Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Images of student interacting in classroom settings at Elgin Community College.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields emphasize innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. STEM fields are considered key areas of job growth and development.

Accomplishments

At ECC, students participate in scientific discovery and innovation through the Illinois Skyway Competition. In 2024, five of Professor Chattopadhyay’s dedicated research students! They clinched the 2nd prize in chemistry at Morton College for their research focused on the "Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Anti-bacterial Activities," showcasing innovation and excellence in the field of chemistry.

STEM Courses

Elgin Community College’s STEM programs equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue their bachelor’s degree or graduate with an in-demand career.

A female student uses an infrared thermal scanner on another female student seated in a classroom.

Applied Physical Sciences

Learn the fundamental and holistic views of physics, chemistry, geology, physical geography, and earth science topics related to everyday life and current events.

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Astronomy

Astronomers explore the origin and nature of the universe, its galaxies, stars, planets, and other matter that it contains.

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A male student at a lab table is examining the human anatomy skeleton model.

Biology

Biologists are responsible for cutting-edge academic and industrial research in medicine and genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and ecological studies as a career field.

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A female student, wearing safety glasses, is mixing chemicals in a glass flask bottle in the classroom.

Chemistry

Study chemistry's fundamentals and practical aspects in various career fields, including chemical technicians, quality control analysts, food scientists, health and safety engineers, and more.

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A male student is seated at a computer working on a CAD design.

Engineering

Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to practical and technical problems that benefit society.

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A male student is seated at a classroom table, examining various materials and taking notes.

Geology

Geology is the study of the earth, including the nature and physical properties of the earth's composition.

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Mathematics

At Elgin Community College, you'll gain a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, critical thinking, and technological fluency.

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A female instructor engages with two male students as they examine electrical components at a classroom table.

Physics

Physics seeks to improve our understanding of the fundamental forces in the universe, matter, and energy, and natural phenomena ranging from the substructure of atomic nuclei to clusters of galaxies.

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ECC in the News

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science

Faculty Profile

Published 11/16/2023

Take Five with…Zo Kreager

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science, joined Elgin Community College this past year. Born and raised in Nebraska, Kreager first came to Illinois to pursue her PhD at Northern Illinois University.

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Erin Kerwood, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry

Faculty Profile

Published 09/29/2023

Take Five with…Erin Kerwood

Erin Kerwood, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry, bonded with ECC instantly. “I love it here and have met so many awesome people!” Starting as an adjunct professor in the fall of 2021, Kernwood made her way to full-time in the spring.

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Catherine Moushon, professor of mathematics

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 12/08/2022

ECC’s Catherine Moushon receives ICTM Award

Elgin Community College’s Catherine Moushon, MA, professor of mathematics, was honored with the Max Beberman Mathematics Educators Award this past October from the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM). This award honors one outstanding person each year who has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics education through research, curriculum design, or teacher training.

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Academics | Events

Published 02/05/2021

ECC presents Math and Science STEM Speaker Series

Elgin Community College Health Professions, Math, Science, and Engineering hosted STEM to encourage students to consider coursework and career in these fields.

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Accomplishment

Published 11/07/2019

Twin brothers selected for NASA aerospace education programs

Brothers Michael and Jackson Wozniak of Carpentersville have a lot of things in common. They both attend Elgin Community College, they both serve as officers in Phi Theta Kappa, and they were both selected to take part in NASA educational programs as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars, or NCAS, experience.

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Faculty Profile

Published 03/08/2019

From student to faculty: McHugh-Kurtz knows ECC from all angles

Virginia (Ginger) McHugh-Kurtz’s first experience at Elgin Community College was as a student. When she decided to work at the college, her first experience took a familiar turn.

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Accomplishment

Published 11/06/2018

ECC student visits NASA through Community College Aerospace Scholars program

Elgin Community College student Nathan Depcik was one of 319 community college students nationwide to move closer to a career in science and engineering as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program (NCAS).

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Accomplishment

Published 07/10/2018

ECC student returns to NASA for Community College Aerospace Scholars project

Elgin Community College student Angela M. Andrada returned to the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program (NCAS) as a student assistant during the program’s onsite training at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC) outside of Washington D.C. The program was held for four days during June, where Andrada led various activities, guided the next team of aerospace scholars in their rover competition and handled program logistics.

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Student and Community Engagement

ECC offers clubs, events, and resources in various technical fields for every area of interest.

STEM Resources

Contact

STEM Programs

Building F, Room F228
847-214-7297
stemprograms@elgin.edu