Career Exploration Series
Career Exploration
Series
Overview
The Career Exploration Series brings an exciting lineup of interactive virtual webinars tailored for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades 6-12. Each semester, we dive into unique career-related topics paired with engaging activities. You'll also discover which college majors can lead you to your dream career.
Upon registration, you'll receive a complimentary box filled with supplies and materials to enhance your webinar experience and continue your exploration afterward.*
Want to revisit past workshops? You can request web links and access in the next section of our website. If you have a specific topic in mind for a new webinar, simply email us at ntidoutreach@rit.edu to submit a request.
*Not all webinars include supplies and materials. Please contact us for more details.
Current Webinars
2025 - 2026 School Year
Upcoming Fall Webinars:
Internet of Things: Building a Smart Plant Watering System
Tao Eng
What is the webinar about?
This webinar is about introducing students in grades 6–12 to the Internet of Things (IoT) through a hands-on project. Participants will learn how to build a smart plant watering system, combining sensors, and hardware. The session will include both guided instruction and interactive activities to give students practical experience with IoT concepts.
What will students learn?
Students will learn how to:
- Understand the basics of the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Connect sensors and simple hardware to measure soil moisture
- See how technology can solve real-world problems (like keeping plants healthy)
- Work on a hands-on project they can build and test themselves
Why should students participate?
Students will gain real-world experience with technology while building something fun and useful. This lab helps them understand how everyday problems can be solved with IoT, develop coding and problem-solving skills, and get hands-on practice with hardware. It’s a great way to explore STEM in an interactive and creative way.
What careers might this webinar lead to?
Careers this webinar could inspire:
- Computer Science & Software Development – writing programs and apps
- Cybersecurity – protecting devices and networks
- Data Science – analyzing data from IoT devices
- Electrical & Computer Engineering – designing smart devices and circuits
- Robotics & Automation – building machines that interact with the world
- Smart Agriculture & Environmental Technology – using IoT to improve farming and sustainability
The Future of Data Careers: How AI is Transforming Analysts, Scientists, Engineers, and Architects
Song Hoa Choi
What is this webinar about?
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the data landscape, changing how professionals analyze, manage, and design information systems. Data analysts now use AI-driven tools for faster insights, data scientists leverage machine learning for deeper predictions, engineers ensure scalable and efficient data pipelines, and architects design AI-ready infrastructures. As automation expands, the demand for critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and adaptability grows. This webinar explores how AI is redefining these roles and what skills will be essential for the future.
What will students learn?
Students will learn about:
- AI’s impact on data careers
- Evolving roles in analytics and engineering
- Future-ready skills for success
- Ethics and adaptability in AI
- Preparing for new opportunities
Why should students participate?
Students will gain insights into the future of data and AI, discover high-demand career skills, learn how to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market, and connect their knowledge with real-world applications.
What careers might this webinar lead to?
Careers this webinar could inspire:
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Statistician
- Biostatistician
- Survey researcher
- Business Intelligence analyst
- Social science research assistant
- Research scientist
- Database architect
Smart Crab Robotics: Build, Test, and Explore
Trisha Gard-Thompson
What is this webinar about?
A fast, hands-on build where students create a tabletop “crab” robot that can side-walk, avoid obstacles/edges, and respond to light—then test and improve its behavior using simple, visual steps.
What will students learn?
Students will learn core robotics and how different parts of a robot contribute to its operation: motors, sensors, power, and chassis.
Why should students participate?
This activity is designed to be fun and highly visual, while also moving quickly. In just 30–45 minutes, participants can build, set their creations in motion, and see immediate results. The process incorporates real engineering principles—testing, measuring, making adjustments, and re-testing—so students actively engage in problem-solving and iterative design.
What will students learn?
- Robotics / Mechatronics technician or engineer
- Automation & Controls, PLC/industrial robotics
- Mechanical or Electrical engineering
- Manufacturing & QA (testing, measurement, fixtures)
- Marine/field robotics (biomimicry, ROVs)
Register for a Webinar Event
We're thrilled to announce new webinars (listed below) as they become available; designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades 6-12. Each session focuses on a unique and exciting topic, providing engaging experiences and valuable insights into various career paths. You can choose to register for one or all of the webinars.
