Northern Essex Community College will join educators across the state to celebrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Week, October 19-24, 2019.  The college is planning a series of events, all of which are free and open to the public.

Organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council in partnership with the state’s nine Regional STEM Networks, STEM Week was created to get learners excited about STEM education and STEM careers.  This year’s theme is “See Yourself in STEM”.

At Northern Essex, 15 percent of our students—721 students— are enrolled in one of the college’s 15 STEM programs, which include biology, computer science, engineering, laboratory science, and chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

According to Carolyn Knoepfler, NECC’s dean of STEM, 17 percent of the total Massachusetts workforce or 600,000 people work in STEM occupations, and STEM jobs are expected to increase by 11.2 percent by 2026.  “There are lots of opportunities in the STEM fields, especially for women who are now underrepresented,” said Knoepfler.

Northern Essex events will include a Career Panel, programs on computer forensics and vaping, and the college’s first Math Olympics.

For more information, please contact Knoepfler at cknoepfler@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3541.

Here’s a full list of events:

Lawrence Google Developer’s Group (GDG) Study Jam

Sat, Oct. 19, 10 am to 3 pm

Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, Room 304, 78 Amesbury St, Lawrence Campus

Learn about AI and Machine Learning in the Google Cloud from this group of local developers.  The Lawrence GDG is interested in working more closely with Northern Essex, and this is an opportunity for students to learn new technologies and make connections with people who are working in their field of interest.   Participants will get free access to Qwiklabs (for a month) and participate in a series of labs.  This program is free and open to the public.  Here are details.

“Someone’s Been Mugged”: Learn the Basics of Computer Forensics Data Recovery
Mon, Oct. 21, 1 to 3 pm

Hartleb Technology Center, Room 219, 100 Elliott St, Haverhill Campus

Learn how to use computer forensics software to solve a crime in this hands-on lab activity.  This program is free and open to the public.

Lecture: “Vaping and the Science of Addiction”

Tue, Oct. 22, 2 to 3 pm

Hartleb Technology Center, Room 219, 100 Elliott St, Haverhill Campus

Dr. Carolyn Knoepfler, NECC’s dean of STEM, will give a brief overview on addiction with a focus on vaping.     Dr. Knoepfler has been studying addiction for over 30 years and has a PhD in Psychopharmacology.   This presentation will be helpful to anyone who would like to know more about addiction in general and about the current vaping crisis.

“What Do Our STEM Industry Experts Say?

Wed, Oct. 23, 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Hartleb Technology Center, Room 103B, 100 Elliott St, Haverhill Campus

Interested in a career in STEM?  This panel of STEM professionals will share their experiences, including their paths from college to the workforce and the the day-to-day responsibilities of their jobs.   They will have helpful tips for anyone considering a career in STEM.  This panel is free and open to the public.

Math Olympics-A First!

Thur, Oct. 24, noon to 2 pm

Hartleb Technology Center, Room 103B, 100 Elliott St, Haverhill Campus

Students currently enrolled in all levels of math courses at Northern Essex are invited to demonstrate their math skills, competing in teams of three for prizes.   Even if you’re not competing, come and support our math students!