For tenth-grade students from the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore (AAES), a visit to Old Dominion University offered a closer look at the people, spaces, and opportunities that could shape their futures in engineering and aerospace.
During the October 28 visit, students explored engineering laboratories in Kaufman Hall, connected with ODU faculty and students, and experienced campus life. The day helped students connect their classroom learning with opportunities to continue their education at ODU.
Exploring Engineering in Action
The day began in Kaufman Hall, where faculty and university leaders welcomed students to ODU’s Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology before they split into groups to explore the engineering laboratories.
Through sessions led by ODU professors, students, and graduate assistants, AAES students explored wind tunnels, fluids labs, and composites. The rotations introduced them to engineering facilities and gave them opportunities to ask questions and connect with ODU’s engineering community.
The visit also offered students a chance to reconnect with Dr. Orlando Ayala, who worked with them on their sounding rocket mission project during the previous school year.
Afternoon rotations expanded the exploration to the Smart Manufacturing Lab, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) lab, and space systems. These sessions introduced students to additional areas of engineering and their connections to aerospace.
Connecting with Campus Life
Beyond the laboratories, students enjoyed lunch at Broderick Dining Commons and joined ODU Ambassadors for a campus tour.
They also visited student-run clubs, including ODU Motorsports and ODU Rocketry, to see how Monarchs apply their engineering skills through projects outside the classroom. These interactions offered a glimpse of opportunities to pursue technical interests, collaborate with peers, and get involved in the university community.
Envisioning What Comes Next
As one of ODU’s four College Partnership Lab Schools, AAES connects students on Virginia’s Eastern Shore with learning experiences that support their exploration of aerospace and engineering pathways.
The visit brought that university connection into focus. By meeting faculty and students, exploring engineering facilities, and touring campus, AAES students could begin to envision what their next steps might look like, including a future at ODU.
Thank You to Our ODU Community
A special thank you to Orlando Ayala, Oleksandr Kravchenko, Marwan Al-Haik, Jeffrey Fergus, Brett Michalov, Edan Hegele, Kyle Purser, Colin Britcher, William Canaway, Isaac Koduah Kumi, Vuka Jovanovic, and Rachel S. White, along with the ODU Ambassadors, ODU Motorsports, ODU Rocketry, and all the faculty, staff, and students who helped coordinate the visit, guide lab rotations, and share their experiences with AAES students.
Learn more about the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore »
AAES students gather around Dr. Colin Britcher as he sits at a computer workstation in ODU’s wind tunnel lab.
Dr. Orlando Ayala gives a demonstration at a table in the fluids lab.
ODU Graduate Assistant Brett Michal show four AAES students how composites work at one table station.
AAES students walk around tables in a laboratory while experimenting with composite machinery with ODU Graduate Assistants.
AAES students learn about the Smart Manufacturing Lab and career paths with Professor Charles Lowe.
AAES students talk with ODU Motorsports Club members in the club’s workspace.
AAES students and teachers stand in front of the ODU S.B. Ballard Stadium.
AAES students gather around Dr. Colin Britcher as he sits at a computer workstation in ODU’s wind tunnel lab.
Dr. Orlando Ayala gives a demonstration at a table in the fluids lab.
ODU Graduate Assistant Brett Michal show four AAES students how composites work at one table station.
AAES students walk around tables in a laboratory while experimenting with composite machinery with ODU Graduate Assistants.
AAES students learn about the Smart Manufacturing Lab and career paths with Professor Charles Lowe.
AAES students talk with ODU Motorsports Club members in the club’s workspace.
AAES students and teachers stand in front of the ODU S.B. Ballard Stadium.