STEP Events Archive Fall 2007 - Spring 2008
Lectures/Presentations for First
Time First-Year CEAS Students
Date: Thurs., Sept. 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Topic: Study Abroad Opportunities in Engineering
Speaker: Andrew Kline, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, & Imaging, and Betsy Aller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Abstract: The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) is working to establish opportunities for engineering and technology students to improve their awareness and familiarity with issues related to the global engineering work environment. CEAS is working with the WMU Haneicke Institute for Global Education to offer Study Abroad opportunities with content and activities tailored to areas of interest to CEAS students. In Spring 2007, organized experiences included tours of Germany and China. This seminar will include discussion with students from the Spring 2007 trip to Germany; information about the structure of Study Abroad in general; and information about the upcoming opportunities for Spring 2008 with special emphasis on the Study Abroad trip to Germany.
A Reception Followed Immediately After Presentation
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Thurs., Sept. 14, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Topic: Study Abroad Opportunities in Engineering
Speaker: Andrew Kline, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, & Imaging, and Betsy Aller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Abstract: The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) is working to establish opportunities for engineering and technology students to improve their awareness and familiarity with issues related to the global engineering work environment. CEAS is working with the WMU Haneicke Institute for Global Education to offer Study Abroad opportunities with content and activities tailored to areas of interest to CEAS students. In Spring 2007, organized experiences included tours of Germany and China. This seminar will include discussion with students from the Spring 2007 trip to Germany; information about the structure of Study Abroad in general; and information about the upcoming opportunities for Spring 2008 with special emphasis on the Study Abroad trip to Germany.
Lectures/Presentations for First
Time First-Year CEAS Students
Date: Thurs., Sept. 20, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Topic: Engineering Problem Solving and Hybrids Vehicle Basics
Speaker: William Hynes, Supervisor, Powertrain Calibration, Hybrid Development Center, Daimler Chrysler
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Friday, Sept. 28, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Topic: Capitalizing on Innovation
Speaker: B.J. (Buzz) Brosnan, Engineering Consultant
Abstract: There are two factors that have a heavy impact on today’s surviving companies trying to meet the apparent insatiable appetite of U.S. consumers: the speed with which advancements in technology is changing products and processes; and the rate at which offshore competitors are being sourced to meet the demand. These survivors need to move beyond the “textbook” answers to their product and process development needs. They must employ personnel that have the ability to break the paradigms of existing technologies and provide innovative solutions to manufacturing constraints or to provide totally new appealing products. This talk will discuss these issues including the need for management to recognize the dampening effect of their risk-adverse philosophies and the individual’s actions required to overcome the constraining aspects of their education.
Lectures/Presentations for First
Time First-Year CEAS Students
Date: Thurs., Oct. 4, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Topic: Information Literacy for Engineers
Speaker: Edward Eckel, Science/ Engineering Librarian, Waldo Library
Abstract: Engineering has become a highly collaborative and global profession. Today’s engineers must not only be familiar with traditional engineering information sources (journal articles, patents, standards, and engineering databases), but they must also be aware of the global, economic, environmental, and societal context of their solutions. In addition, new engineering graduates will be expected to keep their knowledge current after their formal education has ended. These outcomes will require information fluency: the ability to recognize when information is needed, find it, evaluate it and use it effectively. This lecture will give an overview of engineering information sources and show where information fluency skills fit into the engineering design process.
Reception Followed Immediately After Presentation
"Academic Integrity and Plagiarism" handout
"Academic Integrity and Plagiarism" Powerpoint presentation
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Friday, Oct. 5, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Topic: Professional Conduct in the Workplace
Speaker: Panel discussion featuring practicing engineers
Dr. Betsy M. Aller, moderator WMU Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Laura Berry, Pfizer, Inc.
Brad Fadden, Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Will Grindall, Armstrong International, Inc.
Anthony Serge, Zeichman Manufacturing, Inc.
This panel discussion with people working with engineers in industry will enlighten students about daily job-related responsibilities and activities and how to interact with other personnel both up and down the corporate ladder (e.g., both supervisors and the guys in the shop or on the loading dock). Company expectations for new engineers just coming out of college will be discussed, and fun facts that students should think about when charting their career plans. The moderator will begin this seminar by asking questions of the panel, and questions will also be taken from members of the audience. Refreshments were served.
Lectures/Presentations for First
Time First-Year CEAS Students
Date: Thurs., Oct. 18, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Topic: Engineering Design Projects for the Community
Speaker: Andrew Kline, Ph.D., Director, WMU Engineering Design Center for Service Learning
Abstract: The Engineering Design Center for Service-Learning (EDCSL) is a joint effort of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University, and is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and Learn and Serve America. The mission of the EDCSL is to work with local K-12 school districts and other community groups to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. This seminar will report on past and current STEM projects, as well as show opportunities for WMU students or organizations to become involved in community service projects with groups who have requested assistance in the greater Kalamazoo area.
Reception Followed Immediately After Presentation.
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Friday, Oct. 19, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Topic: Professional Registration
Speaker: Osama Abudayyeh, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Programs
Abstract: Professional registration has many benefits and it is required for engineers to practice in public. Professional registration can be obtained by passing examinations and through professional practice. This lecture will discuss the benefits of professional registration and the processes to attain professional licensure. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, which should normally be taken by students in their senior year, will be discussed in detail. The Principle and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination will also be discussed.
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Thurs., Nov. 1, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Topic: Written Communication in Engineering
Speaker: Betsy Aller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Abstract: The ability to communicate one’s engineering work effectively is cited by industry representatives as one of the most crucial skills necessary for success in engineering and technology fields. This lecture, the first of two this semester on engineering communication, reports feedback from industry on the most important attributes of engineering writing and suggestions for achieving them. The senior design report is also discussed, and the lecture concludes with helpful hints for communication success in academic and professional settings.
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Thurs., Nov. 8, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Topic: Eng. Communication: Oral Presentation at SEDP and Beyond
Speaker: Betsy Aller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Abstract: The ability to communicate one’s engineering work effectively is cited by industry representatives as one of the most crucial skills necessary for success in engineering and technology fields. This lecture, the second of two on engineering communication, discusses effective oral communication, with a focus on reporting the senior design project at the SEDP Colloquium. Useful graphics, presentation delivery, and team presentation strategies are discussed. Oral communication in the workplace is also addressed, and the lecture concludes with helpful hints for communication success in academic and professional settings.
Fall 2007 Lecture Series
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Date: Thurs., Nov. 15, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Topic: Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Speaker: Edward Eckel, Science/ Engineering Librarian, Waldo Library
Abstract: While cheating and plagiarism may have always been a part of the world of college students, they have become particularly prevalent in recent years as a result of the instant access to digital information on the World Wide Web. This lecture will examine the consequences of engaging in academic dishonesty, both in course work and in research, as well as give some tips for avoiding plagiarism. In the course of the lecture, there will be a brief discussion of students' attitudes toward plagiarism.