By Teresa Fang, Stentorian Editor-in-Chief
HEAR YE! THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.
This is the cover story for Volume XLIV, No. 1 (August 2024) issue, the first issue of the 2024-2025 academic year and the second issue in NCSSM history to have business ads and color-printing.
Over the past 40+ years, the North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) has worked to create lasting bonds between its students, faculty, and the subjects taught at the school through a world-class STEM curriculum and robust humanities and arts program. Since its founding, NCSSM has been a one-of-a-kind institution that has served as the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe.
Zooming in on a prestigious reputation, the school is also home to one-of-a-kind memories and lifelong friendships. Especially at this time of year, summer always brings about an abundance of memories, central to the stories and sense of community NCSSM fosters for its students. Most importantly, all the resources are accessible on Blackbaud, Canvas, or a general Google search.
However, as most students find themselves particularly close to one or two departments or groups as the school year progresses, navigating the first week (or month) of NCSSM can be daunting. Icebreakers, club fairs, onslaught of applications… the list of things a student can do here is endless.
The Research Groups
Students who’ve been on a tour of NCSSM with the student ambassadors, will likely remember two things: the ambassadors’ blue jackets, and the different research groups (“RScis”).
One of the first departments established at NCSSM was Biology, located on the 3rd floor of the Bryan building (“3rd Bryan”). Accordingly, the first-ever research group was the Research in Biology group (“RBio”), led by Dr. Amy Sheck, who was initially a Biology instructor before becoming the current Dean of Science. Originally, the group was extremely exclusive, taking on 1-2 students per year. Because of its success, research groups quickly expanded across disciplines to become what we have now with six year-long research groups, each led by seasoned instructors in the fields: RBio, RChem, RPhys, RMath, RCompsci, and RHum.
Being part of a research group is fulfilling, but tough to get in, as many students apply when applications open in late September. But once in, a journey will quickly begin. Every year, the research groups send out droves of projects for competitions and conferences. In the 2024 competition season, 24 percent (15 out of 63) of the total awards at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF) were swept by NCSSM-Durham students; at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), 3 out of the 5 NCSSM students representing North Carolina won Grand Awards.
STEM Departments
While the NCSSM namesake includes “Science and Math,” the total number of STEM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Engineering) courses offered is 131. Compared to the 155 total courses in the humanities (Art, Drama, English & Social Sciences, Music, and World Languages), there is a fairly balanced STEM and Humanities program at NCSSM.
Biology courses often look like a mix between classroom instruction and lab work. Offering 20 diverse courses taught by seven instructors, the biology curriculum is quite flexible for different interests.
Chemistry offers 18 courses, all providing opportunities to get hands-on experiences while dressed in fancy lab garb. While most juniors and seniors get assigned to the AP Chemistry courses as their required chemistry credits, it’s always fun to branch out to more niche chemistry or cross-discipline subjects like organic chemistry.
Physics is one that students tend to either love or hate. While most students say that physics courses are the hardest in the whole school, it depends on a student’s interest level, the specific course taken, and the teacher. But pay attention to the curriculum: for example, the problem-solving process that the 10 instructors teach is a universal skill. Just because you ran up 9 flights of stairs to get to your classroom on time does not mean you have no energy left for physics class.
Tucked away in a cozy space (and in classrooms in the ETC and Hunt), the Engineering and Computer Science classrooms look like a mix between a Lego building garage and a lecture hall. Offering 37 total courses, some cross-disciplinary courses include Biomedical Engineering, Satellite Design, and Cryptography, this department also hosts the school’s rocketry and robotics teams including the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).
The math department also offers 37 courses, taught by 14 instructors, taking nearly the entire Watts building for classrooms. The math courses have a special block, the “O block,” as the only tutorial hours where students can work directly with the instructors. Around exam week, an influx of coloring sheets plaster the hallways and teachers pass out goodies with words of encouragement, letting students know that learning about numbers is a very human language.
If this range of classes wasn’t diverse enough, the STEM department is looking to create more classes tackling current technological advances and climate issues, according to Dr. Sheck. As students become interested in fluid dynamics and climate change, keep your eyes out for potential fluid dynamics and climate change courses in the future.
Humanities Department
Be careful not to underestimate the Humanities programs, however, as it spans 155 courses taught by 18 instructors. This year, we also have a new Dean of Humanities, Dr. Javier Pabón, filling up the position left by Dr. Elizabeth Moose, who retired last June after 31 years of service to NCSSM.
While many STEM students can compete in prestigious competitions, Humanities students also do and more, demonstrating the power of human thought, shared experiences, and creativity. They tend to make up the majority of Ivy League admits from NCSSM, as Ivies today increasingly require students to be multifaceted. It’s one thing to learn, but it’s better to learn about how to think. Besides that philosophical reason, it’s also good to provide a break for the left brain to focus on reading, making art, playing an instrument, etc.
Counseling
There are many counselors geared towards different things, such as typical high school counseling, college and career, wellness, and academic accessibility. If you need anybody to talk to or answer questions about programs and scholarships, you can count on NCSSM’s 8 counselors, along with the Dean of Counseling Ms. Lori Newnam, and Program Assistant Ms. Pam Oxendine. Don’t know who your counselor is? In the first 2 months of school, you’ll be required to meet them.
ITS and Campus Safety
Contrary to its name, the Smart Bar is not a bar nor a place to get snacks. However, it is the place to go to consult the Information Technology and Systems (ITS) team for all your tech needs. From configuring microscopes to laptops, installing a free Adobe Suite, or providing you alternative devices while your computer is getting fixed, feel free to send in a ticket for all your requests or visit the ITS Wiki for more detailed how-tos. ITS also has a campus service where students can shadow the team and hold down the fort when the staff is off campus.
