It’s never too early for high school students to start thinking about their futures, and in the world of engineering, the options are endless.
The School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME) at California State University, Bakersfield is hosting its Engineering Day on Friday, February 21. Sponsored by Edison International, the event is a chance for students to learn more about careers in engineering, right from local industry professionals.
“As students plan for life after high school, we want to make sure that they are aware of the many opportunities within engineering industries, especially those right here in Bakersfield,” said Dr. Kathleen Madden, NSME Dean. “If Engineering Day has piqued their interest in these fields, we will be awaiting them as future CSUB engineering students.”
Engineering Day kicks off with student check-in at Student Housing East Multipurpose Room at 8:30 a.m., followed by a welcome and introductions at 9 to 9:30 a.m., with CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny to meet Aera CEO Christina Sistrunk for her first time on campus.
“We are so excited to have Christina Sistrunk on campus,” said Andrea Medina, director of Grants and Outreach for CSUB’s School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering. “Not only is she a local engineering leader, she’s an example to young women that this industry is every bit as much for them as it is for the men.”
Students will split into four groups and hear from speakers in various breakout sessions. Speakers include: Ian Journey, a consulting mechanical engineer at Baskin Mechanical Engineers; Tiffany Chatman, a facilities engineer at Aera Energy, LLC; Alejandro Ramirez, an electrical engineer at Edwards Air Force Base; Dolores Salgado, a registered civil engineer for IEC, a small private firm; and Shalisha Hodson, a civil engineer with Ruettgers & Schuler Civil Engineers.
After breakout sessions, keynote speaker Brent Ilott will speak at 11:30 a.m. Ilott is the Drilling Manager for Aera Energy, LLC. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech, he earned his Master of Business Administration at CSUB.
“Brent has been a huge supporter of our engineering program here at CSUB,” Medina said. “He was part of our first Order of the Engineer ceremony last spring, and we’re thrilled to have him back on campus again to inspire future engineers.”
Although Engineering Day is open only to local high school students, members of the media are invited to join for part or all of this event to help us spread the word about engineering opportunities in Bakersfield.
Engineering Day agenda:
- 8:30 to 9 a.m.: Student check-in (This could be a good time for B-roll footage or photos.)
- 9 to 9:30 a.m.: Welcome and introductions at Student Housing East Multipurpose Room (President Lynnette Zelezny will meet Aera CEO Christina Sistrunk)
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Breakout sessions in different locations in CSUB’s Business Development Center
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Keynote speaker Brent Ilott
- 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.: Lunch
For more information on Engineering Day, contact Andrea Medina at 654-3006 or amedina4@csub.edu.
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)