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By Sherry DiBari

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A group of female engineering majors got a head start on college life this summer through 51��ɫ Dominion University’s Early Engineering Advantage Program (EEAP). The weeklong program, led by the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology and funded by the , is designed to support women entering the field of engineering.

The seven students lived in campus housing, ate in the dining halls, and participated in activities that introduced them to college life and engineering. They attended sessions on goal setting, career readiness, engineering identity and a women-in-engineering panel. The students also explored campus to locate their fall classes.

A key part of the week was a hands-on project focused on water filtration. Guided by faculty members Kathleen Boone, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Devore, the students constructed water filters and created sensor circuits to test water quality. They used the college’s M-Lab to 3D print sensor cases.

“From soldering to coding to 3D printing, we really learned a lot,” said student Alexis Green.

They explored the history of water treatment—from charcoal filtering methods used in ancient Greece to today’s modern systems. The students also toured the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s SWIFT (Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow) facility to see how clean water is managed locally.

At the end of the week, students presented their projects to faculty, staff and family members.

Emmy Evans, whose parents graduated from 51��ɫ’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, appreciated both the academic and social aspects of the program.

“We gained a solid understanding about how the water filtration process works from wastewater to actually using the water,” she said. “And we also made a new circle of friends through EEAP. I think that was definitely a very valuable part of this program.”

Stacie Ringleb, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Student Engagement at the Batten College, said building those connections early is key.

“One of the best ways to succeed in engineering is to find your people, those you can work with and problem-solve with,” she said. “I think you have a leg up because you have already built your community.”

Tennille Green Pegram, one of the parents who attended the presentations, was impressed. “How you guys accomplished all that using everyday materials in one week was worthy,” she said. “It was really great.”

More than 200 students have participated in EEAP since its inception in 2001. Many have gone on to work at organizations such as NASA Langley Research Center, Newport News Shipbuilding, Dominion Energy and the Virginia Department of Transportation.