RAPID CITY, SD (Feb. 16, 2026) – Kari Byron, a pioneering television host, entrepreneur and STEM advocate, will bring her passion for science and education to the South Dakota Mines campus as part of the 49^th annual Engineers Week.

Byron will speak Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. in the Surbeck Center’s Beck Ballroom as part of the President’s Leadership Academy and STEAM Café series, launching a week-long celebration that also includes the university’s Chemistry Magic Show, Engineering and Science Day, Order of the Engineer Induction Ceremony, and MathCounts competition.

Engineers Week was founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NPSE) in 1951 and is celebrated the week of Presidents Day in honor of President George Washington, considered the nation’s first engineer.

Engineers Week, or E-Week for short, brings local middle and high school students to the university to get an in-depth look into the fields of science and engineering.

“Events like Engineers Week are a great way to show students that innovation is happening right here,” said Brian Tande, Ph.D., Mines president. “By engaging young minds through hands-on experiences, we’re inspiring future engineers. while highlighting the cutting-edge education available in their own backyard.”

The celebration kicks off with Byron’s presentation on Tuesday. Byron is a pioneering television host and STEM advocate best known for her decades-long role on Discovery Channel’s “MythBusters, where she became the longest-running female presenter in the network’s history. She has also hosted and produced programs including Netflix’s “White Rabbit Project” and Science Channel’s “Punkin Chunkin.”

Today, she is the co-founder of the educational streaming platform EXPLR and director and founder of the National STEM Festival in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. A San Francisco State University graduate and author of “Crash Test Girl,” Byron continues to inspire new generations through speaking, media and her “Mythfits” podcast.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the university will also host nearly 500 middle and high school students for Engineering & Science Day. The day begins with demonstrations by academic departments held across campus and the Mines Chemistry Magic Show from 9 a.m. to noon. Students can also enjoy a lunchtime concert from noon to 1 p.m. in the Music Center, and an afternoon NASA presentation by Tom Durkin, retired deputy director of the SD Space Grant Consortium. The NASA presentation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Beck Ballroom and is open to the public.

On Friday, Feb. 20, Engineers Week activities continue with the annual Order of the Engineer induction ceremony for graduating seniors, alumni, and practicing engineers. The Order fosters a spirit of responsibility and pride in the engineering profession. This year’s event will take place in the Beck Ballroom in the Surbeck Center on campus starting at 4 p.m.

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 21, Mines will play host to MathCounts. MathCounts is one of the most successful education partnerships involving volunteers, educators, industry sponsors and students. The contest is for sixth- through eighth-grade students from western South Dakota schools. MathCounts is sponsored by the South Dakota Engineering Society, Black Hills Chapter.