By providing contest coordination, judging expertise and the event emcee, ERDC played a major role in Jackson State University’s (JSU) 3rd annual STEM Bowl March 21 at the university’s e-Center with a competition encouraging high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This competition targets students who are considered “underrepresented” in STEM careers.
Human Capital’s Assistant Director Dr. Peggy Wright moderated the contest among teams representing Vicksburg’s Warren Central High School and six Jackson high schools, as each five-member group made 12-minute presentations.
ITL Director Dr. Reed Mosher returned for his third year as judge, and was joined by first time judge and WES Director Emeritus Dr. Robert Whalin, who now serves as associate dean of the JSU College of Science, Engineering and Technology. HCO’s Education Outreach Coordinator Rick Tillotson facilitated ERDC’s involvement and served as liaison to the STEM Bowl schools, roles he has played each of the three years the STEM Bowl has been in existence.
As retired CHL director and now deputy director of the JSU Coastal Hazards Center, Tom Richardson directs the STEM Bowl and has been instrumental in gaining ERDC’s involvement.
A select group of ERDC scientists and engineers propose the STEM Bowl challenge subject each year, focusing on solving a problem or addressing the needs of society. Collaborators also included Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services, the JSU Coastal Hazards Center, and Cascade Designs, Inc.
Solving natural disaster water purification
This year’s situation dealt with the use of Cascade Designs’ SE200 Electrochlorinator for purification of local water supplies after a natural disaster.
Held in conjunction with Jackson’s IT Day, major sponsor Lockheed Martin awarded $22,500 in scholarships and $4,700 to teacher/coaches for stipends and supplies. Jackson’s Provine High School ranked first, followed by Callaway and Lanier High Schools.
When asked about his involvement, Provine’s Teach for America STEM Coach Tyler Dirks said, “In recent years Provine has had several strong showings at the STEM Bowl. When our last year's coach retired from education, our principal (who was a STEM coach herself in a previous life) suggested I take the lead. I was happy to step up.”
He said the team spent extensive amounts of time in the library after school and on weekends, conducting research and interviews, writing and rewriting their report and rehearsing their presentation.
Life lessons for students
“Not only did the STEM Bowl give us an opportunity to interact with science in a meaningful and challenging way, but the entire experience was a life lesson in the benefits of dedication and hard work. Our team members are thrilled that the scholarships they've won will enable them to pursue their goals of higher education,” Dirks shared, adding that the stipend he won is paying for an electro chlorination unit and water quality indicators to enhance Provine’s chemistry curriculum.
“I view ERDC involvement with the STEM Bowl as an investment in our future,” said Tillotson. “STEM Bowl students demonstrate a level of creativity, intellectual knowledge, and presentation skill that would serve them well as ERDC employees. They are some of the brightest students in our local schools and we hope to stimulate their interest in a STEM career.”
Contact
Public Affairs Office
601-634-3188