Tiffin University
Light the Fire STEM Institute
August 9–19, 2025 | Earn 3 College Credits | $375 Registration Fee
A 10-Day STEM Experience for Incoming TU Students
Jumpstart Your STEM Journey
Are you planning to major in science, tech, math, or a related field? The Light the Fire STEM Institute is your chance to dive into STEM before the fall semester begins.
You’ll work with TU professors in Chemistry, Math, Biology, and Computer Science, get hands-on with lab work and field experiences, and earn 3 college credits—all while building confidence and connections that will carry you into your first year.
- When: August 9 – 19, 2025
- Credits: 3 (Special Topics: STH190)
- Cost: $375 non-refundable registration fee (course tuition covered in fall billing)
- Who Can Join: All incoming TU students starting Fall 2025
- Housing: Included (Residence Hall TBD)
- Capacity: Maximum of 40 students
- Deadline to Register: July 31, 2025
Ready to Light the Fire?
Spots are limited to 40 students, and they’ll go fast. Deadline to register: July 31, 2025
What You’ll Do
- Chemistry – Explore chemical reactions through interactive lab experiments
- Math – Strengthen your skills in algebra, stats, and precalculus
- Biology – Investigate living systems with lab tools and observation techniques
- Computer Science – Learn the basics of coding, problem-solving, and logical thinking
- Get out in the field with real-world STEM applications
- Learn how to navigate digital tools and online learning environments used in your courses
- Build study habits and time management strategies that actually work
A Look at the Week
- Weekdays: Daily STEM labs, interactive workshops, small group activities
- Weekends: Social events and community-building with other incoming students
What You’ll Get
- 3 academic credits (applied to your fall course schedule)
- A strong head start in your STEM major
- Hands-on experience with labs, tech, and college tools
- Connections with faculty, classmates, and future mentors
- More confidence going into your first semester
Why It Matters
This program isn’t just about early credits—it’s about setting you up for long-term success. We’ll track how students in the program perform and grow, from grades and retention to overall confidence in STEM.
You’ll also have a chance to reflect on your experience through surveys and discussions that help shape the future of the program.
To Participate, You Must:
- Submit your FAFSA
- Be cleared for Fall 2025 enrollment
- Pay the $375 registration fee at the time of sign-up
Spots are limited to 40 students, and they’ll go fast. Deadline to register: July 31, 2025
Contact Us – We’re Here to Help!
Dr. Dana Emmert, PhD
School of Science, Technology and Health
Degrees & Certificates
B.S. in Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University
Ph.D in Chemistry, Purdue University
Dr. Emmert is a biochemist who loves teaching undergraduate science majors. She obtained her BS degree in Molecular Genetics from the Ohio State University in 2002 and her PhD degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Membrane Biology from Purdue University in 2011. Dr. Emmert then carried out postdoctoral research in the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute’s Department of Biomedical Engineering before entering the world of undergraduate education. She began her teaching career in 2013, first teaching at Warren Wilson College (Asheville, NC), then at the University of Findlay (Findlay, OH), before settling at Tiffin University in 2024. Dr. Emmert’s research focuses on STEM education and natural products research.
Dr. Joanna Beres, Ph.D
School of Science, Technology and Health
Degrees & Certificates
B.S. in Chemistry, Walsh University
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Akron University
Dr. Beres has a passion for teaching chemistry. She obtained her B.S. in Chemistry from Walsh University in 2006 and her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Akron in 2011. She has worked for the City of Canton as a Chemist at the Water Reclamation Facility. Dr. Beres began her teaching career at the University of Toledo as a Visiting Assistant Professor in chemistry. Then moved to teaching at the University of Findlay as an Instructor for 6 years. There her teaching was for General Chemistry I and II lecture and lab and Inorganic Chemistry with a focus on student success and retention. Dr. Beres started at Tiffin University in the fall 2023 and hopes to continue to pursue her passion for Chemical Education Research at Tiffin University as well as Undergraduate research.
Registration Information
Amenities
Students will be staying in a single room. Paper towels and toilet paper will be provided. Meals will be provided to the students in the Cole Dining Hall.
What to Bring
Students will need to bring all personal hygiene items, towels, pillow and bedding for an XL twin bed.
