Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators: WHPC Chicago Hosts Hands-On STEM Day at UIC
- sokovicanamarija
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Chicago Women in High Performance Computing (WHPC) recently partnered with the Makerspace at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and UIC Technology Solutions to host a hands-on STEM immersion day for students from the South Side, coordinated through the community-based organization Lost Girls. The event brought together researchers, educators, and students for an exciting exploration of emerging technologies and real-world applications in science and engineering.
Participants were introduced to the practical uses of 3D printing, a transformative technology reshaping industries like aerospace, medicine, architecture, and consumer product design. (Even companies like Nike are using 3D printing for prototyping and innovation.) During the hands-on sessions, students saw firsthand how digital tools are driving the future of engineering and manufacturing.
This was a two-day event that featured two dynamic sessions led by UIC faculty:
Dr. Azadeh Haghighi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, led an inspiring session on Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Manufacturing, showing how AI is transforming how we design, build, and improve engineering systems.
Dr. Jonathan Komperda, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, gave an engaging presentation on High-Performance Computing (HPC) in Engineering. He was joined by his graduate student, Mansi Patel, who helped make the material relatable and shared insights from her research journey.
Students also received a guided tour of the UIC Makerspace, led by Director Dylan Lynch and his incredibly knowledgeable staff. The team showcased innovative student-led engineering projects and explained the purpose and impact of the work being done in the space-from rapid prototyping to advanced design workflows-offering a real look at how university labs support creativity and applied research.
A special thank-you goes to Dr. Ahmed Abokifa, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering, and Caitlin Ann Koziel, undergraduate student in the College of Engineering, who joined the group during lunch for an open and heartfelt conversation. Their stories of navigating STEM paths-filled with persistence, discovery, and non-linear detours-deeply resonated with the students.
But what made this day truly unforgettable were the conversations at the lunch table—where students connected not only to research but to real people behind the work. They asked thoughtful questions, responded openly to personal stories, and began imagining how these fields might intersect with their own dreams.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Education and Research (ACER) and Technology Solutions teams for their unwavering support of WHPC Chicago’s mission. Chicago WHPC is proud to lead initiatives that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open access to high-performance computing and STEM education.




















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