The University of Hartford Transportation and Civil Engineering Summer Camp welcomed 24 high school students for an immersive, week-long experience designed to introduce them to the many exciting fields within civil and transportation engineering this July.
Through hands-on laboratory activities, industry visits, and interactions with practicing engineers, campers gained a deeper understanding of how engineering principles are applied to solve real-world challenges and improve our communities.
The second annual camp was directed by Professor and Department Chair Clara Fang, and Assistant Professor, in Civil Engineering Song Wang with the support of three Civil Engineering undergraduate students as camp counselors: Evan B. Massaro, Angela Weese, and Emily Garcia-Riveraand; one high school student, Simon Ivanic. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and guidance helped create a welcoming and engaging environment where students could explore engineering concepts, ask questions, and experience what it is like to be part of the engineering community.
Thanks to the tremendous support from the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), campers had the unique opportunity to experience real civil engineering laboratories, the same facilities used by University of Hartford undergraduate and graduate students. These activities allowed students to move beyond the classroom and explore how engineers use experimentation, technology, and problem-solving skills to design and build the infrastructure around us.
Gaining Experience in the Laboratories
In the Transportation Engineering Laboratory, Professor Fang introduced students to advanced traffic simulation software and showed how engineers analyze traffic flow, congestion, and transportation safety. Watching vehicles move across the screen felt like a video game, but students quickly realized they were using real engineering tools.
In the Concrete Laboratory, Professor Wang guided students through concrete mixing and introduced the concrete curing facility, where engineers control conditions to ensure concrete achieves the strength and durability needed for construction.
In the High Bay Structural Laboratory, Professor Sussmann introduced students to structural engineering and material testing, demonstrating how engineers evaluate materials to design safe and reliable structures.
In the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, students prepared soil samples and learned how engineers study soil properties to design safe foundations for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Finally, in the Hydraulics and Thermal Fluids Laboratory, Professors Pines and Brown led hands-on experiments that demonstrated how engineering study and control water flow through different systems, helping students connect engineering principles with real-world applications.
Beyond the university laboratories, students also gained valuable insights through visits to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Headquarters and the Metropolitan District (MDC). At CT DOT, campers learned about transportation engineering from professionals working in highway design, traffic operations, construction, and emerging technologies. They toured the Highway Operations Center, where real-time traffic conditions are monitored, learned about drone applications in infrastructure, and saw firsthand how engineers use data and technology to improve transportation systems. The visit to MDC introduced students to the important role of civil and environmental engineers in managing water infrastructure and protecting public resources.
The camp was further enriched by engaging sessions led by transportation professionals and engineering organizations. Representatives from the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) challenged students to design transportation solutions while balancing engineering constraints, safety considerations, and budget limitations. Members of the CSCE Younger Member Group brought transportation concepts to life through interactive activities, where students role-played as vehicles navigating different intersection designs and learned about traffic operations in a fun, hands-on way. Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to meet passionate civil engineering faculty members and practicing engineers who shared their experiences, career journeys, and enthusiasm for the profession. These interactions helped campers understand that civil and transportation engineering is not only about technical knowledge. It is also about creativity, teamwork, and making a positive impact on society.
Students and family feedback highlighted the impact of the experience...
“Yes, I enjoyed this camp very much and it was very helpful in showing what a career as a civil engineer would look like. My favorite activities were ones where we as students got hands-on experience creating and exploring different aspects of engineering.” – Summer Camp Student
“I was not Really into engineering but this camp boost my interest in civil engineering for the future so I might think about it.” – Summer Camp Student
“Good experience, very organized, definitely sparked greater interest in studying civil engineering and considering a career in that field. That is remarkable !” – Summer Camp Family Member
“Overall has been a great experience for our daughter. Thank you for offering this program and for the opportunity for her to participate in such a great experience as a rising sophomore!!” – Summer Camp Family Member
“My son loved it. He said it’s an extremely well organized camp with very good content. This was his first foray into civil engineering. He might actually change his mind on what he wants to choose for his career after this camp.” – Summer Camp Family Member
The week-long experience concluded with a graduation ceremony celebrating the students’ accomplishments. Family members, faculty, and industry partners joined together to recognize the campers’ achievements and celebrate their exploration of civil and transportation engineering. For more details, visit here.
By the end of the week, students gained a broader understanding of civil engineering and the many opportunities within the profession. The camp showed them that engineering is a field where ideas, innovation, and problem-solving come together to shape the world around us.
Thanks to Funding Support
The University of Hartford Transportation and Civil Engineering Summer Camp (PI: Clara Fang, Co-PI: Song Wang) was supported through funding from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Their support made it possible to provide students with meaningful hands-on experiences, exposure to engineering professionals, and opportunities to explore future careers in civil and transportation engineering.