Teens explore engineering with the help of NSBE members

In an event designed to broaden participation in engineering and applied sciences and promote community partnership, 40 students from Hutchinson Central Technical High School (Hutch Tech) visited the University at Buffalo campus on March 11 for a half-day engineering immersion experience.

The visit was planned and facilitated by members of the UB chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a student-led organization dedicated to increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.

Participants engaged in a series of interactive activities that introduced them to engineering concepts while offering insight into college life and pathways into STEM careers. Many were first-time visitors to UB and expressed an interest in engineering fields, such as biomedical and chemical engineering. Hutch Tech, a Buffalo Public Schools Career & Technical Education school, offers students early exposure to engineering, technology, and applied sciences through hands-on coursework and pathway-aligned programming.

Activities included a student panel discussion, LEGO SPIKE robotics challenges, an Oobleck materials science experiment, and an egg drop design challenge. Each activity was led by UB engineering students and designed to emphasize teamwork, problem-solving and creativity. Chemical engineering student Calvin McLaurin and biomedical engineering students Chioma Emelisi and Gaby Santo served as student leaders for the day.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable to be a part of a small but significant segment of their engineering journeys. Seeing the pure joy on their faces as they progressed through set tasks reassured me that this event was nothing short of empowering,” said Emelisi.

The visit was coordinated with support from Monica Miles, assistant professor of engineering education and faculty advisor to UB NSBE, who assisted with planning and logistics.

“There is something incredibly powerful about positioning our UB students as leaders and role models,” said Miles. “When college students design and lead these experiences, it reinforces their own engineering identities while allowing high school students to see themselves reflected in future possibilities. That peer-to-peer connection builds confidence on both sides and transforms a campus visit into a moment of belonging.”

Coordinating the visit from the Hutch Tech side was Anthony “Tony” Weisel, work-based learning coordinator for Buffalo Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department.

“We are incredibly grateful to the University at Buffalo and the NSBE students for creating such a meaningful experience for our Hutch Tech students,” said Weisel. “This visit provided our students with a powerful, hands-on introduction to engineering and college life. Experiences like this help reinforce the relevance of their CTE coursework and inspire students to envision themselves as future engineers and problem solvers.”

Additional support for hands-on activities was provided through the New York Space Grant Consortium, with LEGO SPIKE kits supported under the leadership of Jennifer Zirnheld, associate professor of electrical engineering and director of first-year engineering program in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Lunch was sponsored by Arcadis and coordinated by SEAS Outreach and Community Engagement staff members Christina Escobar and Steven Pilat.