One of the most friendly faces on campus is Mr. Brian Wiggs, the Director of Campus Safety. With a team of uniformed officers, a dedicated cop, and Emergency Blue Light Boxes on campus 24/7, NCSSM always keeps its eyes out to guard against potential threats, from inclement weather to renovation alerts and drills. If you do not feel safe going somewhere outside, an officer can escort you. While on campus, make sure to keep your Student ID, which has all the important phone numbers on the back, and fob with you. Off-campus, make sure you have signed out with Orah on your phone.
PFM and Library
After its completed renovation in fall 2023, the PFM (the full, unabbreviated name remains a mystery) brings a stark contrast to the dining halls of our alumni, replacing the red brick walls with white paint and modernizing the general vibe with hanging lights and sofas. During Alumni Weekend last October, alumni wandered the dining hall with awe and pointed at new furniture and their old favorite seats. The only constants through the years seem to be the clay artwork at the back of the hall and the different PFM days – Taco Tuesday, Fried Chicken Wednesday, Fish Fry Day, etc. Other than serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same times every weekday (weekend times are different), PFM also holds special events like BBQ on the Bryan Lawn, Super Bowl dinner, and Senior Breakfast.
As a given, the library is a hotspot for students to work independently or for group projects, utilizing all sorts of seating options from rocking chairs to medium-sized study rooms. While it can be loud after 4 p.m., the library is a chill space for working in between classes, or just to have a little conversation with our librarians (Mr. Sharron Johnson is everybody’s best friend).
Athletics
One good thing about participating in athletics at NCSSM is the welcoming atmosphere; if you’ve never done a sport before but have always wanted to try, now’s the time to do it with no judgment.
As a 2A school, NCSSM offers 21 varsity sports while the Intramurals program has a 95% participation rate among the student body. A member of the Super Six 1A/2A Conference, we play against East Wake Academy, Falls Lake Academy, Franklin Academy, Raleigh Charter, and Research Triangle High School. Outside of the conference, NCSSM plays against public and private schools in the Research Triangle Area. If you pay attention to the game schedules on Instagram and the GoUnis website, maybe you can watch NCSSM play against your home high school!
NCSSM Student Government and the Student Advisory Board also host a variety of fun events that are not regular sports games, such as after-check Volleyball Lock-Ins and the Watermelon Run. Individual dorms sometimes organize after-check gym events as well.
Student Life & Residential Living
While applying to NCSSM, you probably watched a few “A Day in the Life of an NCSSM Student” blogs on YouTube. Every student has their own perspectives and favorite moments at NCSSM, and we encourage you to make your own.
With 19 residence halls and a Community Coordinator (CC) and Residential Living Assistants (RLAs) in each, students are taken care of both in their life as a student and their life as a neighbor and independent adult-to-be. On the weekdays and weekends, halls may organize field trips to downtown Durham or surrounding areas for fun activities and events like the Farmer’s Market, thrifting, ice skating, sushi-eating contests with other halls, or more. On-campus activities may look like after-check Sip ‘n Paints, stargazing, presentation/movie nights, or more. Check your hall’s activities calendar for the complete list!
On a community level, various clubs and organizations will host events throughout the year, with the most popular being block parties and cultural festivals. The school tends to set up little fairs on various lawns and celebrations on Hill Street, providing free snacks and swag for students to de-stress and socialize. On a more serious note, students also attend College Fairs, Family Day, an end-of-the-year Awards Ceremony, and more.
Clubs
There are 100+ student-led clubs and organizations at NCSSM that can cover your every interest. If there isn’t one yet, chartering one is always possible. Other than the cultural organizations, here are three of the largest and most active clubs on campus:
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): With 70+ active students every year, FBLA sends a massive team to state and national competitions throughout the year, proving their skills in business and management.
Model United Nations (UN): Emphasizing public speaking, international affairs, and diplomacy, Model UN sends its 50+ members to yearlong conferences at in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities.
Science Olympiad: Almost every NCSSM kid grew up doing Science Olympiad, and NCSSM’s junior varsity and varsity teams are the best of the best. The teams of 30+ students practice/study weekly for their events and almost always compete at the national level.
Student Media
Representing NCSSM’s academic and creative advances and student community are the four following school-sponsored, student-led publications:
The Stentorian: NCSSM’s student-run news source, established in 1981. Operated by a team of 15+ students, the newspaper prints monthly, updates the online news website with articles daily, and serves the NCSSM-Durham and local community. Contributions from any and all students are welcome.
Broad Street Scientific (BSS): NCSSM’s annual student scientific research journal, written by the students and edited by the students. The BSS editorial board accepts research papers every winter, edits them during JTerm, and distributes copies to students, teachers, and donors near the end of school.
Fifth World: NCSSM’s student humanities research journal, also published annually. The namesake of this journal originates in the Hopi creation myth, where the fifth world is the final dimension out of five where peace and harmony are restored to humanity. Likewise, every year the journal is an impressive compilation of stories by students reaching into the ups and downs of humanity.
Blue Mirror: If you have pieces of art or writing that you think are beautiful and should be shared, submit them to NCSSM’s literary magazine, Blue Mirror. This publication prints semesterly and is always met with great enthusiasm at its open artist/author readings. You may laugh, cry, shout, or sing with even more emotions when you hear about the works on each page.
At NCSSM, each department tells a part of the school’s cultural story. We all contribute to our school through our individual experiences, so go make your own memories! As the sun sets and students retire to their dorms, the campus hums with the promise of another day of discovery and growth.
Leave a Reply