Engineering: Problem solving to the extreme

Hoban prides itself on the ample classes it offers, some more unconventional than others. This program in particular pulls a crowd of STEM-oriented students into the castle, engineering.

With a recently built Makerspace lab and 3D printing room, it’s no wonder the engineering program holds this initial attraction, but what makes it so unique in the long-run?

Primarily, it’s the coursework. If math is your strong-suit, then Pre-Engineering will be a fun experience with a fresh look on equations and real world problem solving. Once you’ve passed that, you reach arguably the most exciting engineering class, Engineering II. This is the course which Gregory Pero, the program’s sole teacher, calls a “reward for your hard work in Pre-Engineering”.

Engineering II consists of a more hands-on lesson plan. They design and print 3D objects, and create hand-drawn, two-dimensional diagrams that detail all perspectives of the model. Next, they look at programmed microprocessors and finish with experimental designs and have the opportunity to collaborate with an engineering firm.

Finally, Engineering III, students get a look into what their lives might be like if they pursue a career in this field. The students go to a job site and work with professionals to get experience.

A highlight of the engineering program in past years has been the wonderful teacher, Mr. Pero. Pero earned his initial B.S. and M.S. degrees at the University of Akron in chemical engineering. He worked with Goodyear for many years until he decided that it was time to pursue an alternate path. Pero went back to the University of Akron and received his teaching degree in 2015 as he believed that he “could create the next generation of scientists and engineers”. He succeeded in his goal, hearing from past students about their engineering vocation, thanks to him.

After nine years at Hoban, Pero will be officially retiring at the end of this year. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time teaching here. Pero reminisces, “I love seeing the faces of my students after correctly completing a problem they had worked so hard at”. He is confident in President DiMauro’s plans for the future of the program, whatever that may be. 

I’d like to give a special thank you to Mr. Pero for all that he’s done for the aspiring engineers that have passed through his classes, an additional thanks for engineering this program. Finally, as someone who has taken Pre-Engineering I, I highly suggest picking up the elective if you have the chance.