Students from local Houston and Fort Bend County high schools paid a visit to the University of Houston and UH at Sugar Land on February 17 and February 20 for the first-ever Edison Technology Lecture Series. A total of 400 students attended from fifteen schools. The inspiration for the event originates from a similar program initiated at the University of Texas at Austin by Anthony Ambler, dean of the College of Technology.
Organizer of the event and director of undergraduate recruiting, Sharon Green said, “Our goal is to educate students and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educators with the current terminology and emerging careers in the industries related to UH College of Technology undergraduate degrees. She anticipates being able to recruit students who have a more focused view of their academic and professional goals as a result of the experience. “The Edison Technology Lecture Series event was designed to broaden students’ view of the career possibilities in technology. We wanted to highlight the College of Technology as a place to prepare for those careers,” said Green.
Several activities were designed to inspire and motivate the students. Deniz Gurkan, associate professor of computer engineering technology, presented a motivating talk about how to make decisions about future careers, especially the exciting and diverse opportunities in technology. Anthony Ambler led a spirited discussion about the pathways toward careers in technology, which was followed by several student panelists representing various degree programs.
In addition, the students visited exhibits featuring the diverse opportunities for innovation offered to students choosing majors in biotechnology, computer information systems, construction management, digital media, engineering technology, human resource development, retailing, and supply chain and logistics. On a campus tour, the future Coogs even caught a glimpse inside a residence hall.