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QCC Energizes Students in Avanza STEM Expo
April 2019
Jacob Longacre, QCC Professor of Electronics Engineering and Photonics, shared the science of optics and photonics at the Avanza STEM Expo.
Students check out 35 mm slides as Professor Longacre explains the technology behind them
QCC STEM Ambassador Brandon Won explains 3D printing.
On April 18, QCC staff and faculty brought STEM to life at the spring Avanza STEM Expo held by the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University. The Expo offered seminars in various STEM topics along with a science fair event featuring different types of “hands-on” STEM experiences. Avanza translates roughly to “Get Moving," and the Expo certainly had people moving and trying out all sorts of STEM activities.
Brandon Won, QCC STEM Ambassador, set up a table with a running 3D printer and brought additional samples of what 3D printers are able to create. He demonstrated a mechanical hand that responds to movements; and had numerous “Creopop” colored pens that create 3D items such as eyeglass frames from materials made with an extruded gel and cured with UV light. Mr. Won noted that the students were eager to learn and didn’t hesitate to test everything he had brought.
Jacob Longacre, QCC Professor of Electronics Engineering and Photonics, shared the science of optics and photonics using a variety of toys and everyday products including 35 mm slides, a digital camera, 3-D glasses, picture books, remote controls using infrared light, and the ever popular View-Master.
Eduardo Rivas, QCC Admissions Counselor, gave a well-attended seminar on STEM Careers and explained the QCC programs available. Mr. Rivas noted that attendees were very impressed with the high salaries available in STEM fields. QCC’s participation in the Avanza STEM Expo was supported through the Massachusetts Biomedical Institute and STEM Starter Academy funding.
