Y-12 Engineer, Dr. Rosanne Smith visits Vine Middle School

On December 1, 2010, Dr. Rosanne A. Smith, Energy Manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, participated in a STEM visit to Vine Middle School as part of the Vols4STEM Program. A native of Chicago, Dr. Smith discussed her education and how and why she studied science at Howard University. Dr. Smith discussed why she changed her college major from psychology to chemistry, and eventually earned advanced degrees in materials engineering. She also discussed her graduate work at the NASA/Langley Research Center in Virginia as well as her work experiences in Oak Ridge, TN. She stressed the importance science plays in our daily lives and encouraged the middle school students to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics areas when planning their college education and their careers. Dr. Smith visited Mr. Kulka’s science class and Mr.Williams’ advanced placement biology class. A quote from Dr. Smith. “I really enjoyed talking to students and hopefully getting them to picture themselves trying something different. Many people don’t realize what they can accomplish and are afraid to try. We can all challenge ourselves and by doing so, actually enjoy our work. I want young people to understand that you may have to work to learn science, math, and engineering, but just face the work rather than let it intimidate you. Ask lots of questions and get as much information as possible from your teachers. They want you to learn, too. Believe it or not, many college and graduate schools pay YOU to study science, technology, engineering and math.”  Dr. Smith fielded several questions from both classes about the science and engineering fields and the requirements for entering college as an engineering candidate. Mr. M. Carl Wheeler, retired engineer and Vols4STEM, Point of Contact for A-E and Vine Middle Schools coordinated the visit with Dr. Smith and Vine Middle School science teacher, Mr. John Kulka. Mr. Wheeler can be reached at 865-693-7809. (1) Mr. M. Carl Wheeler Vols4STEM POC, Mr. John Kulka Science Teacher, and Dr. Rosanne Smith.



In Photo:   Dr. Rosanne Smith, Mr. Williams(Biology Teacher Vine MS), M. Carl Wheeler, Vols4STEM POC.

 

In Photo: M. Carl Wheeler, Vols4STEM POC,Mr. John Kulka (Science Teacher), Dr. Rosanne Smith.