UC hosts women in engineering and technology day for high school students
High schools students explore engineering field with UC professors and students
By Paula Lampley
Students attended breakout sessions with UC faculty and students
The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science welcomed 65 high school students to the annual Women in Engineering and Technology Day, designed to highlight the opportunities available in engineering and technology.
Students in 11th and 12th grades from Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio were welcomed to the college by Dean John Weidner.
Students toured the college’s state-of-the art engineering laboratories, met with engineering students and professors, learned about the university’s unique co-op opportunities and participated in a “Day in the Life of an Engineer Symposium” led alumni of the college.
UC professor Allyn Phillips demonstrates the impact test
Throughout the day, students explored various engineering disciplines through interactive break-out sessions led by UC professors and graduate students.
"I loved the interactive activities during the breakout sessions. Everyone at all of the events of the day were very helpful and informative," said Amy Freyberger, a student from St. Theodore Guerin High School in Mt. Carmel, Indiana.
Students interested in mechanical engineering could attend a workshop led by Allyn Phillips, PhD, titled “Simulation of an Impact Attenuator.”
This workshop allowed the students to exercise the critical problem-solving skills required in engineering innovation, like those necessary to design and test a bicycle helmet to protect the rider.
Working in teams of four, students designed a structure using Styrofoam plates, cups, bowls, soda straws, cotton balls, duct tape and hot glue.
To demonstrate the prototyping process, teams assembled a structure that would best absorb 18 pounds of force, when dropped from about 3 feet off the floor.
I loved the interactive activities during the breakout sessions. Everyone at all of the events of the day was very helpful and informative.
Amy Freyberger, St. Theodore Guerin Catholic High School, Mt. Carmel Indiana, class of 2020
The students dined in Mick and Mack’s Restaurant and listened to keynote speaker Whitney Gaskins, assistant dean of the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, who encouraged the students to “succeed no matter what” and to continue “to work hard and live authentically throughout their journey.”
The Annual Women in Engineering and Technology Day is sponsored by The Brian H. and Jill P. Rowe Family Foundation. The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement is eager to host the 2020 Women in Engineering and Technology Day. Please visit the college’s website to learn more about Women in Engineering and Technology Day and other programs for prospective engineering students.
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