Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
April 7, 2017
April 7, 2017
April 8, 2017
8
10.18260/1-2--29247
https://peer.asee.org/29247
960
Dr. Park is an Assistant Professor at Queensborough Community College, teaching various mechanical
engineering courses including statics, strength of materials, thermodynamics and fluids, and materials laboratory.
Dr. Park has extensive industrial experiences, working in design of consumer products, design of
power plants and research for U.S Department of Defense. Dr. Park’s research interest include STEM education, simulation
and modeling, solid mechanics and renewable energy.
Manufacturing has been the core of our technology growth and economic indicators as more work forces are needed to move towards economic prosperity. In order to attract more students into manufacturing as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) oriented careers, academic institutions must create new types of learning facilities. Learning tools must be continued to evolve to accommodate tech-savvy students and keep their interests while completing their degrees in STEM majors. Advanced manufacturing laboratory can serve the need to equip students to enter a competitive workforce with high technology skills, adaptability and critical thinking to accelerate in their fields.
This paper presents the design of a new Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory at Queensborough Community College that enhances STEM learning by focusing on research and hands-on approach teaching. Outdated traditional machining equipment, such as lathes, drilling, milling, band saw, etc. were replaced with new state-of-the-art equipment, as well as addition of a water-jet cutter and a laser cutting machines. The new prototyping center is equipped with advanced 3D printers capable of using a plethora of thermal plastics and photopolymer resins and enable large foot print parts, and digital scanning systems widely used in industry. In addition to research and learning, the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory also serves as tool for recruitment and retention of students in STEM fields. With such a high potential, students begin to appreciate the remarkable advantage of pursuing a career in STEM area. This hands-on research and learning environment allows students to effectively function in collaborative environments with other disciplines, better preparing them to enter the workforce. Creating spaces that can incorporate more sophisticated science and technology curriculums will help prepare the next generation of top scientists and engineers to begin working on the many technological challenges facing our world.
Park, K. M. (2017, April), Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory to Enhance STEM Learning Paper presented at 2017 ASEE Mid Atlantic Section Spring Conference, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--29247
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