x
  
  
Posted: 1/26/12

TAMIU Celebrates STEM Day Friday with Visit by Astronaut

 

TAMIU Logo
 

More than 200 local and area middle and high school students will have the opportunity to explore careers in science at the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Day Friday, Jan. 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Science Center and Planetarium.

At 1 p.m. in the Student Center ballroom, students will hear from special guest speaker Michael E. Fossum, NASA astronaut.

Fossum grew up in McAllen, Texas, has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, an M.S. in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an M.S. in physical science (space science) from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

In June 1998, he was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He is a veteran of three space flights and has logged more than 194 days in space, including more than 48 hours of extravehicular activity (EVA) in seven spacewalks.

Congressman Henry Cuellar (’82), who supports STEM Day at TAMIU, said the event helps to encourage student to pursue STEM careers.

“Less than eight percent of Hispanics are studying or have earned degrees in STEM fields, and with 9 out of 10 of the fastest growing occupations requiring STEM backgrounds, our students need encouragement to take on the challenge,” Congressman Cuellar said, “I look forward to continuing to  work with TAMIU and other colleges to help promote opportunities in STEM fields so that our young  generations will invent, engineer and design.”

The event is made possible by generous support provided by James P. McGrath, AEP (American Electric Power) and Centerpoint Energy ENTEX.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu , visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268 or click on tamiu.edu           

University information is also available on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu