Frozen Aliens and Superpowers

Female STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ambassadors from the University will give the 15 students hands-on workshops, using liquid nitrogen to demonstrate the uses of cryogenics and various aspects of engineering from material properties to engineering design.

The topics of electricity, superconductivity, electrical power generation and transmission, now and in the future, will also be covered. To understand the role of civil engineers and the impact they have on our towns, the students will also have the opportunity to try and build the tallest tower possible using jelly beans and cocktail sticks. The workshop will finish with the ever-popular levitating magnet demonstration.

The college students will also get tours of engineering labs and workshops, including the Testing and Structures Research Laboratory, the Engineering Design and Manufacturing Centre (EDMC) and Scientific Glassblowing Workshop.

Jessica Spurrell, Postgraduate Research Student from the University's Institute of Cryogenics, who is leading the event, says: "The demonstrations will be preceded by a brief look at women who have pioneered science and engineering research for centuries, from Ada Lovelace to Lene Hau, and why it is so important that today's women are encouraged to follow in their footsteps.

"This is included in every workshop and it's not just for events such as Women in Engineering Day, as it carries an important message that is relevant all year round to all students, irrespective of gender."

The event has been organised by the University's Equality and Diversity Committee.

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