Each webinar will take place on its scheduled date from 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET.
Recordings will be provided for people who cannot attend.
If you have questions about our webinars or would like to access our archives, please email us at NTIDOutreach@ntid.rit.edu.
Student Registration
Click this button to register a deaf or hard-of-hearing student for a CES webinar. Do not individually register if the student's teacher is registering the whole class.
Teacher Registering a Group
If you are a teacher of a group of deaf/hard-of-hearing students: you do not need to individually register your students, and you should tell your students not to individually register themselves.
Instead, just send us a request to register your whole group. Include the webinar name and date, and a list of your students' full names, grade levels, and email addresses. Send to ntidoutreach@rit.edu and we will register your students for you.
Past Webinars
Missed a webinar or want to revisit a presentation? All of our webinars are recorded. Just reach out to request access to past sessions.
Animation/Motion Graphics through Illustration and Technology
Ernest Roszkowski
What is this webinar about? Learning about animation and storytelling through illustrations in sequence using FlipaClip, a free frame-by-frame animated drawing software app available for mobile, tablet, and PC (windows only).
What will students learn? Students will learn a bit about the history, principles, and fundamentals of animation, and how technology has allowed photography to evolve to 3D motion pictures that we see in film today. Students will also learn how to tell their own illustrated stories through frame-by-frame imagery.
Why should students participate? To learn and continue growing and expanding their creative skills in drawing, structure, and/or storytelling using technology that enhances the experience of a traditional flip book. For non-creatives, tips will be shared related to how this creative app can be used as a tool in other industries such as business, education, and non-verbal communication needs.
What careers might this webinar lead to? Illustration, Story Artist, Animation, Motion Graphics, Visual Media, Education, Film
Solar Eclipses: The Path of Totality
Dr. Jason Nordhaus
What is this webinar about? During this webinar, we’ll discuss and prepare for a solar eclipse! An eclipse is an astronomical event when one celestial body passes in front of another, partially, or fully blocking it. On Monday April 8th, 2024, the moon will move in front of the sun providing a partial eclipse for many and a rare, total eclipse for those in the path of totality.
What will students learn? Students will learn what to expect during this eclipse based on their viewing locations. Students will also learn how astronomers use eclipses to learn about other objects such as distant planets, stars and white dwarfs.
Why should students participate? Each participating student will be provided with a free pair of solar glasses to use during the eclipse event. This webinar is a great opportunity to meet other deaf and hard-of-hearing students who are interested in astronomy, and experience an eclipse together!
What careers might this webinar lead to? Astronomer/astrophysicist, Space Exploration, Physicist, Scientist, NASA, SpaceX, any data driven and critical thinking career.
Why Bridges Use I-beams, but Corn Stalks are Round
Marriner Merrill
What is this webinar about? Tubes, squares, beams and other shapes are specially designed. For example, when you drive under a bridge, the steel holding it up is in the shape of a long capital “I.” Why is that? Why are trees usually round? Bird bones are hollow inside, why don’t they break?
What will students learn? Concepts of moment of inertia and how it relates to stiffness and strength. We will also show how these concepts are important for popcorn growing!
Why should students participate? To understand the connection between designed and natural structural shapes, and to learn how we can predict the strength of a component to safely design vehicles, planes, buildings, chairs, tables, and much more!
What careers might this webinar lead to? These concepts are important for any job where a person will be designing or building parts that they don’t want to break! Some engineering and design jobs areas would include Mechanical, Civil, Sports Equipment, Construction, Biological, Aerospace, Naval, Robotics, etc.
ASL Science Safari: Navigating the World of Scientific Signs
Marguerite Carrillo
What is this webinar about? No matter how often we use ASL in our lives, do we fully understand ASL as a language? Did you know ASL has its own rules and specific structure? Learn why ASL is a unique language.
