St. Thomas Aquinas College Launches STEM Summer Workshop Series for Rising High School Juniors and Seniors

This summer, St. Thomas Aquinas College invites rising high school juniors and seniors to explore the world of STEM through an engaging, hands-on workshop series designed to spark curiosity and build real-world skills.

The STEM Exploration Summer Workshop Series features two immersive evening sessions where students will experience science at every scale—from the vastness of space to the intricacies of DNA.

2026 Workshop Options (6:00-9:00 PM):

• From Stellar Birth to Cosmic Remains: The Story of Sun-Like Stars
  Dates: Tuesday, July 14 and Tuesday, August 4
  Explore the life cycle of Sun-like stars and observe the night sky using the College’s state-of-the-art telescope at the SKAE Astronomy Center.
  
• From Cells to Sequences: Exploring DNA Analysis & Molecular Techniques
  Dates: Tuesday, July 21 and Tuesday, August 11
  Gain hands-on experience with microscopy, micropipetting, and gel electrophoresis while analyzing DNA and exploring genetic differences between species.

Registration Details:

• Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
• $150 for one session | $250 for two sessions
• Registration deadline: June 1, 2026

Space is limited to 24 students per session.

For more information and to register, visit: stac.edu/stemexplore

Led by experts in their fields, including Dr. Heather Rave, Professor of Physics; Alfredo Viegas, Astronomer & Astronomy Coordinator; and, Alexandria Porter, Laboratory Manager, each session offers a unique opportunity to explore scientific concepts through guided instruction and hands-on learning.

Students will leave with new skills, deeper insight into STEM fields, and inspiration for future academic and career pathways.

Contact Ms. Ellen Loftus, Coordinator, School of STEM, at eloftus@stac.edu or 845-398-4200 with any questions.