Students in the Pre-Engineering program at Kiamichi Tech – Hugo have been testing real prototypes for DeerC, a remote-control product manufacturer. Last year, Steve Hardy, program instructor, was approached by the company after purchasing a drone for his classroom.
“I told them about the projects my students work on and that they would be using the drone to create videos to help market our program,” said Hardy. “This discussion led the company to ask if we would be interested in helping DeerC research and test prototypes of their products.”
The students collaborated with engineers from the company and were asked to evaluate competitor’s products, design a testable path to present to the company, and review the remote-control car in an honest manner, with a deadline.
“We are all about hands-on, real-world skills, and this partnership with DeerC gave our students the opportunity to think like an engineer and put the knowledge and skills they have learned in our program into practice – something that a lot of students going into this field don’t get the chance to do until college or later,” said Jerrod Lundry, Kiamichi Tech – Hugo Campus Director.
The partnership with DeerC is currently in its second year and the Pre-Engineering students have tested four remote-cars. The cars are used in physics curriculum that is embedded in the program and students collect data for DeerC in a real-world application.
“Our students have tested car speeds and battery life, conducted terrain studies and tested sizes of loops to use with the cars,” said Hardy.
Stacy Scott, a senior at Fort Towson High School, and Josh Shaffer, a senior at Soper High School, are second year students in Pre-Engineering and credit their experience in the program, and working with DeerC, for preparing them for a successful future career in engineering.
“Before this program, I had no idea how to pursue a career in engineering,” said Scott. “I knew nothing about calculus, physics or basic engineering principles. I was completely lost in the STEM field.”
Scott says that the program has prepared her for the math and science she will take in college.
“I have developed better math skills from taking two years of advanced math,” said Scott. “I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work with real companies, as well as have access to resources unavailable to other students.”
Shaffer was also initially drawn to Tech and the Pre-Engineering program because of the advanced math and college prep opportunities, but has gained so much more.
“Kiamichi Tech taught me to persevere, that no matter what is happening or what lies ahead, to keep pushing forward and to never give up,” said Shaffer. “I have used this skill to get this far into the program and I will continue to use it when I leave.”
Learn more about Pre-Engineering at Kiamichi Tech at ktc.edu/pe or contact the Hugo Campus at ktc.edu/hugo.
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