High School Students Explore Future at OU’s Engineering Open House

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Over 800 high school students and educators from across the state attended the 111th Engineering Open House hosted by the Gallogly College of Engineering on Feb. 22 at the University of Oklahoma. 

“The OU Engineering Open House is a chance for high school students to explore engineering programs and what the field of engineering offers,” said Randa Shehab, Ph.D., OU Engineering senior associate dean of academic affairs. “We hope these students learn how they can use engineering to drive forward advancements in the future and how they can make society a better place.”

OG&E served as the primary sponsor for the annual event. “We are happy to sponsor and participate in an open house that allows students to explore a potential career in engineering,” said Nicole Rhodes, director of transmission and distribution operation, Resource Planning and Coordination at OG&E. “At OG&E, we value serving our communities and this worthwhile event will hopefully serve and inspire the next generation.”

The OU Engineering Open House is part of the college's mission to expand access to engineering across Oklahoma. The event includes design competitions and presentations.  

"Students who engage in our competitions design prototypes before coming to the OU campus. This allows high school educators to introduce engineering concepts in their classrooms,” said Dalton Brasington, OU Engineering's director of engineering outreach and recruitment. “OU's high school connection helps students understand the concepts that make for successful engineers and scientists. These concepts are integral to success in all areas.”

This year, 10 new schools and organizations joined in open house activities bringing the total number of Oklahoma schools taking part to 40. Communities represented were Adair, Bethany, Bridge Creek, Chickasha, Duncan, Durant, Fort Cobb, Holdenville, Jenks, Lawton, Lone Grove, Maud, Midwest City, Mustang, Norman, Oklahoma City, Omega, Purcell, Sand Springs, Stilwell, Tahlequah, Tulsa, Walters and Wayne. 

Guided by OU Engineering students and faculty, high school students participated in roller coaster design, bridge construction and coding basics. Students also learned about admissions and financial aid. 

Participants also learned about research activities at OU and attended the inaugural OU Undergraduate Research Poster Showcase where 20 high school students presented their projects to fellow students and educators.

“OU Engineering is prioritizing student access to critical thinking skills and perseverance mindset learned through undergraduate research,” said Susan Walden Ph.D., executive director of Engineering Pathways. 

"It was fun to witness the excitement that the high school students expressed in response to the outstanding presentations by OU Engineering undergraduate students. They were inspired and eager to learn,” Walden said.

Matt Brigida, a mechanical engineering senior and a Sooner Engineering Education Center member, agrees with Walden's assessment. 

“Engineering is all around us and watching students draw connections to what they see every day, whether as simple as driving over a bridge or thinking about the programming that goes into making technology work, shows that engineers can accomplish anything.”

Challenge winners awarded OU Engineering scholarships are:

Egg Car Challenge: Cortlin Hudson and Valaria Sanroman, Moore-Norman Technology Center at Westmoore High School, Moore

Design, Build, Fly Glider Challenge: Preet Damani, Skyler Collins, Will Strawn and Tyson Benford, Canadian Valley Technology Center El Reno Campus

Solar Oven Challenge: Daisy Le and Sarah Le, Moore-Norman Technology Center at Westmoore High School, Moore

Helping Hand Challenge: Hudson Jones and Lydia Houpe, Mingo Valley Christian School, Tulsa

OU Housing and Food Services served as the food sponsor and Underground Printing as the T-shirt sponsor. OU Admissions and Financial Aid from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment on campus were also on hand to meet with students. 

Learn more about preK-12 programs offered by the Gallogly College of Engineering.

By Lorene A. Roberson, Gallogly College of Engineering



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