The presentation of the replica rover coincides with the opening of a conference at UIR on women and educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

“As part of Women’s History Month, we have developed a program to celebrate a panel of Moroccan women who work in fields typically dominated by men, such as technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and science,” U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Greene told MAP.

“By working together, Morocco and the United States can successfully promote equal access to science, technology and engineering education for young women,” he said.

The Lego model of the Rover represents the deep and historic ties between the U.S. and Morocco, particularly in the areas of education and scientific research and development.

To this end, the U.S. diplomat highlighted the important role played by NASA’s Moroccan scientist Kamal Oudrhiri in the development of the current Curiosity Mars Rover, as well as in the Mars exploration program launched by NASA in July 2020.

For her part, Brigitte Jamart, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, said that “this replica represents the symbol of all the technology and innovation that engineers and researchers are capable of.”

“We have long-standing collaborations with the United States,” she recalled, noting that many exchanges “allow American students to develop research projects at UIR in the digital lab.”

Over the past decade, nearly 1,500 Moroccan women and girls, aged 15 to 35, have participated in U.S.-funded STEM-related exchange programs.

The Curiosity Mars Rover Lego model, made from 110,000 pieces, was a centerpiece of an exhibition held last year at the National Library in Rabat, commemorating the bicentennial of the American Legation in Tangier; United States’ oldest diplomatic property in the world symbolizing more than 200 years of friendship between the two countries.

Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse