HPGA Compass Camp
July 8 - July 9
Explore how drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and field ecology are used in real-world research, led by Mountie professors from the Science & Math and History, Politics, & Geographic Analysis (HPGA) departments!
July 8-9, 2026
Drone and GIS-Assisted Biodiversity Analysis is a two-day immersive STEM summer camp for high school students in grades 10–12. Hosted on the Mount Aloysius College campus, students will work alongside faculty to explore how drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and field ecology are used in real-world scientific research to perform a suitability study for the northern flying squirrel. Through this interdisciplinary, inquiry-based experience, students will gain authentic research skills, collaborate with peers and faculty, and connect classroom science to cutting-edge environmental problem-solving.
On day one, participants will observe drone flight techniques and analyze GIS data to identify field study sites to assess habitat suitability for Pennsylvania’s endangered northern flying squirrel. On day two, students will explore how history, politics, and geography shape the world around us lead by the History, Politics, and Geographic Analysis (HPGA) faculty. During day two, through hands-on activities, simulations, case studies, games, and discussions, students will develop an understanding of the social sciences and how they foster cultural awareness, and build critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address local and global challenges. The camp will conclude with geocaching on the Mount Aloysius College campus under faculty supervision. Students will learn first-hand how to use navigational devices and resources to search for information, clues, and more, gaining practical experience and skills in global positioning systems (GPS), critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and teamwork.
Questions? Contact Dr. JT Bandzuh, History, Politics, and Geographic Analysis Faculty Member, at jbandzuh@mtaloy.edu
Registration for 2026 camps opens March 23, 2026!
FAQs
Who will I be interacting with at the camp?
In addition to the other high school students in your group, you will interact with faculty members and staff from the Mount’s HPGA department.