Engineering a revolution

Solar energy-powered laptops. Effective illumination and use of available light. The effect of a spring-loaded recoil device on a high-powered rifle. Ongoing studies in the research and development departments of top engineering firms?

Hardly. Try projects taking top honors at this year’s Badger State Science and Engineering Fair for high schoolers, which Marquette’s College of Engineering has sponsored since 2006.

The college knows the earlier it reaches talented students, the sooner it can begin to prepare the innovative and ethical leaders of tomorrow. After all, today’s engineers compete with international peers. There’s no telling what the demands for the next generation of engineers will be.

"Wisconsin has the talent," says Patti Bringe-Blomquist, executive director of the Wisconsin Science Education Foundation, which sponsors the fair with Marquette. "All we have to do is harvest it."

Schools from throughout Wisconsin competed in this year’s fair. Students from these Milwaukee-area schools were big winners: Divine Savior Holy Angels, Rufus King, Nicolet and University School.

In addition to the annual fair, the college hosts programs year-round and summer camps for kids who are interested in pushing the boundaries of science in the field of engineering. This summer engineering will offer a three-day immersion experience for incoming freshmen. Students will design projects to help people in need around the world gain better access to food, water, energy, health care and education.

Opus Dean of Engineering Stan Jaskolski and the college faculty emphasize the importance of educating today’s students to be leaders. A planned new building — the Discovery Learning Complex — will have dedicated lab space for community activities and programs for school-age children.

"We are positioning ourselves to lead an engineering education revolution," Jaskolski says. "Milwaukee and the industries within the surrounding region will play a critical role in this thrust forward. Our stories — our success — will be recognized worldwide."

Story link: http://www.marquette.edu/magazine/recent.php?subaction=showfull&id=1208537459&archive=