On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, Roger Pittock and Ed Bye represented CSES (Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society) at the annual Braintree Careers Fair, held at the Chelmsford City Racecourse.
Supported by Braintree District Council, the event aimed to raise awareness of post-16 opportunities—including Further Education, Higher Education, Apprenticeships, and Employment—for Year 11 students. The fair brought together over 1,800 students from eight Braintree District schools (Alec Hunter Academy, Tabor Academy, Notley High School, Hedingham School, Honywood School, Ramsey Academy, Maltings Academy, Rickstones Academy).
In line with the CSES mission, Roger and Ed actively promoted various aspects of STEM, engaging students and encouraging them to explore STEM career paths through interactive, hands-on demonstrations and explanations.
The attractions were:
- Machine Learning Model: A computer vision based classifier designed to identify hand gestures for Rock, Paper, Scissors. Students actively tested the model with their own hand gestures, though none opted to add their samples to increase the model detection confidence.
- Thermal Imaging Camera: Students explored heat signatures and live infrared maps of their faces and hands.
- Endoscopic Camera: Using a small medical-style camera, students investigated the nasal and ear canals of synthetic anatomical models.
- CC the Robotic Cat: The robotic companion animal was a major highlight, prompting several requests from students asking to take it home. Notably, one student spent almost her entire 30-minute time slot cuddling the cat—perfectly demonstrating how engineering applications can provide comfort and emotional value.
- Sustainable and Space-Age Energy Solutions: A mock microbial fuel cell powering an electric motor and a LED lit from a "urine battery" demonstrated that waste is a valuable resource containing useful energy. This concept sparkled discussions about sustainable technology, particularly its critical importance for future off-world missions, such as long-term bases on the Moon and Mars.
- The "Electronic Poo" Box: This unique, eye-catching exhibit served as an excellent conversation starter, allowing the team to highlight the vital importance of the correct disposal and recycling of dead batteries to protect the environment.
Throughout the day, Roger and Ed engaged in numerous meaningful conversations with students. These interactions offered a fascinating glimpse into the students' varied interests—including discovering that this year's prize for the most unique pet went to a girl who keeps seven White's tree frogs.
The event also provided a valuable opportunity to introduce CSES to a few teachers who were previously unaware of the society, allowing the team to share details about its mission, key events and upcoming activities. Some follow-up emails have already been sent.
While it was an incredibly busy and fast-paced day, it proved highly rewarding in inspiring and encouraging some to be the next generation of STEM professionals.