ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois -- (Oct. 10, 2017) The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center - Rock Island has completed another highly successful Army-sponsored Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program under the Department of the Army Educational Outreach Program. The AEOP's mission is to "provide both students and teachers a collaborative, cohesive, portfolio of Army-sponsored STEM programs that effectively engage, inspire, and attract the next generation of STEM talent in Kindergarten through college programs and expose them to Department of Defense STEM careers." These apprenticeship programs allow high school and college students to participate in real-world STEM work activities under the guidance of government mentors.
During the summer of 2017, ECBC-RI provided STEM project mentors for five high school students through the Science and Engineering Apprentice Program and four college students through the College Qualified Leaders program. The mentors assured that students are treated as an integral part of the ECBC team, making them aware of the vital significance of science in defending our nation, and encouraged them to pursue their goals in higher education in support of Army-sponsored STEM program goals.
Each student was assigned a project for the summer and given the opportunity to prepare and present a report at the end of the program. All students who successfully completed their apprenticeship are eligible for an educational stipend. Educational stipend rates vary based on education, experience, and program participation. The students worked together and with their mentors to complete their projects and prepare their reports, which were presented to a large group of ECBC-RI employees.
Actual Experiences and Student Feedback
Isaiah G. was assigned to determine the cause of the fluid loss of Phosphate Buffer Solution from the Joint Biological Point Detection System Type IV Kit Bottle. The Kit is used as a bio detection system back-up when the JBPDS is used in extreme cold environment, or when system components are malfunctioning. Isaiah developed a test plan, performed testing, and provided recommendations to eliminate the problem.
"My experience gained at ECBC will help me to achieve my future career plan to become an engineer," said Isaiah. "I would like to come back next year as a CQL student."
Molly T. was assigned to assist ECBC-RI in the implementation and recertification of the new International Organization for Standardization 9001:2015 standard in Fiscal Year 2018. She developed the process to update existing ISO documentation and updated ISO template used for ISO procedures and work instructions in preparation implementing the new standard.
Naina N. compiled data in support of a surveillance program to include shelf-life extension testing. She analyzed 540 reports to obtain data for historical passing and failure rates for components of the Collectively Protected Deployable Medical System. She provided supportable recommendations for shelf-life timeframes, alternative storage methods in Military Owned Demountable Containers, and the costs/benefits of warehouse storage.
David W. was assigned to the Design Engineering & Test Facility Branch to perform reverse engineering for the Shop Equipment Welding System.
When recounting the lessons learned, David said, "The assignment provided me opportunities to work in an engineering environment, interacting with professional engineers, and increasing my knowledge of SolidWorks."
Adam B. worked in the Sustainment Engineering Protection Branch to develop quality assurance provisions and conduct shelf life trend analysis utilizing Microsoft Access database software. He analyzed a number of quality assurance provisions to determine which tests or requirements need to be done in order to certify whether assemblies or parts are adequate for utilization.
"I gained experience working independently on a project and applying problem solving and online research to complete the project," said Adam. "I also gained experience in how meetings are run and the interactions between management and employees."
Kelsey K. apprenticed in the Industrial Base and Analysis Branch to conduct market research on salt-bath heat treatment, to include new and emerging technology research in support of the industrial base. Her research identified seven companies that have salt bath capabilities. She developed and distributed surveys to the companies to determine if they have salt-bath heat treatment capabilities. Three companies responded, with two saying they had the capabilities.
"I learned patience from my apprenticeship experience while waiting for emails and feedback," said Kelsey. "(I) gained technical knowledge about technology in the industrial base."
Continuing Support to STEM Education and Training
The Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program is open to high school students and is designed as an eight-week summer program. Students can apply at www.usaeop.com January-February 2018 for the 2018 summer program that will run June-August 2018. The College Qualified Leaders Apprenticeship is available as a year-round or summer only program for college students. ECBC-RI plans to open a summer-only program for college students available for the same time period as the SEAP program.
ECBC-RI will continue to support the Department of the Army Educational Outreach program goal to involve a larger percentage of students from previously underrepresented segments of our population, such as women, African-Americans, and Hispanics, in pursuing science and engineering careers to establish a pool of students preparing for careers in science and engineering with a view toward potential government service.
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