of the Department of Architectural Engineering. “Students will explore the multifaceted field through several experiences, including hands-on activities, field trips and expert panel discussions. We hope this camp will open students’ eyes to what it means to be an architectural engineer, how the profession has an impact on society and maybe inspire some students to pursue their future career in this field.”
During the camp, students will learn how building design can play a role in creating an environmentally sustainable future, how high-rise apartments are built, how ventilation systems impact air quality commercial and residential settings, how architectural acoustics, building materials and mechanical systems factor into the creation of livable and enjoyable environments and more. Campers will also take field trips to the Lighting Lab and the Penn State Solar Home.
Campers will stay in Penn State residence halls, eat in the dining halls — and at Berkey Creamery — and use the Penn State campus buildings as real-life examples for applying their new engineering knowledge.
To learn more about the camp, including fees, logistics and how to register, visit the camp’s Cvent page or contact Maureen Kelliher, education outreach specialist, at mvk6178@psu.edu or 814-865-6394.