Get a Jump Start on Your Science Major

Aug. 14-20, 2021 | Apply Now!

Get a sneak peak of what's to come in your first semester and get a jumpstart on success in the sciences.

• Get a glimpse of your first-semester biology, chemistry and mathematics coursework.
• Move in early
• Meet "The Bigs" and other resources and study skills you'll need to succeed.
• Get to know classmates, faculty, and even some STEM alumni.
• Learn study strategies and benefit from academic advising.

Solve "CSI Athens"

• Fun field and lab forensics experiences.
• Probe aquatic biology at nearby Strouds Run State Park.
• DNA testing with OHIO's Genomics Facility.

STEMstart

Science students are invited to come to Ohio University a week before fall classes. This science quick start program is designed to help students transition from high school into college-level biology, chemistry and math courses.

Join faculty members and get immersed in your textbook, classroom lectures, lab experiments, and field trips. Get to know peer mentors who've been there and know how to navigate that first year of math, chem and bio successfully. Tour campus resources that can help as you wade through the expectations and challenges that make college different from high school.

How to Apply

Application Deadlines: The priority application deadline is June 30, 2021.

Eligibility: All science majors, including undecided science majors, who are first-year (freshmen).

Cost and Payment Deadline: The program is a total of $1,000. The Residence Life Early Move In Fee is $125, and students will be required to purchase the Early Meal plan and have at least $50 in Bobcat Cash available. (Residence Life and food services will be billed to the student's Fall semester account.) The  STEMstart Program Fee of $790 must be paid online by July 31. The priority payment deadline is July 30. No refunds will be made after July 30.

Scholarships are available for students with need in the Appalachian Region, thanks to a generous donor.

Residence Hall: Students will move in early to their selected residence halls for the school year. 

Apply Now

Contact Us

For more information, contact us:

Corey Beck, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Chemistry

Stephanie Miller, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Biological Sciences

Program Details

STEMstart introduces incoming first-year students (freshmen) to the expectations of college-level science and math courses—and provides a road map to resources and study skills that will help students succeed as a science major.

The academic content in STEMstart is drawn from first-semester courses in biology, chemistry and math. Texts and resources will be available online.

Academic Sessions and Field Trips

• "CSI Athens"—Apply forensic chemistry and biology to solve a crime.
• Math Circles—Find out the secret math handshake, and learn how to solve fun problems
• Aquatic Biology—You'll get your feet wet on this field trip!
• Genetics at OHIO Genomics Facility
• Study skills and academic advising

Activities

• Alden Library and Baker Center resources
• Movies
• Campus Resources Hunt
• Canoeing, outdoor activities with mentors
• Lunch with "The Bigs" and other peer mentors

Faculty for STEMstart

Contact Person (for questions)

Stephanie Miller, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Biological Sciences, 740-597-2515, millers7@ohio.edu

Program Directors

Corey Beck, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Chemistry

Stephanie Miller, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Biological Sciences

Faculty Presenters

Anne Perez, Forensic Biological Sciences

Soichi Tanda, Biological Sciences

What to Bring

You'll be moving into the residence halls a week early, so bring what you'll need for your first semester at OHIO. Plus, field trips will include wading in streams and hiking at The Ridges, so bring a pair of sturdy shoes and sunscreen. For more on what to bring and moving in, visit the Residence Halls site.