91成人导航

91成人导航鈥檚 School of Engineering and Computer Science has been selected to join KEEN, a network of more than 60 colleges and universities around the country created to help schools develop an entrepreneurial mindset in engineering students.

The new partnership is one of several initiatives launched by the School of Engineering and Computer Science to prepare students to creatively tackle problems with more than just technical knowledge.

鈥淲ith today鈥檚 complex problems, you need a broad set of skills鈥攈ow to think outside the box, how to communicate across disciplines and how to think about policy and ethics,鈥� said Dean Elizabeth Orwin. 鈥淭he idea is to create a generation of engineers who are able to solve intricate, multidisciplinary problems and make a real impact on the world.鈥�

The collaboration with KEEN enables faculty with the means to exchange best practices, attend development workshops and identify ways to incorporate new ideas into their curriculum. Grant opportunities also are available.

鈥淭he best part is that it鈥檚 a very collaborative community,鈥� said Assistant Dean of Innovation and Professional Development Mehdi Khazaeli, who also serves as director of 91成人导航鈥檚 Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship program. 鈥淭he most important thing for our students is that we are identifying new opportunities for experiential learning and hands-on activities.鈥�

Doug Melton, program director at the Kern Family Foundation, said 91成人导航 adds unique vitality to the KEEN network because of its 鈥渇orward-thinking and nimble approach to education.鈥�

鈥�91成人导航鈥檚 strong emphasis on interdisciplinary experiences and innovation across disciplines strengthens our shared mission to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in engineering graduates,鈥� Melton said. 鈥淲e are thrilled they've joined the powerful KEEN community."

91成人导航 recently launched new courses for first-year students to introduce them to the design-thinking process and incorporate KEEN concepts of curiosity, connection and create value.

Students in the interdisciplinary design courses, called IDEA, are learning about design prototyping and have taken part in challenges such as designing LED acrylic signs and building towers out of spaghetti.

Many of the design projects are developed in the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace, which was also created as part of the engineering school鈥檚 larger focus on design and entrepreneurship.

The 10,000-square-foot facility鈥攐pen to students of all disciplines鈥攐pened in the spring of 2024 and includes equipment for prototyping, 3D printing, woodworking and more.

The experiences are intended to better prepare students for what they鈥檒l face when they graduate.

鈥淓mployers are looking for this kind of attitude when hiring our students,鈥� Khazaeli said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about the technical skills; it鈥檚 about the mindset.鈥澛