SPARK Summer Camp

Men outnumber women in STEM 3:1. This Carthage camp wants to change that. KENOSHA — Right now, 56% of America’s college students are female, according to the U.S. Department of Education. But when it comes to the science and engineering workforce, men outnumber

'Mind control,' rocket making among classes for girls at STEM seminar Katherine Janes was a little nervous at the prospect of being hooked up to a machine with stimulating electrodes that could enable someone else to control her actions.

Hi, my name is Joy and I am a Biology major and Secondary Education minor here at Carthage. I have always had a passion for science, and learning how things work, which is why I am so excited to get to work with all the amazing campers and counselors this summer with SPARK! My favorite Biology topic is anything having to do with the senses and nutrition; ask me about the science of food sometime! I am the founder and captain of the Carthage Equestrian Club here on campus and have been involved with the dance shows as well.

SPARK Summer Camp is only 3 short weeks away! Luckily, there is still time to get your young scientist registered for camp! SPARK Summer Camp is a FREE science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) camp for girls entering the 8th or 9th grade. Campers will spend 3-days and 2-nights at Carthage College exploring all that STEM has to offer! For more information and to get your registration materials, please send us a message or email us at [email protected]. The sooner, the better as spots are filling fast!

Meet SPARK counselor, Rachel!

Hello, my name is Rachel and I am a junior biology major at Carthage College interested in veterinary medicine. At Carthage, I am a biology tutor and participate in research studying the bioacoustics of white-handed gibbons. Outside of the classroom, I participate in track and field and am a CCIW Academic All-Conference recipient. Currently, I work as a veterinary technician and treat everything from cats and dogs to red eared sliders! My future plans involve applying to veterinary school.

Meet SPARK counselor, Sonja!

Hi! My name is Sonja Katt. I am currently a sophomore at Carthage College and am a Chemistry and Studio Art double major. My future goals are to help people in need through medicine. I also love sharing my passion for science and art with others. This summer I will be doing research in Chemistry as part of the SURE program at Carthage College. During my time spent outside of the classroom, I compete on the Lady Reds Track and Field team, draw, enjoy spending time outdoors.

Meet SPARK counselor, Kate!

Hello! My name is Katherine Janes and I am a Junior at Carthage College. I am studying Environmental Science with a focus in policy and a minor in political science. I am a member of the Lady Red's cross country and track & field teams as well as an active member of Tau Sigma Chi. I became interested in environmental science because I want to change the way that climate change is viewed in America and I want to educate more people on the issues that surround water. I was originally a Chemistry major, so I was able to learn about the chemistry that goes into climate change and many other processes that occur in the environments around us. I was inspired by the environment and felt that I needed to get more involved to actively make a change. I am so excited to be a counselor this summer and I cannot wait for what's to come!

Meet SPARK counselor, Gladys!

Hello, my name is Gladys Montoya. I am currently a senior studying Mathematics as well as student teaching at Harborside Academy. I enjoy being able to collaborate with others in being able to bring ideas to life. I am very open minded and love looking at things and ideas through different perspectives. I want to be able to work with the Zion community in Illinois, which is where I was raised. I want to be able to go back and help students achieve their dreams, in the same way that my teachers did for me; I want to be able to aid students during different transition periods.

Meet SPARK counselor, Jocelyne!

Hi! My name is Jocelyne Sanchez and I am a senior at Carthage College. I am a part of the nursing program and hope to be a pediatric nurse once completing my studies. I have been a patient care technician for 3 years and have worked in many healthcare fields including pediatrics, medical/surgery, labor and delivery, intensive care, and public health. At Carthage I work as a nursing tutor to help my peers succeed in their goals. I wanted to be a part of SPARK so that I can teach young girls about all the opportunities that are available in nursing. I want to be the role model I wish I had when choosing my path.

Meet SPARK counselor, Sophia!

My name is Sophia Tajnai and I am a computer science major with a triple minor in physics, math and music. I enjoy exploring the different ways science can be incorporated into different areas of life! I have been able to build two high powered rockets with a team, 3D print many different projects for fun and for school, and I will be involved in building a 3D imaging microscope this summer for the biology students researching the eye regeneration capabilities of zebra fish. I also enjoy music and playing violin with the Carthage Philharmonic, who just recently toured Europe.

Meet SPARK counselor, Shanna!

My name is Shanna Monestime and I am a Neuroscience major and Political Science minor at Carthage College with a Pre-Health concentration. I work as a Pharmacy technician outside of school and I’m really passionate about international medicine. I wanted to get involved in SPARK Summer Camp because I love to see women enjoying and prospering in the sciences. I also want to help encourage the creation of a lot more female scientist like Katie Bouman, a computer scientist that helped bring us the first picture of a black hole.

Let's get to know our SPARK counselors! Meet Hannah!

Hello! My name is Hannah Skendziel and I am the founder of SPARK Summer Camp. I am a senior at Carthage College graduating with a degree in Biology. At Carthage, I participate in human neurophysiology research where my team and I study how people with different personalities react to physiologic stress. While presenting my research, I learned about STEM camps that aim to get more girls participating in STEM. I knew that I wanted to help inspire girls to get involved with STEM, so I started SPARK Summer Camp. My mission is to not only show girls how exciting STEM can be, but to help show them the STEM opportunities available right here in Kenosha and Racine, all while preparing them to be leaders and innovators. As someone who grew up in Kenosha, I want to give back to my community through spreading my passion for science!