If you're interested in learning how engineers-in-training from Virginia Tech and the Roanoke Valley are inventing the future, come to the 2012 Technology Expo, April 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Roanoke Civic Center Special Events Hall.

The event is free and open to the public.

Students from Virginia Tech’s Joseph F. Ware Advanced Engineering Lab will demonstrate several of their inventions, including the EcoCAR developed by the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team. The Virginia Tech vehicle won the national EcoCAR Challenge in 2011.

The Ware lab exhibit also will feature a number of other award-winning creations, including autonomous aerial and underwater vehicles, the Formula SAE car, Human Powered Submarine, solar powered car, and the steel bridge.

The Virginia Western Community College BAJA Team will display its latest Mini-Baja vehicle, which is now being perfected for this year's international competition for the student-designed all-terrain vehicles. In 2010 the Virginia Western BAJA Team finished top among community college competitors and was the top competitor among colleges and universities from Virginia.

The Science Museum of Western Virginia will exhibit several of its hands-on demonstrations, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation will display the ev-1 electric car. The expo also will host an exhibit of the Catawba Sustainability Center's student and faculty research projects in Roanoke County.

Partners in presenting the 2012 Technology Expo are the Catawba Sustainability Center, Roanoke City Public Schools, Roanoke Civic Center, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Virginia Tech Joseph F. Ware Advanced Engineering Lab, and Virginia Western Community College.

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