Electrical Engineering Students Aim to Empower Youth Through Outreach Initiative

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Gabrielle Abbott, president of Women in Electrical Engineering, and her team build Play-Doh circuits with students at Lakeside Junior High School in Springdale to teach students about the field of electrical engineering.

For a group of electrical engineering students at the University of Arkansas, outreach has become more than an activity to put on a resume — it's a passion.

Gabrielle Abbott, president of the U of A Women in Electrical Engineering student organization, and her team conducted an outreach event at Lakeside Junior High in Springdale in late October. Abbott said she's always had a desire to teach and inspire young students about the importance of electrical engineering and diversity.

"Outreach is so important, especially in schools," Abbott said. "I think a lot of times there's so much pressure around school and a career, but most students don't even realize the options and career possibilities they have. And, it's so important that they can see themselves represented in this academic endeavor and that it is possible for them to achieve their goals no matter their background or situation."

During the event, students built Play-Doh circuits, an activity electrical engineering student Kayla Midlam believes is great for students.

"This hands-on activity allows the students to learn about conductivity and insulators in a fun way, as well as allow the students to express themselves by using their creativity to make various circuits that may not look like a traditional circuit," Midlam said.

Abbott said the event was vital to their organization — the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Women in Electrical Engineering, also known as IEEE WIE.

"WIE really has a passion for outreach, and we really wanted to be able to share with the students what electrical engineering is and the possibilities that are available to the students at Lakeside," she said.

IEEE WIE is a global network of IEEE members and volunteers dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists, according to the organization's website.

Abbott said she believes they made an impact on the students' lives.

"We were able to introduce the students to electrical engineering," Abbott said. "I am very excited to continue building our relationship with the students in the future and continue working with the school to inspire and educate these students."

The team hopes to return to Lakeside Junior High in November.