An infrared camera transformed students into glowing silhouettes.
Students from across West Central Florida discovered new possibilities for their futures at the University of South Florida Engineering Expo, sponsored in part by Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas (TECO).
For many, it was their first hands-on introduction to the technologies and careers shaping tomorrow, supported by an enthusiastic group of TECO volunteers eager to share what they know.
This year marked the largest USF Engineering Expo to date, thanks in no small part to the engineers and professionals who gave their time and expertise to inspire the next generation of innovators. Students explored interactive exhibits and connected with people working in science, technology, engineering and energy.
The campus buzzed with discovery. A Boston Dynamics robot dog drew crowds, while exhibits on antimatter, racecars, rockets and drones showcased the expansive future of engineering .
Tampa Electric’s exhibits offered experiences that were both fun and educational. Attendees raced solar-powered toy cars, explored infrared cameras that transformed them into glowing silhouettes, and hopped on a stationary bicycle that lit up light bulbs through pedal power — simple, hands-on demonstrations that connect cutting-edge technology to real-world applications we use to serve the community every day.
Pedaling a stationary bicycle to generate electricity was a very popular demonstration.
Outside the College of Engineering, Tampa Electric’s Live Line Demonstration Trailer — set up beside a line truck — drew steady interest. The interactive display highlights an essential message: advanced technology helps power communities, and safety is always at the center of the work.
Tampa Electric’s Live Line Demonstration Trailer helps students learn about safety and power.
“There were many great moments from the event,” said Jens Peter Andersen, an engineer who helped organize Tampa Electric’s participation alongside engineer Jeremy Brown. “Students were especially amazed by the Van de Graaff generator. Their eyes lit up when they saw the sparks, and many came back with classmates or parents so others could experience it too.”
A Van de Graaff generator was an exciting – and electrostatic – Tampa Electric exhibit.
The 2026 Engineering Expo sparked curiosity, generated questions and made possibilities feel more real. We’re proud to sponsor and participate in this event, which not only showcases technology, but more importantly, helps young people see themselves in the future it’s shaping.