School of Engineering hosts E-Day 2026, largest in program history

 

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s School of Engineering hosted nearly 700 students from 24 high schools for Engineering Day 2026, a series of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-centered challenges under the direction of Murray State faculty and staff. The turnout marked the largest Engineering Day in the program’s history. 

“We are fortunate to have teachers in our region who work hard to provide hands-on experiences for their students,” said Dr. Jamie Rogers, director of the School of Engineering. “We love partnering with and supporting those teachers, and E-Day provides a wonderful way for Murray State University and the School of Engineering to do that.”

Students competed in 16 events held across campus. The University’s Engineering and Physics Building served as the main hub, hosting competitions in engineering design, robotics, computer-aided design, carbon dioxide-powered car races and physics challenges.

Participants also raced kayaks constructed from PVC pipe and plastic wrap in the Susan E. Bauernfeind Wellness Center swimming pool, showcased robots of their own creation and engineered survival shelters.

“E-Day continues to provide area high school students with the opportunity to visit campus, connect with faculty, staff and students, explore classrooms and labs, compete in hands-on events and experience what it means to be a Racer in the School of Engineering,” said Dr. Rudy Ottway, assistant director of the School of Engineering.

Participating schools: 

• • • • Apollo High School 
      • Benton Consolidated High School 
      • Butler County Area Technical Center
      • Caldwell Regional Career Center
      • Calloway County High School 
      • Dawson Springs Independent High School 
      • Fulton City High School 
      • Fulton County High School 
      • Gateway Academy 
      • Graves County High School 
      • Hancock County High School 
      • Hopkins County Career and Technology Center 
      • Lyon County High School 
      • Marion High School 
      • Marshall County High School 
      • McCracken County High School 
      • Murray High School 
      • Norris City – Omaha – Enfield High School 
      • Owensboro Innovation Academy 
      • Paducah Tilghman High School 
      • Todd County Central High School 
      • Trigg County High School 
      • Union County High School 
      • Webster County Area Technology Center 

To learn more about Murray State University’s School of Engineering, visit murraystate.edu/engineering. Click the video below to view a recap from the record-setting day.