Young students learn about engineering careers

By Jo Anita MileyApril 6, 2015

Young students learn about engineering careers
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Young students learn about engineering careers
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Young students learn about engineering careers
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Young students learn about engineering careers
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The Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville participated in Career Day at Monte Sano Elementary School on March 31.

The event was geared for elementary school students who are interested in knowing what careers are available to them in the federal government. More than 400 students in first through fifth grades participated in the event held at the school.

Huntsville Center employees Dominic Ragucci, project manager, Installation Support and Programs Management Directorate, and Juan Pace, architect, Engineering Directorate, volunteered to teach the students about their respective careers.

Ragucci told the students he is a product of the Huntsville city schools. He attended Williams Elementary, Westlawn Middle and S.R. Butler High schools. After graduation, he stayed local and graduated from Athens State University.

"I am a Huntsville native. I stayed in the Huntsville area because I've always wanted to give back to my community. Coming here to talk with you is one of the ways I can pay it forward," Ragucci said. "You may wonder why I'm here dressed like Bob the Builder (hard hat, safety vest and goggles, boots). Well, there's a reality aspect to Bob because he and I have something in common. Bob and I are both project managers who wear this outfit at project sites. So I get to manage a team of civilians, contractors and other subject matter experts. Juan and I work on the Facilities Repair and Renewal Team at our organization. We work on projects that improve the quality of life for our service members worldwide. I think we are very fortunate be part of the Corps of Engineers and Huntsville Center's mission. I've loved it from day one as an intern."

Pace told students how he took a different path and worked in the private sector for a while before coming to work with the federal government. He said he's not from the local area, but the Corps mission was also what brought him here.

"I graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in architecture, worked several years in the private sector and came to work for the federal government as an Army civilian at Fort Drum, New York. I also serve as an engineering officer for the Corps in the U.S. Army Reserves," Pace said.

"My aim today is to introduce you to my career. An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use. We (architects) are the people who design the structures you see worldwide," Pace said. "I also wear the military uniform as an engineering officer and Army reservist. I get the best of both worlds because as an architect I design and build things. As an engineering officer in combat engineering, I get to tear things down. I like that both my career fields allow me to help people have better living conditions."

Monte Sano career counselor Julia Ansley said she was pleased with the event's outcome. The students got a chance to learn about some interesting careers and begin thinking about their own hobbies, talents and skill-set to determine if they are a fit for a certain career field.

"We really enjoyed you having you here to speak to our students for Career Day," Ansley said. "The Corps speakers provided some great visuals during their presentations. Having our budding 'artists' draw for an actual architect, and see what project managers wear when they are out at projects sites was an added plus. The students also got a chance to hear about military engineers. It was a win for everyone involved. Thank you so much."

Huntsville Center Architectural Branch chief Todd DuVernay said he hopes his team gets an opportunity to support more science, technology, engineering and math outreach events. He said he is proud his team is doing education outreach on behalf of Huntsville Center.

"I am so happy my team can get involved in mentoring students," DuVernay said. "I've supported my architects and interior designers who volunteer to do this because it is very important for our organization to help raise awareness about STEM careers. Having students hear from professionals who actually work in STEM jobs is fantastic! It also gives us a chance to let others know that Huntsville Center is a great place to work."