STEM YOUTH CAMP 2022 - TIME TO UNDERSTAND MORE

The Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST), with the Embassy of the United States of America in BiH as a donor, organised the third STEM Youth Camp (SYC) - a five-day science camp for high school students from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The camp took place from August 15th to 19th, 2022 in Konjic.

AAST  brings together numerous young, successful scientists and experts from the field of natural, mathematical and technical sciences, i.e. the STEM field. They work, act and improve at prestigious scientific and research institutions and universities around the world, but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the goals of ANNT is to bring the scientific research work and the work of ANNT members closer to young people, in this case high school students, and thereby help them discover and confirm their affinities towards STEM fields. Thus, 48 high school students had the opportunity to be scientists and engineers for five days, and to learn about modern scientific and technical trends.

"You don't need to be afraid of anything in life, you just need to understand it. Now is the time to understand more, so we fear less." Marie Curie

The participants had the opportunity to listen to the lectures of scientists from Great Britain - full professor of mathematics from University College London dr. Mahir Hadžić, who spoke about research in mathematics and Dr. Saman Khaled who works at AstraZeneca. dr. Amra Hasečić, a professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sarajevo, who is also a member of the ANNT Board of Directors, presented the numerical simulations she used in the preparation of her doctoral dissertation, as well as about their possible applications in industry. Students had the opportunity to get theoretically and practically acquainted with the basics of astronomical observations at Aldin Kovačević's astro lecture and workshop. Member of the Management Board of ANNT, dr. Amina Seferagić gave a lecture on wireless networks, while Adnan Mehremić introduced the students to the applications of artificial intelligence and trends in this field. It was a special honor to host an academician, Professor Emeritus Branislava Peruničić-Draženović, who invited and encouraged the students to take the STEM path, but also shared valuable advice.

Through technical workshops at the camp, future scientists and researchers also gained practical experience solving simple but challenging scientific and technical problems. The goal of the workshops was to bring the scientific and engineering approach to practical problems closer to the students, help them improve teamwork skills and provide them with new knowledge.

The workshop "Robots" was led by Edina Ražanica and Maida Islamagić. Through this workshop, students had the opportunity to meet the basics of management theory through practical application. The task was to become familiar with the anatomy of a robot that follows a black line on a white background, and to set the parameters of the PID controller. Through teamwork, the students successfully answered the challenges and had fun getting to know the world of electronics

Amina Bećić and Bakir Kudić led the "Biolab" workshop. The participants explored the microworld around us and within us. They were introduced to the fascinating DNA through the process of its isolation from plant samples. Learned how scientists modify DNA and using the "in silico" method constructed a plan for the formation of a genetically modified organism (GMO). They also learned about the basics of using a microscope and immersed themselves in the microworld of cells.

In the "Solar panels" workshop, the participants learned the basics of the physics of solar panels with trainer Mehmed Kadrić, calculated the daily energy production from one panel, and tried to increase energy production with the help of additional equipment and programming

Through the workshop "Thermodynamics between engines and atoms", the students, with the help of trainers Senad Isaković, Fatima Mašić, and Amina Mević, considered the operation of diesel engines and determined the microscopic parameters of air using the scientific method.

Soft skills workshops on effective communication and presentation skills led by dr. Amina Seferagić and Denis Rudonja.

A panel discussion "Which faculty to choose?" was held at the camp. Members of the SYC organizing committee shared their experiences from their studies so that the students heard firsthand what it was like to study electrical engineering, bioengineering, genetics, law, mechanical engineering, medicine, and physics.

There was also time for getting to know each other, socializing, sports, and recreation, as well as fun activities such as social games and quizzes.

The students proved that SYC 2022 brought together the best of the best with their engagement, demonstrated knowledge, and questions they asked the lecturers. At the closing ceremony, the project manager of the camp, Harun Muhić, handed the participants certificates that will remind them of the wonderful moments they spent at the STEM youth camp, and the new experience will help them in further guidance and professional development.