Fourteen students from the Honors Physics class at the Hotchkiss School spent last Friday at the University of Hartford for an immersive, hands-on STEM experience in our engineering labs. Accompanied by their teacher, Dr. Anju Taneja, the group visited campus to deepen their understanding of thermal science, fluid mechanics, and aerodynamics through real laboratory testing.
During their visit, students rotated through five different experiments across our facilities. Professor Rudy Al Ahmar guided students through aerodynamic testing in the wind tunnels, while Professors Paul Slaboch and Enrico Obst supported additional experiments in the fluids and heat transfer lab. Each station offered students the chance to gather real data, evaluate results, and see classroom concepts come alive in a university research setting.
Students came prepared and eagerly engaged with every experiment. Their enthusiasm continued well beyond campus. Shortly after the visit, Dr. Taneja wrote to share their excitement, saying “The students were so grateful for the opportunity to gather data in the University’s lab. They greatly appreciate the time and the guidance offered by you, Professor Al Ahmar, and Professor Obst. The students were beaming with joy and a sense of achievement all through their journey back to school.”
The visit offered an inspiring glimpse into what hands-on engineering education looks like at UHart, and we look forward to welcoming more future scientists and engineers to our labs.