STEM 2013

Derek Lennon, 412th Test Engineering Group, poses for a picture as a young student flies an F-22 Raptor with a portable simulator. Engineers from the 412th Test Wing visited California State University, Bakersfield Feb. 22 as part of the 13th Annual Engineers Day event, which offered high schoolers from Kern County the chance to learn more about what engineers and geoligists do. The event was sponsored by CSUB, The Society of Petroleum Engineers and Kern County Superintendent of Schools School to Career. (Courtesy photo)

412th TENG engineers dazzle young minds at 13th Annual Engineers Career Day in Bakersfield

Published Feb. 26, 2013
By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The 13th Annual Engineers Career Day event Feb. 22 at California State University, Bakersfield, went extremely well with a strong presence from Edwards AFB. There were more than 500 8th- to 12th grade students from throughout Kern County that attended the event. An Information/Hands-on booth, F-22 hands-on simulator station and career speaker were provided by the 412th Test Wing. This event was spearheaded by the 412th TW Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Outreach Program, which was largely supported by personnel from the 412th Test Engineering Group. Event coordinators thanked Mickey Bowen, James Alich, Luke Rishar, as well as engineers Jack Earl and Derek Lennon from 412th TENG, who helped make the career event the "best with the talent they brought to the students." Jack and Derek were kept busy from set-up to tear down of the simulator from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Although Bakersfield local business is geared towards the petroleum industry, Edwards AFB has definitely become a staple of the Annual National Engineers Day with teachers and students returning to say hi and how they have chosen a different career path other than petroleum because of the Edwards AFB presence, according to event organizers.

- Information provided by Pamela Willis, WZI Inc. and Mickey Bowen