On February 26, 2026, the College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing at The Catholic University of America welcomed students from universities across South America as part of the Partners of the Americas STEAM Education Alliance of the Americas program. The program prepares emerging STEAM leaders from Latin America for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration through a combination of hybrid online coursework, an immersive academic experience in the United States, and the development of an applied project. As a key component of their U.S. immersion, students visited Catholic University, where the College showcased its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement.

In the morning, students toured the campus and surrounding area, visiting notable sites including Pangborn Hall, the Vitreous State Laboratory in Hannan Hall—led by Dr. Ian Pegg of the Department of Physics—and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. In the afternoon, they participated in the Network with Engineering activity, where they connected with Catholic University engineering, physics, and computing students. Following this, they attended a presentation on NASA by Dr. Duilia de Mello, Ordinary Professor of Physics and Vice Provost for Global Strategies and an expert in astrophysics. The day concluded with a pizza party celebrating all they had learned and experienced.

The campus visit was organized by Dr. Jandro Abot of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Drs. Rebecca Kiriazes and Jason Davison of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Dr. Duilia de Mello of the Department of Physics. Key contributors from the STEAM Education Alliance of the Americas included Dr. Ana Beatriz Prieto of the Universidad Nacional del Comahue in Neuquén, Argentina, and Nicolás Arízaga.

This event exemplified the global collaboration in which students, faculty, and staff across the College and University regularly engage, enhancing educational experiences and strengthening relationships both domestically and internationally. The College looks forward to building on these connections and expanding future collaborative initiatives.

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