Tulane Science Scholars Program Courses

Instructor: Dr. Khaled Adjerid, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Course Offered: June 9 - 20, June 30 - July 11

This course will introduce students to basic biomedical concepts and measurements, as well as lay a foundation for understanding and using technical terminology employed by pre-clinical students and medical professionals. We will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal systems and their interplay with other systems in the human body. In addition to lectures, students will gain practical experience in biomedical measurements utilizing modern techniques and engage in hands-on biomedical design experience through labs and activities.

Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Abboud, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology

Course Offered: June 9 - 20, June 30 - July 11

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of human metabolism! This course is your gateway to understanding how your body transforms food into energy and keeps you going every day. You'll uncover the secrets of what makes up our bodies, how our cells are like tiny power plants using different fuel sources, and what really makes some foods healthier than others. Expect engaging discussions, hands-on lab experiments, and exciting environmental explorations that bring science to life! Whether you're a future health professional or just curious about how your body works, this course is your chance to discover the amazing chemistry behind the meals you eat and the energy you need to thrive. Join us and unlock the science of YOU!

Instructor: Dr. Christian Burr, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11, July 14 - 25

Get ready to unlock the secrets of genetics in this hands-on course where you'll explore the amazing relationship between genes, proteins, and the traits that make us unique! Discover the fascinating world of chromosomes and genes, and learn how the processes of transcription and translation shape everything from your eye color to your favorite hobbies. But that’s not all! In the lab, you’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into molecular techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, and DNA digestion. Ever wondered what’s really in your dinner? You’ll even analyze your own genes and investigate seafood species at a genetic level to uncover the truth about seafood mislabeling. Join us on this thrilling adventure through the building blocks of life and become a real-life genetic detective!

Instructor: Dr. Katie Russell, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Course Offered: June 9 - 20

Explore how chemical engineers have transformed our world and uncover the cutting-edge innovations driving solutions to some of the planet’s greatest challenges. From developing sustainable energy solutions and revolutionizing medicine to pioneering food production, creating cutting-edge materials, and advancing environmental protection—this course highlights the powerful global impact of chemical engineering. Through thought-provoking readings, interactive discussions, hands-on projects, and guest lectures and tours led by industry leaders, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how these innovations are transforming industries and improving lives. Discover how you can join the next wave of engineers driving change for a better future!

Instructor: Dr. Alex McSkimming and Dr. Scott Grayson, Department of Chemistry

Course Offered: July 14 - 25

We are all continually surrounded by chemicals, from drugs to plastics and from fuel to food additives. Ensuring these materials are free of dangerous contaminants is essential for human health and development. This course will introduce students to the most important techniques for purifying and analyzing chemicals. We will use what we have learned in the classroom to isolate a number of different molecules in the lab, from nylon to inorganic materials of eye-catching color.

Instructor: Dr. Victor Bankston, Department of Computer Science

Course Offered: July 14 - 25

Computational tools are a critical part of our everyday lives. Software is the driving force behind cutting edge scientific discovery, blockbuster entertainment, and today’s fast‐paced marketplace ‐ and will continue to become even more important. This course introduces students to techniques and problem‐solving approaches used to develop some of these computational tools. Students will use Python programming language to implement foundational models of computation, like the Turing machine. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to design, implement and test computational solutions to problems.

Instructor: Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11

What makes a species vulnerable to extinction? How does evolution actually work? What can we do to help endangered species recover? We explore these questions and more in Introduction to Conservation Genetics. This two-part course focuses on how genetics are used in the understanding of and response to conservation threats in animal and plant species. The first section investigates the mechanisms of evolutionary change and their effects on threatened wildlife and flora. The second section of the course explores how conservation managers address genetic issues in wild and captive populations. The class will cover these topics in assignments, lectures, hands-on lab activities, and field trips.

Instructor: Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Course Offered: July 14 - 25

How do coastal plants, animals, and microbes respond to climate change? Are coastal ecosystems resilient to climate change? This course will introduce students to the complex ways that climate change affects ecological systems in coastal areas. We will explore topics through lectures, readings, debates, field trips, and group research projects. We will learn about restoration and mitigation techniques and discuss ways students can act on behalf of threatened ecosystems.

Instructor: Dr. Ryan Gelfand, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11

This course offers an exciting introduction to the world of robotics, blending foundational principles with hands-on experience in designing and building real-world robotic systems. Students will dive into the practical application of electronics, where they’ll craft innovative projects through engaging labs and interactive design challenges. The curriculum also integrates computer programming, empowering you to bring your robotic creations to life and solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technology.

