Melvindale student embraces challenges of chemistry at BASF summer science program – Southgate News Herald

Learning doesnt have to take a vacation during the summer, as Allison Filipowski discovered after attending the seventh annual BASF Science Academy.

The Melvindale High School student jump-started her college experience and learned the business of chemistry at the companys two-week advanced level science program.

Filipowski was among 20 high school seniors who earned the opportunity to participate in the program designed to prepare students for a career in science, technology, engineering or math.

The summer science program, developed by BASF Corp., is held at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J. Working in teams, students use BASF chemistry to formulate their own personal care products and develop a go-to-market plan and strategy.

At the end of the program, students present their product to a panel of BASF executives and FDU academic leaders.

Providing students access to high-quality learning opportunities in STEM is a priority, said Greg Pflum, vice president and general manager for BASFs Midwest Hub in Wyandotte. This two-week academy continues to play an important role in the students enduring appreciation of science and will serve as an inspiration to pursue higher education and a career in STEM.

Following the curriculum theme, From Molecules to Marketplace, students gained invaluable hands-on experience in college chemistry labs, while developing a marketing strategy to link their product to the consumer.

Students also experienced chemistry in action by visiting the BASF Research and Development labs in Tarrytown, N.Y., and by meeting with cosmetic chemists and subject matter experts. Through exposure to real world chemistry, students observed how the fundamental building blocks of many everyday products are comprised.

Science Academy is a wonderful learning experience where you meet new people, gain new skills, and get an idea of what you want to do in the future, Filipowski said.

Students graduate from the program with three transferable college science credits to encourage their pursuit in a STEM field. In addition, FDU offers Science Academy alumni $5,000 scholarships if they elect to attend FDU in the fall of 2018.

Of the 140 students who have participated in the program to date, several Science Academy alumni have returned to BASF through the summer hire internship program and the Professional Development Program.

Last year, Science Academy class of 2011 alumnus Kevin Chao joined BASF as a full-time PDP employee in Beaumont, Texas. This fall, Michelle West, a 2013 Science Academy graduate will begin a full-time PDP role at the BASF site in Geismar, La.

Other successful alumni are attending universities and pursuing degrees in math, chemistry, engineering, biology, medicine, psychology, education and business, to name a few.

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Melvindale student embraces challenges of chemistry at BASF summer science program - Southgate News Herald