Left - Jana Jenkins, Chair Women in Engineering

Center - Susan Nelson, Speaker

Right - Grayson Randall, Chair Robotics and Automation

SEAPerch:  Underwater ROV for Students

By Jana Jenkins

Chair ENCS Women In Engineering Affinity Group

The Eastern NC Women in Engineering Affinity Group and the Eastern NC Robotics and Automation Chapter co-sponsored a joint technical meeting about the SEAPerch program on Friday, February 27th.  Our presenter was Susan Nelson, CMP, CAE, Director of Outreach and Strategic Development for The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). 

SEAPerch is an up and coming program that provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics while building the underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering curriculum.  Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications, as well as having the opportunity to participate in an end-of-the-term design competition.

The program was attended by and is of interest to educators, students, parents and mentors.  The program includes curriculum, SEAPerch kit, tool kit and competitions.  This program is part of the Office of Naval Research's initiative, "Recruiting the Next Generation of Naval Architects."   For more information, visit www.seaperch.org. 

Editors Note - I heard at the EXCOM meeting for our section last week that some NCSU engineering students had purchased one of the sub-kits and are working to incorporate it as part of their K-12 outreach project.