Submitted News
Eros Dunkin, a North Adams High School sophomore, was recently chosen to represent Ohio as one of only 18 students from a 13-state region for the 2026 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Appalachian STEM Academy Bridge Program, held at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
The ARC collaborated with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to present a two-week, hands-on science academy focusing on math, science, and technology for middle school students from July 11 to July 24, 2026. This fully funded, hands-on learning experience was for students who previously completed the Middle School Academy but are not yet old enough to apply for the Appalachian STEM Academy High School Program. The Bridge program is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills the participants gained in the Middle School Academy.
The ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a unique opportunity for high-performing students in small collaborative teams with master teachers, researchers, and other professionals to conduct guided group STEM research projects. The small team approach provides experience in collaboratively tackling a real-world issue and proposes a solution to the issue through a hands-on, inquiry-based approach. The program culminates in a final group presentation where participants showcase their work.
During the academy, Eros and his research team were trained on how to the use tools of materials science: the science that is driving aerospace engineering toward developing advanced alloys and composites for surviving extreme stress, high temperatures, and corrosive environments. The scientific breakthroughs made in materials science allow aircraft and spacecraft to be lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient. Eros said, “The experience at the academy of working to develop new alloys may be useful in future assignments as an aerospace engineer: a career I am strongly considering.”