The university’s science faculty have organized two summer STEM events to inspire and support area teachers and students.

Workshops for area K-12 science teachers will be held Wednesday, July 15, through Friday, July 17, on campus with a goal of bringing teachers, school administrators and SBU science faculty together for a discussion on the status of science education at K-12 and college levels, said Dr. Xiao-Ning Zhang, associate professor of biology, who organized the events.

The educators will explore potential new opportunities for networking and partnerships between area schools and the university while also participating in hands-on laboratory experiences and a “field trip” to one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science.

On Monday, July 13, educators toured one of Corning, Inc.’s innovative research center labs as well as the Corning Museum of Glass. A presentation by Corning’s STEM leader on promoting STEM education in the Southern Tier area kicked off an inspiring discussion regarding resources and opportunities available to area teachers.

The visit will be followed by three days of hands-on laboratory experiences on campus in which the teachers will develop lessons designed to promote high school students’ interest in STEM fields. The teachers from Allegany-Limestone, Franklinville, Olean, Scio, St. Mary’s and Archbishop Walsh will attend labs in physics, geology, chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Science faculty who will give instructions during the workshop include Dr. Ted Georgian Ms. Romy Knittel and Dr. Xiao-Ning Zhang from the Department of Biology; Dr. Jerry Godbout from the Department of Chemistry; Dr. Maureen Cox from the Department of Mathematics; and Dr. Jerry Kiefer from the Department of Physics.

This workshop is supported by a generous donation from Kevin Kim's family.

In addition, eight area high school sophomores and juniors were selected for a two-week program on campus that offers a career training package including a research experience alongside science faculty and a variety of STEM career talks. The program runs from July 20 to July 31.

The students will work one-on-one with the faculty on a cutting-edge science topic and hone their scientific communications skills.

STEM professionals from the region will offer insights into their individual career paths and advice to these high school students during lunchtime career talks. The career talks will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Club (above Hickey Dining Hall). The public is invited to purchase lunch in the dining hall or Café La Verna and attend any of the following sessions:

• Monday, July 20, Mr. Scott Kaffka, Dresser-Rand
• Tuesday, July 21, Mr. Christopher Scott, Dresser-Rand
• Wednesday, July 22, Dr. Courtney Hollender, USDA- Agricultural Research Service
• Thursday, July 23, Mrs. Pam Davis, Olean Medical Group
• Monday, July 27, Dr. Mark Vaughn, Corning Incorporated
• Tuesday, July 28, Dr. George Spigel, Olean Medical Group
• Wednesday, July 29, Mr. Richard Youngs and Mr. David Fenton, Cytec Olean Incorporated
• Thursday, July 30, Mr. Jason Yaworsky, Upper Allegheny Health System

Science faculty mentors for these high school students include Drs. Ted Georgian, Douglas Guarnieri, Peter Schneible, O.F.M., Johanna Schwingel, Salvador Tarun, Xiao-Ning Zhang from the Department of Biology and Dr. Donna Brestensky from the Department of Chemistry.

At the conclusion of the two-week program, the high school students will present their research projects to family, friends and the SBU community. The presentation is slated for 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 31 in the Robert R. Jones Board of Trustees Room in Doyle Hall.

This research program was supported by the generous donation from

Kevin Kim's family and Olean Medical Group.

“As SBU reinforces its academic excellence and educational services to the vast community, it was the passionate donors who made these events hit the ground running,” said Zhang. “The science faculty team at SBU is of high quality and committed to guiding students to successful career paths.”

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things.  St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #3 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.    

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