On a bright spring morning, the Towson University Science Complex came alive with the energy of middle school students from Loch Raven Technical Academy. Their destination? A full-day STEM experience designed to open their eyes to college life and future careers in science and technology.
Hosted by the Robotics Club, the event offered hands-on activities, science demos and —maybe best of all — authentic connections with college student mentors. From talking telescopes to touring greenhouses, the day was packed with discovery, laughs and a whole lot of inspiration.
A big idea brought to life
This exciting event was the brainchild of Felistus Karanja, a computer science major at and someone who’s passionate about STEM education and outreach. As president of the Robotics Club, Felistus wanted to create a fun, welcoming space for younger students to explore science and see college through fresh eyes. With support from Dr. Mary Stapleton of the TU Center for STEM Excellence, she made it happen — coordinating activities, mentors and an agenda designed to both inform and inspire. Her calm energy and strong leadership helped create a positive experience for everyone involved. She didn’t do it alone. Shay Adedo, another member of the Robotics club, was a major force behind the scenes. Shay helped organize the schedule, support the mentors and make sure everything ran smoothly. Her presence helped make the day feel welcoming and student-led from start to finish.
Getting started: Meet the mentors
The day kicked off as TU student mentors greeted the Loch Raven students as they stepped off the bus. After a quick welcome in the atrium of the Science Complex (including some friendly reminders about being respectful in scientific spaces like the greenhouse and planetarium), students were divided into small, color-coded groups. Each group was paired with a Robotics Club mentor who would guide them through the day.
These “near-peer” mentors weren’t just tour guides, they were real college students, eager to chat and share their stories. The best part? Middle schoolers quickly warmed up, asking questions about everything from favorite classes and cartoon characters to choosing a college major. Those casual, friendly conversations helped Loch Raven students see college as something not just possible, but relatable.
Special shoutouts go to Ji An Zheng, Astronomy Club president, who not only ran the stunning planetarium session but also served as a mentor for one of the student groups, and to Robotics Club members Joshua Sekyere Cobblah Jr., Jenisha Paudel, Adesina “Sina” Adelua and Queen Otuya. These incredible mentors guided their small groups with patience, enthusiasm and a great sense of humor. They made sure every student felt included, curious and supported throughout the day.
Science up close: Biology, greenhouses and telescopes
The first stop of the tour was the biological collections, where Dr. Hearn welcomed the students with enthusiasm. His deep knowledge and fun, approachable style made science come alive. Whether he was explaining the purpose of preserved specimens or answering questions about local ecosystems, Dr. Hearn made a lasting impression.
From there, students rotated through the greenhouse, a unique space high above campus that’s usually off-limits to visitors. Guided again by Dr. Hearn, each small group had the chance to walk through the living plant collection and learn about climate, research and plant science in a way that was hands-on and accessible.
Then it was time to explore the skies — first with a visit to the telescope room, followed by a stunning show in the planetarium led by Ji An Zheng. The telescope demo introduced students to how astronomers use instruments to study the stars, and the planetarium show offered a relaxing, awe-inspiring look at the cosmos. The students were wide-eyed and full of questions afterward.
Lunch like a college student
After all that exploring, everyone was ready for a break, and lunch at Glen Dining Hall turned out to be a surprise highlight of the day. Students got a true taste of campus life, choosing their food, sitting in a reserved dining area and continuing conversations with their mentors. For many Loch Raven students, it was their first time in a college dining hall, and it gave them a clear, fun picture of what college life could look like.
Thanks to BTU—Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore, transportation and lunch were fully covered. BTU’s support made it possible for every student to attend and enjoy the full experience without any cost to families or schools. That kind of support makes a real difference in expanding access to college exposure and STEM opportunities.
Big thanks to Ms. Kruetzer
Of course, none of this would have happened without the incredible dedication of Ms. Elizabeth Kruetzer, the Loch Raven teacher who brought her students to campus. This year has been especially demanding for teachers, but Ms. Kruetzer made it a priority to give her students this opportunity. She understood how important it is for middle schoolers to visit a college campus and connect with real college students — and her efforts paid off.
Final thoughts
By the time students gathered back at the Science Complex to catch their ride home, the buzz of excitement hadn’t worn off. Some were already asking if they could come back next year. Others were swapping stories with their mentors. A few were talking about what it might be like to major in science someday.
Thanks to the BTU, the Robotics Club, Felistus Karanja and Ms. Kruetzer, this wasn’t just a campus visit. It was an experience that made STEM feel personal, possible and, most importantly, fun.
We can’t wait to welcome the next group of future scientists, engineers and explorers. Maybe one day they’ll return as mentors themselves.
Felistus Karanja, TU undergraduate, helped with creating this post.
