The ITECH-STEM Molecular Engineering Academy is supported by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston.
Molecular Engineering Academy by ITECH-STEM
PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES
The Molecular Engineering Academy is a co-curricular educational initiative designed for undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Teaching and Learning, Engineering, Computer Science, and other STEM fields at the University of Houston. The program is jointly hosted by the College of Education (COE) and the College of Engineering, in collaboration with faculty members, interdisciplinary research groups, and community partners.
The academy prepares undergraduate students to become STEM mentors and facilitators who guide high school students through an immersive summer learning experience focused on molecular science, computational modeling, and scientific inquiry.
What We Teach
The Molecular Engineering Academy introduces students to core ideas in molecular engineering, computational chemistry, and materials science through hands-on simulations and interactive exploration.
- Molecular Interactions
Students learn how molecules recognize and bind to one another by exploring how shape, charge, and chemical structure influence molecular interactions, concepts used in fields such as drug design. - Polymer Behavior
Participants investigate how polymer chains such as DNA, proteins, and plastics behave under different conditions, examining how molecular structure affects flexibility, folding, and material properties. - Molecular Motion and Diffusion
Students simulate how molecules move in liquids and biological environments, learning how size, temperature, and friction influence diffusion and molecular transport. - Hydrophobicity and Mixing
Through computational experiments, students explore why some substances mix while others separate, helping them understand hydrophobic interactions and molecular organization. - Scientific Communication
Students conclude the program by presenting a mini research project, sharing their computational experiment, data visualizations, and conclusions in a short scientific presentation.
Program Impact
The Molecular Engineering Academy strengthens pathways into computational science, chemical engineering, and molecular biology by integrating simulation-based learning, interdisciplinary STEM concepts, and peer mentorship. Undergraduate mentors gain valuable experience in teaching, leadership, and scientific communication, while high school students gain exposure to advanced STEM topics and research practices typically encountered at the university level.
Through this collaborative model, the program promotes early engagement with molecular science, computational thinking, and interdisciplinary STEM careers, preparing the next generation of researchers, engineers, educators, and innovators.
Community Partners:
- UH-STEM Center
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction (CUIN) (College of Education)
-
William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (College of Engineering)
- Teacher Education Program at College of Education
- ITECH-STEM, and CodeCougars (STEM Curriculum),
- DISTCO (Digital Storytelling Curriculum, Workshops, and Challenges)
- Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS Program (Outreach to underserved population),
- ACES Institute at COE (Reaching out to 3rd Ward students),
- Local school districts: (Recruitment)
- Faculty from Learning Design and Technology program at COE (Program Development)
- TEACH Houston (Recruitment)
