CREST, under the leadership of CUNY CREST High School Initiative in Remote Sensing of the Earth Systems Engineering and Sciences (HIRES) Director, Dr. Shakila Merchant successfully completed the 2024 Bridge to College (B2C) on January 10, 2024. The B2C initiative began in 2015-2016 to engage, inspire, and motivate a cohort of middle school (8th graders) students attending the City College Academy of the Arts – an Early College School (6-14 program), in NOAA mission-driven Science Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focused hands-on activities. This year, B2C kicked off on October 18, 2024 and six students participated in this 7-week long seminar style learning that focuses on ‘Earth Observation and Surveillance.’

Students participated in sessions including: 

  • Remote Sensing and Weather Stations by CREST Research Scientist and Director of CREST Education & Training Pillar and CCNY Professor, Dr. Tarendra Lakhankar – learnt  how satellites function, emphasizing image capture technology and its applications in weather forecasting and environmental monitoring, examined  the role of weather stations in gathering essential data, such as rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture levels, and participated in hands-on activities to measure surface temperature across various materials and environments.
  • CCNY Planetarium Tour by Dr. James Hedberg – learnt about various activities at the planetarium, astronomy, satellites, and space. Students also gained the opportunity to ask questions. 
  • How to Make a STEM Vision Board by CREST Graduate Students, Ana M. Mejia Manrique, Ali Haider, and Shima Kamali  – learnt the importance of vision boards and created one based on self goals, personal & professional interests, and aspirations.  
  • Classification Using Satellite Data by CREST Research Scientist, Dr. Brian Vant Hull – learnt the basics of remote sensing, explored how satellite data is used to monitor deforestation and growth of urban areas, devised mathematical rules to classify regions by their spectral signature, and tested on a mystery image.

During the concluding session on January 10, 2025, B2C students from various CCNY programs presented their work. Topics of presentation included theatre, mixed media, dance, dominican studies. Students showcased keen engagement during the program. 

Commenting on the importance of programs such as B2C, Dr. Merchant said, “Bridge to College instills an early career in STEM passion among 8th graders who might consider STEM-focused High School And college careers. For the  last 10 years B2C has served as an inspirational and immersive opportunity for students in STEM fields.”