Community-Based Innovation

Through hands-on opportunities, K-12 students learn basic engineering skills and then use them to identify problems and design solutions.

Duke’s state-of-the-science nanotech lab invites K-12 teachers and students to see an electron microscope in action or suit up for a visit to the cleanroom.

Engineering students improve accessibility for physically challenged children by fixing and modifying toys.

K-12 and community college teachers spend five summer weeks working in microbiome science and engineering labs and developing lesson plans

A three-week summer program for high school students to establish a tech talent pipeline in North Carolina’s Triangle region.

Partnership with Durham Success Summit teaching innovation skills as part of a 12-week mentorship experience for young Black men.

Candidates for PhDs in engineering receive tuition and stipends to support internships with public policy or nonprofit organizations.

Assembles teams from across engineering, business and medicine at Duke to create solutions to unmet needs in health care.

Taught by a biomedical engineer recognized by Duke for service-learning innovation. Students create custom assistive devices for individuals.

A seven-week summer experience for Durham Public Schools juniors and seniors interested in engineering and science.

A live-in laboratory and community demonstration project of energy efficiency and sustainable technology.

Students study culture and ethics before completing a hands-on engineering project.

Connecting volunteers with public schools in Durham, NC. Founded by engineering PhD student Anish Simhal.

Partnering with communities to engineer solutions that improve living standards.

Using 3D printing technology, students create adaptive devices for amputees.

Student leaders organize service opportunities with community partners.

Students address human needs through a summer of service in the U.S. and abroad.

A student-led conference that develops actionable ideas to address critical environmental challenges.

An annual event demonstrating STEM career possibilities through a day of hands-on fun for more than 140 middle schoolers and high schoolers.

Creating solutions to address challenges in women’s health, and inspire the next generation of health leaders.

An annual 24-hour coding sprint focused on solutions to societal challenges.

FEMMES is student-led, with a mission to engage young girls in STEM fields through hands-on activities and mentorship.

Duke is home to two efforts funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aiming to improve the health of billions.

Provided to educators free of charge through Duke’s membership in the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network.

Detecting contaminants in drinking water, with partners UNC-Chapel Hill and state government.

Through laser-light shows and digital photography experiences, the Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics and Duke’s Optical Student Club spark wonder and curiosity in students and the public.

Promoting inclusion in STEM, with partner tech firms, NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and Campbell University.

Students design solutions for needs expressed by community organizations working in education, health care, the environment, and more.