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Moving Beyond Barriers: Kent's Pre-E ProgramBy Emily Yeterian, Courtesy of Kent News |
Since the start of Kent’s Wentz Pre-Engineering Program in 2007, the boundaries of the program have constantly been pushed . The program started by encouraging students to attend summer programs and to experience college level work. “It has been blooming ever since," says Dr. Nadire. Now the program includes a wide range of courses, a competitive robotics team, participation in the Junior Engineering Technical Society, independent studies and many other activities.
One of the most recent additions to the Kent Pre-Engineering program is an arm; a robotic arm, that is. Last June, a robotic arm was given to Kent by RP Automation Inc. It was set up in the engineering room, where many faculty members were given an initial briefing on how to use this amazing six-jointed robotic arm.
Other exciting developments in the department is the progression of the Parametric Technology S.A. (PTC) partnership . This partnership will allow Kent to build its program up even more, specifically in Kent Robotics. PTC would not only become a sponsor the team, but also allow free access to engineering software that PTC has created. This partnership, once finalized, will be a huge help to the robotics and academic section of Pre-Engineering.
In addition, the program has set-up several extracurricular activities including visiting guest speakers such as Dr. Eduardo Glant, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applies Science at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by the visit of Dr. Stacy Klein-Gardner, a Professor at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. Her stay will be a learning experience, not just because she will be sharing some of her work on K-12 STEM programs, but also because she will get a chance to learn more about Kent’s program.
Some of the most exciting news for students interested in Pre-Engineering at Kent is a decision made this previous spring. Last May, the Kent Faculty Committee unanimously approved the Pre-Engineering Certificate. This certificate will be granted to students who complete four main requirements. The first of these requirements is to partake in at least four different Pre-Engineering courses, which include engineering design, architecture, computer science, AP Physics B, and Structures: Design and Testing, a course new to Kent’s curriculum this year. The participation in any of these courses, or any course which uses applied activities and is seen as having Pre-Engineering significance, can be used to count toward the four course minimum. Partaking in a pre-engineering activity is also necessary to receive a certificate. This includes the Robotics team, the Junior Engineering Technical Society, or completing an independent study project, with the regulation of either a faculty member or a professional. The third and fourth requirements to earn a Pre-Engineering Certificate are the presence at extra activities (such as field trips and guest speakers) and the participation in a summer program or the completion of an independent study. With the completion of these requirements, Kent students earn a certificate in Pre-Engineering. And while this may not be the easiest task to complete, it is not only very rewarding, but very fun. Michelle Park ’11, has fulfilled many of these requirements already and it all began with the grant she was given for a summer program. She says that “the program really sparked [her] interests and led [her] to get involved in a variety of other activities.”
The aim of Pre-Engineering at Kent, to bring interested students in to the world engineering through activities and coursework, is well on its way.
