Posted by
A SPACE engineer from the United States recently visited Eastern Highlands and promoted education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) at Ayiura Aircraft Mechanical Engineering School.
Lead engineer in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) Mars Rover missions at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, Nagin Cox came to Papua New Guinea for one week of engagements with professionals in the engineering and aviation sectors, university faculty and staff and government officials.
On July 2, Cox travelled to Goroka to meet with faculty and staff at the University of Goroka who are teaching the next generation of secondary science teachers.
The lecturers, who teach subjects such as mathematics, physics, astrophysics and electrical engineering, shared their thoughts about Stem education while Cox encouraged them to find creative ways to motivate the future teachers they are teaching.
She told them: “As teachers of teachers, your mission couldn’t be more important.
“I am proud to be here among you as you prepare Papua New Guinea for the challenges ahead.”
Her trip was to also take her to Ukarumpa where she would take part in the 10th anniversary celebration of Aiyura Aircraft Mechanical Engineering School.
Cox’s one-week visit to PNG, funded and organised by the US Embassy’s public diplomacy section, underscored the commitment of the United States to support Stem education as she spoke about the importance of education, innovation, and international collaboration in advancing the engineering field in Papua New Guinea.
Cox also shared her experiences and insights with graduates of ACATEC Aviation College on July 1, inspiring them to pursue their dreams, inspire their peers, and contribute to technological advancements.
Of the 19 graduates, four were female, marking significant progress in gender diversity within the country’s engineering sector.
She told the graduates: “What I didn’t know when I was 14 and I wanted to work on (remote robotic) missions was how much of that would be about working with a team of people, men and women working together to do something hard and we all have the opportunity to think, ‘what can I do with my mission’.”
Cox also engaged with the team at NiuSky Pacific Ltd, who are responsible for maintaining air traffic control and ensuring the safety of Papua New Guinea’s skies.
She commended their dedication and technical expertise, emphasising the critical role of effective air traffic management in modern aviation.
She delivered a presentation for the members of the American Chamber of Commerce for PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu (AmCham Coral Sea) at an event held at Exxon Haus.
Her presentation focused on the importance of education, innovation, and international collaboration in fostering economic development and technological advancements.
Cox also met with members of Women in Engineering, part of the Institute of Engineers of PNG.
Her interactions with these groups highlighted the significance of mentorship, continuous learning, and the promotion of gender diversity within the engineering profession.