National Engineers Week
In the United States, the third full week of February is National Engineers’ Week. Observed by more than 70 engineering, education, and cultural societies, and more than 50 corporations and government agencies, the purpose of National Engineers’ Week is to call attention to the contributions to society that engineers make. It is also a time for engineers to emphasize the importance of learning math, science and technical skills.
The celebration of National Engineers Week was started in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers in conjunction with President George Washington‘s birthday. President Washington is considered as the nation’s first engineer, notably for his survey work.
Imagination Station Celebrates Engineers Week
February 15-21
Throughout the week visitors will be encouraged to build big and test their design skills in Science Studio.
In addition to the cool Engineering activities list below, visitors can meet a variety of guest Engineers that will be making appearances at Imagination Station.
- Building with Geometry, thinking three-dimensionally to build boxes
- Geodesic Domes, learning about the effects of using triangles in construction
- Earthquake Table, testing a variety of structural formations to determine their stability
- Keystone Arch, focusing on the importance of compression in construction
Imagination Station will be welcoming professional Engineers, from a variety of different professions, sharing insights into their careers and assisting in activities in Science Studio that align with their chosen field. Each guest speaker will be presenting in our Extreme Science Theater.
Robert Maltby, Jr.
Wednesday, February 17 from 10am-2pm
Over the past 51 years, Robert E. Maltby, Jr. has received 30 United States Patents for instruments and processes relating to the manufacture of architectural and automotive glass. Maltby invents, designs and builds inspection systems such as the software, InspectorG, for measuring the flatness of glass. Maltby has a unique credit to his name: the world’s expert in glass breakage because he broke more than anybody else – 3,000,000 pounds in 3 days! Presentations are at 10:30am and 12:15pm.
Mary Long
Thursday, February 18 from 10am-2pm
Mary Long is a professional engineer for Black & Veatch. Ms. Long works with other engineers at Black & Veatch to lead the Toledo Waterways Initiative program, which includes the study, design and construction of improvements to the bay View Water Reclamation Plant as well as in the collection system. Presentations are at 10:30am and 12:15pm.
Aaron Davenport
Friday, February 19 from 11am-1pm
Aaron Davenport, PE, is a civil engineer for Tetra Tech. His specialty is wastewater collection and treatment. Aaron will be presenting on The Toilet – Magic Throne of Engineering Wonder. Davenport will discuss the amazing system of collection and treatment that takes out waste away for treatment and disposal, protecting us from filth and disease. Engineers throughout history have battled for the betterment of public health; our amazing sewer systems are our first line of defense. Presentation is at 12:15pm.
Julia MacLachlan
Saturday, February 20 from 11am-3pm 
Julia MacLachlan is a Materials Scientist working for Pilkington North America’s Automotive Glazing division. She is the Technical Manager for the Glazing Systems Laboratory, which is responsible for validation and testing of bonded on trim, seals and hardware for new vehicle launches. During a normal day Julia uses mechanical test equipment, accelerated weathering equipment, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray fluorescence and even drives a forklift from
time to time. Presentation is at 12:00pm.
