Penn State Berks is celebrating National Engineers Week!
Monday, February 20, through Friday, February 24, 2023
Penn State Berks has a long history of offering engineering courses to the local community, dating back to 1927. Today, Penn State Berks is the only college in Berks County to offer not one, but two nationally accredited baccalaureate degrees in engineering: Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering. ABET accreditation means these degrees are recognized in global markets. Students can also complete the first two years of nearly 30 Penn State engineering degrees at Penn State Berks. All week long, Penn State Berks will celebrate National Engineers Week with events for the campus community and general public.
Monday, February 20
Student Club Displays, Presentations, and Discussions
12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Gaige Building Lobby and Hallway
Penn State Berks students and faculty are invited to learn more about student organizations, including an invitation for students to learn and engage with existing engineering clubs. This activity is designed to generate exposure to engineering club opportunities, encourage engagement between students and engineering clubs, and provide opportunities for recruitment.
Alumni Reception
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Gaige Building Lobby/ Hallway
The local and campus community are invited to join us for an alumni reception where participants will tour the engineering laboratories in the Gaige Technology and Business Center. Access to the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (CEED) Center will be included. Tours will be guided by students and faculty.
Alumni and Student Panel Discussion
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
121 Gaige Building
The local and campus community are encouraged to attend this panel discussion with selected alumni and current students. Attendees will hear about Penn State Berks engineering students' perspective on college, as well as retrospectives from alumni. Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) program panelists include:
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Heather Alexander, Penn State Berks ME Student
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Nathan Bonslaver, Cofounder, Car To Camp (2022 ME Grad)
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Nick Francone, Controls Engineer, Avanceon (2020 EMET Grad)
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Ilya Ignatenko, Electrical Automation Engineer, BCS Motion (2021 EMET Grad)
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Jamal Jones, Penn State Berks EMET Student
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Lindsay Tucker, Mechanical Engineer, Metso Outotec (2018 ME Grad)
Wednesday, February 22
Industry Engineers Panel Discussion
12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
121 Gaige Building
In this event for Penn State students, industry engineers and engineering managers will discuss how graduating students can identify and pursue career opportunities, what skills are coveted by employers, and what new engineers should expect as they embark on their engineering careers. Panelists include:
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Melissa Foster, ExxonMobil Chemical, Retired
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Pat Lindmeier, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc.
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Jim Scanlon, Carpenter Technology
Makerspace Open House at Berks Launch Box
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Berks Launchbox (201 Washington Street, Suite 105; Reading, PA)
Meet our makers and learn about the resources available at the Berks LaunchBox! Attendees will take home a completed laser-cut project that will inspire you to make your daydream a reality. This event is free and open to community members of all ages. No registration is required.
Thursday, February 23
Engineering Labs Open House
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Gaige Building Lobby and Associated Labs
The general public and students from area high schools are invited to tour the engineering labs in the Gaige Building. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities to gain perspective on engineering as a career.
Friday, February 24
Student Engineering Competition
1:15 to 4:00 p.m.
Gaige Building Lobby
The campus community is invited to attend a friendly engineering competition! In this event, current engineering students will compete in a “marble-run” competition. Students must complete a downhill progression in one minute. Tracks will be designed and constructed within a time limit and specific design considerations. The team that finishes the task closest to the time goal will win the competition. Lego Spike Robotics will be available to have students design, build, and program a robot to complete an obstacle course.
For more information about Penn State Berks Engineers Week events, contact Chuck Stricker at 610-396-6178 or [email protected].
