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[FORT NOVOSEL, Ala., 16 Aug. 2024] Gemstones slowly form from minerals deep in the Earth before being exposed to the surface through explosions of molten rock. In comparison, Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Sciences, or GEMS students grow their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills in a fast-paced one-week immersion into hands-on experiments before they emerge on a Facebook Live ceremony having completed one of the GEMS modules taught at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL). The GEMS program focuses on underserved and historically underrepresented students with a goal of building interest in STEM career fields.
Ms. Alane Williams is USAARL’s STEM Education Administrator, responsible for STEM outreach, of which GEMS is one part. “We want students to know that so many careers fall under the STEM umbrella, some that surprise students,” Williams explained.
“GEMS gives students room to experience STEM in a way that they may not have available in their school,” Williams said.
Victoria Smith, an eleventh grader at Providence Christian School, agrees. “I attend a small school with really good science teachers, but we don’t have options after class,” Smith said. “GEMS is a great program where I can get the hands-on experience.”
To instruct the GEMS modules, there are GEMS teachers and near-peer mentors. Of the 27 employed this year, three teachers and 10 mentors have taught GEMS in previous years. “Having students for just one week is challenging,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Scanlon, a fifth-grade teacher at Holly Hill Elementary School. “It is rewarding that so many students have the opportunity to participate in GEMS,” she continued. “Students arrive apprehensive on Monday, but by Friday they come out of their shells and are sad when the week is over.”
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Thirteen of the mentors are previous GEMS students. Samuel Haglund, a senior biomechanical engineering student at Auburn University, completed six GEMS modules as a student and just completed his third year as a mentor. “The best way to give back to GEMS after completing several modules is to become a mentor and develop the next set of students to hopefully become the next generation of STEM scientists.”
Making GEMS a family tradition, his sister, Madison Haglund, just completed her first year as a mentor. “After doing GEMS for eight years,” Madison explained why she wanted to be a mentor, “I didn’t want to give it up.” Madison is a rising senior at Enterprise High School.
The GEMS program is available to students who have completed third grade, up to tenth grade. The 2024 modules included Planetary GEMS for rising fourth and fifth graders, Neuroscience GEMS for rising sixth and seventh graders, Biochemistry GEMS for rising eighth and ninth graders, and Agriscience GEMS for rising tenth and eleventh graders.
The GEMS students started showing up for one of the four sessions in early June. Upon arrival at USAARL, the students were directed to the area where their module was taught. They met their assigned mentor, usually with four to six other students assigned per mentor.
“I enjoy teaching kids the science behind what they see and how to use science in different scenarios,” said Alec Fleming, a rising freshman at Enterprise State Community College and second-year mentor. “A lot of kids start out timid but by the end of the week you can see the enjoyment of learning.”
At the end of the week, the GEMS students were applauded in a recognition ceremony, which was broadcast live on the USAARL Facebook for relatives and friends to tune in. Each student received a certificate of completion, a module-specific spirit stick, and was encouraged to apply to next year’s GEMS program.
Students who have completed four GEMS modules received the Brilliant Cullinan Award; 22 students earned this in 2024. Brice Hodge, an eighth-grade Dauphin Junior High School student, completed his fourth module this year, Biochemistry GEMS. “It was my favorite because of the hands-on experiments,” he explained.
Students who have completed all eight GEMS modules received the Octahedron Award; three students earned this in 2024. Mr. Ethan Ingram will be a senior at Enterprise High School this fall. He completed his eighth GEMS module this summer, Agriscience GEMS. GEMS has helped him prepare for his pursuit of a future engineering degree. “GEMS was important for me,” Ingram explained, “because I was able to seek out a career I want to go into and speak with experienced people in that field.”
At the end of the 2024 summer, 389 GEMS students completed the program this year, excited about having participated in the hands-on training and encouraged in their pursuit of STEM learning. These students, mentors, and teachers represent 73 different schools, ranging from elementary schools to universities.
About USAARL
USAARL is a world-class organization of subject matter experts in the fields of operator health and performance in complex systems; the en route care environment; blunt, blast, and accelerative injury and protection; crew survival in rotary-wing aircraft and combat vehicles; and sensory performance, injury, and protection. USAARL engages in innovative research, development, test and evaluation activities to identify research gaps and inform requirements documents that contribute to future vertical lift, medical, aviation, and defense health capabilities. USAARL is a trusted agent for stakeholders, providing evidence-based solutions and operational practices that protect joint force warriors and enhance warfighter performance. USAARL invests in the next generation of scientists and engineers, research technicians, program managers, and administrative professionals by valuing and developing its people, implementing talent management principles, and engaging in educational outreach opportunities.
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