Twelve local youth participated in the inaugural “Mission: Innovation Core, Rising Above Ordinary” science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) camp at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville July 20-23.
Campers spent their morning hours working on projects in engineering, math, physical sciences, biological sciences and Earth sciences. Their afternoons were invested in applying their new-found science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills while creating works of art.
“Science and art are probably my favorites, along with engineering,” said ATU STEAM camp participant Myles Riley of Russellville, who will be an eighth grader during the 2026-27 academic year. “This camp engaged my brain a lot. I loved building the robot, especially with the recycled materials. It was very fun. Our faculty members made it very interesting. It was a worthwhile experience.”
Riley was joined by fellow campers Parker Bauer, Greyson Cloughessy, Logan Cloughessy, Baker Duke, Corbin Green, Hayze Grisby, Jamie Keller, James Lindsey, Xander Reed, Jeffrey Simpson and Luke White.
Camp instructors included Anna Grace Calavitta, Casey Dean, Amanda Dunn, Dr. Matthew Hankins, Dr. Amber Harrington, Dr. Newton Hilliard, Jacob Weidenfeller and Gavin Wilson.
The ATU STEAM camp was organized by Piper Orio-Dettling, ATU College of STEM student success coordinator.
“I think it turned out every bit how we thought and hoped it would,” said Orio-Dettling. “There was a little bit of chaos, a lot of excitement and a lot of discovery going on. I wanted students to come in as curious as possible and come in with the belief that any idea is a good idea. There are no bad ideas. Let’s launch at full speed. Take this as you want, use it as a guideline and run with it. That’s exactly what happened.
“Curiosity is their super power,” continued Orio-Dettling. “When they go back to the classroom, I hope they arrive fearless and know that there is always something they won’t know. There’s always something to be uncovered, and that’s really exciting. This is the most brilliant group, so I’m not worried about them at all. I’m grateful we had the privilege of hosting this camp.”
Now that it is complete, the ATU STEAM camp has Riley thinking about his long-term educational aspirations.
“I really like Arkansas Tech,” said Riley. “I would love to go to college here. I think the Tech campus is great. There’s just something about it. It is very relaxed. I love the trees and the flowers. Everything is great here.”
