Sample of NACOE Shadow Day Event Details

Full Day Engineering and Computer Science

What:

In addition to organized activities, high school students interested in engineering or computer science are paired with an NACOE student to experience college life and engage with a near peer mentor. 

Date:

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Time:

7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Starting Location:

Montana State University - Bozeman

Norm Asbjornson Hall

Inspiration Hall (Rm 201 - Second floor, East end)

Interactive Campus Map

Printable Campus Map

Lunch:

Pizza and Soda will be provided between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. 

Brief Agenda:

7:30 am   Meet, Match & Class

8:00 am   Shadow Experience

  • Attend classes
  • Explore NACOE complex
  • Play a board game simulating a college semester

11:00 am  College Dynamics Activity (By Tau Beta Pi)

11:30 am  Lunch & College Simulation Games

1:10 pm   Immersive Experience in engineering or computing

2:10 pm   The Places You're Going Activity (By ePALS & Tau Beta Pi)

3:00 pm   Closing and Feedback

3:30 pm   Event Conclusion

2025 Immersive Experiences
Group
Name
Host
Description
1
Shadow Day Makerspace Takeover
Abby Truex
Abigail Truex shares the magic of the Makerspace in this workshop. Students will learn what a Makerspace is, who can access it, and share a few ways it has been used for student projects in and out of classroom assignments. Students will spend time creating a small project as part of this workshop.
2
Tech in Action = Microfabrication and Semiconductors
Andrew Lingley
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Montana Microfabrication Facility and see what makes the technology in your phone, computer, or video games work. This hands-on demonstration gets you up close to the world of micro and nanofabrication. Don’t miss out on how fascinating the unseen world can be!
3
Real-World Computing Applications
Keri Hallau
You’ll have an immersive experience in cutting edge research and applications of computing, from AI to cybersecurity. Join us to learn what a degree in computing from MSU can look like and where it could take you.
4
Engineering for the Environment
Catherine Kirkland
Join Dr. Catherine Kirkland and experience ways environmental engineers proactively solve problems related to people and the world around them.
5
Lasers, Light and Everyday Problems
Joe Shaw & Riley Logan

Ever wonder how drones can be used to map algae in Montana rivers or how lasers can be used to find insects? Join Dr. Riley Logan and the Optical Remote Sensor Laboratory for an overview of optics and photonics and how the field can help us solve everyday problems. Students will learn about the exciting technology used to remotely monitoring water quality and the many applications of light detection and ranging (lidar) systems. Students will also use cell phone images and common optical materials to reveal hidden aspects of the world around them. 

6
Train to be a Surgeon
Bernadette McCrory
Healthcare simulation saves lives! Learn about the broad application of industrial engineering while checking out the BioReD Hub in this healthcare immersion experience.

We do our best to match you with an engineering or computer science student in a major you're interested in - but be open to learning about an area you may not have considered.

RSVP link will open August 01, 2025.