The Eastman High School Introduction to Engineering Systems for Twelfth Graders (HITES12) brought 37 rising high-school seniors to the engineering campus to engage with faculty, staff, and current engineering students.

HITES12 attendees worked with faculty and current students on engineering design projects inspired by current research and learned about campus life and the variety of disciplines during departmental tours. Their week culminated in a poster presentation of their design projects, allowing them to network with college alumni; industry representatives from Arconic, DENSO, DeRoyale; and UT faculty and staff.

Participants gave the experience high marks.

“It helped me see the numerous options within the engineering field while getting the opportunity to grow as an individual,” said HITES12 student Katy Daniels. “I enjoyed getting the opportunity to work with Assistant Professor Eric Wade’s Rapiro project, getting to meet a variety of professors in the field, and participating in the tours. The counselors—Ari, Megan, and Ashley—did a wonderful job supporting me and the other students while at the camp.”

Hanson Lam enjoyed learning about the different types of engineering.

“Without this camp, I wouldn’t have learned about industrial engineering and its multiple applications,” said Lam. “My design project certainly showed me that engineering is everywhere. I’ll be looking forward to college next year for sure.”

Sean Dempsey, whose son Cole attended the summer program, expressed his appreciations from a parent’s perspective.

“The car ride home to Pennsylvania on Saturday was filled with stories, and then Sunday at a family picnic—stories!” Dempsey said. “Clearly, he had a great time. I think UT is clearly his number one choice after this week. He could not only see himself there, he has now experienced what it is really like and gotten to hear from and about the engineering program. We can’t thank you enough for providing Cole that great experience.”

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Engineering Design Lab

HITES12 students spent four days collaborating with 15 faculty members’ research projects, providing representation from six of our seven engineering departments.

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HITES12 Poster Presentation

HITES12 participants networked and presented their research projects.