Engineering Day Vanderbilt is an annual event that brings together students, faculty, and industry leaders to celebrate innovation and creativity in engineering. It is a day full of activities, workshops, and exhibits that showcase the latest advancements in technology and engineering. This event is an opportunity for students to network with professionals, learn about the latest trends and ideas in engineering, and get inspired to pursue their own innovative ideas.
History of Engineering Day Vanderbilt
The first Engineering Day at Vanderbilt was held in 1997. It was created by Professor Peter Cummings, who saw the need for an event that would bring together students, faculty, and industry leaders to celebrate engineering and innovation. The event has since grown in size and popularity, and is now one of the largest engineering events in the Southeast United States.
The event is usually held in February each year and is free and open to the public. It is a collaboration between the School of Engineering, the Office of the Dean of Students, and various student organizations.
Activities and Workshops
Engineering Day Vanderbilt offers a wide range of activities and workshops for attendees to participate in. These include interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational workshops. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Building and launching rockets
- Building and programming robots
- Virtual reality experiences
- 3D printing demonstrations
- STEM career fair
These activities are designed to engage attendees and provide a fun and educational experience. They also showcase the latest innovations and technologies in engineering and inspire attendees to pursue their own creative ideas.
Industry Leaders and Guest Speakers
One of the highlights of Engineering Day Vanderbilt is the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and guest speakers. These speakers come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, and share their experiences and insights with attendees.
Previous guest speakers have included:
- Dr. Mary Ellen Weber, former NASA astronaut and senior executive at Harris Corporation
- Dr. Mary Lou Jepsen, founder and CEO of Openwater
- Dr. Lynne Parker, assistant director for artificial intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
These speakers offer valuable insights into the latest trends and ideas in engineering, and provide inspiration for attendees to pursue their own innovative ideas.
Student Competitions
Engineering Day Vanderbilt also features several student competitions, which allow students to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for prizes. These competitions include:
- The Inventor’s Challenge, which challenges students to create a new invention and present it to a panel of judges
- The Engineering Design Showcase, which showcases student projects from various engineering classes
- The Engineering Playhouse Competition, which challenges students to design and build a playhouse using engineering principles
These competitions allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems, and provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.
Conclusion
Engineering Day Vanderbilt is a celebration of innovation and creativity in engineering. It offers a wide range of activities, workshops, and exhibits that engage attendees and showcase the latest advancements in technology and engineering. The event provides valuable networking opportunities for students, and inspires them to pursue their own innovative ideas. With its focus on innovation and creativity, Engineering Day Vanderbilt is an important event for the engineering community, and a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.