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High school students build hands, bridges and drones at OU
PHOTO PROVIDED
This summer, students from across the region attended OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering Days. Students discovered the world of robotics and invisible signals, the kind that make cell phones and satellites work.
This summer, high school students from across Oklahoma traveled to the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma to learn engineering concepts. But they didn’t spend their time only sitting in a classroom and listening to lectures. During Boeing Engineering Days, students built, created and coded many of the engineering feats they see and use every day. Sponsored by Boeing, the day-long camps were held every Friday and Saturday in June, each highlighting a specific engineering discipline. “Engineering is a broad field,” said Thomas Landers, dean of Gallogly College of Engineering. “Being an engineer could mean working in the medical field, designing a bridge, writing a computer program or constructing a space rocket. We want the students to experience the many different opportunities and inspire a passion.” Students spent their day learning from professors, engineers and OU engineering students. Then they applied what they learned to a project that demonstrates how that specific engineering is applied outside a textbook. Some of the activities included building and testing pros-
thetic hands printed on a 3D printer, constructing small-scale wind turbines to harness the power of the Oklahoma wind and fabricating and flying
of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma challenges students to solve the world’s toughest problems through a powerful combination
This summer, nine Edmond students joined other students from across Oklahoma at the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. There they immersed themselves in engineering where they built, created and coded many of the engineering feats they see and use every day. The students’ names are: Walker Brown Matthew Bruner Andrew Clinkenbeard Jace Edwards Trystan Helterbrand Josh Hill Blake Loeliger Brittany Moehnke Ethan Soemantri hexcopters. “These workshops are a good way to get kids beyond the classroom and give them a vision of themselves as engineers,” said Chad Davis, instructor and adviser in the OU School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. As a licensed pilot and aviation researcher, Davis understands the importance of engineering study, but he prefers the thrill of putting his knowledge into action. He hopes he can impart that excitement into future generations. About The Gallogly College of Engineering The Gallogly College
of education, entrepreneurship, research, community service and student competitions. Research is focused on both basic and applied topics of societal significance, including biomedical engineering, energy, engineering education, civil infrastructure, nanotechnology and weather technology. The programs within the college’s eight areas of study are consistently ranked in the top third of engineering programs in the United States. The college faculty has achieved research expenditures of more than $22 million and created 12 start-up companies.
PHOTO BY ANNE SCHMIDT/Edmond Life & Leisure
Carolina Collins, Edmond, did so well in the iFly tunnel that she took time to pose. Three dozen local girls studied the science of flight this morning as part of a pilot program hosted by Francis Tuttle Technology Center and AT&T. The participants, including 36 girls from area high schools, are current or incoming students in the Francis Tuttle Computer Science and Preengineering Academies. The girls were invited to attend a five-day STEM camp, thanks to a $20,000 contribution from AT&T. There was no cost to the girls who attended, and each student spent time learning about STEM careers, science, math, communication styles and even preparation for the ACT college admissions examination. “Our goal is to prepare these students for their curriculum, and we’re hopeful this camp will help us accomplish that,” said
Danny King, Director, Francis Tuttle - Portland Campus. “The curriculum in these two academies is quite rigorous, but it has to be. At Francis Tuttle, we’re preparing tomorrow’s workforce today, and we want our students to be ready. In particular, we want to ensure that our female students understand the leadership roles they can, and will, fulfill.” The five-day camp included sessions at Francis Tuttle campuses across the metro, and sessions were taught by instructors who have worked in various careers ranging from Aerospace Engineering to IT Security. The camp’s final session was held at iFly, where the students participated in flight-related experiments before taking flight in iFly’s tunnel. "This excellent oppor-
tunity for the girls enrolled at our technical academies would not be possible if it weren’t for the huge generosity of AT&T and the positive/professional relationship between Francis Tuttle Technology Center and the industry community. Given this financial gift from AT&T, our Executive Director of Francis Tuttle Foundation, Inc. (Jodie Lewis) collaborated with Danny King (PEA Director) as well as Linda Lindsey (CSA Direction) plus key figures such as Jennifer Haile-Egbert, Melissa Jonsson, and Suzie Braddock to develop the plans for this camp," said Julia Utley, PEA Instructor at Francis Tuttle. “Women make up less than 30 percent of the workforce in STEM careers,” said Linda Lindsey, Director of continued on Page 3B
Dorm rooms, college life changing with the tech times Gone are the days of big, boxy TVs and ‘Say Anything’ sized stereo systems. What worked for John Cusack is not cutting it for today’s college students. As campuses are becoming high-tech from dorm room to classroom, it’s interesting to compare incoming students’ back-to-school gear to older alumni’s archaic tech. For example, when it comes to entertainment, televisions are making their way out. Make no mistake, today’s college students are watching more television than ever, but their methods of consumption have changed.
