Inspiring Future Engineers: Highlights from the Summer Experience in Engineering Camp at The University of Akron
Summer Experience in Engineering campers pose in front of the Auburn Science and Engineering Center.
Hosted by the Women in Engineering (WIE) Program, the Summer Experience in Engineering Camp at The University of Akron's (国产伦理) College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) took place from June 3-7, offering high school students a comprehensive introduction to the world of engineering.
A Week of Exploration and Learning
Over the five-day camp, 25 students engaged in a variety of activities designed to provide hands-on experience and insights into different engineering fields. They had the chance to interact with peers, college students, professors and industry professionals, creating a rich learning environment.
Campers visit Bridgestone for a facility tour.
Interactive Sessions and Industry Tours
The camp featured a mix of lectures and interactive activities organized by BWX Technologies (BWXT), the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Highlights included:
- The Lean Lego Game by BWXT
- Women Who Changed the World by SWE
- Marble Run and Engineering Overview by Dr. Dane Quinn, mechanical engineering professor
- Machine Learning, Robotics and Programming Drones by Dr. Yalin Dong, mechanical engineering associate professor
- Bio Signals and Skeletal Muscle Structure by Dr. Nguyen-Rudy, biomedical engineering assistant professor of practice, Dr. Hossein Tavana, biomedical engineering professor and chair, and Stephen Paterson, biomedical engineering senior technician
Additionally, students toured facilities at Bridgestone, PPG Industries, and Mercury Plastics LLC, providing a real-world look at engineering applications in industry.
Campus Life and Activities
The camp also gave students a glimpse of campus life at 国产伦理. They toured the labs of CEPS design teams, learned about senior design projects, and enjoyed various recreational activities such as bowling, rock climbing and ping pong.
Dean Craig Menzemer talks with campers at the cerficiate ceremony.
Inspiring Future Engineers
The week concluded with a certificate ceremony, where Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of CEPS, encouraged students to continue exploring engineering and to pursue their passions.
"Our College of Engineering and Polymer Science's K-12 outreach and community services are crucial in inspiring young students to pursue engineering degrees, and the Summer Experience in Engineering Camp is a great example of these efforts," shared Menzemer. "Through hands-on activities and industry collaboration, we provide students with valuable learning experiences that ignite their passion for engineering and potential future careers. I appreciate our dedicated faculty and staff who support these initiatives and help shape young minds within our community."
Dr. Neete Saha, who leads the WIE Program, highlighted the positive feedback from participants and parents, underscoring the camp's role in sparking an interest in engineering and pursuing future careers in the field.
Rohan Mahapatra presents his "Engineering Experience" poster at the certificate ceremony.
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Story by CEPS Marketing.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.