Ohio State Marion engineering faculty were among ten university-wide recipients of a $10,000 University Outreach and Engagement Documenting Impact Grant to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach efforts in grades K–12 across Marion and surrounding counties during the 2025–26 academic year.
The grant aims to enhance awareness of (STEM) among high school juniors and seniors through interactive, hands-on engineering workshops, structured mentorship from engineering faculty and undergraduate students, and STEM research opportunities.
Faculty members awarded the grant include Assistant Professor of Practice in Industrial and Systems Engineering Chandika Annasiwatta, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Practice in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Nima Mansouri, Ph.D.; Associate Professor in Computer Science and Engineering Golrokh Mirzaei, Ph.D.
“By fostering sustained partnerships with local schools and integrating real-world engineering applications, the initiative aims to inspire students to explore STEM pathways,” said Mirzaei, who teaches computer science and engineering software courses and conducts research in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“Receiving this grant enables us to expand access to STEM education in underserved communities,” explained Annasiwatta, who teaches robotics and cybersecurity courses in the engineering technology major. “It allows us to inspire and prepare the next generation of engineers through hands-on learning and meaningful mentorship. It also enables Ohio State Marion to deepen its community partnerships and create a lasting impact on students' academic and career trajectories.”
Mansouri, who coordinates Capstone courses for engineering technology at Ohio State Marion added, “This grant offers a valuable opportunity for collaboration between the Ohio State Marion engineering program and local high schools, strengthening the program’s long-term impact by creating sustained pathways for students to pursue STEM careers.”
Mirzaei emphasized that the grant provides a unique opportunity to connect high school students with real-world STEM experiences and mentorship from faculty who teach engineering and engineering technology courses at Ohio State Marion.
“It empowers students to explore engineering fields early, building confidence and enthusiasm for STEM careers. Having already encouraged many students to pursue engineering, this grant will offer valuable support as they continue to explore and consider STEM pathways,” she added.
Outreach grants were awarded up to $10,000 to support program evaluation and impact reports for community-engaged research or community-engaged projects developed in collaboration with community partners and designed to address specific needs or challenges within the community.
Engineering Technology at Ohio State Marion is part of a unique program offered exclusively at Ohio State’s regional campuses in Marion, Lima, Mansfield, and Newark—strategically located near industry hubs for strong internship, mentoring, and job opportunities. With small class sizes, direct admission, and one of the lowest four-year tuition rates in Ohio, students benefit from a supportive, affordable path to a career in manufacturing leadership. The Ohio State University at Marino also offers the first full year of engineering coursework, along with select second-year courses in computer science, electrical, and mechanical engineering, all backed by Ohio State’s nationally ranked College of Engineering.