By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
The College Technology hosted 80 female students from nine area schools Friday in hopes of plugging them into careers in science and technology that start at Bowling Green State University.
Remis Krishnankuttyrema, assistant teaching professor, said the college has been working for three years to arrange a program to have female students visit. “The reason we’re bringing them here is to make sure they get the hands on experience working in our technology program so they can actually see how this technology works.”
The Women in Technology event was organized by the Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education at BGSU’s College of Education and Human Development.
Professor Mohammad Mayyas, who teaches robotic, said this was a chance to show the students that “BGSU has what they’re looking for.”
He was demonstrating a medical grade 3D printer. He said he found that the visiting students were excited to be on campus. “They enjoyed it.”
The high school students visited a variety of programs including mechatronics, visual communications technology, construction management and architecture.
“We are not seeing very many female students in our program,” said Krishnankuttyrema, who teaches mechatronics. So the technology event is meant to make sure they know about the programs.
Krishnankuttyrema said she was attracted to engineering is part because she enjoyed hands on activities.
Jeniya Allen and Samya Wright, both juniors from Lima Senior High, were among the visiting students. Allen is interested in engineering and Wright is interested in architecture.
“I like being able to make things and use my creativity,” Wright said.
Neither, however, had been considering attending BGSU. But Allen said that being on campus and getting a chance to see the programs first hand and meet students, definitely had her taking a second look at BGSU. Wright agreed.
Krishnankuttyrema said members of the campus Women in Technology program are on hand to help guide students and answer their questions.
“It’s an opportunity for high school students to interact with college students,” she said. “This is a good recruiting opportunity for us.”
