Fairfield, Connecticut
April 19, 2024
April 19, 2024
April 20, 2024
7
10.18260/1-2--45772
https://peer.asee.org/45772
80
Djedjiga Belfadel is an Associate Professor in the Electrical and Bio Engineering department at Fairfield University. She obtained her Ph.D. degree from University of Connecticut in 2015, in electrical engineering. Her interests include embedded system
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Fairfield University, interested in developing bioelectronic devices through electrospinning and electropolymerization strategies and understanding the bio-nano interface through molecular dynamics.
Dr. Naser Haghbin is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Innovation Annex at Fairfield University's School of Engineering and Computing. With a distinguished career in Mechanical Engineering, he focuses on advancing industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing. Driven by an interdisciplinary approach, he seamlessly integrates traditional and advanced manufacturing processes with CNC machining, contributing significantly to academia and industry. Moreover, he excels in operating two fully automated robotic paint shops, showcasing his expertise in manufacturing processes, practical automation, and robotics in large-scale industrial settings.
Dr. Haghbin is recognized and supported by esteemed local companies, leading collaborative interdisciplinary projects that bridge engineering with practical applications. His projects include developing an automated pick and place robot arm, an automated lubrication system, deburring systems, and an automated microwave tissue processor. Notably, he secured substantial grants, totaling over $120,000, from the Hardiman Scholars Fund and NASA.
In academia, Dr. Haghbin pioneered two pivotal courses: Industrial Automation and Advanced Product Design and Manufacturing at Fairfield University. His curriculum development and lab modernization prepare students for Industrial challenges. Additionally, he excels in teaching four lab courses, each having two sections, providing hands-on education to future engineers.
His scholarly contributions, featured in several peer-reviewed journals specializing in manufacturing processes, reflect his dedication to research and knowledge dissemination. Dr. Haghbin possesses hands-on experience in controlled micro-milling and 3D printing.
John Drazan, PhD is an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Fairfield University. Dr. Drazan completed his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a NIH IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in the McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory. Dr. Drazan directs the Community Situated Biomechanics Lab which develops novel devices and research approaches to study human musculoskeletal health and development outside of the traditional laboratory setting.
This paper provides an overview of the transformative effects observed through the implementation of the revised Fundamentals of Engineering course. Designed for first-year engineering students, the course has been redesigned to align with the rapidly evolving demands of the engineering profession, particularly in response to advancements in information technology. Through the adoption of a flipped-classroom model, enhanced engagement with technology and ethics, a service-learning final project, a semester-long design experience, and an increased focus on communication tools, the course aims to equip students with a strong foundation in engineering principles, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, teamwork, and effective communication in a diverse and ever-changing global landscape. The paper reflects on the successes and challenges encountered in the course's implementation, drawing valuable insights into how such educational innovations can significantly impact students' readiness for their future careers in engineering. This analysis serves as a guide for continuous improvement in engineering education, highlighting the essential components of a curriculum that prepares students for the complexities of their forthcoming professional endeavors.
Belfadel, D., & Macwan, I., & Haghbin, N., & Drazan, J. F. (2024, April), Lessons Learned from Fundamentals of Engineering Paper presented at 2024 ASEE North East Section, Fairfield, Connecticut. 10.18260/1-2--45772
ASEE holds the copyright on this document. It may be read by the public free of charge. Authors may archive their work on personal websites or in institutional repositories with the following citation: © 2024 American Society for Engineering Education. Other scholars may excerpt or quote from these materials with the same citation. When excerpting or quoting from Conference Proceedings, authors should, in addition to noting the ASEE copyright, list all the original authors and their institutions and name the host city of the conference. - Last updated April 1, 2015