CORVALLIS, Ore. – Student projects involving artificial intelligence, earthquake safety, clean water and nuclear energy are among those that will be on display June 5 during the Engineering Virtual Showcase hosted by the Oregon State University College of Engineering.
The online event this year replaces the popular Undergraduate Engineering Expo, canceled because of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s executive orders regarding social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The expo annually draws more than 1,000 engineering students exhibiting nearly 300 senior design projects at the Kelley Engineering Center, Johnson Hall and the adjacent Community Plaza.
This year, more than 100 virtual projects featuring videos, digital posters, websites and more can be viewed at the Engineering Virtual Showcase website between 10 a.m. and noon on June 5. No registration is required, and there will be opportunities to chat with presenters via Zoom.
“Like the Engineering Undergraduate Expo, this is a way to help prepare students for responsible citizenship and global competitiveness,” said Scott Ashford, Kearney Dean of Engineering. “In addition to the technical side of engineering, it’s important for students to develop the skills needed to explain their work and their thinking – communication, teamwork and project management skills are a big part of what potential employers are looking for.”
Also part of the event, via online registration, is a livestreamed awards ceremony available to the first 500 people who sign up. In addition, high school teachers, students and parents can register to be guided through the showcase by College of Engineering student ambassadors, who will lead virtual tours of the college as well. Registration must be completed by May 30.
People who sign up for tours of the college and showcase receive an access link to a Zoom meeting. In the meeting, a student ambassador shows attendees around the virtual showcase via screen-share, pointing out highlights and providing tips on how to maximize their time at the event, before leading a tour of the college using photos and video.
“While our audiences may not be able to experience the exhibits firsthand, the virtual event will provide exciting exposure to engineering projects for attendees and a meaningful learning experience for our students,” said Ashford.
The Engineering Virtual Showcase is sponsored by Pacific Power.
