UK Engineering invites community to be inspired, celebrate E-Day Feb. 24

From building bridges and discovering medication to writing software — Engineers Day (or E-Day) is the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering’s celebration of everything science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Sponsored by Lexmark and Lockheed Martin, the open house will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. throughout the engineering complex on UK’s campus.

You can learn more and register here.

Anyone interested in engineering and computer science will be able to explore what makes our 21st-century world work, while getting an up-close look at what it's like to be a UK engineering student or researcher.

"E-Day is one of our college’s richest traditions. This is our 101st year hosting a day for the community, and it is an opportunity for the college to share its passion and ignite passion for the field of engineering," Eric Sanders, co-chair of E-Day, said. "This event continues to grow and is among the largest engineering and STEM celebrations in Kentucky."

The highly anticipated event will feature more than 100 contests, demonstrations and exhibits designed to engage, entertain and teach a lesson or two in STEM.

One of the most popular events is the Egg Drop Contest, which includes designing and building a shipping container that will prevent an uncooked chicken egg from breaking when dropped from the second floor inside the Oliver H. Raymond building to the basement (approximately 30 feet). To compete, you must register online by Thursday, Feb. 22.

During E-Day, which is free and open to the public, attendees of all ages will also have the opportunity to interact with engineering companies, researchers and college students.

A decades-long tradition, UK Engineering held its first E-Day on May 26, 1921. The university dismissed classes at noon to allow the community to tour the college and see its researchers and students in action. Now, an estimated 3,000 people attend E-Day each year.

Gabriel Dadi, associate professor and W.L. Raymond & R.E. Shaver Chair of Construction Engineering & Project Management, has taken part in E-Day for the last 20 years. "I've been able to volunteer at our annual E-Day event as an undergraduate, graduate student and as a professor. Last year, I participated in my first E-Day as an attendee, and it was my favorite,” he said. “I was able to see the excitement and curiosity that engineering brings through the eyes of my daughters (ages six and three). No matter your age or interests, E-Day provides simulations, experiments and demonstrations to ignite that spark for science."

Engineers Day comes at the end of Engineers Week, an annual event sponsored by a coalition of more than 100 professional societies, major corporations and government agencies dedicated to promoting math and science literacy and ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce.

Parking will be free and open to the public in the Cornerstone Parking Garage, which is located at 409 South Limestone.

More information about E-Day is available online. For additional questions, contact Eric Sanders.