KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (June 13, 2018) – The Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility, SPE Student Chapter, and IACMI at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville hosted two STEM outreach events for high school students in June 2018. The programs introduced participants to composite materials and manufacturing careers through peer-led education and hands-on activities.
June 11 Event:
Twelve students from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley attended as part of a Summer Manufacturing Camp. UT students guided participants through:
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Basic composites education
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Facility tours showcasing equipment and samples
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Hands-on fabrication of composite snow sleds
Industry partners Magnum Venus Products, Chomarat, MAFIC, and PolyNT provided equipment and materials support.
June 13 Event:Students in UT’s Vols Teach program toured FCMF and ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility to explore:
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Emerging technologies in polymers and composites
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Additive manufacturing processes
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Career pathways in advanced manufacturing
Both events emphasized the university’s ecosystem connecting industry, education, and research. UT undergraduate and graduate students led activities, providing peer-to-peer learning opportunities while demonstrating real-world applications of composite technologies.