Conroe — State Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) met with students at Conroe High School on Monday to encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

"There is a growing demand for workers educated in these areas," said Nichols. "If Texas is going to continue to lead the nation economically, we must help develop a workforce proficient in math and science."

Nichols visited with students in Dr. Rhett Woo's class who are working to develop competition fuel cell cars.

"It was inspiring to see the projects these students are developing." said Nichols. "It's pretty impressive to see what they are doing even before they get to college."

Nichols, was able to share how math, science and engineering worked for him. A former plastics engineer, Nichols holds 32 medical patents for devices he designed. He also built several manufacturing plants in Jacksonville for the manufacture of some of these devices.

Nichols encouraged other professionals, regardless of their field, to consider meeting with or mentoring youth. He praised retired chemist John Wagner for working with these students all week.

"I think it's good for students to hear about real-world applications for the skills they learn," said Nichols. "It helps make school work meaningful and helps students to carefully consider their future.

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