Over three weeks in June and July 2026, Chem Academy Program Director Mel Nguyen led another successful STEM Summit for Chem Academy at UCI.
This program brought science to life through laboratory investigations, interactive demonstrations, collaborative projects, and visits to UCI research facilities. Students strengthened their technical skills while discovering how chemistry connects with food, medicine, forensic investigation, cosmetics, human health, and Earth’s history.
Students could choose to attend sessions focusing on Pre-Medical, Chemistry of Medicine, Chemistry of Food, Forensics Science, Paleontology & Prehistory, or Cosmetic Chemistry. Pre-Med students explored anatomy and physiology, DNA, microbiology and immunology, neuroscience, and much more. Chemistry of Medicine students explored how chemistry connects to the human body, healthcare, and the development of medicines through experiments, interactive models, laboratory investigations, medical-skills activities, and team projects. Chemistry of Food students investigated the chemistry of food; from acids, bases, and food dyes to fermentation, oxidation, water behavior, and phase changes. Forensic Science students applied DNA analysis, fingerprinting, chromatography, spectroscopy, and chemical identification to mock investigations. Paleontology and Prehistory students visited the Keck research facility to learn about paleontology and paleoclimate research. Cosmetic Chemistry students explored pH, raw materials, product safety, emulsions, surfactants, UV protection, and formulation. Multiple sessions also toured the UCI Mass Spectrometry and the X-Ray Chrystalloghaphy research facilities.
Students who attend Chem Academy develop laboratory skills, scientific reasoning, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. Most importantly, they learn that science is not simply a collection of facts, it is an exciting way to ask questions, test ideas, and understand our world.
You can learn more about Chem Academy at the UCI Chemistry Academy website or through their Instagram page @ucichemacademy.
