Marcus Engineering is committed to helping Tucson’s youth become passionate about the future, wherever it may lead them. On October 29, 2013, Marcus Engineering CEO Dr. Patrick Marcus and embedded systems engineer Chas Leichner visited St. Cyril School to speak with middle-school students about engineering and biotechnology.
Dr. Marcus fields a question from a St. Cyril middle school student.
Connecting with middle-schoolers isn’t the easiest task. At this age, they see school as a time to sit quietly while a teacher fills their heads with useless information. Likewise, they often believe the guest speaker’s job is to lecture them to death. Therefore, it’s important for guest speakers to engage them early on.
The students appreciated that Dr. Marcus involved them in discussion and, as one student put it, “interacted with them” instead of “giving a boring PowerPoint.” Many were intrigued by biotech projects such as laser toe fungus removal and “lasers that make sure your brain is getting enough oxygen.”
Past a discussion on scientific topics, Marcus used his personal experience to teach students the importance of hard work and passion outside the classroom. He explained that hands-on engulfment in technology produces the best technologists. “You can go to school and study to be an engineer or you can go to school, study to be an engineer, and rebuild your car over the weekends.” This 24/7 passion gives us the skills we need to excel.
The students sent us Thank-You notes!
About Jared Erman
Jared Erman is a senior at the University of Arizona studying marketing, entrepreneurship, and communications.
