Since Summer 2023, Dr. Peng Zhang has been collaborating with the Putnam County School System’s (PCSS) Virtual Instruction to Accentuate Learning (VITAL) school to foster STEM education among high school students. Our lab’s role primarily revolves around supporting the school’s KidWind Challenge team, consisting of a dynamic group of talented students and dedicated teachers. As a university liaison, Dr. Zhang has provided expert advice on the design of wind turbines through school visits and direct engagement with both the students and teachers.

Following months of hard work, the students achieved remarkable success in October 2023, when they won the state-wide KidWind Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee! Their achievement was recognized by the Putnam County Board of Education in December 2023. Moving forward, our lab will continue our support as the team prepares for the National KidWind Challenge to be held in Minnesota in May 2024. We look forward to offering advice for new wind turbine designs, conducting on-site evaluations of the students’ new wind turbine models, and facilitating preliminary testing and validation in TTU’s wind tunnel facility. We are confident in the students’ ability to excel on the national stage and wish them success as they showcase their innovative work!