Engineering the Future: East and West students graduate from Technology Program

Six students from Smithtown High School East and West graduated from BAE Systems Women in Technology Program (WiT). Asha Andrews, Veronika Leshko and Giuliana Panzini from HS West and Ela Tezgiden, Isabella Scioscia and Varshitha Prithivi from HS East completed the nine week program, where they were immersed in multiple areas of engineering. These areas included mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering, along with testing and debugging. Asha, Veronika, Ela, Isabella and Varshitha are all members of the Smithtown Robotics Team. These amazing young women finished the program with two culminating projects. The first project was to design a 3D model to solve a specific problem using a computer aided design program, Fusion 360. They then printed the part using stereolithography, an advanced form of 3D printing. Then along with a partner, they designed, wired and programmed an electronic system to complete a task or solve a problem. These included a distance sensor for a rearview mirror, a logic game and an electronic lock. The program also included weekly tours of the BAE Systems facility, including AI, factory tours, surveillance systems, and anti-jamming demonstrations.      

Women in Technology (WiT) is a collaborative effort between local area high schools and BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector. WiT gives female high school students with an aptitude in math and science a practical, hands-on opportunity to explore careers in various technical disciplines. It also provides mentorship to the students to encourage and support them in their pursuit of a technical career. After completing the program, seniors who have been accepted to college with a declared major in STEM are encouraged to apply for a summer internship opportunity at BAE Systems. Smithtown has had students go through this program for the past five years, but this is by far the largest graduating group.

Thank you to BAE Systems for giving Smithtown students this opportunity. Congratulations to these brilliant young women on their accomplishment. Good luck to the robotics team as their build season has begun.