Students & Community Explore Engineering at 2nd Annual ExPO: Engineering Skills Fair

On September 28th, 2013, University of Maryland's Engineers Without Borders (EWB) hosted the second annual ExPO: Engineering Skills Fair. The event was co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Clark School of Engineering Alumni Association. Approximately 200 people gathered on the Jeong H. Kim Plaza to experience the practical skills side of engineering, eat delicious BBQ provided by ASCE, and socialize with new and old friends for the afternoon.

With a focus on teaching fundamental skills, critical to any successful Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project, as well as featuring demonstrations on innovative technologies, ExPO brought together University of Maryland students, local high school students, and College Park community members. Workshops were led by student organizations from the engineering school, including Concrete Canoe, Maryland Sustainability Engineering (MDSE), Maryland Educational Solar Array (MESA), Startup Shell, Steel Bridge, Terps Racing, and Theta Tau.

ExPO offered participants a wide range of hands-on and educational workshops. Some of the more interactive workshops included learning how to use power tools or welding steel. There were also stations demonstrating how a specific technology works, such as solar panels or surveying. One of the most popular workshops this year was the 3D printer and Google Glasses brought by the Startup Shell. It was exciting for the crowd to see and learn how to use new, cutting-edge technologies that could define the future.

After the success of last spring’s ExPO, EWB and the other contributing engineering organizations were excited to see ExPO become an annual occurrence in the Clark School. The ExPO motto, “Use your Hands, Learn Something, Experience Engineering” truly encompasses the community centered nature and atmosphere of the event. EWB is excited to see ExPO transform into a highlight fall event for the Clark School of Engineering and the University of Maryland over the next few years.

Published October 17, 2013