2025 Session 2

Instructor: John Blake

This summer, discover your inner Frank Lloyd Wright, your budding Frank Gehry, or your emerging I.M. Pei. The Beginning Design: Architecture + Interior Design course is a unique opportunity to peek into the lives of architects and designers. You will work in the design studios, be taught by Miami professors, and build from your own imagination. With a curriculum geared toward improving designs for creating competitive architecture and interior design portfolios, you will identify and examine several design topics. In multiple phases through a series of rigorous investigations and discoveries, you will practice fundamental design principles. The overriding emphasis will be placed on the "process" of design. Where might it start? How does it evolve? Learn to develop your own ideas and use them to drive the creation of space and form. At the end of the session, you will have an exhibition of works you've created as well as documentation and analysis to enhance your college admission application.

Instructor: Dr. James Chagdes

Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Quinn

How much of our brains do we really use? Are we really “right-brained” or “left-brained”?

Misconceptions about the structure and function of the human brain are all too common. Once these myths are widely disseminated, it is often difficult to separate scientific fact from fiction. This module will examine some of these myths, and provide you with the science and investigative tools to effectively debunk them. You will have the opportunity to examine real brains, observe direct brain manipulation techniques, and interact with researchers in their laboratories. As part of a team, you will select a cluster of related myths to evaluate, present the scientific evidence to dispel them, and create games to educate others about these misconceptions.

Instructor: Jim Leonard

It's science. Not fiction. This summer, delve headfirst into the realms of engineering and computing by designing and building a computer-controlled robot. First, you'll learn how they communicate. Through the wires and steel runs a rich programming language that reads light sensors and controls drive motors. Next, you and your team will apply those concepts to the design of your own robotic vehicle. Your team will assemble it, program it, and test it. Then, your robot will face off in performing its task against the other teams' creations. The winner will be crowned. The universe might be saved by building a computer-controlled robot.

Instructor: Dr. James Walden

Hackers never take a summer break—but this summer, you can learn how to outsmart them. Over the course of a week, participants will explore the fundamentals of the CompTIA Security+ certification, through interactive labs, engaging challenges, and a visit to a working cyber fusion center. Students will learn how to protect networks, encrypt and decrypt data, and identify cyber risks while working alongside peers who share their passion for technology. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a desire to dive into the world of ethical hacking, cyber defense, and online security. Whether you're considering a future in cybersecurity or just want to level up your tech skills, this camp is your gateway to becoming a certified cyber defender!

Instructor: Molly Moran

Imagine how technology impacts every aspect of your life. You will learn how to keep people at the center of digital technology and leverage your interests in areas like digital storytelling, social media marketing, and entertainment design. The course will include a combination of digital product development and user-centered design. You will gain perspective on the latest technology and how to identify and integrate user needs.

Instructor: ETBD Faculty

Want to play a game? How about we MAKE a game? In this introduction to game design, you will learn current and professional skills and techniques to create game systems and implement your creations in playable form. No previous art or computer experience is necessary. This introduction makes use of basic techniques that will teach you how to be creative using game design methodologies that are introduced in a way that is easy to understand. You will learn by doing, taking a game from idea to playable. If you are curious about the art of video games, then level up your skills, creativity, and talent with this introduction!

Instructor: Dr. Amy Roberts

Students will engage in activities to explore how they can make a difference in the world through various helping professions (e.g., social work, family life education, marriage and family therapy, child life specialists, and other closely related fields). Students can look forward to learning about on-campus programs to support student wellness, hearing from guest speakers working in each profession/area, role-plays, demonstrations, and creating a vision board to illustrate future goals. This session will also include the opportunity for students to earn a Certificate in Mental Health First Aid for the purpose of increasing knowledge and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. At the completion of the module, students will identify which helping professions are of interest and set goals for their individual pathways to the professions.

Instructor: Xiaowen Huang

This immersive one-week summer program introduces high school students to the dynamic world of business and leadership, equipping them with essential skills for future success. Through interactive, hands-on activities, students will explore their core values and discover how leadership styles influence decision-making in real-world business environments. They will gain insight into how companies select and manage talent, uncovering the vital role workplace culture plays in organizational success. Through engaging, in-class instruction with current Miami faculty and hands-on activities, like games and collaborative projects, students will bring supply chain and operations management to life, tackling challenges in resource management, demand fluctuations, and efficiency optimization. As they navigate these complex business dynamics, they will develop a systems-thinking mindset—learning to see the bigger picture, anticipate challenges, and think strategically like future leaders.

Instructor: Dr. John Forren

Should the U.S. Constitution be interpreted to protect flag burning? Should religious minorities be exempted from laws that burden spiritual practices? When (if ever) may government officials discriminate without violating the Constitution’s guarantee of "equal protection of the law"? Is the death penalty a violation of fundamental human rights — or a proper response by society to the problem of violent crime?

Using selected court opinions and other primary sources, you will explore the array of legal, philosophical, and political ideas that have informed American debates on these and other controversial issues throughout history. Through the use of various active-learning activities — including legislative simulations, debates, educational games, guided discussions, and mock trials — you will also learn about and practice the civic skills of dialogue, deliberation, persuasion, and accommodation that generations of Americans have used to resolve differences and solve problems in their communities.

*NOTE: Grant funding from the Menard Family Center for Democracy may be available to admitted scholars with demonstrated financial need.

Instructor: Michelle Cosmah

Interested in becoming a teacher in the primary grades? In this module, participants learn about the essential skills and qualities needed for effective teaching. They explore various teaching methods, classroom management strategies, and the importance of fostering a positive learning environment. The workshop emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing opportunities for field experience in real classroom settings where attendees can interact with young students. This practical exposure helps aspiring teachers develop their confidence and understanding of the teaching profession, highlighting how they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students.

Instructor: David Eyman

The secret to success in life and business can be found in the entrepreneurial mindset. The entrepreneurship track of the Summer Scholars Program exposes students to the fun and excitement of bringing ideas to life. You will participate in interactive, hands-on projects where you will be exposed to what it takes to build companies, teams, and insight. Whatever your interests — building a small start-up company, creating a major corporation, driving meaningful social change, or working in creative fields — we will build ideas, form teams, and create the structure that builds success.

Instructors: Dr. Becky Crews and Beth Troy

This summer, you have the opportunity to engage with faculty who teach coursework as part of the First Year Integrated Core in the Farmer School of Business. Learn about key workplace skills such as: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creative thinking, computational thinking and coding, and ethical thinking. You will work with faculty and in groups to apply these skills to an interdisciplinary, final project. Get ready to engage in an immersive learning experience and start unpacking your business briefcase!

Instructor: Dr. Catherine Almquist and Dr. Jessica Sparks

Participants will explore how automation and controls are applied in chemical, paper, and biomedical engineering. Hands-on projects will involve Computer Aided Design, 3D printing, electronics prototyping, and Arduino programming to create a basic control system.