High-school students from around Oswego County showed off their problem-solving skills and creativity in the inaugural Innovators Showcase, a partnership between SUNY Oswego and CiTi BOCES and part of the university’s Engineering Week, sponsored by Micron Technology.

The Project Orion team of ninth-grade students used their smarts, teamwork and developing skills to win the competition, which unfolded on Friday, April 10, in SUNY Oswego’s Hewitt Hall ballroom.

Consisting of Trenton Baker, Wesley Elsner, Conner Falise and Lucas Shaffner, the Project Orion team’s winning project involved using minerals to clean water and make it drinkable, and even created a 3D-printed prototype.

Judges consisted of 10th-grade CiTi BOCES students who looked at the quality of the idea and its research, presentation skills and how participants handled audience questions.

After the competition, the visiting students enjoyed a tour of campus spaces including engineering and technology education labs, as well as lunch.

“We loved seeing students put their knowledge, innovation and creativity to the test to find solutions, knowing that this will prepare them for many more real challenges and opportunities down the road,” said Laura Spenceley, dean of SUNY Oswego’s College of Education, Health and Human Services.

Micron’s support of Engineering Week comes from a grant to help fund projects related to the SUNY Oswego Regional Center for STEM Excellence. 

It is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to education in the region. Through a $1 million Community Investment Fund grant over five years, Micron is supporting SUNY Oswego and partners in launching a transformative regional initiative for STEM educators, focused on industry-connected professional development and resources aligned to evolving STEM pathways.

As Micron begins construction of its microchip fabrication plant in Clay, just miles from the Oswego County line, the company’s planned 20-year investment in Central New York is already creating ripple effects, including new opportunities for local education partners such as SUNY Oswego and CiTi BOCES.

“Engineering Week dovetails with the many needs that come with Micron’s amazing opportunities and all the industries that will spin off of their investment,” Spenceley said. “We are committed to supporting a robust pipeline of educators, engineers and innovators that will support the largest economic development initiative in the history of Central New York.”

“Engineering Week and the Innovators Showcase highlight why education to career connection must start early, remain constant and stay rooted in the community,” said Micron Vice President of Global Culture and Workforce Fran Dillard. “Through our partnerships with SUNY Oswego and CiTi BOCES, we are helping students in Central New York connect directly to skills and opportunities that will enable them to pursue local STEM career pathways.”

Engineering Week highlights

The Innovators Showcase was one of many highlights for SUNY Oswego’s Engineering Week, running April 6 to 10 this year and with Micron as a continuing and valuable sponsor. The university’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department led the event coordination.

The week featured two engaging panels that connected with attendees. The first, on Monday, April 6, invited SUNY Oswego alumni working in the industry to discuss daily experiences, how their time at Oswego prepared them for their roles and helpful tips for entering the profession. The second, on Thursday, April 9, was a Women in Engineering panel featuring participants describing their journey to success and advice for entering and thriving in this growing industry, an event sponsored by Constellation.

A new feature on Tuesday, April 7, was a tour of National Grid facilities allowing participants to see control rooms, a smart home and meter lab and more, while also speaking with engineering and system operators who keep the state’s electricity flowing.

The popular Engineering Industry Showcase on Wednesday, April 8, once again invited students to connect with engineering firms, graduate programs and related companies to open doors toward jobs, internships and networking opportunities. SUNY Oswego’s Office of Career Services helps host the event.

Engineering Week helps provide opportunities for SUNY Oswego’s talented engineering students while also inviting community collaboration and supporting partnerships to create a more robust educational and engineering pipeline.

For more information on the SUNY Oswego’s engineering programs, which meet rigorous ABET accreditation and prepare students for this hot job field, visit oswego.edu/engineering.