News :: Breakthrough Comes to PGE

We like to think that breakthroughs happen in this department on a regular basis, but recently we experienced a completely new breakthrough. Breakthrough Austin, a program which aims at "creating first-generation college graduates" brought 60 sixth graders from Manor ISD to PGE for a visit. After an introductory lecture on "What it Means to be an Engineer", given by Russell Parker of Hilcorp (UT BS PE '00) , and an "Energy Overview" by Fred Beach of the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, the students toured three labs. The PGE pumpjack/flow loop lab tour was given by Lab Manager Glen Baum; Hilary Olson, of the Jackson School of Geosciences, had the young scientists performing a geology experiment and Taylor Ratliff, a senior physics major, introduced the students to TACC Vislab in the ACES building.

Although the students enjoyed an afternoon swim after their intensive morning, we heard from the Breakthrough Austin staff that the lab work was the most interesting part of the day. Our thanks to all the presenters, and thanks to Katharine Grieve, our Administrative Associate, who kept everyone moving in the right directions. We would particularly like to thank Russell Parker (a UT PGE Distinguished Alumnus) who came up with the idea of partnering PGE with Breakthrough for this event. A good day was had by all.