Latest news with #STEM
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
New STEM camp helps create engineering minded workforce
MORGANTOWN — Claire Drainer was already dominating at rockets as captain of her East Fairmont High rocketry team, so she tried balloons next. Drainer was one of 17 girls at a new week long summer camp called SpaceTrek, held at the West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering. 'It's amazing, it's a really good opportunity,' Drainer said. 'You get to meet a lot of really nice people and you get to do a lot of things you wouldn't normally get to do.' SpaceTrek originated at Kentucky's Morehead State University, primarily designed to bring more women into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It's made for young women entering grades 9-12 or their first year of college. Professor David Martinelli imported the program from Morehead to WVU, intending to adapt it for Appalachian needs. This is its first year here. The program itself teaches basic space systems engineering. The girls learn the fundamentals of electronics, wave motion and the electromagnetic spectrum, among other disciplines, as they put together a cricket satellite for launch aboard a balloon. The balloons climb as high as six kilometers into the atmosphere. After the launch, the team acts as a ground station, by pointing an antenna into the sky and picking up the radio signals the satellite puts out. The girls then use those signals to chart how the radio frequency the satellite is transmitting on changes as it ascends. State Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia County, had to rally after graft funding for the program didn't come through in time. Typically, the program recruits during the fall semester for summer session. Oliverio, along with his wife Melissa, wrote to 54 West Virginia school superintendents and reached out to faculty, principals and STEM clubs. Word reached Drainer's grandmother, who told her granddaughter about it. On Thursday, Drainer's grandmother and her grandfather, Ed Buckner, were on hand to show support. 'I think this is a good opportunity for these kids to be introduced to STEM and be involved in STEM,' Buckner said. 'It's a good opportunity because girls would not be exposed to this kind of environment, with the training they get in the classroom. For instance, soldering and electricy, things like that. There's not an opportunity for them in everyday life to be exposed to that.' Melissa Oliverio knows first hand the value of programs aimed at young women. In her youth, she attended debate camp at Wake Forest, which sowed the seeds for her to enter law school later. Now as an adult, and despite the fact she wasn't a STEM student, she wanted to make a similar experience available to other young women in rural counties. 'I believe in the value of women learning with other women,' she said. 'This is just a tremendous opportunity, and we just had to try to help get the word out.' Martinelli said the majority of the girls came from McDowell and Mingo counties. Martinelli said those are some areas that have a disconnect with WVU and the school would love to increase the awareness of higher education there. Having the parents there on the first day of the camp was valuable, and after touring the engineering complex, the parents walked away understanding the value of sending their kids to college. Three of the girls came from East Fairmont High. Wes Deadrick, director of NASA's Katherine Johnson IV&V facility in the I-79 High Tech Park in Fairmont, was also present watching the balloon launches. 'You can spend a lot of time in the classroom and lab, but this is really where the rubber hits the road out here,' he said. Although the NASA facility does more work with software coding and ensuring no mission-ending errors are propagating before a mission launch, and not balloons or atmosphere science, he said programs like SpaceTrek create an important STEM pipeline that gets students excited with the hands-on applications. 'It gives us an engineering-minded workforce, having students that are homegrown that we can pull from the area,' Deadrick said. 'We'd love to hire West Virginians. They're dedicated, hard-working, have some grit and they tend to stay with us.' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Open Sauce's Eye-catching Creations? Meet Elegoo's AI Robots, Glowing Cosplay Wings, and More, All 3D Printed
SAN FRANCESCO, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegoo, a rapidly developing brand in global smart manufacturing, joins Open Sauce today, one of the world's biggest gatherings of makers, creators, and tech innovators - at Booth A15 and A16, the San Mateo County Event Center. During the 3-day event from July 18 to July 20 in San Francisco, Elegoo is unveiling a lineup of 3D printed creations built around STEM ideas and co-created with creators worldwide. "We're here at Open Sauce because it celebrates the maker spirit we believe in," said Coco Lee, Brand Director at Elegoo. "This isn't just a place to show off tech - it's where people come to make it their own. We're here to co-create, spark ideas, explore collaborations, and most of all, deliver the fun and wonder of 3D printing." Elegoo for the first time presents some of the coolest creations including: Open-source AI robot fleet of nine: 3D printed by Elegoo's passionate engineers, these robots run on the ESP32-S3 chip and draw inspiration from the Otto robot and the open-source XiaoZhi AI project. Elegoo expanded on this idea by 3D printing custom shells, while redesigning the control board and rewriting the firmware to create their own version. The robots can listen, speak, display expressions, take photos, perform movements as instructed, and interpret user intent through AI with the help of sensors. This open-source foundation blends 3D printing, AI, and robotics into one accessible platform, inspiring