Coastal Carolina University, in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Engineering Science, is hosting an inaugural "Engineering Day" on March 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., when students will have the opportunity to learn more about the career field from engineering professionals; display projects for employers and industry leaders; and participate in a robotics demonstration.

"Engineering Day is an opportunity to get all students, faculty, and community members together to update the community on our program development, provide students with high-impact networking opportunities, provide one-on-one academic advising for students, and allow students to showcase current projects," said Monica Gray, director of the engineering science program at CCU.

The day will begin with a networking breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Coastal Theater, Room A-110 of the Lib Jackson Student Union, followed by a welcome address and updates on the physics and engineering program at CCU. "The engineering program at Coastal Carolina University has seen tremendous growth recently, doubling in size in the last two years with more than 120 students enrolled," said Gray. One of her goals is to communicate that growth and the changes that come with it to the surrounding community.

Then, at 10 a.m. in the Coastal Theater, a professional engineer and an alumnus will present about engineering career fields, followed by a 45-minute panel hosted by several alumni and professional engineers. Students will have the chance to learn about professional engineering and ask questions about career opportunities after graduation.

Panelists include Christy Everett, the chief operating officer of Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority and a graduate of CCU's MBA program; U.S. Navy Ensign Marquay Byrd, a graduate of CCU's physics department and now a cryptologic warfare officer at Fort Meade, Md.; Carlita Goff, area distribution engineering supervisor at Santee Cooper; and Eileen Patonay, regional workforce adviser for the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Employers present at the event include the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, DRG Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Teknoware, Glendinning, the University of South Carolina, G3 Engineering, and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, among others. More than 150 students from the physics and engineering department will be present.

After the presentations and panel, there will be a networking lunch and student advising sessions in the Singleton and Alford ballrooms, where students will network with alumni, professionals, employers, and industry leaders in engineering and related disciplines. A robotics class demonstration will take place at 2 p.m. outside the student union on the back patio, and student projects will be displayed for employers and the public at 3 p.m. inside the student union rotunda.

For more information, contact Gray at mgray2@coastal.edu.