IndyCar race team driver makes pit stop at UF to discuss STEM education

March 19, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — AREVA Inc. and the University of Florida College of Engineering are teaming up today (March 19) with the Nuclear Clean Air Energy educational initiative for a first-of-its-kind event to promote STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — education and careers in the energy industry.

Hosted at the UF campus, this energy-centric event will feature the IZOD IndyCar driver Simona De Silvestro and her No. 78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car. De Silvestro will talk to students and share information about engineering programs and career opportunities in the energy market.

“Similar to the energy industry, STEM is a critical part of our success at the racetrack,” De Silvestro said. “I love talking to students about clean air energy and helping them to understand that it’s cool to be excited about science, technology, engineering, and math.”

The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Reitz Student Union North Lawn, and is expected to draw students from UF and beyond. In addition to members of the local Women in Nuclear chapter and Gainesville City Commissioner Thomas Hawkins, guests of honor will be onsite from the two sponsoring organizations: Matthew Dryden, vice president of marketing at AREVA North America, and Dean Cammy Abernathy from UF’s College of Engineering.

“At AREVA, we understand that for the energy sector to succeed, a highly skilled workforce is essential,” Dryden said. “Our clean energy present and future depend on a robust, talented pool of highly skilled engineers, which is why we are so fortunate to partner with the University of Florida to help sustain our industry and develop the next generation of leaders.”

“We are committed to producing scientists and engineers who can lead the global quest to find clean, sustainable and safe energy solutions,” Abernathy said. “We are pleased to work with AREVA in this endeavor, and in engaging the community in a broader dialogue that encourages STEM education.”

AREVA, along with partners at Entergy Corporation, have teamed up with De Silvestro’s team, KV Racing Technology, to sponsor the Nuclear Clean Air Energy national educational initiative. They aim to broaden awareness of safe, clean, affordable and reliable nuclear energy and STEM careers.

AREVA provides its customers with solutions for low-carbon power generation in North America and all over the world. As the leader in nuclear energy and a significant, growing player in the renewable energies sector, AREVA combines U.S. and Canadian leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance.