180 middle schoolers from in Thornton, Colorado, had the chance to see first-hand how awe-inspiring engineering can be, thanks to an outreach fair organized by the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The Early Engineering Exposure Fair (Triple E Fair) on April 7 comprised 18 interactive exhibits that showcased diverse engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, materials science and biomedical engineering. Undergraduate and graduate students volunteered to display some of their class and research projects at the event.
The seventh graders tested out each of the exhibits, giving them an understanding of what engineers do every day.
To kick off the event, Associate Professor Wil V. Srubar gave a talk that recounted how he became fascinated by civil engineering and how he has developed an algae-based form of concrete, which has the potential to reduce environmental pollution caused by construction activities around the world.
The seventh graders listened attentively and had no shortage of questions for him after he finished his talk.
鈥淭he Triple E Fair presents engineering in a way that middle schoolers can understand,鈥� said PhD student Austin Hayes, who organized the event. 鈥淏ut almost more importantly, it鈥檚 about inspiring them.鈥澨�
The curriculum at STEM Launch focuses on problem-solving and prepares its students to enter fields in science, technology, engineering and math. The Triple E Fair is a perfect opportunity for students to see their classrooms come to life.
Additionally, the Triple E Fair was free for STEM Launch students and families. The event was funded by the department鈥檚 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Grant, which Hayes successfully applied for.
鈥淪cience and engineering are for everyone,鈥� Hayes said. 鈥淲e want to get these students excited to become the next generation of engineers.鈥�
Hayes is a member of the听Committee for Equity in Mechanical Engineering听(CEME), whose members helped coordinate the Triple E Fair. Professors Robert MacCurdy and Kaushik Jayaram helped organize the event as well.
