In observation of National Engineers Week, Feb. 22?28, 2015, Penn State Berks, the premier engineering college in Berks County, is planning a variety of events and activities. The college recently added a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering to its engineering programs, which includes a B.S. in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology. Penn State Berks is the only college in Berks County to offer degree programs in engineering, and all programs are taught in the college?s state-of-the-art Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building.
Building on its roots in the field of engineering, Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute (WPI) was the forerunner institution of Penn State Berks. WPI began as a training center for workers of Textile Machine Works in Reading and provided workers with a solid background in engineering, as well as other technical fields of study. Many leaders of local industry are graduates of WPI.
The following is a schedule of events for Engineers Week at Penn State Berks.
Monday, Feb. 23, 1:00?2:30 p.m., Lion?s Den, Perkins Student Center
Celebrating Women in Engineering Luncheon
The sixth annual Celebrating Women in Engineering Luncheon is sponsored by the Penn State Berks student engineering clubs. This event is free and all Penn State Berks students are invited to attend. Students will hear from a keynote speaker who works in the engineering field. Space is limited and attendees must reserve their seat by contacting Gail Chiriani at [email protected] by February 19.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 12:00?3:00 p.m., Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building lobby
Engineering Showcase
Students will have the opportunity to visit display booths, meet with representatives from local engineering companies, and discuss career opportunities in the engineering field. Participants include member companies of the Industrial Advisory Committee and companies partnering in the college?s Learning Factory.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 12:00?2:30 p.m., Lion?s Den, Perkins Student Center
Engineering Panel Discussion
The Engineering Panel Discussion with representatives from local industry, including Carpenter, Lutron, and Reading Bakery, will discuss their career paths. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions after the panel discussion. This event is free and all Penn State Berks engineering students and faculty are invited to attend. Space is limited and attendees must reserve their seat by contacting Jeff Wike at [email protected] by Friday, February 20.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.?3 p.m., Rooms 105, Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
3-D Printer Demonstration
The Penn State Berks 3-D printer will be on display and there will be a live demonstration for students, faculty, and staff. Special give-away items made by the printer will be available for attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis (limit one per person).
Friday, Feb. 27, 11:30?2:00 p.m., Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
STEM High School Visit
Students from Berks Catholic, Governor Mifflin, Muhlenberg, Wilson, and Wyomissing high schools studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects will visit the college. They will hear from Dr. Janelle Larson, Division Head of Engineering, Business and Computing for Penn State Berks; and Nick Gordon, a senior Mechanical Engineering major at Penn State Berks, from 11:30 a.m.?12 noon. They will then tour the engineering labs in the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building, followed by live demonstrations of the 3-D printer.
Friday, Feb. 27, 1:00?2:30 p.m., Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
Student Competition?Battery-Powered Hovercraft
Penn State Berks students will participate in a battery-powered hovercraft contest, developed by Penn State Berks engineering faculty. Teams comprised of two to four students will compete. Materials will be distributed on Friday, Feb. 28. Students must register with Roy Thompson at [email protected].
T-Shirt Design Contest and Poster Displays, Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
Combining art and engineering, students will be invited to create a t-shirt design, which will be used for next year?s Engineers Week t-shirts. This year, the shirts will feature the winning design from the 2014 Penn State Berks Engineers Week t-shirt contest. The shirts will be worn by members of the Penn State Berks Engineers Week Planning Committee and administrators and will be given to the winners of the student competition.
For more information about the Engineers Week events, contact Dr. Robert Zambanini, Coordinator of Penn State Berks Engineers Week, at 610-396-6178 or via e-mail at [email protected].
