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October 2, 2006
CSE faculty and students were one of two groups representing the University of Minnesota at Governor Tim Pawlenty’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Summit on Sept. 30 at St. Paul’s Science Museum.
The event marked the launch for a statewide initiative promoting advanced science, math and technology coursework and interest among Minnesota high school students. According to a press release, “Forecasts are projecting a 20-33 percent increase in demand for scientific and technical occupations in Minnesota over the next ten years. At the same time, only 10.8 percent of eighth-graders and 20.9 percent of tenth-graders expressed interest in pursuing a future in the STEM fields.”
Associate Department Head, Maria Gini and CSE graduate students enticed the high school students using robotics. “ We organized hands-on activities with the Cots-M scouts,” Gini said, adding that they were presented by Ian Burt and Amer Agovic. Gini and doctoral student Shana Watters demonstrated the Sony AIBOs as well.
“The turnout was very good,” Gini said. “We had lots of people of all ages stopping by to teleoperate the scouts and to play with the AIBOs. Many students and parents asked questions about the U and outreach programs.”
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