What will students learn? Students will learn how ASL is viewed as a language and how signs are accepted. Learn about how signs have evolved and become agreed upon in the Deaf community.
Why should students participate? Students will have an opportunity to own their language and be creative with their signs. Knowing ASL has its benefits and can lead to a variety of different careers.
What careers might this webinar lead to? ASL Educator, Certified Deaf Interpreter, ASL Consultant, ASL Specialist, Actor/Actress using ASL, ASL Storyteller, Language Advocate, ASL Mentor, ASL Assessor, ASL Researcher.
Aerospace Engineering
DJ Monahan
What is this webinar about?
Are you fascinated with the stars and outer space? Curious about how humans can send robots into space and control them from Earth? This webinar will investigate aerospace engineering.
What will students learn?
Students will learn about aerospace, data collection, mechanical engineering, and learn how it all comes together in space using robots.
Why should students participate?
Students will receive a kit and will be building their own Bluetooth-controlled robots with guidance from our presenter.
What careers might this webinar lead to?
Mechanical engineers, machinery manufacturing, Aerospace engineers, and Robotics.
Leadership
Colin Allen
What is this webinar about?
In this webinar, we discuss leadership skills that are applicable to diverse fields such as business, education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, government, and the arts. Leaders empower others, make decisions, set goals, and inspire change.
What will students learn?
Students will have the opportunity to learn about leadership styles, deaf leaders in the world, and explore various styles of leadership.
Why should students participate?
Empower students and motivate them to become leaders in clubs, schools, youth organizations, and other areas, ultimately helping them achieve success.
What careers might this webinar lead to?
Project manager, strategic planner, management consultant, political advisor, entrepreneur, and healthcare administrator.
Engineering Explorations: Unveiling Innovations
Trisha Gard-Thompson
What is this webinar about?
This webinar dives into what an engineer does every day. Curious about the different types of engineers out there? This webinar is a perfect fit for you!
What will students learn?
Student will learn how engineers apply skills like investigation, experimentation, and problem-solving to uncover revolutionary ideas and solutions that shape our world.
Why should students participate?
Students will delve into the exciting field of engineering and participate in hands-on activities that provide them with a chance to engage in a practical exploration of engineering.
What careers might this webinar lead to?
Mechanical engineer, civil engineer, and manufacturing.
Neuroscience: Your Amazing Brain
Rain Bosworth
What is this webinar about?
This webinar is all about the brain – how your cells work and how the brain functions. During this webinar, we’ll build a model of a brain together!
What will students learn?
Students will learn about neuroscience and brain anatomy using clay.
Why should students participate?
Students will receive a kit to build a brain model, and learn how the brain operates. As we build the brain model together, we understand the way our mind functions!
What careers might this webinar lead to?
Research assistant, neurologist, laboratory technician, scientist, psychologist, veterinarian, neurosurgeon, health educator, and psychiatrist.
Dynamic Teamwork
Greg Beattie
What is this webinar about? STEM professionals often work in collaborative and dynamic team environment to tackle complex problems and generate new ideas. Teamwork can be stressful and frustrating when people bring different ideas and perspective to the group.
What will students learn? Students will learn various strategies for effective communication and managing stress to improve collaboration in a dynamic team environment.
Why should students participate? Students will explore STEM careers in human-centered workplaces.
What careers might this webinar lead to? Computer Support Specialists, Medical Social Workers, Research and Development specialists, Psychologists.
Electrical Mechanical Engineering
DJ Monahan
What is this webinar about? A circuit is a closed loop where electrons travel. A circuit provides a source of electricity and allows our appliances to provide light or heat or mechanical energy.
What will students learn? How to use a circuit loop to make mechanical objects move around or light up. How to create a pathway for electricity to move and carry electricity.
Why should students participate? Students will explore mechanical engineering careers and learn how to use circuits to make electricity for their toy cars or robots.
What careers might this webinar lead to? Mechanical engineers, Machinery Manufacturing, Aerospace engineers, Robotics.