You’ve heard about building a better mousetrap? Well, this is a lot more fun.

The J.B. Speed School of Engineering wants to help a group of high school students build a better skateboard.

As part of Louisville’s inaugural TechFest technology conference, the University of Louisville’s engineering school is hosting the first Rad Science Skateboard Build from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 20 and 21 at the Engineering Education Garage, 1960 Arthur St.

The class will teach students from several local high schools how to build their own skateboards using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Construction will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday.

“This is a great opportunity to bring in high schoolers and show them the campus, as well as interact with other students interested in engineering,” said Heidi Neal, director of student success at the Speed School. UofL supports “efforts to open these doors for additional STEM curriculum in our community.”

TechFest, which includes a trade show and a variety of speakers, is designed for technology professionals, corporate leaders and entrepreneurs interested in understanding trends for business applications. It is being presented by theTechnology Association of Louisville Kentucky (TALK), a tech council that focuses on economic and workforce development, networking, education, advocacy and talent identification.

For more information, contact Dawn Marie Yankeelov, executive director of TALK, at 502-292-2351 or 502-548-1304.

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John Karman, III
John Karman joined the Office of Communications and Marketing in 2014 after a 20-plus year career as a Louisville journalist. He has served as director of media relations since 2015. In that role, he answers reporters’ inquiries and is the university’s main spokesperson. John was a reporter for Business First of Louisville from 1999 to 2013. There, he won numerous awards from the Louisville chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists and American City Business Journals, parent company to Business First. John can die happy after seeing the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series, although he would also enjoy another title.