Oscar Gonzalez, professor and chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, hands out cookies during Engineers Week 2020.
By Sherry DiBari
Another successful celebration of National Engineers Week (EWeek) brought together ODU Engineering students, faculty and even engineering alumni to showcase how the Batten College of Engineering and Technology is advancing the engineering profession in Hampton Roads and beyond.
Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. EWeek is dedicated to "increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers."
Events at ODU included special events for current engineering students such as cookies and cocoa with the deans, an exploration of engineering majors, a presentation on the pioneering technology of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project and an Engineering Gala of dancing and dining aboard the Spirit of Norfolk.
On day two, freshman engineering students spent a few hours exploring majors in the Engineering Systems Building. Students were able to meet with professors and speak with students about engineering clubs. The robotics and motorsports booths were popular with many students.
Freshman Marcellus Sheffield learned about the different disciplines within engineering. "My favorites were civil and mechanical engineering," Sheffield said.
Volunteer Natalie Pham, a senior electrical engineering student in the accelerated master's program, noted the value in students being able to ask questions one-on-one with professors.
"I think the freshmen get a little more insight about what each major entails. You can go to professors and ask questions but you can really know more information by hearing it from other students and their experience in their major," Pham said.
Labs tours for K-12 students, educators and parents were also a major highlight of the week.
Due to inclement weather, Girls Night Out was held on March 2 and the laboratory tours of Kaufman Hall, the Engineering Systems Building and the E.V. Williams Engineering & Computational Sciences building were held on Feb. 28.
Girls Night Out offered middle and high school girls a chance to learn about engineering and to meet female engineering mentors from several engineering firms and organizations from throughout Hampton Roads.
