Local students get preview of STEM programs at AU

Nov. 1—ANDERSON — Students from three area high schools took part in a STEM program Friday at Anderson University.

Students from Anderson, Frankton and Daleville high schools attended work sessions on mathematics, engineering, cybersecurity, biology and chemistry.

The STEM program exposes students to concepts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Matthew Burch, teaching the cybersecurity segment, led a discussion focused on materials that need to be protected, why that protection is necessary, and the ethics connected with it.

"Primarily the ethics relating to the increase in criminal activity," he said. "We have to learn how criminals work and what their motivations are."

Burch said material in the program is applicable to a wide range of security concerns — from the theft of a paycheck to election security.

"Everything is connected to cybersecurity," he said.

Burch said the intent is to spark curiosity and help students consider potential career paths in computer security.

Rick Ziuchkovski, a teacher at Anderson High School, said 30 students from the school took part in the day's activities.

"Every one of these students are enrolled in the STEM program," he said of the juniors and seniors participating.

He said he encourages students to consider AU because of its strong relationship with the local public school system.

"We've been doing this for 10 or 12 years," Ziuchkovski said. "We have so much talent that goes unused in Anderson."

He said Anderson has a background in engineering, and the hope is that the students will stay in Indiana in the future.

"This is a great program," Ziuchkovski said. "We have students that compete in several areas at the national level."

Miranda Rangel, a junior at Anderson High School, is planning to be involved in the STEM program.

"I would like to get involved in computer science," she said. "This is all so interesting."

Rangel said she would consider a career in the area of cybersecurity.