Picatinny Arsenal, the leading hub of military technology and engineering innovation, is visiting LSC today (Thursday, March 30) and tomorrow (Friday, March 31).

Guests are invited to stop by the Science Center and try out super cool high-tech equipment that is used in the military, such as bomb disposal robots, virtual reality headsets, 3D printers and Kevlar suits that protect soldiers from explosions.

According to Shahram Dabiri, the STEM technology manager at Picatinny, many people don’t realize that a STEM background is highly valuable in the military field.

“The role of STEM education in the Department of Defense is super important,” says Dabiri. “The federal government is the largest employer of STEM people.”

According to Dabiri, virtual reality is useful because it allows military personnel to try out new equipment in a safe, cost-effective, video game-like environment.

3D printers, meanwhile, allow soldiers to conveniently print products while out in the field. This also reduces their carbon footprint, as the government doesn’t need to send packages from across the globe.

“3D printing is becoming our lifesaver,” Dabiri says.

Interested in trying out the equipment for yourself and learning more about STEM’s involvement in the military? Stop by LSC tomorrow!