Design to Prototype • AutoCAD Basics • Make Useful Things

Turn ideas into objects. You’ll sketch, model, and 3D-print original designs using AutoCAD and fused-deposition (FDM) printers, the same rapid-prototyping process used in engineering labs. From toys to tools, you’ll iterate like an engineer and take home functional prints. It’s creativity with measurements and a lot of fun.

Instructor

Professor Rich Chapman, Project Lead the Way Instructor – Kirksville Area Technical School, Visiting Faculty – Truman State University

B.S. Psychology, Truman State University, M.A.E., University of Missouri, St. Louis

Plant it, pick it, plate it. You’ll learn to cultivate fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and backyard poultry, then turn harvests into meals. Try preservation methods like fermentation, drying, and canning, and visit local sustainable farms along with a guided wild-mushroom forage. You’ll leave with hands-on food skills from soil health to safe storage and a serious boost in kitchen confidence.

Instructor

Mr. Josh Kraft, Instructor in Agricultural Science,  Tuman State University

Instructor

Professor Danielle Yakle, Assistant Professor of Art, Sculpture and Fibers, Truman State University

Real Datasets • Tools of the Trade • Insight through Information

Data is everywhere – weather, sports, science, the economy, and more all depend on being able to tell stories from the data we have all around us. In this class, you’ll learn more about how data “thinks.” You’ll collect, clean, visualize, and analyze real world data using several tools like Microsoft Power BI, spreadsheets, and the R statistical coding language to spot patterns and develop insights. Our course-long projects will create interactive dashboards and presentations will highlight what you’ve learned about a student-selected topic.  No prior experience needed — curiosity is the only prerequisite.

Instructor

Dr. Tetyana Beregovska, Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Sciences, Truman State University

Ivano-Frankivsk Oil and Gas Institute, Ukraine; University of Missouri, MA in Economics; MA in Statistics, Ph.D. in Economics

Dr. Beregovska teaches both Statistics and Data Science courses to undergraduate students and Data Science courses to graduate/master’s students. Her research interests are primarily in applied econometrics with focus on spatio-temporal statistical modeling. She has done research on economic development and regional economics.

DNA to Traits • Bioethics • Real Lab Work

What makes you who you are? Start with DNA. Extract it from strawberries, modify bacterial genes, and explore your own genetic data. You’ll learn heredity basics, how genes build living things, and how tools like gene editing are changing medicine. You’ll also discuss the ethics and laws behind genetic information. Expect hands-on biotech, clear explanations, and big questions explored with care.

Instructor

Dr. Sarah Berke, Assistant Professor of Biology, Biology Department, Truman State University.

B.A., Biology and Psychology, Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill.; Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Fitness principles • Exercise planning • Nutrition basics

Move, measure, and understand your body better. You’ll participate in a variety of cardio, dance, and strength activities, complete fitness testing, and build effective training plans using the FITT principle. We’ll connect movement to nutrition, hydration, and health science while exploring how culture and history shape dance and exercise. The goal is to develop habits that lead to a lifetime of physical activity while developing mental and social well-being.

Instructor

Professor Melody Jennings, Instructor in the Health and Exercise Sciences, Truman State University

B.S., Physical Education, Truman State University; M.A., Teaching of Physical Education, Truman State University

Professor Jennings teaches several classes in Exercise Science including Curriculum & Instruction in Physical Education, Fundamental Movement and Tumbling, Rhythmic Activity and Dance, Introduction to Exercise Science, Lifetime Fitness and Conditioning, Health & Wellness Psychology and numerous dance electives depending on the semester.  Professor Jennings also sponsors Momentum Ministry, and serves on two scholarship awarding committees.  Beyond life at Truman, Professor Jennings owns and operates the Melody’s School of Dance & Tumbling in Kirksville.

Marketing and Management • Entrepreneurship • Money Smarts

See how businesses really run and practice yourself. You’ll explore management, marketing, finance, accounting, and teamwork while using real tools to plan and operate a small venture. Alongside business topics, you’ll build personal finance skills you can use right away. Think budgets, smart spending, and how to make money work for your goals.

Instructor

Professor Jim Bergman, Instructor of Business Administration, Truman State University

B.S., Business Administration, Truman State University; M.B.A., William Woods University

Collaborative skills • Confidence with Outdoor Activities• Personal and Group Challenges

Lead with your actions and your backpack. You’ll build teamwork and problem-solving skills through hiking, canoeing, fishing, archery,  golf, tennis, and inclusive group  challenges. In both classroom prep and field sessions, you’ll practice communication skills, risk awareness, and positive leadership characteristics. The outdoors is our lab, and your growth is the project.

Instructor

Dr. Julene Ensign, Truman State University Department Chair, Associate Professor of Exercise Science

M.A.E., Physical Education; B.S., in Kinesiology, University of Illinois; M.S., Therapeutic Kinesiology, University of Illinois; Ph.D., Kinesiology Pedagogy, University of Illinois

Dr. Ensign teaches courses related to Truman’s MAE in Physical Education. She holds a PhD in Kinesiology Pedagogy from the University of Illinois as well as a K-12 Physical Education Teaching License and a Personal Training Certification. Julene’s primary line of research focuses on the socialization, efficacy, and teaching performance of beginning physical educators. Outside of work, Julene enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, biking, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.

World Myths • Old Stories, New Takes • Interactive Fun

From Greek epics to Norse sagas and Mayan creation stories, myth is humanity’s earliest storytelling art. You’ll read across cultures, compare gods and heroes, and explore why these tales still shape modern films, books, and games. Expect creative activities including an “Olympic Fantasy League,” a mythology escape room, quick performances, and even a toga tutorial.

Instructor

Professor Wendy Doman, English/Spanish Teacher, Kirksville High School, former adjunct English MACC, former consultant Truman State University

B.A. English, Brigham Young University; M.A. English University of Kansas

Write • Rehearse • Perform

Make the music you love. You’ll study the history of popular styles, analyze live performances, and most importantly compose, rehearse, and perform as a class band. Prior instrument experience helps but isn’t required. The course ends with a live concert that shows how far a group can go in three weeks.

Instructor

Dr. Curran Prendergast, Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Truman State University

B.A. Music Education, Central College (IA); M.A.  in Band Conducting, University of Iowa; Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting, University of Georgia

Dr. Prendergast is the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Truman State University where he guides all aspects of the band and graduate instrumental conducting programs.  He conducts Wind Symphony I and II, directs the Statesmen Marching Band, and teaches undergraduate and graduate music education and conducting courses.

How Brains Work • Real Experiments • Model Organisms

Be a scientist of the nervous system. You’ll learn what neurons do and watch them communicate, form hypotheses, and test them using advanced classroom physiology setups. Experiments use safe methods with humans, worms, and flies, just like professional labs. You’ll get a clear lab book, steady guidance, and the excitement of discovering how brains power movement, thought, and emotion.

You only have 3 main jobs: pay attention, ask questions, and have fun!

One last note: this lab has LOTS of information that may be new to you. Don’t worry! We will go over everything in class. On day one, you’ll get a copy of a lab book with basic information about our experiments.

Instructor

Dr. Brett Berke, Assistant Professor of Biology, Truman State University.

B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Iowa; Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Yale University