FAU Engineering Hosts Annual “Engineer Your Future Day” to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University welcomed more than 700 middle and high school students from 17 regional schools to Engineer Your Future Day, an immersive one-day event designed to introduce students in grades 7-12 to the world of engineering and computer science.

The day began with a warm welcome from Stella Batalama, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, who shared that engineering is “not just about equations and machines, but about people and the power to improve lives.” She added, “At the College of Engineering and Computer Science, we are thrilled to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and creators. Engineer Your Future Day gives students a hands-on experience of the exciting possibilities in engineering — from artificial intelligence and robotics to sustainable energy, health technologies, smart cities and beyond.”

Students attended interactive presentations from each of the college’s four departments: Biomedical Engineering, Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering. A panel of current FAU engineering students, including Amanda McFarlane, Clark Dorcent, and Vimala Goolcharan, shared their experiences with academics, internships, mentorship, and career pathways in the field.

Throughout the event, participants toured state-of-the-art labs and connected with FAU students showcasing innovative research and hands-on projects. Highlights included visits to the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (CA-AI), FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies (InETech), Center for SMART Health, Multimedia Systems Lab (MLab) and Robotics Lab. The Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering department presented cutting-edge res earch in cement 3D printing, water quality testing, smart sensors, and drone technologies.  

Students explored vibrant project spaces featuring FAU’s engineering clubs and competition teams, including Owls Racing, the Marine Robotics Club (MRC), Human-Powered Submarine (HPS) Team, and the Aerospace Experimental Association (AXA). The Senior Design Showcase offered a glimpse into real-world capstone projects, demonstrating how classroom concept presentations translate into collaborative problem-solving and innovation.

FAU's student organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Alpha Omega Epsilon, and Women in Engineering and Computer Science (WEICS) hosted interactive exhibits alongside industry partners in Gangal Hall, who shared insights on professional careers, internships, and emerging trends in technology.

Ana Isabel Escobar Ostolaza, Associate Director of Recruitment and Community Outreach, emphasized the significance of the event:“Engineer Your Future Day opens doors of the college to our community of students to peak and solidify their interest in the field. At the College of Engineering and Computer Science, we are dedicated to building future generations of students even before they are at the university level. Here is where they can develop their skill set to confront the challenges of tomorrow.” 

Students from Nova High School in Broward County Public Schools shared their enthusiasm for the experience:

• “I believe the best part of the whole trip was the student panel. I would have loved to ask them more questions on their decisions and their experiences in their field. I absolutely love the community the college seems to have and I'm overjoyed to have received this experience!”
• “Thank you so much for this opportunity, it truly allowed me, and other students from not just my school but high schoolers in general to learn and gain interest in the fields of engineering, AI, and cybersecurity and other fields related to computer science.”
• “I would like to tell the organizers that I really appreciate being given this opportunity to tour their campus and preview some of the courses that they offer. This tour has put Florida Atlantic University high up on my list of potential colleges.”

Engineer Your Future Day reflects FAU's commitment to empowering students to explore their passions, ask questions, and imagine building technologies that make the world better, safer, and smarter. Through this immersive experience, the College of Engineering and Computer Science encourages students to see themselves as innovators shaping the future.