By Sherry DiBari
During normal times, Engineers Week at Old Dominion University's Batten College of Engineering and Technology is a frenzy of activity as high school students tour the facilities and current students move from session to session to learn about engineering-related opportunities.
This year, the college will still be bustling with activities - but virtually.
Engineers Week (EWeek) was founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951. The event is "dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers."
"We invite middle and high school students into our research labs so that they may 'Imagine Tomorrow,' the theme of National Engineers Week 2021," said Carol Considine, assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology. "We want to celebrate the engineering profession and share our excitement of how engineers change the world on a daily basis with our students and community."
On Monday, EWeek begins with an introduction to ODU's engineering student organizations. Students can learn about the Engineering Ambassador's program, Theta Tau and The Summit.
Tuesday, two sessions will be offered: "Exploring ODU's Engineering Programs" and Dean's Trivia: "Who Wants to be an Engineer?"
On Wednesday, students have another opportunity to learn about student organizations.
On Thursday, Dominion Energy's "Imagining Tomorrow" webinar about the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will be presented.
Thursday evening's event, Girls Night Out, offers middle and high school girls a chance to learn about engineering and to meet female engineering mentors.
"Girls Night Out is an opportunity for female engineering students and practicing engineers to inspire young girls to explore engineering as a profession," Considine said. "We created virtual events this year to continue our traditions because we want to stay connected to our community and continue to inspire future engineers."
The virtual event will include an industry panel with ODU engineering alumnae employed at IBM, WSP USA and Busch Manufacturing LLC.
Hands-on activities, supported by engineering student organizations, Society of Women Engineers, Phi Sigma Rho and industry mentor Kimley-Horn, will include electrical circuits, coding and land design.
EWeek wraps up Friday with virtual tours of the College of Engineering laboratories.
The full schedule with links to registration can be found here.
Coming up on March 6, Batten College of Engineering and Technology will host a "Women Excelling in Engineering" event for ODU female engineering and engineering technology students as well as admitted and local community college students. More information can be found on this flyer.