Instructor: Dr. Jessica Graber, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11

Dive into the world of making at Tulane’s MakerSpace! In this session, students will discover the software and tools that power modern rapid prototyping. We’ll explore the design process, turning your creative ideas into tangible projects through a hands-on lab experience. Unleash your imagination as you familiarize yourself with the design software and machinery of the Tulane MakerSpace. From the precision of our laser cutter—capable of etching and cutting wood, acrylic, and glass—to the versatile 3D printer that transmutes your thoughts and ideas into plastic, you’ll make your imagination become reality. We’ll also explore basic circuitry in order to add lights, sound, and movement to your projects. By the end of the session, you’ll have designed and built your very own inventions, whether it’s a prototype for a groundbreaking product or a stunning piece of art or costume. Get ready to innovate and create!

Instructor: Dr. Matt Barrios, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics

Course Offered: July 14 - 25

Unleash your inner innovator in this dynamic engineering course! Dive into the world of the engineering design process, solving real-world problems with a team. Engaging lectures guide you through problem-solving phases, while hands-on experience with Fusion 360 and rapid prototyping tools like 3-D printing and laser cutting elevates your skills. Along the way, you'll also cultivate teamwork and project management abilities. Join us and embark on a journey to unlock your creative potential and shape the future!

Instructor: Dr. Marie Dahleh, Department of Mathematics

Course Offered: July 14 - 25

Do you like playing games with strategy in them? Ever wonder how chess experts figure out winning moves? Then this is the course for you! You will explore a range of games -- many of which will be completely new to you -- and learn how to apply mathematical concepts to determine the optimal strategy in the game. In doing so, you’ll learn how to think like a mathematician and discover that mathematics is much more interesting than memorizing a bunch of formulas! No prior mathematical knowledge is required -- all you need is curiosity and a willingness to work hard.

Instructor: Dr. Thomas Hebert and Dr. Sara Clark, Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11, July 14 - 25

Neuroscientists study everything from the electrical activity of individual brain cells to the behavior of animals and people. In the course, students will learn how to measure human brain waves, interpret data using statistical analysis, and read, write and think like a scientist. Activities include learning basic brain anatomy by studying actual human brain specimens, and preparing brain tissue for study under a microscope.

Instructor: Dr. Jiang Wei, Dr. Matthew Escarra, Dr. Michael Naguib, Dr. Xin Lu, and Dr. Shaokai Jian Department of Physics and Engineering Physics

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11

This course focuses on the field of materials, an interdisciplinary area that applies the properties of matter to various areas of science and engineering. Students will rotate between five materials science research laboratories, combining lectures with hands-on laboratory activities to excite and introduce students to contemporary methods in superconductivity, optics and lasers, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and energy harvesting technologies. This course will also cover contemporary methods of biomaterials engineering from stem cells to regenerative medicine to cancer therapy.

Instructor: Dr. Carrie Wyland, Department of Psychology

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11

This course covers a wide variety of topics from the nervous system and the brain, to learning and memory, disorders and treatment, and social psychology. Through class lectures and a hands-on laboratory component, we will examine real human brain specimens, understand why we sleep and what dreams are for, observe childhood development in action, explore how psychological disorders are treated, and examine how prejudice plays out in the courtroom. Students will learn to read, write, and think like a psychologist and understand how psychologists ask their research questions.

Instructor: Dr. Rick Snow, Department of Music and School of Science and Engineering

Course Offered: July 14 - 25

This course introduces an array of tools, techniques and motivations associated with Computer Music Composition and Creative Audio Programming. Students will gain familiarity with the Digital Music Studio and Audio Workstation environments as they prepare frequent short composition assignments. Music Production paradigms to be explored in the course include MIDI Arranging, Sampling and Audio Editing, Sound Spatialization, Sonification Techniques and Process Music. We will also explore basic sound synthesis techniques including FM synthesis, ring modulation, granular synthesis, additive and subtractive synthesis.

Instructor: Professor Jonathan Chambers MFA, Digital Media Practices, School of Liberal Arts

Course Offered: June 30 - July 11

The internet is all around us, and coding for it has never been easier and more accessible, thanks to open source and free software. In this introductory course, students will learn how to code for the web using p5.js (a JavaScript Library) to create interactive and fun applications. Along with the students' own designs, we will explore the work of artists, designers and online communities who have been creating experimental works with code over the last 50 years. By the end of the course, students will have a basic to intermediate understanding of coding structure, logic and syntax in addition to a final project. No prior coding experience is necessary to take this course.