Howard Community College

STEM Scholars Several years ago, the college developed an honors program specifically for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors, offering seminars and learning experiences aligned with the specific needs of those in STEM fields. While the STEM Scholars program provides the support of a like-minded cohort for college study, the STEM Learning Community and other interest-based clubs and groups provide learning and development opportunities for all STEM students. HCC Students to Assist with Development of Assistive Devices for Disabled Individuals Some HCC students will have the opportunity to change the world for a person in need through participation in a unique partnership with V-LINC. "We recently teamed up with V-LINC, a local nonprofit organization that develops a variety of assistive devices to help people with functional disabilities," said Mark Edelen, chair of the engineering and technology department at HCC. "Through this partnership, V-LINC gets volunteer support from our students, who have the skills to bring good ideas to fruition, and we have the opportunity to work on practical and meaningful projects that will help people overcome some of their everyday challenges." This semester, HCC engineering students are contributing to two special V-LINC projects. The first is development of a device that would give a local teenager with autism the ability to dress herself without assistance. The second calls for creation of a device that can support a specially adapted painting easel in a bed for a quadriplegic man. Patricia Turner, acting dean and chair of the science, engineering, and technology division, is excited about what the partnership with V-LINC means for the future of engineering studies at HCC. "The HCC engineering program has grown and changed dramatically since it began decades ago, due to the leadership of an engaged and energetic faculty," says Turner. "Service learning programs for engineering students, such as V-LINC, are important elements of that transformation and they foster the development of engineers who use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities." Society for Women Engineers' President Olivia Persing Makes Each Day Count Olivia Persing dreamt of becoming an astronaut when she grew up. While her career vision and goals have shifted a bit, her "anything is possible" attitude has remained intact. As the first president of Howard Community College's chapter of the Society for Women Engineers, Persing is positioning herself as a true "mover and shaker" within the school's engineering program, leading membership recruitment, professional development, and community outreach activities to encourage women to pursue engineering career opportunities. She is determined to make each day count. "Each week we mentor a group of students at Guilford Elementary School," said Persing, who plans to transfer to the University of Maryland, College Park and pursue its Transportation and Project Management career track. "We work with them on experiments and creative projects that are tied to STEM fields, to encourage young girls to think about engineering, math, and science for their careers." Similarly, Persing is making it a priority to connect with HCC students to encourage their involvement in SWE and other clubs that build both skills and professional connections. "Every semester I speak with the students who are taking the engineering seminar, to encourage them to get involved," she said. "You get to know the faculty before they actually become your teachers. You get to meet a lot of professionals in the field. You get to make connections early on that will help you when the time comes to begin your career." Spring 2015 | Pathways 9

• Cover