Fourth-graders Abi (left) and Annaliese create bugbots with Dr. Joan Carletta, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Kids Career Day drew 287 girls in grades one through six to The University of Akron March 3 to concoct chocolate asphalt, construct salt water circuits, examine mannequins for heart sounds and overall, to interest them in potential future careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
Girls participated in the hands-on activities side-by-side with women professionals in STEM careers. UA's Women in Engineering organization offers the career event, now in its 13th year, to help create future generations of female scientists and engineers by involving them in interesting and meaningful activities.
"Girls need to see that science, engineering, mathematics and technology comprise a large part of the world around them. New discoveries happen every day that result in the improvement of the human condition. That is what makes this day so fun and exciting," says Heidi Cressman, director of UA's Women in Engineering Program. Cressman adds that UA is the only university, of which she is aware, that offers a one-day program of this nature and magnitude.
For more information about the program, contact Cressman at 330-972-7701 or wiep@uakron.edu.
Media contact: Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.