National Engineers Week inspires future generations to learn about careers in engineering and technology as it honors the many contributions engineers make to society. University of Miami College of Engineering (UMCoE) Dean Jean-Pierre Bardet has often said “engineering is about helping others, connecting and making a positive difference in the world.”
The 2019 Engineers Week (EWeek), held from February 17-23, proved his point! EWeek began on Sunday, February 17, with students from the new multidisciplinary organization UMaker visiting the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Our UMaker students, along with members of the UM chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), showcased a variety of child friendly, interactive and sensor/Arduino-controlled projects as well as 3D-printed projects to more than 250 families.
On Monday, February 18, the Engineering Student Council and Graduate Engineering Student Council hosted an interactive panel for students on paths to graduate study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The panelists shared their personal experiences and answered questions about how, when and where to pursue graduate STEM education. A representative from UM Toppel Career Center also participated, discussing corporate career pathways for graduate students
Throughout the week, lighthearted student activities helped showcase all the fellowships the College’s engineering student organizations have to offer at events including the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHPE) dessert bar. The SHPE students exemplify all the opportunities empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM.
Outreach to pre-college students is a proud tradition at UMCoE and this year was no exception. Thursday, February 21, brought a large contingent of guests to the U for National Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, hosted by the UM chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). More than 200 young high school women interested in STEM toured the UM College of Engineering – Johnson & Johnson 3D Printing Center of Excellence Collaborative Laboratory, heard from a student panel about how to get into college and be successful, and engaged in a series of workshops that used hands-on projects to demonstrate engineering and science principles. That same day the UM chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) hosted a Marine Corps F-35B flight simulator in which students, faculty, staff and visitors could experience a head-turning and sometimes stomach churning example of technology in action. Each of the participants received a T-shirt sponsored by Gables Engineering.
Throughout the week, students from the UM chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) worked together on collecting basic necessities for the people and country of Venezuela during their ongoing humanitarian crisis. Students from all across the University donated nonperishable canned foods, baby formula, new or gently used clothing, diapers, soap and much more.
The week ended with the Girl Scouts Robotics and Engineering Day, organized by the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), a service project providing young girls with the chance to experience what engineering is first hand. More than 100 girls from around South Florida heard from female engineers about their career paths and engaged in a variety of activities with the goal of sparking an interest in STEM.
EWeek 2019 once again demonstrated how engineers add value to the world, by reaching out to help others, by continually learning how to be better professionals and by taking time to enjoy the moments that create lasting memories of life at the U. It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane and engineers wouldn’t have it any other way!
