About Us
The Engineering Place at NC State advances the College of Engineering’s outreach mission by creating meaningful, hands-on engineering experiences for K–12 students, educators, families, and communities.
Since 1999, we have delivered nationally recognized engineering camps, classroom programs, and professional learning opportunities that help learners explore engineering through real-world challenges and design-based problem solving. Our programs spark curiosity, build confidence, and help young people see themselves as capable innovators — whether they pursue engineering careers or apply engineering ways of thinking in other paths.
Through immersive student programs and targeted educator support, The Engineering Place expands access to high-quality engineering education and strengthens the future engineering workforce across North Carolina and beyond.
Our Vision
To inspire all learners to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders, advancing PK–20 engineering education locally, statewide, and globally.
Our Mission
The Engineering Place expands PK–20 engineering education by engaging educators, K–12 students, parents, and the broader public through innovative, research-based programming.
In partnership with NC State faculty, researchers, schools, industry, and community organizations, we develop, implement, assess, and share programs that demonstrate how engineers:
- Solve real-world problems
- Design and build technologies
- Improve lives by turning ideas into practical solutions
Our offerings include:
- ACA-accredited summer engineering camps
- Professional learning for educators
- School and community outreach programs
- Broader impact and grant-supported initiatives
Our Core Values
- Honoring Our Uniquenesses with Respect and Dignity
- Fostering Curiosity and Persistence
- Hands-on, Minds-on Learning
- Mutually Beneficial Collaboration
- Impact through Education and Access
Recognition
Since 1999, The Engineering Place’s work has earned national recognition, including:
- Wake County Public School Partnership Award
- Middle School K-12/University Partnership Best Practices Award, American Society for Engineering Education, 2014
- Educational Activities Board Informal Education Award, IEEE, 2009
- Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, 2000 and 2009
- Featured on the NSF Discoveries website, 2005
Locations & Facilities
The Engineering Place is headquartered on NC State University’s North Campus in 111 Lampe Building, where we offer flexible spaces for classroom instruction, lab exploration, and hands-on activities.
Through NC State’s distance education partnerships, we also collaborate with regional partners at:
- Gateway Technology Center (Rocky Mount)
- NC Center for Engineering Technology (Hickory)
- Craven Community College (Havelock)
- Lenoir County Community College (Kinston)
Directory of Staff
Dr. Leah Bug
Director, The Engineering Place
Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of Education | 30+ years in education and STEM outreach; Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State; former NASA Aerospace Education Specialist.
Steve Johnson
K–12 Summer Engineering Camp Program Director | Former kindergarten and 2nd-grade teacher; instructional technology facilitator; STEM Specialist at the SERVE Center.
Dr. Amy Isvik
K–20 Engineering Outreach Program Coordinator | B.A. in Math/Computer Science, M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from NC State; Fulbright fellowship recipient.
Myrna Williams
Program Specialist, The Engineering Place | B.A. in Business Management from NC State; background in grant writing and nonprofit program coordination.
Dr. Laura Bottomley
Founding Director, The Engineering Place | IEEE and ASEE Fellow; founded the Women in Engineering program and originated K-12 outreach at NC State in 1999; Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NC State.
Stay Connected
Sign up for The Engineering Place e-newsletter to hear about new programs, registration openings, and upcoming events before they fill up.