From photosynthesis to solar power – nature is the source of life and human innovation. Explore renewable energy, artificial intelligence in food systems, astronomy, art and biomimicry design for solutions to global challenges. Imagine a future where creativity, biology and technology work together towards social innovation.
“I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning.” - Steve Jobs
Advanced subject matter taught by experts will promote in-depth exploration, active inquiry, discussion and hands-on participation by students. For more details and a preview of the range of topics presented at the camp, please visit https://www.saturdayacademy.org/academicsummit.
Once you have registered for this camp, you will receive an email with a survey link to prioritize your top 3 courses in order of preference. There will be 4 class sessions per day in total, with at least 1 session chosen by Saturday Academy. While we will make every effort to match students with their top choices we make no guarantees. We will email your student’s camp schedule 1-2 weeks before the camp starts. Students will be placed on a first come, first serve bases so please register early to secure a place in your top choice classes.
Steven Delach, BSEE, worked as a Director of Server Validation Tools Development for Intel and has recently been a coach for FIRST LEGO Competition Robotics teams at Holy Trinity School and Westview High School.
Douglas MacDougal, an attorney and mathematician, is a life-long amateur astronomer and a member of Rose City Astronomers.
Ariel Heintze, BS, PE, Architectural Engineering, is an engineer in the building design industry. Ariel is excited about bringing the design process to young minds, notably through the emerging field of biomimicry, a design process based on observing nature.
Adam Goldstein, M.A., Biology, received his degree from Hunter College. He has worked as a biology teacher, teaching AP Biology and as an assistant professor of Philosophy at Iona College.
Deb Mrazek, MS, BSE, holds degrees in Industrial Engineering & Human Factors and System Engineering. She has helped institutes from startups to Fortune 100s, governments and NGOs develop user-centered strategies and has worked with teams to integrate these strategies into meaningful outcomes. Deb has taught Design Thinking to hundreds of students as well as adults.
Cristina Draghicescu earned her PhD in mathematics from Pennsylvania State University. She taught high school and college level math for over 20 years. She currently works as a software engineer at IBM where she handles big data projects.
Ed Edmo is a Shoshone-Bannock poet, playwright, performer, traditional storyteller, tour guide and lecturer on First Nation cultures in the Northwest. He offers guided tours to the She Who Watches petroglyphs on the Columbia Gorge (http://ededmo.tripod.com/).
Chris Thompson holds a BS in Economics from the University of Oregon and a MicroMasters in Data Science from UC San Diego. He is currently working as a data scientist to bring AI solutions to companies around the Pacific Northwest.
This camp is for students who:
- Self-identify as having a passion for STEM and Arts subjects, persistent curiosity and a desire to be intellectually challenged by experts and peers.
- Test in the top quartile of their class, or have been identified by a school, mentor or teacher as talented and gifted (TAG), advanced learner or other system aimed to support students who desire more in-depth learning.