Mid-GLAM Camp
Middle School Generation Learning About Materials Science (Mid-GLAM) Camp
Materials are all around us. At Mid-GLAM, 7th through 9th graders will have the opportunity to think like a materials scientist by investigating how materials are put together, how they can be used and how they can be changed or improved. Campers will by exploring the heart of materials, like plastic or metals, that make up the everyday objects around us — from the clothes we wear to the batteries that power our phones. Participants will walk away with a basis of STEM knowledge and a great deal of fun.
Explore Mid-GLAM
Check out all our 2025 Mid-GLAM campers were able to explore during their week-long session learning all about materials science and engineering.
Mid-GLAM (Middle-School Generation Learning About Materials) Camp
For rising 7th – 9th graders
2025 camp runs June 16-20 (No camp June 19)
All camp applications are submitted through Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Program. No special background is required to participate — only curious minds ready for fun.
At Mid-GLAM Camp, you will:
- Explore the materials that run our society
- Learn how to make every day materials
- Understand how materials function and how we can predict the ways they will evolve in the future
- Investigate how materials are made stronger, cleaner, smarter, and more colorful or lighter
“I think the best things about Mid-GLAM are the cool projects, learning about cool science things that relate to this science, the food, and being able to spend time with my friends.” — MatSE Camper
Camp Coordinators
Cecilia Leal
Cecilia Leal, a MatSE associate professor, grew up in Portugal in a rural town, but her appreciation for learning and science brought her to Sweden, Norway and the U.S. to pursue an academic career. Having joined MatSE in 2012, she maintains an interest in materials for medicine as well as materials inspired by nature. Leal is passionate about fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community. She likes to spend time with her two kids and husband, hang out with friends, and ride her bike to work.
Antonia Statt
Antonia Statt, a MatSE assistant professor, hails from Germany. Her academic career brought her to many places in Europe and eventually to the U.S., where she joined the U of I in 2019. Statt’s research is completely computational, focusing on the fundamental understanding of soft and squishy materials with applications for energy and medicine. She is passionate about making science and the scientific community accessible and welcoming for everyone. In her free time, she enjoys being with her partner, cat and dog. She also enjoys painting, block-printing and working with stained glass.
Hua Wang
Hua Wang, a MatSE assistant professor, grew up in China, where he completed his bachelor’s in polymer science and engineering. Afterwards he moved to the U.S. for graduate studies, joining the U of I faculty in August 2020. He has a chemistry and materials training, but his research has shifted to biology over the years. His lab focuses on bio materials, cell engineering and immunotherapy. Within and beyond the research community, he is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and collaborative environment. In his leisure time, Wang likes photography, watching sports and hiking.
Marie Charpagne
Marie Charpagne, a MatSE assistant professor, grew up in France where she was a first-generation student and moved to the U.S. after completing her graduate studies. At UIUC, she specializes in designing and 3D-printing metallic alloys that are strong, resilient, and sustainable. Aside of science, Marie enjoys creative activities such as watercolor painting, playing piano, and growing flowers and vegetables together in eclectic gardens.
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