Six Huntington High School students has been participating in a cutting edge academic program at the Composite Protoyping Center in Plainview.
The Huntington contingent includes Matteo Agosti, Nicole Leslie, Rashad Michaels, Jonathan Munoz, John Riley and Patrick Langton. Teachers Danielle Lusardi and Amelia Saggese have been taking turns chaperoning the teenagers during the program.
The Huntington group has been working alongside teams from Bethpage and Syosset high schools in a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experience with the newest composite material technologies applied in the aeronautic, automobile and many other industries.
“I am thrilled that we have been able to maintain our partnership with the Composite Prototyping Center,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Huntington students, along with those from Bethpage and Syosset have been involved since the Center opened its doors and have thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on materials science applications that it has offered. The equipment at the site is beyond impressive.”
CPC is recognized nationwide for its innovative applications and equipment. Students completing the program can earn college credit through the Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology.
“I was not familiar with the field of composites and have found it interesting to learn about the creation, manufacturing, and application of composites in a wide range of products like airplanes, cars and sporting goods,” Mr. Riley said. “The classes at CPC are both lecture based and hand-on. I look forward to creating my own composite patch and applying it to a damaged fabricated panel.”
The STEM course has focused on composite technology. CPC is hosting the program at its Express Street, Plainview facility. Vaughn College professors and instructors deliver the curriculum content.
“I really enjoy the program,” Ms. Leslie. “It gives me an insight into the engineering field. It’s great to be able to get a little hands on experience and gain some knowledge about composite technology.”
Huntington Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Beth McCoy and District Director of STEM Jill Johanson recently visited the program and toured the facility, stopping in on a class.
“The STEM high school composite technology program provides an introduction to composite technology designed to give high school students an appreciation for the field of composite design, engineering and manufacturing,” according to a brochure providing an overview of the initiative. “The use of composites in 21st century manufacturing is infiltrating all major market segments, such as aerospace, transportation, alternative energy and consumer goods. The program exposes students to state-of-the-art equipment that is currently offered by few engineering schools in the United States.”
The program runs for 20 hours over six sessions. It is designed for high school students enrolled in Regents level math and science courses who possess a potential interest in materials science, engineering or manufacturing. Each of the three participating districts was invited to send six students.
“The program has opened student eyes not only to potential college courses of study, but also to an array of career opportunities that they may not have known existed beforehand,” Mr. Polansky said.
Located adjacent to LaGuardia Airport in Queens, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology offers undergraduate and graduates degrees in engineering, technology, management and aviation to its 1,750 students. Certificate programs in air traffic control, aircraft maintenance and aircraft dispatch are also available.
