NEWS

Engineering students, faculty talk careers with high school students

Nov 3, 2010 | Engineering and Science

Several Louisiana Tech University engineering students joined faculty from the College of Engineering and Science (COES) at “Sci-Port Day” in Shreveport to share outlooks and career opportunities in engineering with over 250 high schools students from throughout northwest Louisiana. High school students from Bossier, Caddo and DeSoto Parishes participated in a series of 15-minute lectures conducted by Tech’s students and faculty which focused on types of careers that might be available to them if they chose to major in the engineering and science fields. The event was held as a part of Louisiana Tech’s Louisiana Lagniappe Science and Engineering Festival.  Sci-Port Day featured a variety of hands-on demonstrations as well as opportunities to see the University’s student-constructed concrete canoe, steel bridge, and the Eco Marathon Car. Student from Tech’s concrete canoe and steel bridge teams talked to the high school guests about careers in mechanical and civil engineers, and working with state transportation departments in building highways and bridges.  The Eco Marathon team discussed their experiences in competing in the annual Shell Eco Marathon, careers in engineering and automotive design, and the future of alternative energy. The high school students also heard from Louisiana Tech biomedical engineering students about cutting-edge robotic medical devices and devices to aid people with disabilities, citing the careers in research, pre-med and pre-dental that are possible with a degree in that discipline. Louisiana Tech chemistry students further wowed the high schoolers with various demonstrations and discussed careers in chemistry ranging from teaching to working in the oil and gas industries. COES faculty members Dr. Heath Tims and Dr. Bill Deese led the Louisiana Tech effort assisted by Dr. Mike Swanbom, Jane Petrus and Catherine Fraser.  The Louisiana Lagniappe Science and Engineering Festival was developed and coordinated by a COES committee led by Dr. Jenna Carpenter.