NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s School of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) hosted more than 450 high school students from around the state for Fall STEM Day Friday, Sept. 27.  Students toured labs, participated in hands-on games and experiments and spoke with NSU students and faculty about degree programs, career paths, scholarships and college life.  Information on NSU’s School of STEM is available at https://www.nsula.edu/stem/.

Pictured:  Daygen Johnson of Natchitoches Central High School, left, piloted a drone through an obstacle course with guidance from RSST instructor Travis Mitchell during NSU STEM Day Sept. 27.  Mitchell discussed the use of drones in science research and NSU’s certificate program in Remote Systems Science and Technology (RSST) that provides students with a foundation in aerial, terrestrial and underwater remote systems applications.

Corgan Stampley from Southwood High School braved an encounter with a Chaco Golden Knee tarantula during STEM Day at Northwestern State University. Stampley and classmates visited natural science labs to interact with arachnids, insects and reptiles while JD Cox, right, instructor in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences, discussed their importance in the environment.

Professor of Chemistry Dr. Chad Thibodeaux, right, discussed how drug tests are performed with Fairview High School students Kadie Mahaffey, Hadlee McCallon and Andee Stanley during STEM Day at NSU. High school students from around the state rotated through workshops to learn about fields of study and career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.