By Renee Hatcher
NAWCWD Public Affairs

NAWCWD scientists and engineers conducted a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) showcase May 22 in an effort to expose Sherman E. Burroughs High School (BHS) students to the exciting opportunities that are available to them in a variety of technical careers.

“It’s very important to have a working relationship with the Navy,” said Carrie Cope, BHS science director. “We appreciate the NAWCWD presenters taking time away from their work to show the students what they are working on and give the students some ideas of a future career.”

The second annual showcase consisted of six displays intended to demonstrate real world problems and solutions devised by NAWCWD scientists and engineers.

“Our goal is to spark the students’ interest in science and technology careers early,” said Charles Bechtel, associate department head for weapons in the Weapons and Energetics Department.

Scientists and engineers from NAWCWD’s Research and Engineering Department spent the day showing off the cool stuff they get to work on for the Navy to more than 1,200 BHS students. Pat Donohue, Alan Hampton, Earl Machowsky and Al Smith put on a missile guidance and control system demonstration with a Sidewinder missile.

“The presentations were very interesting and helped me understand the variety of work they do on base,” said 11th-grader Kurt Spoons. “I’ve always considered a career in math or science because I’ve always wanted to be an aeronautical engineer. The Sidewinder was my favorite because it’s a missile.”

Shirli Sishc, Anhtuan Le and Drew Casselberry talked to the students about radio miniaturization. Kristin Jackson, Ariel Nissan and Jessica Webb gave a lesson in polymer chemistry by showing off pliable putty.

“All of the presentations I saw were very interesting,” said 11th-grader Matthew Johnson. “The polymers showcase (silly putty showcase) was my favorite. I am not decided yet, but I am considering a career in science.”

Bettye Moody and Lee Fine gave a radiography demonstration. Kent Dickey and Orson Eggleston explained how a laser vibrometer works. Lee Cambrea and Eric Erickson demonstrated some forensic chemistry.

“The presentations were very fun and informative,” said 11th-grader Travis Cole. “I enjoyed the Sidewinder missile, the radiology exhibits, and seeing the air bubbles in a rocket engine with an X-ray. The functions of weapons fascinate me and I want to design them.”

Often, Cope said, the students aren’t sure of what they want to do in the future.

“Being able to show the students what’s happening on the base might trigger their interest and lead to a career,” she said. “By having the NAWCWD folks come and show us what they work on, the students get an idea of what they might want to do.”

PHOTO CUTLINES

Photo by Dan O’Connor
Lee Cambrea, a research chemist in the Chemistry Branch, conducts a hands-on forensic chemistry exercise with Burroughs High School students during the science, technology, engineering and math showcase May 22.

Photo by Dan O’Connor
Kent Dickey shows how a laser vibrometer take measurements to create an animated model of how a structure is affected by vibration.

Photo by Dan O’Connor
Shirli Sishc, an electrical engineer in the Navigation and Weapons Concept Development Branch, warms up her audience of Burroughs High School students with some candy before explaining how today’s warfighter can take advantage of new technologies like third generation cell phones just like they use every day.