The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District has kicked off a week-long celebration of National Engineers Week by participating in events promoting engineering through engaging audiences of various ages and backgrounds throughout the Buffalo, NY community.
“Each year, the Buffalo District celebrates National Engineers Week with a host of activities to promote the field of engineering and raise awareness of engineers’ contribution to society,” said Michelle Barker, Buffalo District Regional Technical Specialist. “These include hands-on activities for local high school students interested in the engineering field, educational opportunities for the District's engineers, and hands-on demonstrations for the community,"
Students from three local schools, including the Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT), Hutchinson Central School (Hutch-Tech), and Niagara Falls are coming to the Buffalo District Office on Wednesday, February 27th to learn about the many different STEM careers the Corps has to offer and participate in hands-on demonstrations that show neat tasks Corps of Engineers employees do every day. This event is delayed a week due to the student’s having mid-winter break during Engineer’s week.
“Each year, District engineers and scientists offer their talent and expertise to prepare hands on demonstrations for students from several local high schools,” said Barker in regards to the Shadow Day. “The students are grateful for the experience and the District is appreciative of their efforts to promote the STEM field to our community."
To promote Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Buffalo District employees are representing engineers at the Buffalo Museum of Science events on Tuesday, February 19th Buffalo Engineer’s Day and Thursday, February 21st National Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.
"I really enjoy sharing my experience as a Civil Engineer with young girls to start introducing them to engineering possibilities," said Katie Lewis. "I look forward to being a part of the Buffalo Museum of Science Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day."
Corps of Engineers employees will have the opportunity to participate in some lunch-time learning as presentations will be provided on February 20th and February 21 with a different topic each day. The first topic will be of interest to many as Dr. Anthony Eberhardt presents on “Lake Ontario Water Level Management – History & Recent Changes.” The second lunchtime presentation is a regional technical forum and provides a way for engineers to expand their knowledge toolset about “Mosul Dam: Smart Tools to Visualize and Analyze Big Data” presented by fellow USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division employees from Nashville District.
“These types of presentations provide opportunities for Buffalo District staff to stay informed of engineering considerations on a variety of topics, not only locally, but spanning throughout the region, as well,” said Kufel.
Through one of the many partnerships the Corps of Engineers maintains with colleges and universities to ensure STEM knowledge is being shared, the University at Buffalo (UB) Engineering and Applied Science Alumni Association is offering tickets to a pre-game pizza party and UB Bulls game on Friday, February 22nd during Engineer’s week. This will provide some well-deserved fun and a networking opportunity for engineers and students in the community.
Buffalo District employees looks forward to participating in, and providing engineering information amongst each other, and in the community during Engineer’s week. The overall goal is to promote professional development among engineering professions and encourage today’s youth to pursue engineering careers.
“Sharing what we do with the community during Engineer’s Week helps local citizens realize that we, the Corps of Engineers are here to provide valuable services to the nation, the region, and the local community,” said Todd Kufel, Buffalo District's Design Branch Chief. “And whatever positive impact we can provide to the community helps to further reinforce the Corps' dedication to delivering vital public engineering services.”
These events are designed to commemorate Engineer’s week and the success of these events will strengthen the knowledge of engineering and the Corps of Engineer’s role in the community, letting them know the Corps of Engineers is Building Strong and Taking Care of People.