developers around the world. Animatronic Wings: Co-created with Willow Creative in just four weeks, this project turns heads and shows the power of 3D printing. Most parts, including feathers, hinges, connectors, and backpack frame, are 3D printed with the OrangeStorm Giga and Centauri Carbon. Each feather is made of transparent PETG to work with addressable 3mm LED strips, allowing for dynamic light effects. Tipsy: Totally Intelligent Pouring System (Tipsy) is an AI-powered drink pouring machine created by Concept Bytes, with support from Elegoo for 3D printers and materials. Its entire outer casing is 3D printed. The machine connects up to 12 drink sources via tubing and uses small pumps to precisely dispense single or double shots. A digital control panel displays ChatGPT-generated drink images, adding a fun and customizable touch. Tipsy is fully open-source and was made using the Centauri Carbon. GlowGear: A futuristic cosplay sword created in collaboration with Little Jem. It features smoke effects and sound, and was printed on the Centauri Carbon with 120 hours of print time. Besides exciting projects, visitors can experience Elegoo's latest 3D printers, including the Centauri Carbon and Jupiter 2, and enjoy interactive games and giveaways at the booth. For more information, please follow Elegoo's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, Discord, and Reddit. Event Details: Date: July 18-20, 2025Location: San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo, CA, USBooth: A15, 16 About Elegoo Founded in 2015, Elegoo is a rapidly developing brand in the global smart manufacturing industry, specializing in R&D, manufacturing, and sales of consumer-grade 3D printers, laser engravers, STEM kits, and other smart technology products. Located in Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China, the company has sold millions of products across more than 100 countries and regions. In 2024, the company's total sales revenue surpassed 220 million USD, with more than 1000 employees and nearly 30,000 square meters of office and manufacturing area. With a focus on programming and 3D printing technology, Elegoo provides unique and smart creation spaces for diverse consumers to enhance personalized experiences. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ELEGOO
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Connected by Pipeline: Marathon and Osage Nation Find Success
Key Points July 18, 2025 /3BL/ - The Ozark pipeline passes through 29 miles of the Osage Nation in northeastern Oklahoma, providing the basis for an ongoing collaboration that has created multi-faceted benefits for the tribe. The Osage Nation's leadership recently gathered with representatives of Marathon Pipe Line (MPL), the pipeline's operator and a wholly owned subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum's midstream segment, MPLX, for a daylong meeting that showcased their connection. 'The primary objective was to provide Osage leaders with detailed information on pipeline integrity, preventative maintenance and emergency preparedness, along with addressing their questions,' said MPL Heartland Area Manager Jayson Nohl. 'During the meeting, the Osage Nation's director of education took time to highlight the impact of MPL's grants on students in recent years.' Community investment grant support has helped students enhance their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills through special learning experiences. Students have participated in CyberPatriot, a national youth cyber education program, and attended the national conference of AISES, a nonprofit focused on increasing Indigenous representation in STEM studies and careers. 'Thanks to Marathon, we are able to help our students see themselves and their communities as belonging in academic spaces, which leads to increased success.' The grants have also provided scholarships as well as supplies and equipment for schools, including a flight simulator at a high school for hands-on training. 'With my scholarship, I was able to lighten the financial burden associated with flight training and obtain a private pilot's license, an instrument rating and a commercial pilot's license, and also begin pursuing a multi-engine rating,' said Fouad Sakhakhni, a recipient of an Osage Nation Career Training Scholarship. 'Thanks to Marathon, we are able to help our students see themselves and their communities as belonging in academic spaces, which leads to increased success,' said Osage Nation Director of Education Mary Wildcat. More recent assistance has gone beyond education. Environmental remediation and new outdoor recreation facilities made possible by MPL helped establish the new Osage Nation Health Complex. Another grant delivered attack hoses and nozzles to the city of Skiatook's fire department. Last fall, MPL conducted an incident response drill with the Osage Nation that involved boom deployment on Skiatook Lake. 'We understand that the location of the pipeline connects us with the Osage Nation in working to preserve the safety of the people and environment of this region,' said MPL Public Engagement Coordinator Abbey Will. 'To keep the trust of leadership and landowners, we are committed to maintaining the open dialogue and timely communication that has built our strong relationship.' Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Marathon Petroleum
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SELC 2025: Boosting English literacy to power Sarawak's future workforce
