Twenty-five students from Bishop O'Connell were pathfinders in the first-ever DoD Laboratory Day held at the Pentagon earlier this month. This showcase of programs and projects from Department of Defense laboratories was attended by senior leaders, program managers, sponsors, Congressional staff and media. Bishop O'Connell students were part of a contingent of area high school students interested in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) who were invited to take part in the day's events.
The goal of Lab Day is to increase awareness of the programs and projects conducted by more than 38,000 scientists and engineers in DoD laboratories and facilities across 22 states. This work not only advances the capabilities of the Armed Forces, but also has a significant impact on technology advances for the civilian world.
The keynote address was given by Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work. Also on hand were Alan Shaffer, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and Frank Kendall, Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
"Over 100 past, present and future projects were on display in the Pentagon courtyard and in the South Parking Lot," said chaperone and college counselor, Dr. Dan Stabile. "Our students were able to view emerging technologies in such areas as robotics, regenerative medicine, aircrew-mounted physiological sensor suits, high-performance computing modernization program, physics-based modeling and simulation, and helmet modification for mitigation of traumatic brain injury."
"Lab Day opened my eyes to all the important work taking place in these research facilities," said junior Elizabeth Roberts. "I am definitely interested in pursuing a career with the Defense Department after college."
Read more about Lab Day from the DoD web site.
Photos below - two groups of O'Connell students at DoD Lab Day 2015.
