Mazak North America and the Northern Kentucky University Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics hosted a special STEM junior academy showcase at Mazak North America headquarters recently.
“Machining Minds: A Mazak Technology Experience” presented engineering projects designed and built by 20 rising 7th to 10th-grade students during a weeklong NKU STEM camp.
During the camp, students learned about advanced manufacturing careers as they worked alongside NKU mentors and Mazak manufacturing professionals to create custom metal nameplates, build hydraulic machines and program robots.
Dan Janka, president of Mazak North America, addressed the showcase and welcomed visitors. NKU president Cady Short-Thompson attended the family open house and spoke with student participants and their families.
The families of all 20 student participants enjoyed an open house during the festivities, and attendees also saw the Mazak facility through catwalk-style tours.
“Our partnership with NKU is an investment in the next generation and future of our industry,” says Janka. “By introducing young people to advanced technologies, engineering concepts and hands-on problem solving, we can help spark interests that lead to rewarding manufacturing careers.”
The event highlights Mazak’s strong partnership with NKU, including workforce development and career pathways, internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates, and collaborative STEM outreach that benefits the entire Northern Kentucky region.
Future NKY summer STEM programming will include a hands-on engineering experience designed to introduce students to modern manufacturing tools, technologies and careers.
Participants in the Machining Minds program explored machining, computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering challenges alongside Mazak professionals and NKU STEM mentors.
It’s a great example of how 7-10th graders are keeping busy this summer — and also a great example of what next summer’s students have to look forward to.
