‘Driving Technology Forward’ at ATMAE Convention
College of Business
By ANDREW VELARDE/Staff Writer
Industrial Technology and Industrial Management students attended The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) conference on Nov. 9 in Louisville, Kentucky. They went to further develop insights into careers, learn and exchange knowledge, network with other college students and fellow ATMAE associates.
“I really enjoyed participating in the ATMAE convention this fall,” ATMAE Student President Austin Taylor said. “We had a great time as a group and I am really proud of all we accomplished this semester.”
This year’s theme was “Driving Technology Forward,” which pushed members to look at technology’s history and how it can be further developed.
“This is a great opportunity for students to learn and network with others that will be joining them in the industry,” Joshua Stevens, ATMAE Student Division President, said. “This was a great opportunity in engaging tomorrow’s workforce with education initiatives.”
Freshman Andrew Velarde controls robot dog at ATMAE convention. Image Credit: Kevin Vazquez
The convention consisted of speakers, workshops and student competitions. It lasted for three days and ended with an awards banquet which celebrated different members’ accomplishments.
The student activities include a competitive robotics competition, a “Jeopardy”-style technology challenge and a poster competition. The convention also featured two full days of additional workshops and programming.
“This convention was a very thought-provoking and educational trip for me,” freshman Kevin Vazquez said. “I was able to learn a lot of firsthand knowledge about the industry from some great speakers as well as meet a bunch of students who I was able to connect with.”
The conference holds a Student Robotics Competition to develop students’ skills and get them engaged in robot design and development. The competition was established in 2002, with teams from ATMAE schools across the nation competing with robotic devices they built on their campuses. The winning team earns bragging rights in addition to prize money.
Students work on last-minute preparations before they demonstrate their robot.
Image Credit: ATMAE Photographer Jill Stevens
ATMAE also has multiple professional certifications which recognize individuals in the technology management and applied engineering fields. These featured students are those who have achieved a standard of excellence and have the knowledge and skill set to add value to an organization.
“Overall, this was a great trip for students and faculty alike,” Industrial Materials Professor RaeJean Griffin said. “Students were able to gain a lot of helpful knowledge for finding jobs in the future, and it really solidified students’ passion for their major.”
OTHER NEWS STORIES
Taylor Swift’s Album ‘Midnights’ Takes the World by Storm