What is EXPO?

Prepare to learn . . .
Remember those science fair projects we used to do back in elementary school? You spent hours creating the solar system out of macaroni and your Mom found remnants of your project throughout the house for months afterward.

At the University of Idaho College of Engineering, we haven't forgotten how great those days were . . . though we've traded our glue sticks and scissors for biodiesel, water filters and fetal monitors. The result is the Pacific Northwest's largest interdisciplinary engineering showcase. Much more than a science fair, this event showcases the innovations and global impacts of our research.

What is EXPO?
This signature event exhibits the innovative teamwork of senior engineering students who have applied theoretically and academically acquired knowledge to an engineering problem in as near "real world" as possible. As part of their Senior Capstone Design Course students of the University of Idaho are challenged to integrate prior course work and skills to solve problems of today and the future. To help prepare students for a professional practice and to recognize the necessity for continuing education throughout their careers, the EXPO/Capstone Course contributes primarily to the students' knowledge of engineering and provides critical design experience. Ultimately, this effort contributes to the college's legacy, ---its graduates. Idaho has turned out many leaders in engineering and continues to do so. Idaho consistently competes in and wins national engineering competitions.

How is EXPO unique?
The University of Idaho Engineering Design Expo is our signature showcase of the innovation of our students. Each of our engineering graduates participates in a senior capstone design course before they head to graduate school or the workforce. Traditionally, engineering students would have a final examination before graduation . . . but not at Idaho. Instead, we challenge our students to tackle real world issues with the help of industry partners. The results are incredible.

What is the new outreach effort?
The 2008 Engineering Design EXPO includes an exciting new outreach effort that will promote as many elementary, middle and high school aged students to attend and see the amazing things that are being developed on the College of Engineering campus. Funding opportunities, allowing distant high school junior and senior math and science students to attend, will be available for the first time this year.

Students will participate in competitions, watch engaging presentations and have fun with hands-on exhibits showcasing the engineering graduates work. The hope is to inspire young science and math students to pursue a career in engineering and present those opportunities, -from building and bridge design to nanotechnology and biochemistry, to their parents and teachers. Students will work alongside Idaho students and faculty to experience first-hand the wide and diverse range of learning in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.