High school students explore STEM at Engineering and Computing Professions Day
On September 27, 2024, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) at The University of Akron (UA) hosted its Engineering and Computing Professions Day, welcoming over 100 students from 13 high schools to the Jean Hower Taber Student Union. This hands-on event aimed to ignite students' passion for STEM fields and strengthen connections between UA and the local community.
The day was a testament to teamwork and collaboration. CEPS faculty and staff from all departments and the school designed and led workshops, while student leaders served as mentors and facilitators, all with strong support from UA Admissions.
High school participants explored a variety of STEM topics across several stations. At Station 1, they built and launched paper rockets while learning about stress and strain analysis. Station 2 featured demonstrations of a PHY-layer security/jamming system, crank-based motors, a microphone amplifier, and an IoT system used to remotely control cars with a phone. Station 3 challenged students with an equilibrium experiment, while Station 4 offered hands-on experiences with bone-breaking simulations, hydrogen peroxide and bubbles experiments, and polymer magic. At Station 5, participants explored using their senses—such as noses and eyes—to control computers, along with an introduction to data science focused on voting systems. A hallway demonstration showcased Boston Dynamics robot, 'Spot', and the event also featured a lunch panel discussing co-op opportunities and student life at UA.
Feedback from attendees reflected the event’s success in sparking interest in STEM careers. Many students expressed excitement about pursuing further education in these fields, underscoring the value of community engagement initiatives like this.
"As we celebrate the success of this event, we are proud of our faculty and students for their continuous efforts in community outreach through their expertise and enthusiasm," shared Dr. Julie Zhao, assistant dean of CEPS. "We are especially grateful for the teamwork between UA Admissions and the College. We look forward to continuing our commitment to inspiring future innovators through similar initiatives."
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Story by CEPS Marketing.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.