Friday, June 02, 2006

Wilmington N.C. - University of North Carolina Wilmington is again participating in Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM), a state-funded program for academically talented students planning to pursue careers in science and mathematics. The program brings rising high-school juniors and seniors together in residential settings for four weeks of intensive study on a university campus.

In addition to UNCW, Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, and Western Carolina University are participating state institutions. Students throughout the state apply in the fall and acceptance is determined by February of each year. Please note that this is not a summer camp, rather a rigorous, research-based academic program.

The Science and Mathematics Education Center (SMEC) hosts the program annually on the UNCW campus. This year 48 students will participate. The program begins June 25 and concludes July 22. A distinguished faculty of UNCW professors and master high school teachers guide students through specially designed courses to provide experience in scientific inquiry and mathematical problem solving.

Karen Shafer is the SMEC/SVSM director. Gabriel Lugo, UNCW Department of Mathematics and Statistics, is the SVSM faculty liaison. Bill Kawczynski is the SMEC/SVSM assistant director. Kim Cavender serves as the director of residence life.

Faculty and areas of teaching offered at UNCW this year include Michael Smith (Coastal Geology); Midori Albert (Forensic Anthropology); Ken Gurganus (Mathematical Modeling with Probability and Statistics); and Thomas Shafer (Molecular Genetics of Marine Organisms).

For more information, please see the SMEC Web page at www.uncw.edu/smec/.

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