Four booths representing different university departments (International Affairs, Athletics, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and ORTrecicla) helped pass the time while everyone waited for the activities to begin.
The ORTrecicla team used the event as an opportunity to continue raising environmental awareness among young people. Through a quiz, they provided information on the importance of recycling and reducing waste. All participants received a potted aromatic plant in a biodegradable pot.
At 9 a.m., the high school students left the auditorium and headed off to their various activities. The event was attended by academic coordinators, teachers, staff members, graduates, and students.
Biotechnology
The Biotechnology department organized a tour of various stations that demonstrated in a simple and accessible way what a biotechnologist does. Highlights included stations such as Bioluminescence, led by Verónica Braida, where students had to enter a dimly lit room to observe microorganisms that live symbiotically with squid and had been isolated and cultured for growth and study. These microorganisms undergo a chemical reaction that produces bioluminescence—that is, light.
Stations:
- Nanoparticles, by Sonalí Correa
- Colorful plates featuring microorganisms, by Felipe Machado and Franco Bernasconi
- Exploring Microorganisms with Children, led by Pía Campot
- Anthocyanin as a pH indicator, by Mariana Umpiérrez
- "What Does Our DNA Look Like?" by Sebastián Rodríguez
- Bioluminescence, by Verónica Braida
Technology and Business
The academic coordinator of the Bachelor's Degree in Systems gave a presentation introducing the program and discussed the opportunities it offers, using practical, everyday examples.
In addition, the Techie Girls—a group of female undergraduate students—shared their experiences, explaining what led them to choose that major, what they’ve discovered technology has to offer, what programming is, and the various opportunities available to them in the job market.
They also emphasized that there is no need to be afraid of math or physics, and that the program teaches you to think logically, which helps you solve problems and come up with practical solutions.
Another point they highlighted about the career is that it allows you to “work anywhere in the world because the language of programming is universal.”
Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Telecommunications
The Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Telecommunications department held a brainstorming session on what it means to be an engineer and what comes to mind when these fields are mentioned. The students went up to the whiteboard and wrote down their ideas, which included words such as robotics, networks, circuit boards, circuits, technology, and ingenuity.
Daniel Merlinski, a faculty member and member of La Casa Uruguaya, then cited this project as an example of the ways in which home automation can be used in a home. He demonstrated that, thanks to home automation, they could control the temperature, humidity, lighting, and appliances.
In addition, the high school students took a tour of the Physics Lab and the Networking Lab, and had the opportunity to observe an Electronics class.
Systems Engineering
The activity was led by teacher Ángel Caffa, who presented an everyday problem that the students had to solve together. The exercise required them to think logically to find the best solution, and as they worked through it, Caffa pointed out the similarities with how one approaches technology projects.
He then gave the floor to graduates Joaquín Silveira and Juan Manuel Sobral, who explained what an engineer does, where they can work, and shared their experiences as students and professionals in the field.
During the talk, they cited well-known examples such as Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon, and explained how these companies use artificial intelligence to recommend to users what they want to watch, buy, or listen to.
They also highlighted the ability to work from anywhere in the world and the fact that it is a profession with zero unemployment.