UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — E-Fest East, an annual event held by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), will provide a venue for engineering students to showcase their innovation, invention, and creativity.
The regional event, powered by design, advanced manufacturing and robotics technologies, will be held April 13-15 on the University Park campus.
“These engineering festivals demonstrate our focus on practical design skills and interdisciplinary team engagement,” Keith Roe, former president of ASME, said. “Our vision is for every engineering student to possess the tools, experience and confidence to solve the complex challenges facing the world.”
As a centerpiece of the Fest, more than 40 student teams will compete in the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge. Conceptualizing sleek, aerodynamic, highly engineered “super bikes,” these teams will face a series of real-world challenges to showcase their unique design and capabilities.
“E-Fest is very strongly student-focused,” Jason Moore, associate professor of mechanical engineering and one of the event’s organizers, explained. “There will be several interesting and engaging speakers to learn from. It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
In addition, the Student Design Competition challenges teams to create robots that can play football. Students will use their imagination and technical design skills to create a robotic “team” to compete in a modified four-way football competition.
“We are thrilled to be hosting E-Fest East this year,” Karen Thole, distinguished professor and department head of mechanical and nuclear engineering and current member of the ASME Board of Governors, said. “Our students, along with hundreds from around the region, will have a chance to ignite their innovation and put their knowledge to work!”
The events will empower engineering students to tackle real-life problems and provide ample networking and skill enhancement opportunities.
“These competitions and workshops are a unique way for our students to take their knowledge outside of the classroom,” Thole said. “It will also be a great opportunity to demonstrate their ingenuity to future employers.”
Networking and career development sessions will be offered throughout the weekend, aimed at preparing students to excel in their professional careers.
For more information, visit EFestEast.ASME.org.