HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) proudly participated in the Future Cities event last weekend at Steelton-Highspire High School, providing hands-on, real-world STEM experiences to inspire the next generation of innovators. As a longtime sponsor of the Future Cities competition, Harrisburg University remains committed to empowering young students through early exposure to advanced technologies and scholarship opportunities.
The Future City Competition is a national, project-based learning experience where students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade imagine, design, and build cities of the future. Students work as a team with an educator and engineer mentor to plan cities, research and write solutions to an engineering problem, build tabletop-scale models with recycled materials, and present their ideas before judges at Regional Competitions in January. Regional winners represent their region at the National Finals in Washington, D.C., in February.
Harrisburg University’s ongoing sponsorship of the Future Cities program reflects its mission to inspire junior-high and high-school students to explore STEM fields and pursue careers that drive innovation and national competitiveness.
This year’s event featured two engaging demonstrations led by faculty and students from Harrisburg University:
1. XR Taskforce Demonstration
Professor Matthew Rissler, a corporate faculty member in HU’s Advanced Manufacturing bachelor’s program, and Professor Jennifer Mowery, a full-time faculty member specializing in project management and agile methodology, led the university’s XR (eXtended Reality) Taskforce and shared this exciting technology with the help of a team of HU undergraduate students.
Students explored immersive learning environments where they interacted with virtual windmills, turbines, and green energy solutions. Advanced AI avatars provided real-time insights into the infrastructure and technology behind sustainable energy, showcasing how immersive technology can revolutionize education and inspire future engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Future Cities, where students can experience STEM in action,” said Professor Mowery. “Subjects like design thinking, innovation, project management, and entrepreneurship equip students with the tools they need to turn their exciting ideas into real, working solutions.”
Professor Rissler added: “By combining creativity with practical skills, we’re helping students build the foundation for a successful future while making sure our cities have the thoughtful and talented planners, thinkers, and doers they need for long-term success and sustainability.
2. Aquaponics Facility Tour
HU Aquaponics – a team of HU undergraduates, faculty, and staff led by Environmental Science and Sustainability Program Lead Dr. Rachel Fogle – guided participants through Harrisburg University’s state-of-the-art aquaponics greenhouse, located on the grounds at Steelton-Highspire High School. Students learned about the science and technology behind controlled environment agriculture (CEA) techniques like aquaponics and hydroponics, as they observed tilapia, lettuce, and tomatoes coexisting in a sustainable ecosystem. The demonstration highlighted how innovative agricultural practices can be integrated into city planning to combat food deserts in Pennsylvania and to support sustainable urban living.
“Future Cities is an incredible opportunity to spark interest and passion in STEM fields at a pivotal moment in these students’ lives,” said Dr. Fogle. “By connecting them with real-world applications and advanced technologies, we hope to inspire them to envision and build a more sustainable future.”
Through partnerships with programs like Future Cities, Harrisburg University continues to serve as a bridge between K–12 schools and higher education. By offering engaging and meaningful experiences, HU helps students explore the limitless possibilities of STEM and prepares them to make lasting contributions to society.





ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.