McNeese to host 2018 E-Week

McNeese State University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is celebrating National Engineers Week with several events and activities Feb. 26-March 1.

Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Engineers Week celebrates the contributions of engineers and brings engineering to life for students, educators and parents, according to the college’s dean Dr. Nikos Kiritsis.

On Monday, Feb. 26, students of all ages, parents and members of the community are invited to an open house from 6-8 p.m. to tour McNeese’s modern facilities and learn more about the engineering profession in the Engineering Technology Lab building in Drew Hall.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, a high school open house will be held on campus from 8 a.m.-noon. More than 300 students from 12 high schools and Sowela Technical Community College will tour the facilities and talk to McNeese faculty and students as well as participate in various skill contests for prizes.

“The open houses we hold expose young students to engineering and computer science education at the college level. National Engineers Week is the only time during the year when universities open their laboratories and facilities to the public with tours and live demonstrations,” Kiritsis says.

Among the contests is the popular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Powered “Dragster” Car Race. Teams of students build balsa wood cars self-propelled by CO2 canisters and then race them against each other on a 50-foot track. First, second and third place winners in these speed races receive prizes.

National Engineers Week will be celebrated Feb. 26-March 1 by the McNeese State University College of Engineering and Computer Science. Among the activities that week is the high school open house on Feb. 27. Over 300 students from 12 high schools and Sowela Technical Community College will talk with faculty, see and participate in demonstrations presented by McNeese students and participate in various contests of skills and aptitude for prizes. Among the contests is the popular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Powered “Dragster” Car Race, where teams of students build balsa wood cars self-propelled by CO2 canisters and then race them against each other on a 50-foot track.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, some graduates of the McNeese Engineering and Computer Science programs will give presentations and hold open Q&A sessions for current students from 1-4 p.m. in the ETL building.

“McNeese alumni will discuss their own paths of study and employment and differences between school and work environments, as well as give general advice on the path to becoming a successful engineer,” says Kiritsis.

The week’s activities conclude Thursday, March 1, with an engineering banquet held to recognize students, faculty and current engineers from the community.

For more information, call 337-475-5857. Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-475-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired; or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu.