DAVENPORT, Iowa -- (Feb. 16, 2016) Three female engineers from Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center-Rock Island visited Davenport West High School on Feb. 16 to assist in teaching an all-girl class in Introduction to Engineering and Design.
Each of the ARDEC engineers came well qualified and equipped with their own unique degree; Jessica Brauer, with a biomedical degree, Ryane Pappa, with a chemical and biomolecular degree, and Lynn Smith, with a mechanical degree.
ARDEC's three engineers met with the class to discuss their experiences, challenges, and passion in their engineering careers with the class that day.
The class, taught by teacher Jason Franzenburg, is made up of 20 girls who are part of the one-of-a-kind class that started this school semester in an effort to get more girls interested and into the engineering field.
Right now women make up less than 20 percent of college engineering students.
The ARDEC engineers' visit came well timed and just before National Engineers Week, observed Feb. 21-27 this year; as well as National Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, which was observed on Feb. 25 the same week. The later observance is about encouraging girls to consider a route into engineering, and inspiring a generation who might grow up to be the great innovators and problem solvers of the next generation.
ARDEC is an internationally recognized hub for the advancement of armaments technology and engineering innovation. As one of the specialized research, development and engineering centers within the U.S. Army Materiel Command, ARDEC partners with a wide variety of organization, including industry, academia and other government organizations to accelerate the development and transition of new technologies to the warfighter. Its mission is to empower, unburden and protect the warfighter by providing superior armaments solutions that dominate the battlefield.
Related Links:
WQAD: West High School empowers girls by offering special engineering class
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center-Rock Island
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