Exploring futures

Last summer, high school students from across the country gathered at the University of Delaware's Newark campus for one-week immersive programs in forensic science or autonomous driving through the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS). These pre-college summer programs offer students a glimpse into real-world STEM careers - and a head start on their college journey - guided by researchers at the forefront of innovation through engaging, hands-on experiences.

For Olivia Stany, a junior from Tennessee, the summer experience was a turning point.

"UD's program stood out because it explored every aspect of forensic science in depth," she said. "Hands-on experiences like DNA fingerprinting and electrophoresis, combined with insights from professionals in the field, helped me discover what I'm truly passionate about and gave me a clearer vision for college and beyond."

The Forensic Science program immerses students in the full spectrum of investigative science - from crime scene analysis and lab techniques to courtroom procedures. Led by UD faculty in the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences and real-world forensic experts from the Delaware State Police and Division of Forensic Science, students work in state-of-the-art labs and visit active crime labs and police units.

"Hearing the stories from professionals like Anthony DiNardo [Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) section administrator for the Delaware State Police, State Bureau of Identification] made me want to pursue forensic science even more," Stany said. "One case he shared - involving fingerprinting in a homicide investigation - was both horrifying and fascinating. It showed me how impactful and complex this work really is."

Delaware senior C.J. Schaffer, like Stany, discovered just how impactful hands-on learning can be when forensic science is brought to life through real-world experiences.

"I thought it would be mostly lectures, but from the very first day we were in the lab, using the same equipment college students use," Schaffer said. "Touring the State Forensic Department was eye-opening - we saw the labs, the freezer rooms, and even spoke with the head of the morgue while he was in full scrubs, actively working. It felt surreal. Being on UD's campus and working in real college facilities made everything feel tangible. I could actually see myself here, studying this field. That realization was one of the most valuable parts of the experience."

The Autonomous Driving Academy offers a deep dive into robotics, programming and artificial intelligence. Students collaborate in teams to build sensor-packed car models and program them to navigate obstacle courses - all under the guidance of researchers from UD's Connected and Autonomous Research Laboratory (CAR Lab).

"I've been coding since I was 6, and I wanted to go beyond the limits of what I could do in robotics competitions," said Hanyu Zhang, a ninth grader from Washington state. "The autonomous driving program was great because we got to work with advanced sensors like 360-degree LiDAR and AI models that helped our robots detect obstacles like stop signs and construction cones. That really excited me - it was exactly what I was looking for."

Beyond technical skills, both programs emphasize college readiness and personal growth. Students earn a digital badge and personalized reference letter for college applications, while also building essential soft skills like teamwork, communication and critical thinking.

"What surprised me most was how much creativity goes into research," said Haramrit Bal, a junior from California. "I used to think experiments were just about following a set of steps, but designing a good one takes trial and error - and a lot of innovation. You have to approach problems from new angles to discover solutions you hadn't considered before. The hands-on work was not only fun but incredibly satisfying when everything came together."

Beyond lab work, students also form lasting friendships and connections.

"Having an open mind really helped me during the program. Working in teams and hearing different perspectives - especially from students from other states - was eye-opening," Stany said. "We even started a group chat to share ideas and plan our projects. That experience definitely improved my teamwork and communication skills, and the support from faculty boosted my confidence. I felt safe and encouraged every step of the way."

For Bal, too, the teamwork involved was especially valuable.

"I got to hear different perspectives from people with diverse backgrounds. It also helped me become more confident speaking in group settings and presenting my findings. Collaborating with experienced peers helped me grow, and I've carried that experience over to my own robotics team."

For many students, seeing cutting-edge research firsthand was a pivotal moment in their perspective on STEM careers.

"We got to see what each professor was working on, which was amazing," Zhang said. "One was developing a voice-controlled wheelchair to help move patients, and another was building a simulation environment for testing self-driving cars. It was inspiring to see how their research connects to real-world problems."

As the demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields continues to grow, programs like these help students envision their future - and take the first steps toward it.

"The program gave me a real sense of what engineering is like, not just being told what to do but solving problems and creating solutions. It strengthened my passion for engineering," Zhang said. "With AI and robotics advancing so quickly, I realized I can't ever get complacent. I always have to keep learning and improving. This program helped prepare me for that mindset."

While Zhang found inspiration in the fast-paced evolution of engineering and technology, Schaffer's experience prompted deeper self-reflection about the realities of working in forensic science.

"Something I learned in the program that I didn't know previously was that working in the field of forensics means you have to be able to testify in court, which is really high pressure," Schaffer said. "So, reflecting on my strengths and challenges, I'll have to learn how to push through that; that's going to be something that I have to work through."

For students eager to explore careers in biomedical science, criminal justice, robotics or AI, UD PCS pre-college programs offer more than just summer learning - they offer inspiration, direction and a glimpse into what's possible. At UD, summer isn't just a season - it's a launchpad.

Program dates and registration

The summer 2026 Forensic Science program will run from June 22-26, and the Autonomous Driving Academy is scheduled for July 6-10. Both programs are held on the University of Delaware's Newark campus and are open to high school students nationwide. Due to high demand and limited space - especially in the Forensic Science program, which has had a registration waiting list in each of its first two years - early registration is strongly encouraged. For more information and to register, visit pcs.udel.edu/forensic-science or pcs.udel.edu/autonomous-driving.