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Students Learn About the Innovations of Tomorrow at QCC’s Manufacturing Day

October 2018
  • Professor of Computer Science Hao Loi shows off the capabilities of a robot.
    Professor of Computer Science Hao Loi shows off the capabilities of a robot
  • High school students get to try their hand at gaming.
    High school students get to try their hand at gaming.
  • Assistant Professor of Manufacturing Technology Lee Duerden
    Assistant Professor of Manufacturing Technology Lee Duerden demonstrates a new piece of metrology equipment.

Students from area high schools joined faculty and staff at Quinsigamond Community College during the school’s informational Manufacturing Day on October 19. The day was designed to offer high school students a chance to learn more about manufacturing and technology and the careers in this extensively growing field.

The high school students began their day at the Hebert Auditorium on the college’s main campus where QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja told the students of all the new and amazing things that are happening in lasers and photonics.

“There are things that we can do that we never imagined. I look forward to what the future will being and the things that some of you will produce,” he said.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from James Cunningham, Vice President of Cunningham and Associates, a company that has employed several co-op students from QCC.

“When I was in high school no one told to me about STEM. If they did I might have gotten involved in manufacturing sooner,” he said.

Mr. Cunningham discussed the stigma that used to plague the manufacturing industry and how that has all changed. He noted that amazing technological advances are happening right in New England’s backyard, from 3D organs being printed on a massive scale, to automated grocery stores and military sutures that are strong enough to tow a tractor trailer.

“Massachusetts is the number one hub in the nation for innovation,” he said, telling the students, “I can’t find enough talented, qualified people to hire.The demand for STEM jobs is astronomical.”

He encouraged the students to use the day at QCC to spark their inspiration and get introduced to STEM as they walked through the lab spaces, Fab Lab and learned of the opportunities available to them.

“Don’t waste today! Ask questions and get involved,” he added.

Visit QCC’s Manufacturing Technology to learn more.

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