More than 400 students and teachers from high schools across Louisiana and Arkansas gathered together last week to take part in hands-on experiences and learn engineering and science applications at the 2015 Engineering and Science Day at Louisiana Tech University. “We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to host these high school students on our campus today to showcase our innovative engineering and science programs,” said Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean for undergraduate studies at the College of Engineering and Science. As part of this unique experience, students met with award-winning Louisiana Tech engineering and science teams and participated in hands-on projects designed by those teams. To kick off the event, Dr. Lee Sawyer, professor and director of chemistry, nanosystems engineering and physics, engaged attendees with a presentation titled, “How to Talk about Dark Matter, Supersymmetry and Particle Physics on Date Night.” Students later observed demonstrations and participated in challenges presented by student members of the Louisiana Tech Society of Automotive Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, Eco-marathon team, Amateur Radio Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and civil engineering program. “Our students do a fantastic job of planning and running this event, which is quite a feat given its size,” Carpenter said. “It’s inspiring to see how much they enjoy sharing their passion for engineering and science, as well as Louisiana Tech.” Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science has also taken Engineering and Science Day on the road this year, hosting events in Dallas and Baton Rouge with more than 100 people in attendance. The Engineering and Science Days are coordinated by the Louisiana Tech Engineering and Science Association, a student organization to allow high school students and teachers to interface with current students for puzzle solving, lab tours and hands-on activities and exemplify the Louisiana Tech hands-on approach to engineering and science. Written by Brandy McKnight – mcknight@latech.edu