Local Tech Companies Come to High Tech Fair

By: Eivy Herrera and Jeremiah Preston

The Fleet Science Center's annual High Tech Fair enlightens middle and high school students to the world of science and the possibilities of a scientific career. Local participating companies provide interactive experiences for the students, and students enjoy seeing "real life" applications of what they may be learning in the classroom. Two of the participating companies, Solar Turbines and ViaSat, sat down with local high school students to discuss what attendees can expect to learn at the event. Here’s what we learned!

Solar is a global energy solutions company that manufactures gas turbines, compressors and provides lifecycle product support. More than 15,000 Solar units are operating in 100 countries around the world. Primary applications include electric power generation, oil and natural gas production and natural gas transmission. Solar has been in San Diego for over 90 years! They employ a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professionals including engineers and machinists.

ViaSat, headquartered in Carlsbad, specializes in satellite communications. When asked how their everyday work applies to real life, one of ViaSat's software engineers recalled a project where she worked on the software that goes onto the modems in airplanes enabling high speed, in-flight Wi-Fi. "I love that I have an impact on how we are connecting the world by putting internet onto more flights. It’s a really cool way to see my work come to life."

Learn more about Solar Turbines, ViaSat, and over 30 more local companies on January 25, 5-8 p.m., at the High Tech Fair Student/Parent Night. The event will be held at the Balboa Park Activity Center at 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. The event is free and open to the public.

Advanced registration is recommended. RSVP for the Student/Parent Night at www.fleetscience.org/high-tech-fair