GEAR UP 7th Graders Explore NUANCE

On April 28, NUANCE welcomed a group of 7th-grade students from the GEAR UP program, along with their parents and program staff, for a hands-on look at what research in science and engineering really looks like. In total, 48 visitors joined the tour, including 20 students, 20 parents, and 8 staff members.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a national initiative focused on helping students and families prepare for college and career pathways. The program works to build awareness of higher education opportunities while supporting students throughout their academic journey.

During their visit, the group toured NUANCE facilities, including a stop in the NUFAB nanofabrication cleanroom, where they learned how researchers build and study devices at the nanoscale. 

Another highlight was a scanning electron microscope (SEM) demo led by Tirzah Abbott. Students were able to see incredibly detailed images and got a closer look at how scientists explore structures far too small to see with the naked eye.

Experiences like this are a key part of NUANCE’s outreach efforts, helping students connect classroom concepts to real applications. For many of these 7th-graders, it was an early glimpse into what a future in STEM could look like.