On September 24th, Juniors and Seniors in the Stellar Academy of Engineering traveled to the University of North Florida to get an up-close-and-personal look at the University’s College of Engineering. They started the trip with a warm welcome from the Director of the School of Engineering, Dr. Osama Jadaan. He asked the students about what engineering disciplines they’re most interested in, and how those interests translate to the programs offered by UNF. He also shared that UNF’s College of Engineering has a near 100% job placement rate for its graduates. Next, the Dean of the College of Computing, Engineering & Construction, Dr. Mark Tumeo, spoke with the students about one of UNF’s most valuable offerings: a truly hands-on education for engineering students, which is something he said is not offered at larger Universities. Then, the students met with Dr. Paul Eason, Director of UNF’s Materials Science and Engineering Research Facility. He noted that everything that’s not naturally made is engineered, and materials engineers support all other engineering professionals. He showed the students the power of one of the University’s electron microscopes, and answered student questions. Then it was time to move on to a tour of the Universities programs and labs, which take up three floors of a brand-new building. On the electrical engineering floor, students met with engineering undergraduates who are working on research projects with the University, as well as taking part in the Adaptive Toy Car Project. In this lab, students are modifying battery-powered vehicles for young children, so that kids with disabilities can also enjoy the toys. On the mechanical engineering floor, passionate professors showed our Academy students how 3D printing, when used in conjunction with electroplating, can be used to create new stronger and safer materials for use in sports, and in everyday life. On the civil engineering floor, students met with yet another professor, and got a first-hand look at a geomechanics and geoimaging lab. In the lab, earth materials are tested, and the boundaries of aerial imaging are being stretched, thanks to the use of powerful computer science. It was a comprehensive tour, and Neasse thanks Advisory Board partner Dr. Jadaan for taking such an interest in our talented Academy students!
