Program brings engineering and female students together

The School of Sustainable Design Engineering at UPEI has launched a summer program to promote interest in engineering research with girls in high school.

Amy Hsiao, associate professor at the SSDE, was awarded a grant from UPEI’s Annual Fund to develop Promoting Girls in Research on Engineering and Sustainability — ProGRES. Research has shown that direction interaction with professional women is the most significant factor in encouraging young women to pursue studies in under-represented areas, such as engineering. ProGRES will offer these young women a firm foundation of mentorship and professionalism as they pursue a future in engineering. Thirty-two girls applied for the six spots in this inaugural year. “Students are concerned with living green, caring about our world and making a difference,” said Hsiao.

“The emphasis on bioresources, sustainable energy systems, mechatronics and robotics at the School of Sustainable Design Engineering are all appealing for young women.” After two weeks in the program, student Katia Hughes is happy with what she has done and looking forward to what the following weeks hold.

“I am currently doing general research on wind turbine blade failure and leading-edge erosion. We were also introduced to Onshape this week, and although I am very new to the program, I hope to design something cool and useful and hopefully develop some basic design skills.

The program will come to an end with a final presentation Aug. 17, during which all participants will be encouraged to share their ProGRES experience with friends and classmates, highlighting the opportunities for young women in engineering.