Black engineering student group hosts STEM Day for Akron middle schoolers
Bamidele Oluwadare, Dr. Julie Zhao, Dreama Whitfield, and Mia Jones making the “4” sign, representing the Region IV Student Chapter of NSBE.
On Thursday, April 7, The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region IV Student Chapter at The University of Akron (UA) hosted its annual STEM Day to get students excited about how fun science can be and introduce them to career paths in science, technology, engineering, and math. The event was held virtually and 81 middle students from Akron Public Schools attended.
During the opening ceremony, students heard from Joshua E.J. Thomas ’17, ’19, a UA civil engineering graduate, on his inspiring journey going from aircraft technician in the Air Force to his current role as bridge engineer. This was followed by breakout sessions where students designed a robotic arm and a paper rocket using materials delivered to their schools or homes. These were facilitated by Mia Wilson and Bamidele Oluwadare, NSBE members and engineering students at The University of Akron.
“Students were actively engaged in the engineering design process and asked all sorts of questions ranging from engineering job responsibilities, salaries, and college life” says Kennedie Lomax, president of NSBE. “Our student leaders have so much fun working with the young scholars and getting them excited about STEM. We are enormously grateful to our partnership with Akron Public Schools for this opportunity.”
A special thank you to Dreama Whitfield of Akron Public Schools, a long-time collaborator with this event, and Dr. Julie Zhao, Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, for coordinating the event between Akron Public Schools and UA.
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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.