You are more likely to find sleek tablets than big screens in dorm rooms today. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy View function like a mini television so students can catch their favorite shows, news and sports on one portable device. Today’s students are also unlikely to relate to the pains of adjusting rabbit ear antennas, with wifi availability almost everywhere and unlimited data plans available for less than you would think. TV lovers starting their semester should look for data deals like the one AT&T is currently offering with Direct TV Now, which includes more than 60 channels
SOARING HIGH
Information Technology at Francis Tuttle. “We want to show these girls what’s required of them as they enter college and what’s possible for them as they enter the workforce. The next advances in science in technology may come from a student in one of our programs. We want our kids to dream big.” AT&T’s support for the program is part of a nationwide effort to build a viable, creative and adaptive workforce that is prepared to face the changing needs of employers and customers. “Too often, STEM
and unlimited data for around $25 dollars a month. To translate this into college terms, that’s the equivalent of five venti-mochafrappuccinos from Starbucks. Those with roommates can also take advantage of technology as a peacekeeping mechanism. For example, wireless, Bluetooth headphones like Beats Solo 3 can be paired with a tablet. This creates a highquality audio experience for the viewer, while sparing the roommate from the battle sounds of the latest Game of Thrones episode. Parents will be relieved to know that
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Camille Hamilton, from Edmond, measures her arm as part of calculating terminal velocity, then adds, "The best part of the Stem BootCamp was being able to connect with the new and returning female students before the school year begins. When I entered the Pre-Engineering Academy I didn't have the opportunity to meet the other females and it was nerve racking entering a classroom full of over 20 males, so I believe the BootCamp will enhance the incoming girls overall experience at Francis Tuttle."
PHOTO BY ANNE SCHMIDT/Edmond Life & Leisure
jobs go unfilled because candidates lack the technical skills necessary to the job,” said Jan Collier, Vice President and General Manager for AT&T. “AT&T and others are playing an active role in preparing the workforce for not only the jobs available today but for careers of tomorrow. We’re pleased to support Francis Tuttle and exemplary programs like it across the country.” AT&T’s support for the Francis Tuttle Camp and STEM education is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to education. AT&T’s signature philanthropic
initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education – through technology, social innovation and relationships — to ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Through AT&T Aspire, AT&T has committed $400 million to education efforts since 2008. Projects supported by AT&T contributions range from after-school programs and camps for students at risk of dropping out to handson technology labs and elite robotics competitions.
Edmond Life & Leisure • August 17, 2017 • Page 3B these devices can also be used for the slightly less popular side of college -- education. Just as desktops were replaced by laptops, laptops are commonly losing out to more adaptable devices. With accessories like the LG Rolly 2 Keyboard, students can use their tablet or iPad to take notes and research and write papers. When you want to watch TV, just remove the keyboard. When it comes to help with homework, tutors are so 1989. Now, there’s Alexa. Alexa is the all-knowing personality inside the Amazon Echo. She is voice activated, and always on standby to send texts, set alarms and answer collegiate questions from ‘What is the Oxford comma?’ to ’How do you boil an egg?’ Millennial gadgeteers so often catch flack for alleged laziness, but perhaps they’re the ones who, with the help of technology, have finally applied the old adage - they work smarter, not harder.
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PHOTO BY ANNE SCHMIDT/Edmond Life & Leisure
Carolina Collins, Edmond, did so well in the iFly tunnel that she took time to pose. See story on pages 2B and 3B.
Tips for students moving to college
Moving into your own place is a milestone that makes you feel like a grown-up. And with the new school year approaching, you may be thinking about signing a lease for your first apartment or sharing a house with roommates. So now what? As you head to campus, here are important tips to consider before and after you sign on the dotted line: Pick Your Place Every property offers different features, so do your homework before locking into a lease. Compare amenities for each rental to decide which fits your needs best. Is location the most important factor? Does a big bathroom top your list? Will you have a set parking spot or on-site laundry? Next, shop around. Websites like Trulia can keep you on-budget by offering quick and easy cost comparisons. Consider living with a roommate to split rent and other expenses. Make sure you understand the contract before you sign. Who pays for utilities? Who is responsible for repairs? What happens if you break the lease? Read the contract thoroughly, and ask the right questions. Peace of Mind Once you’re moved in, find a secure place for valuables like jewelry and electronics such as laptops and tablets. Your landlord may require you to have renters insurance in case of theft or damage to your property, but if not, it’s a good idea to review your options. Often times your personal items are covered under your parents’ existing homeowners policy, but not always. At Erie Insurance, for example, single, full-time students under 24 are automatically covered. But, part-time students or students 24 and older may need to get their own renters insurance. A renters policy can cover your
personal property inside and out of the home. So, your laptop or bicycle would be covered if it was stolen while you were at a coffee shop or anywhere else. In addition to damage or theft, renters insurance can cover additional living costs caused by a covered property loss beyond your normal living expenses -- even if it’s not your fault. For instance, your neighbor could accidentally start a fire or overflow a bathtub, ruining your apartment and its contents. Renters insurance can offer a place to stay during these unforeseen circumstances. And in case you’re concerned about the cost of renters insurance, it may be less than you think. For example, if you have a car, you may be able to bundle your auto and renters insurance together for a multi-policy discount, which in some cases may add only a few dollars a month to your total cost. Protect Your Ride Sharing your ride with a friend for a grocery run? Remember insurance usually follows the car – not the driver. That means you should be covered if your friend gets into an accident with your vehicle. But be sure to review your policy before giving anyone the keys. Consider a parking plan, since space on campus is usually limited, especially if your rental agreement doesn’t include a designated spot. Find a well-lit area, ideally with some form of security. Don’t forget to lock your car, and always store packages or valuables in the trunk or take them with you. Another option? Leave your car at home. Many college campuses are walkable, so you might not even need a car. Heading to college and getting your own place can be an exciting new adventure. Plan ahead so you can rest easy once class is in session. -StatePoint
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