Congressman Cuellar, TAMIU Present 11th Annual STEM Alliance Week Feb. 24-29
Over 800 young students will take part in an array of educational activities highlighting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) as part of the 11th Annual STEM Alliance Week, Feb. 24 - 29.
In collaboration with TAMIU, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) hosts the annual six-day event designed to encourage Hispanic students to consider STEM-related career fields. Throughout the week, students will participate in presentations and demonstrations and even have an opportunity to meet a NASA astronaut. The experience-rich week culminates with the University’s open house community event, Discover TAMIU, on Saturday, Feb. 29.
STEM Alliance Week brings together educators, business partners, and affiliate partners to foster student interest in STEM fields. Corporate sponsors for this year’s event are AEP Texas and Terracon: Consulting Engineers and Scientists.
The week begins Monday, Feb. 24 with professional development opportunities for Math and Science educators, including informative presentations on technology, robotics, and engineering. Educators will also take part in hands-on activities and cyber-based scenarios.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 25 – 26, 5th grade students from area schools will spend the day at the University learning about robotics and coding, including taking part in a robotics competition and learning to code a mini-game.
On Thursday and Friday, Feb. 27 – 28, 6thand 10th grade students from area schools will participate in a series of presentations and keynote addresses. Panel presenters include the Rio Grande International Study Center, the Boeing Aerospace Company, the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, the Area Health Education Center, Wells Fargo, and more.
Thursday’s keynote address will be presented by Ignacio Guajardo and Alvaro Pequeño, co-owners of PEG Energy. Their company focuses on solar panels and implementing sustainable sources for energy that preserve the environment.
Guajardo, a TAMIU alumnus, began his energy career in the production engineering department at Lewis Energy before deciding to focus on opening his own business.
Pequeño pursued a career in real estate and finance in San Antonio before deciding to return to his hometown. Together, he and Guajardo decided to undertake a joint business to help bring a new addition to the current energy offerings found in Laredo.
Friday’s keynote address features NASA astronaut Dr. Warren “Woody” Hoburg. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California – Berkley.
Hoburg is currently awaiting his flight assignment after two years of training as an astronaut candidate. Prior to his time at NASA, he served as an assistant professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT.
STEM Alliance Week concludes Saturday, Feb. 29, during Discover TAMIU, which offers families and community members of all ages the opportunity to visit campus and enjoy student performances, information sessions, hands-on activities, and much more.
For more information on the upcoming STEM Alliance Week, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/stemalliance/
For more on Discover TAMIU, go to https://www.tamiu.edu/discovertamiu/
For more information, contact the Office of the Provost and VP for Academic Affairs at 326.3130 or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 332.
TAMIU is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and its 25th Anniversary at its north Laredo campus throughout 2020. A dedicated website shares the University’s remarkable transformation from a hybrid upper-level University to a full doctoral degree-granting University with over 29,000 graduates worldwide that enrolls over 8,400 students. Visit the calendar of Anniversary events, explore the University’s timeline, review alumni profiles and more at tamiu.edu/50.
