Portland, Oregon
June 23, 2024
June 23, 2024
June 26, 2024
Industrial Engineering Division (IND)
17
10.18260/1-2--47935
https://peer.asee.org/47935
40
Dr. Corey Kiassat is a Professor of Industrial Engineering, and the Associate Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering at Quinnipiac University. He has a BASc and a PhD degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from York University.
This work presents ongoing efforts to embed sustainability and societal impact into the Industrial Engineering (IE) program at Quinnipiac University (QU). QU's strategic emphasis on sustainability aligns with its commitment to community engagement and industry partnerships, providing fertile ground for the integration of sustainability principles into academic programs. In the Fall 2023 semester, the Lean Systems Engineering course was restructured to emphasize sustainability, integrating Lean Green examples and sustainability components throughout the curriculum. Guest speakers, including experts in Lean Green initiatives, enriched class discussions, providing real-world insights. Class activities, such as presentations and discussions, further reinforced the connection between Lean principles and sustainability goals. Additionally, a final project with a biofuel company offered students hands-on experience in streamlining sustainable processes. Feedback from both students and the industry partner was positive, affirming the effectiveness of integrating sustainability into the curriculum. Student responses indicated a significant shift in their perception of the role of engineers in addressing environmental challenges. Statistical analysis revealed a meaningful impact on student attitudes towards sustainability. Looking ahead, the author is spearheading initiatives to build on this momentum, including the formation of a sustainability consortium and pursuing grant opportunities to support sustainability-focused projects. The evolution of the IE curriculum at QU reflects a commitment to producing engineers equipped to address the complex challenges of a sustainable future.
Kiassat, PhD, MBA, PE, C. (2024, June), Reimagining Industrial Engineering: Embedding Sustainability and Societal Impact in Course Design Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--47935
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