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 for Engineer Your Future Day, an annual recruitment and outreach event that gives students in grades 7-12 an inside look at engineering and computer science.

Students spent the day exploring Florida Atlantic’s engineering programs, research and student life through hands-on demonstrations, laboratory tours and conversations with faculty and current students.

Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, welcomed students and encouraged them to consider how engineering and computer science can be used to solve problems and improve lives.

“Engineer Your Future Day gives students an opportunity to experience engineering and computer science firsthand and begin to see where their interests can take them,” Batalama said. “Whether they are interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedical technologies, infrastructure or the oceans, we want them to see the breadth of opportunities available to them and envision themselves as future engineers and computer scientists.”

Students were introduced to the college’s four departments: Biomedical Engineering, Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. A panel of current engineering students also shared their experiences with academics, internships, mentorship and student life at Florida Atlantic.

Throughout the day, students toured laboratories and research spaces across Engineering East and Engineering West, where faculty and students demonstrated work in artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems, biomedical and neuroengineering technologies, 3D printing, smart infrastructure, environmental engineering and other emerging areas.

Students also explored engineering clubs, competition teams and senior design projects, giving them a closer look at opportunities to build, design and collaborate outside the classroom. Student organizations and industry representatives were on hand to speak with students about campus involvement, internships and engineering careers.

Students from Nova High School in Broward County shared their impressions following the event:

• “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 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 is part of the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s ongoing efforts to introduce students to engineering and computer science and help them explore the academic and career opportunities available in these fields.