Berks celebrates history through National Engineers Week
In observation of National Engineers Week, Feb. 16?22, 2014, Penn State Berks, the premier engineering college in Berks County, has a variety of events and activities planned. 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. 17, 1:00?2:30 p.m., Penn State Room, Perkins Student Center
Celebrating Women in Engineering Luncheon
The fifth annual Celebrating Women in Engineering Luncheon is sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers student chapter. The keynote speaker will be Caitlin Rye Banta of Brentwood Industries. This event is free and all Penn State Berks students are invited to attend. Space is limited and attendees must reserve their seat by contacting Gail Chiriani at [email protected] by February 12.
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 12:00 p.m., Lion?s Den, Perkins Student Center
Engineering Luncheon and Panel Discussion
Engineering Luncheon and Panel Discussion with representatives from local industry who will discuss their career paths, including Travis Getz, Reading Bakery; Lisa Peterson, Brentwood Industries; Dan Osle, Lutron; and Brian Roth, Teleflex. 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 14.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:45 p.m., Rooms 111 and 112, Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
Institute of Industrial Engineering Dinner Event with Keynote Speaker
The Institute of Industrial Engineering?Reading Chapter is hosting a dinner event with keynote speaker Donald Dagen ?90, Account Manager and Business Development Manager for ONExia, Dagen?s presentation is titled ?Collaborative Robotics Implementation in Manufacturing Facilities.? This event will also feature a live demonstration of BAXTER, a collaborative robot, and gourmet pizza will be served. Admission is free and open to the public. Space is limited and attendees must reserve their seat by contacting Dr. Sadan Kulturel-Konak at [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18.
Friday, Feb. 21, 1:00?3:00 p.m., Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
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.
Friday, Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m., Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building Lobby
Mini Trebuchet Design Contest
Penn State Berks students will participate in a mini trebuchet design contest, developed by Penn State Berks engineering students. Teams comprised of two to four students will compete. Materials will be distributed on Friday, Feb. 14. The first place team will receive prizes worth $100. Students must register with Roy Thompson at [email protected] by Feb. 12.
Friday, Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m., Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building Lobby
Maker Event
Penn State Berks will hold a ?Maker Event? in conjunction with Lancoberksmakers. This event is free and open to the public, and high school students are encouraged to participate. This in an informal faire of an eclectic group of "makers," which may be of interest to kids, parents, entrepreneurs, ?fablab? personal/members, 3-D printer enthusiasts, CNC mill enthusiasts, people interested in robotics, educators, community leaders, strategic thinkers, Arduino and Raspberry PI users, and anyone interested in finding out more. To register, visit www.lancoberksmakers.eventbrite.com.
Events throughout Engineers Week
T-Shirt Design Contest and Poster Displays, Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building
Combining art and engineering, students are invited to create a t-shirt design, which will be used for next year?s Engineers Week t-shirts. The design should showcase the engineering profession. All Penn State Berks students are eligible. Prizes for first, second, and third place will be announced during Engineers Week. Submissions are due by February 9 and should be sent as pdf files to Barbara Mizdail at [email protected]. In addition, posters of projects by Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology majors will be on display in the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building.
For more information about the Engineers Week events, contact Barbara Mizdail, Senior Lecturer in Engineering, at 610-396-6126 or via e-mail at [email protected].
