In an ambitious effort to shape the future engineering workforce, the 2024 National Engineers Week (E-Week), themed “Welcome to the Future,” captivates attention nationwide through Feb. 25. This initiative is a critical step towards creating a diverse and well-educated engineering workforce, aiming to foster increased interest and understanding in engineering and technology careers. Local county governments, alongside educational institutions like the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), have rallied in support of E-Week, highlighting the significance of accessible engineering programs in propelling STEM careers and catering to the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.
A focal point of this year’s celebration is the involvement of students in groundbreaking programs at CSM. Among them, Kyle Neilsen, a sophomore electrical engineering student, participates in the Democratizing Research and Experiential Education for Microelectronics (DREEM) program. This initiative, backed by a three-year, $300,000 NSF grant, is designed to offer project-based, experiential learning specifically to sophomore community college students interested in microelectronics. The program enhances research and career readiness and aims to dismantle systemic barriers hindering underrepresented populations from entering these high-demand fields.
During a proclamation ceremony with the Calvert County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 13, Neilsen, CSM Associate Professor of Engineering and Computer Science Brian Warnecke, and fellow student Lillian Duckett highlighted the impacts of such programs. Neilsen, currently developing a sensor to digitally monitor organic cells for medical research, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “It has been an experiential program. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
An aerospace engineering student, Duckett shed light on her experiences with the Talons, CSM’s VEX robotics team. Boasting a three-year streak as the nation’s top-ranked community college robotics team, the Talons are eager to defend their title in upcoming competitions. Despite a setback at a recent event in West Virginia, Duckett remains optimistic about future contests and the team’s pursuit of excellence.
CSM is poised to continue its mission of engineering excellence with the upcoming “Night of Engineering” on April 25. This event will provide prospective students with comprehensive insights into CSM’s engineering program, including transfer pathways to four-year engineering schools and the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering within Southern Maryland.
With a broad array of two-year associate of science degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering disciplines, CSM facilitates seamless transfers to four-year institutions through formal agreements, notably with the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering. This partnership promotes academic progression and offers internship opportunities with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), potentially leading to full-time employment upon graduation.
CSM also eases the financial burden for aspiring engineers through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarships in STEM (S-STEM) program, providing up to $10,000 in support for eligible students. This initiative underscores CSM’s commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
For additional information about CSM’s engineering programs and scholarships, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website at https://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/pathways/stem/index.html.
