Forty-six grade 8 and 9 students from Qatar’s independent middle schools are participating in the three-day first Texas A&M University at Qatar and Maersk Oil Qatar Engineering Explorers STEM — science, technology, engineering and math Development Program at the University’s Engineering Building at Education City.
The University designed the program to familiarize young students with the different engineering disciplines offered at Texas A&M at Qatar. The program entails science activities, hands-on engineering projects and contests to challenge students’ math and science skills. Of the 46 participants, 20 are female and 26 are male.
The University’s STEM development programs teach basic principles of science and engineering, but more importantly they are designed to stimulate students’ interest in pursuing engineering studies, said Dr Hamid Parsaei, associate dean for academic affairs at Texas A&M at Qatar.
“Engineering Explorers teaches young students that Qatar’s growth and development require talented engineers,” Parsaei said. “We hope to inspire them to develop the skills they will need to help build their country’s future.”
Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al Thani, deputy managing director of Maersk Oil Qatar, said, “Maersk Oil Qatar recognises the importance of nurturing and developing interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is why we are delighted to work with Texas A&M University at Qatar on the Engineering Explorers STEM Development Program. Through initiatives such as this we are working to attract more young Qataris into the sciences, and inspire the next generation to follow a technical educational track that can lead to successful and rewarding careers in industries like oil and gas.”
The Peninsula
