For Immediate Release:
April 8, 2025
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
Laurel Ridge has created a whole week full of diverse STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities and presentations April 14 – 18 at the Middletown Campus. The events are open to the public
“STEM Week is designed to showcase our college’s exceptional STEM programs and highlight the diverse career opportunities in fields like engineering, technology, science, mathematics, and data science,” Science, Integrated Technology, Engineering and Math Dean Ia Gomez said. “Our programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, whether they’re transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce. The event will feature presentations by guest speakers, panels of experts, and a STEM fair displaying student projects and work from our departments.
“We’re excited to bring together our four-year university and industry partners to share the amazing things happening in our STEM programs with our college and the community at large. As the dean of STEM, I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the incredible talent and innovation that our students, faculty, and partners will showcase throughout this exciting week!”
STEM Week highlights include a presentation by wildlife ecologist and author Dr. Brad Timm, who specializes in amphibian conservation; presentations on ways transfer students can find research opportunities; math-related presentations; a panel consisting of Laurel Ridge graduates working in the engineering field; and a panel of medical professionals.
Anatomy and Physiology Professor Ann Simpson and Math Professor Cody Fouts organized STEM Week. Professor Simpson said she has long wanted to have a STEM Week and is happy that dream has come to fruition.
“I am always thrilled to see so many of my former students working in our local hospitals, medical and dental offices, and other important roles that support our local community,” she said. “In the future, jobs in STEM are projected to grow significantly faster than non-STEM occupations. Fields such as statistics, computer science, and epidemiology are projected to see substantial growth. Advances in technology have created a boom in robotics and automation with engineers who can design and manage the systems in high demand.
“Biomedical and environmental engineering are also growing fields. Jobs in the medical field are always in demand with the need for nurse practitioners expected to grow significantly in the coming years. In addition, STEM fields generally offer significantly higher salaries than many other occupations.”
Professor Fouts said he has noticed many students in his precalculus classes have been interested in STEM fields, but not always sure how those majors translate into careers.
“I’m hoping that with this week of events, we can help bridge this knowledge gap by bringing STEM professionals and STEM programs from our 4-year partners to our students,” he said.
To see the whole slate of STEM activities and to register to attend, please visit laurelridge.edu/STEM.
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Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.
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