National Engineers Week (Feb 19-25) is a time to celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world, increase public dialogue about the need for engineers, and bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents. Nova Southeastern University’s College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) celebrated its first engineering week with a few activities.
On Monday February 20, CEC co-hosted the Distinguished Speakers Series lecture and Q&A with Seth M. Siegel, J.D., a writer, lawyer, activist, entrepreneur, and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His discussion on global water shortages and solutions is hot topic for environmental engineers and sustainability efforts.
On Tuesday February 21, CEC hosted more than 50 students from Stranahan and Blanche Ely high schools’ Engineering Magnet programs for an exciting day on campus. First, students participated in a hands-on biomedical engineering activity led by CEC’s professors Dr. Manuel Salinas and Dr. Marti Snyder and NSU undergraduate engineering students. Artificial heart valves are an important area of research for biomedical engineers, because diseases of the heart and circulatory system are a leading cause of death. The students had to design and construct a replacement mitral valve that allows blood cells (marbles) to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, but not back in the other direction when the box is tipped. The sign of success is how many marbles pass through the left ventricle when the box is tipped, and then how many marbles remain there when the box is tipped the other way.
Next, students were treated to lunch and taken on a campus tour by NSU Undergraduate Admissions Office officials. To end the day, CEC hosted a “Meet an Engineer” session for the students.
Guest speaker Thomas J. Pack, Vice President of New Product Development for ACR Electronics, Inc. the leading
development center for emergency beacons and survival gear came to campus.
Pack shared obstacles he encountered and overcame in the engineering field. He talked about how even though engineering curriculum in school is difficult, the pay-offs/rewards and career opportunities are amazing. He gave the students advice on different career paths within engineering (bio, environmental, aeronautical) and encouraged them to “stick to it”.
He stayed after his lecture to meet/talk with students one on one.