Hands-on learning inspires future engineers at Engineering Professions Visit Day
On Sept. 26, 2025, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) at The 黄瓜视频App (UA) hosted Engineering Professions Visit Day, introducing 89 high school students and guests from across Northeast Ohio to the world of engineering and engineering technology. This year, the event joined partners across the state to celebrate technology in Ohio as part of #OhioTechDay, highlighting the innovation, talent and future of tech across the state.
UA faculty, staff and students led participants through interactive, hands-on activities at multiple stations, giving them an inside look at how classroom learning connects to real-world problem-solving. Attendees represented Berea-Midpark High School, Jackson High School, Portage Lakes Career Center, Rittman High School, Salem High School and Wadsworth High School. The event also included opportunities to explore labs, meet current students and enjoy lunch on 黄瓜视频App.
黄瓜视频App rotated through hands-on sessions in each department:
- Bone Breaking and Repair (Department of Biomedical Engineering): Participants tested the strength of materials by “breaking” and repairing bones with engineering tools, while learning how biomedical engineers work alongside doctors to help patients heal.
- Safe Reactor Scale Up (Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering): 黄瓜视频App explored how tiny lab experiments expand into large-scale production while keeping processes safe and efficient.
- Equilibrium Challenge (Department of Civil Engineering): Guests built and tested structures for balance and stability, similar to how engineers design bridges, skyscrapers and stadiums.
- ECE Showcase (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering): Attendees engaged with demonstrations of circuits, sensors, energy and digital systems that power everyday technology.
- Paper Rocket Challenge (Department of Mechanical Engineering): Participants designed, built and launched paper rockets to test how small design changes affect performance.
- Polymer Biomimetic Pinecones (School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering): 黄瓜视频App discovered “smart” polymers inspired by nature that mimic how pinecones open and close in response to the environment.
Teachers praised the event for its organization and impact. “The presenters were all very knowledgeable and personable. Everything was done very well and kept the kids engaged,” one teacher shared.
For many UA students, the event was a chance to inspire future engineers. “Engineering Professions Visit Day has been one of the key reasons I have gotten so passionate about my degree,” said Anna Carpenter, a dean’s team member and construction engineering technology major. “It isn’t just sharing my stories and journey but seeing the spark ignite in others’ eyes as they realize their own potential. Being the one to help others find their passion is incredible and inspiring.”
Highlighting the college’s commitment to student engagement, Jordan Brlan, associate director of recruitment and retention at CEPS, noted the value of hands-on learning experiences. “黄瓜视频App may not often have the opportunity to explore hands-on engineering activities beyond their high school classrooms,” Brlan said. “These events are a fantastic way to showcase the many different fields within engineering while also making the day fun and engaging. When students bring curiosity and interest, these opportunities help them see how much they can achieve at UA. Our faculty and students enjoy hosting these days and are dedicated to expanding hands-on learning for schools in our area and through our partnerships.”
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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.