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STEM

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STEM

STEM offers students a foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing them for careers that drive technological advancement and problem-solving.

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Career Expectations

Obtaining a STEM degree opens up diverse career opportunities across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, offering roles that involve innovative problem-solving and technical expertise. Graduates can expect to pursue careers such as software engineers developing cutting-edge applications, data scientists analyzing complex datasets for strategic insights, or civil engineers designing infrastructure projects. Other opportunities include positions as research scientists exploring new scientific frontiers or environmental engineers working on sustainability solutions.

 

Necessary Skills and Attitudes

Successful STEM degree applicants need to show strong problem-solving abilities, a robust understanding of mathematical and scientific concepts, and a deep curiosity about technology and innovation. They should be detail-oriented to manage complex tasks and projects, resilient in the face of challenges, and dedicated to continuous improvement throughout their academic and professional careers.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Goals

  • The Ag Mechanics degree will prepare students to enter the workforce in Ag maintenance positions, general farm work, and even prepare students for mechanical fields outside of Agriculture.  
  • The Ag Production Technology A.A.S. degree and certificate prepare students for a variety of crop productions, and positions related to the support of production agriculture. 
  • The Ag Business A.A.S. degree prepares students to work in Ag lending, Ag sales, Ag economics, and farm business management. 
  • The Animal Science transfer degree prepares students for careers in livestock production, research, veterinary science, animal nutrition, and animal reproduction.
  • The SVCC Ag Program will continue to grow and evolve to meet the ever changing technology and needs of the agriculture industry in the Sauk Valley area.

Program Goals

  • Offer courses that provide an educational foundation and laboratory skills background for students to be successful transferring as a biology major and pre-professional transfer programs.
  • Help students understand principles of biology, and use those principles to predict and explain the outcomes of experiments.
  • Provide students with the understanding of how scientific knowledge is extracted by various scientific techniques, equipment, and instrumentation.
  • Comply with the IAI Biology Major Panel recommendations for statewide transfer of courses.

Program Goals

  • Provide a curriculum for students that meet the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (A.B.E.T.) standards required for registration as a professional engineer.
  • Provide students with the necessary mathematical and scientific skills and background to be successful in their transfer degree program.
  • Comply with the IAI Engineering Major Panel recommendations for statewide transfer of courses.

Program Goals

  • Prepare students for transfer coursework and pursuing a bachelor's degree in mathematics.
  • Prepare students with diverse career goals by developing rigorous, logical thinking; an appreciation and familiarity with complex structures and algorithms; and the ability to learn technical material and abstract concepts.
  • Expose students to careers and fields within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

 

Program Code Category Program Name
112 Transfer Degree Agribusiness
413 Transfer Degree Biology
320 Transfer Degree Engineering
416 Transfer Degree Mathematics

 

Meet the Faculty

Brad W Smith

Brad Smith

One of Sauk's most veteran instructors, Mr. Smith has taught biology and health related classes at Sauk since 1992.

  • M.S., Zoology, Eastern Illinois University
  • B.S., Zoology, Eastern Illinois University

Carrie R Conderman

Carrie R Conderman

Professor, Mathematics

  • M.S., Mathematics, Illinois State University
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Northern Illinois University
  • A.S., Pre-Engineering, Sauk Valley Community College

 

Dr Lauren Orton

Professor, Biology

  • Doctorate, Biological Science, Northern Illinois University

Lori H Anton

Lori H Anton

Ms. Anton, a former lab technician at Penn State's Plant Pathology Department and Mushroom Research Center, found teaching to be her true calling. A former biology instructor at Penn Highlands Community College, she has been an instructor at SVCC since 2013.

  • M.S., Botany, Michigan State University
  • B.S., Biology, Penn State University

 

Ronald K Hobson

Professor, Mathematics

  • M.S., Mathematics, Northern Illinois University
  • M.B.A., Depaul University
  • B.S., Electrical Engineering, Washington State University
  • A.A., Columbia Basin Community College

 

Therese L Wood

Assistant Professor I, Biology

  • Masters, Biology, University of Nebraska
  • Bachelor, Biology, University Wisconsin

 

Scott A VanZuiden

Professor, Mathematics

  • Masters, Education, Walden University
  • Masters, Education, University of Kansas