Kristina Milaj, a fourth-year student at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Ore., was recently named as one of 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering – College Edition by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This recognition program promotes the achievement of young civil engineers by highlighting their academic success, volunteerism, and dedication to making a positive impact on society through their chosen profession. Continue reading
One-hundred high school girls got first-hand experience with web programming, object-oriented 3D programming, circuits, and more at ChickTech, a workshop co-hosted by Oregon State’s Women and Minorities in Engineering Program. The brainchild of Oregon State alumnus Janice Levenhagen-Seeley, ChickTech is a Portland-based organization focused on building a multi-generational community of women in technology. The organization has presented workshops or events in Portland and Corvallis, with the goal of adding a new city each year. Hoping to address the lack of females in technology-based programs such as engineering and science, they offer hands-on learning opportunities to show young girls that it’s not all boring desk work. Read more…
What new student isn’t feeling a bit lost when trying to adjust to college life? To help with the transition, the College of Engineering Information Technology (COE IT) team organizes an annual group seminar for first-year and transfer students to get their computers ready for the school year.
At the start of fall term, roughly 180 students gathered every hour to learn about computer security, installing essential programs, and even scheduling first-year advising appointments.
“Our COE IT team looks forward every fall to helping our first-year and transfer students get their laptops configured and attached to the OSU wifi network,” said Todd Shechter, the college’s director of information technology. “This is a unique opportunity for them to be prepared for the start of classes.”
Since each engineering student is required to have a laptop, security is a critical component to the college’s IT efforts. Dozens of student volunteers assisted to ensure all 1,386 incoming students met security requirements for the 2013-2014 school year.
Speaking of the school year, the IT team helps with that as well! In addition to providing valuable technology resources, the team stresses the importance of staying organized by subscribing to the Engineering Events Calendar, which alerts students of important upcoming dates.
By attending the seminar at the beginning of every year, students get specialized, hands-on assistance and build a solid foundation for the rest of their time at Oregon State. And they might not feel so lost after all.
–Aynsley Eggen
New graduate program provides hands-on industry experience
The School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering has launched a new collaborative graduate program that brings together classroom and industry experience. Now in its second year, the Graduate Fellowship Program has students spend a portion of their time at Intel to develop hands-on skills and relevant experience within the private sector before graduating with a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.
For each year in the program, students take two terms of coursework at Oregon State before spending their second two terms at Intel. Starting with coursework ensures students integrate classroom concepts into their internship.
John Parmigiani, research assistant professor of mechanical engineering and director of industry research and outreach, was integral to forming the collaborative program. He hopes the partnership provides insights into future career options. “If students choose to go into industry, they know the expectations, contacts, and what they need to do to be successful,” he said. On the other hand, if students choose to become a professor, their experience with industry will help tremendously when advising students, he added.
Andrew Bluett is a second-year student and one of the first to participate in the Graduate Fellowship Program. He said the combination of traditional classroom skills and valuable time with a prominent software company was appealing.
“I decided to participate because it seemed like a great opportunity to get real-world experience with one of the most highly regarded electronics companies in the world,” he said. “During my first internship, I was able to contribute to one of Intel’s newest groups, the Mobile and Communications Group, which focuses on the newest technology for smartphones and tablets.”
In the future, Parmigiani hopes to increase enrollment and partner with additional companies. While students are currently participating in internships independently, broadening the program will help professors match students with companies best suited for their talents and area of study, while also creating more professional networking opportunities.
Parmigiani stressed the program’s unique approach to delivering a relevant education is a strong selling point. “Providing professional experience while working side-by-side in the industry, all while writing a thesis and attending school, is not something you get at every graduate school,” he said.
Applications are being accepted in January 2014, and all interested students are highly encouraged to apply.
–Aynsley Eggen
The Oregon State University campus swelled as thousands of students moved into residence halls last week. Steven Ruzicka, a freshman in the College of Engineering, was one of those students. He moved into Wilson Hall in preparation for his first year at Oregon State.
