Hundreds of 11th grade girls took part in the 10th annual Design Your Future Day (DYFD) on March 25. The event, hosted by Rensselaer and sponsored by General Motors, engages participants in activities to inform and excite them about career opportunities in engineering, science, architecture, and technology.

The program included workshops — led by Rensselaer faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students — on a range of topics including: the development and function of fuel cells, the design and manufacturing of medical devices, and the use of forensic chemistry to solve crimes.

Tracy Mack ’98, automotive design and systems engineer for General Motors, shared her lessons for success as a college student, engineer, and leader, in a welcome address that kicked off the day’s activities.

Design Your Future Day is part of Rensselaer’s larger effort to engage young people in science and engineering studies and professions. Other “pipeline” programs include: Black Family Technology Awareness Day, to interest area young people and their families in pursuing occupations in the fields of science and engineering; Exploring Engineering Day, to spark the interest of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in science, technology, and engineering; and Rensselaer’s Molecularium™ project to teach young children about the smallest forms of matter.

Photos by Rensselaer/Kris Qua

Published March 27, 2006