Indian Head Division Promotes STEM in Maryland

From Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division Public Affairs

LA PLATA, Md. (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head Division employees, including scientists and engineers, helped judge more than 500 science projects at the Charles County Science Fair, in La Plata, Md., March 5.

The science fair, held at La Plata High School, is one of several educational outreach opportunities Indian Head employees support in Charles County.

"Indian Head Division is part of the Charles County community," said Charlie Huber, NSWC IHD security guard. "Giving back to [the] community and participating in [science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs] is an important thing to do."

The division sponsors several STEM activities in the local area, including robotics competitions and summer camps.

Daren Eaton, an engineer at NSWC IHD, coaches a team from Grace Christian Academy. The team recently competed in the future Lego League (FLL) competition.

"In my role as the technical coach, I guide much of the FLL research project, and a significant amount of the robot development," said Eaton. "The biggest compliment I get from the team [is how the] competition makes science, math and engineering fun and engaging."

The Charles County Science Fair, attended by personnel from NSWC IHD, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), is one of many programs and partnerships across the NAVSEA enterprise demonstrating the command's commitment to education and outreach.

These efforts throughout NAVSEA have built lasting and productive connections with educators, business leaders, government officials and affinity groups in STEM-related fields.