Chloe Roach from Anderson County Career and Technical Center pedals a bike to generate electricity. (Photo by Y-12)
Y-12 National Security Complex shows how STEM skills lead to careers
Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC recently hosted more than 200 female high school students from 15 area schools as part of Introduce a Girl to Engineering. The goal of the event was to inspire girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, a press release said.
This program was conducted in concert with Girl Day, an initiative founded by DiscoverE and expands CNS’ existing relationships with area schools.
Kristin Waldschlager of CNS Educational Outreach said educating the younger generation about STEM-related opportunities is “critical” for Y-12.
“At Y-12, we have a sense of responsibility to make sure we support the development and growth of future scientists and engineers who could be working here,” Waldschlager said in the press release.
Female engineers kicked off the program with a focus on encouraging young women to pursue engineering degrees. Christy Holt, a safety basis engineer with the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Production Office, said she became an engineer because she was “curious, creative, and wanted to solve problems.” Jamie Coble, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, told students they don’t have to wait until college to discover their passion.
From electroplating zinc onto pennies, watching a 3-D printer at work, and competing to build the largest tower with office supplies, the students were able to explore more than a dozen engineering disciplines. Uranium Processing Facility Deputy Project Director Valerie McCain encouraged each student to make a huge impact in the world through engineering with the advice, “don’t limit yourselves and dream big.”
CNS operates the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge and Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Students participate in the STEM tower-building challenge during Introduce a Girl to Engineering. (Photo by Y-12)
Consolidated Nuclear Security’s Megan Houchin, who is president of the Oak Ridge chapter of Women in Nuclear, provides attendees with information about the event. (Photo by Y-12)
Jamie Coble, assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, tells students that engineers solve problems. (Photo by Y-12)
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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