Preparing leaders for a future of complex challenges begins with inspiring young minds. To that end, the School of Engineering organized its second annual LAU Discover Engineering Summer Camp, where aspiring high-school students spent a week at the Byblos campus, gaining first-hand experience in various engineering disciplines while getting a feel of LAU’s vibrant college life.

From June 23 to July 24, the school dedicated its resources—including the drilling simulation lab, mechatronics lab, experimental fluid dynamics lab, and many more—to 200 high-school students, divided into five cohorts, from Lebanon and abroad.

The initiative aimed to instill in students a lasting interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by engaging them with real-life applications and ultimately helping them choose their ideal engineering major.

Associate Dean Caesar Abi Shdid, Principal Engineering Lab Supervisor Nicole Jureidini Wehbeh, along with a team of current engineering students and LAU faculty and staff, ensured the seamless execution of lab and entertainment activities and lectures for the participants. These sessions provided theoretical knowledge and technical skills essential for a career in engineering.

Furthermore, working in teams of four, the students participated in an engineering design competition, evaluated by faculty throughout their stay, which aimed to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

“Since I was a kid, I enjoyed building things,” said Kelly Ziadeh, a grade 11 student who also won first place with her three team members. “We worked on many interesting projects, such as concrete buildings, robot grippers and airplane wing designs.”

According to Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Engineering Caesar Abi Shdid, many students go into engineering without knowing what it involves. “Attending lectures by the faculty and getting hands-on experience in labs, such as those offered at the camp, help them make better-informed decisions,” he added.

Dr. Michel Khoury, the school’s dean, encouraged the students to challenge themselves and hoped that the experience they gained at the camp would further inspire their interest and curiosity in the field.

“I hope that what you’ve done at the School of Engineering has really sparked your interest and curiosity,” he said, addressing the participants at the closing ceremonies, “and you are walking out today with new horizons, new aspirations and insights about what each engineering field entails.”

In addition to sports activities, games and field trips, students enjoyed an informal barbeque gathering with faculty and staff, which helped them develop a stronger affinity with both the university and its community.