Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Francis J. Hopcroft

Observations Regarding the Cultural Diversity of Students in Different Academic Majors Prof. Francis J. Hopcroft1Abstract - The arts and humanities tend be anathemas to students in the engineering fields. These students oftendo not appreciate the social value of these topics and they tend to see their incorporation in engineering works as anintrusion into their world that they do not understand. Student in classes in the humanities are most often there onlybecause their technical curricula require that they take a few courses in these areas and/or the class they are in is theonly one that fits their schedule well. These students feel compelled to be there by outside forces beyond

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Navarun Gupta; Sarosh Patel; Manan Joshi; Bhushan Dharmadhikari; Lawrence V. Hmurcik

Real Life High Voltage Accident Cases – Teaching Electrical Safety Navarun Gupta1, Sarosh Patel2, Manan Joshi3, Bhushan Dharmadhikari4, Lawrence V. Hmurcik5Abstract – We discuss the engineering principles of Hi-voltage (any voltage above 600 volts). We cite 4examples that typify some of the problems facing the Engineer and technician working with Hi-voltages, includinggeometry considerations, the need to follow proper protocol and the laws (both scientific and political) governingHi-voltage. Poor design considerations in capacitor construction is the first case we consider, as well as the lack ofproper protocols in discharging same. In the second case, a warning can be

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Jessica Dawn Ventura

Developing Intercultural Sensitivity through Directed Global Education Programming Jessica Dawn Ventura1Abstract – In view of the impact globalization has on engineering, many colleges and universities have madeglobal experiences part of their undergraduate programs. When developing a global engineering program, educatorsshould start by assessing where students are on the spectrum of intercultural sensitivity when they enter and therebydetermine how the program can best succeed in increasing their sensitivity. If engineers have not been exposed toworldviews that differ from their own, they will assume that everyone holds to similar views. Thus, the first step inattaining intercultural

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Joseph J. Helble; Carolyn E. Fraser; Eric R. Fossum

Dartmouth’s Ph.D. Innovation Program Joseph J. Helble, Carolyn E. Fraser, and Eric R. Fossum 1Abstract – Dartmouth’s Ph.D. Innovation Program is described. The rationale and structure of the four-year oldprogram is discussed. Significant success in its objectives to contribute to the Nation’s technological and economicleadership has already been achieved by the program despite its youth and small size.Keywords: Innovation, Enterprise, Entrepreneur, Ph.D., Dartmouth INTRODUCTIONIn 2005, “Innovate America”, a report from the National Innovation Summit, was released by the Council onCompetitiveness [1]. This report, authored by individuals drawn from the

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Vijay Kanabar

Model Curriculum Research—Graduate Degree Specializations in Project Management Vijay Kanabar Director of Project Management Programs, Boston University, 808 Commonwealth Ave, Room 250, Boston, MAOur research introduces a model for colleges or universities designing a graduate curriculum in project management.It is based on our experience with implementing concentrations at Boston University and involvement by faculty innational curriculum standards. The research methodology involved researching several dozen project managementprograms, as well as research papers dealing with standards to create a create a base model of MS PM programs andspecialization. We evaluated seventy-three available

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Marc Veletzos P.E.

Merrimack College’s Haiti Service Learning Initiative Marc Veletzos1, P.E., Ph.D.AbstractMerrimack College’s Haiti Service Learning Initiative (MCHSLI) is a partnership between Project Medishare forHaiti and Merrimack College that benefits both the Haitian population and our students. The Haitian people receivemuch needed medical, developmental and engineering related assistance. The students receive a memorable andrewarding experience and the opportunity to nurture a deeper understanding of relevant discipline specific contentthrough personal connections to the project and the people they meet in Haiti.The initiative began with discussions among faculty and staff members across the college after a

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Christopher Swan; Xinyu Wang; Kurt Paterson; Krissy Guzak

Impact of Service on Engineering Students: Preliminary Findings on Knowledge and Skills of Students Christopher Swan 1, Xinyu Wang2, Kurt Paterson 3, Krissy Guzak 4Over the last few years, concerns have escalated among many national organizations that technical expertise is nolonger solely sufficient for the development of future engineers 1,2,3,7. Additionally, in the United States engineeringprograms continue to struggle to attract students, especially women and minorities, despite decades of strategies tochange these patterns. The need for a “paradigm shift” is recognized; one that broadens the attributes provided by,the diversity of those who participate in, and the benefits

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Sujata K. Bhatia; Brad Crane; David Goligorsky; Joseph P. Zinter; Gu-Yeon Wei

An introductory short course in design thinking for undergraduate and graduate students Sujata K. Bhatia1, Brad Crane2, David Goligorsky3, Joseph P. Zinter4, Gu-Yeon Wei1In order to attract and retain undergraduate students in engineering programs, it is critical to inspire and encouragestudents to study engineering. An undergraduate engineering education is a rigorous and challenging program,which conventionally consists of intense mathematics and science courses in early academic years, followed byapplied courses, such as engineering design in later years. The true essence of engineering is realized in theseapplied courses; integration of applied engineering and design-based activities throughout the academic curriculumis

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Steven Kirstukas; Nidal Al-Masoud

Assessment and Evaluation of ABET Outcomes C and K in Engineering Courses that Utilize Solid Modeling Packages Steven Kirstukas1 Nidal Al-Masoud2An assessment and evaluation method which focuses on the ability of students to design a system, component, orprocess, and to use modern engineering tools necessary for successful engineering practice (ABET learningoutcomes C and K) has been developed and will be presented. The method is based on evaluations of students’ workand focuses on their ability to apply two software packages, specifically, NX (formerly Unigraphics) in “ComputerAided Design and Integrated Manufacturing CAD/CAM/CIM” at the sophomore level, and Creo Elements

Collection

2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Jianyu Liang; Terri Camesano

Undergraduate Nanobiotechnology Laboratory Experience at Worcester Polytechnic Institute Jianyu Liang1 and Terri Camesano2The development of nanotechnology is driving a new wave of innovations and creatingopportunities. One of the most promising areas of nanotechnology R&D is in human health care.The merging of biotechnology and nanoscience holds great promise for large-scaleimprovement of life and society. The next logical step is to connect these disciplines ineducation of scientists and engineers.In 2011, faculty at the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering atWorcester Polytechnic Institute introduced a Nanobiotechnology Laboratory Experience classfor sophomores