CHAMPION — Thirteen students from Trumbull Career and Technical Center got a firsthand look at the world of engineering during a visit to Kent State University at Trumbull recently as part of TCTC’s new “Flex Friday” initiative.

During their visit, the students toured Kent State Trumbull’s electrical / electronic and mechanical engineering technology labs and learned about the university’s engineering technology programs. They also experienced a unique hands-on activity, suiting up in cleanroom gowns used in the Microelectronics Manufacturing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Lab.

The visit included presentations about Kent State Trumbull and the College of Applied and Technical Studies’ Engineering Technology Program. The event was hosted by Dr. Flavia P. N. Inbanathan, associate professor of electrical engineering; Dr. Mohammad Irfan, associate professor of mechanical engineering; and Dr. Alisha Alls, senior admissions counselor.

Kent State students Evan Wilson, a sophomore in the electrical / electronic engineering technology program, and Tyler Barnett, a freshman in the same program, assisted with the tours.

“We’re always excited to welcome local students who want to explore what our engineering programs have to offer,” Inbanathan said. “The industries our graduates serve are growing rapidly across the region, and we’re committed to preparing a highly skilled workforce to meet those evolving demands.”

Flex Friday gives students exposure to higher education and industry career pathways.

According to TCTC career counselor Jonathon Ramey, the students were energized by the hands-on experiences and shared enthusiastic feedback about their visit.

“I liked seeing the electrical engineering lab and the microchips,” Anthony Cunningham, a senior in the industrial technology program from Joseph Badger High School, added. “I wish we had more time to spend in the mechanical engineering lab.”

Alexander Franks, a senior in the engineering program from Newton Falls High School, said the visit was both exciting and inspiring. “It was a good time,” he said. “We liked putting on the clean suits and exploring the simulated (MOCK) cleanroom. It gave us a real sense of what it’s like to work in a professional engineering environment.”

Many students expressed an interest in spending additional time in both the mechanical and electrical engineering labs during future visits.

For more information about Kent State Trumbull’s and College of Applied and Technical Studies’ engineering and manufacturing programs, visit https://www.kent.edu/cats/choose-your-path.