Rentap (third left) says SELC 2025 brings in internationally-renowned speakers to share with the participants valuable methodologies and global best practices. KUCHING (July 18): English literacy plays a pivotal role in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and also in preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world. In highlighting this, State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu also stressed about the language's importance in ensuring Sarawak would reach its high-income economy status by 2030. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' he said in a statement to promote the Sarawak English Literary Conference (SELC) 2025, scheduled to be taking place at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here this Sept 17 to 19. SELC 2025 is meant to be a strategic platform to support the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts in elevating the English language proficiency across all levels of education – from early childhood to tertiary stage. Adding on, Rentap, also advisor to SELC 2025, said Sarawak would require a highly-skilled workforce especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. 'STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood. 'Introducing synthetic phonics at an early age has proven effective in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning.' On SELC 2025, Rentap said it would bring in internationally-renowned speakers in phonics, education and STEM — all of whom would share with the participants valuable methodologies and global best practices. 'With support from international experts, from Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK, we want our educators, not just in Sarawak but from across Malaysia and beyond, to benefit from this knowledge-sharing opportunity.' Rentap also spoke about the strategic importance of investing in educators themselves, underlining a strong education system would depend not only on the curriculum, but also on the capacity and commitment of its teachers. 'If we are to prepare our youths for tomorrow's challenges, from hydrogen energy to aerospace, from carbon management to AI (artificial intelligence), then our teachers must be equipped with the tools and vision to guide them.' Describing SELC 2025 as a 'homegrown conference with international ambition', Rentap said the initiative meant to align strongly with Sarawak's broader aspirations. 'This is not just an event, as it is part of a long-term vision. 'We are grateful to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, as well as the Sarawak Education Department and Business Events Sarawak, for their support in making this a reality. 'With the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak beginning from next year, the emphasis on literacy and technical knowledge is crucial than ever. 'We want our youths to have every opportunity to succeed, not only here in Sarawak but on the global stage. 'If they are equipped with strong English skills and a solid foundation in science and technology, they can go anywhere,' said Rentap. For more information and registration details, go to or call Emierson on +6082-555 189, or access [email protected]. Gerald Rentap Jabu Kuching lead Sarawak English Literary Conference SELC
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Rentap: English literacy vital for Sarawak to meet demands of globalised, tech-driven world
Rentap (third left) said SELC 2025 will involve internationally renowned speakers sharing valuable methodologies and global best practices. KUCHING (July 18): English literacy plays a pivotal role in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world, said Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu. The Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said Sarawak will require a highly skilled workforce especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in line with its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' he said in a statement to promote the Sarawak English Literary Conference (SELC) 2025 on Sept 17-19. Rentap, who is an SELC 2025 advisor, said STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood. According to him, introducing synthetic phonics at an early age has proven effective in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning. He said SELC 2025 will bring in internationally renowned speakers in phonics, education, and STEM — all of whom will share valuable methodologies and global best practices. 'With support from international experts from Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK, we want our educators, not just in Sarawak but from across Malaysia and beyond, to benefit from this knowledge-sharing opportunity,' he said. Rentap also spoke on the strategic importance of investing in educators themselves, asserting that a strong education system depends not only on the curriculum but also on the capacity and commitment of its teachers. 'If we are to prepare our youth for tomorrow's challenges, from hydrogen energy to aerospace, from carbon management to artificial intelligence, then our teachers must be equipped with the tools and vision to guide them,' he said. He thanked the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development; Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development; Sarawak State Education Department; and Business Events Sarawak for supporting the event. With the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak from next year, he said the emphasis on literacy and technical knowledge is more crucial than ever. 'We want our youth to have every opportunity to succeed, not only here in Sarawak but on the global stage. If they are equipped with strong English skills and a foundation in science and technology, they can go anywhere,' added Rentap. SELC 2025 is designed as a strategic platform to support the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to elevate English language proficiency across all levels of education, from early childhood to tertiary. It aspires to influence future educational policies and strategies, helping to position Sarawak as a knowledge-forward and future-ready state by 2030. For more information and registration details, visit or call Emierson on 082-555189 or email [email protected]. Gerald Rentap Jabu lead Sarawak English Literary Conference
