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Applied Engineering Technology Program Director Receives $150,000 NSF Grant

, March 17, 2009 —

Goodwin College is pleased to announce that Vladimir Genis, Ph.D. (PI), associate professor and program director for Goodwin College's Applied Engineering Technology major, received a $150,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for “Development of the Laboratory-Based Course in Lean Six Sigma Nanomanufacturing.”  Collaborating on the project with Dr. Genis are Michael Mauk (Co-PI), assistant professor for the AET program, and Yury Gogotsi, Ph.D. (Co-PI), a professor in the College of Engineering.

The goal of the proposed two-year project is to implement the Introduction to Nanotechnology course developed for Goodwin College undergraduate AET students. The project represents an innovative approach for expanding this course into a hands-on laboratory and project-based learning experience using the Lean Six Sigma methods and principles.

This unique combination of learning, training and assessment will contribute to the knowledge base of undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, research and practice.  AET students will be exposed to exciting discoveries and applications in the emerging field of nanotechnology by working with leading faculty members through classroom instruction, guest lectures and laboratory practices.  Students will be trained to pursue creative solutions in the laboratory using pedagogical content knowledge to connect nanoscale science concepts to the AET and engineering curriculum.

Additionally, the course will be offered to the community colleges partnering in dual degree programs with Drexel’s AET program: BCC, DCCC, MCCC, and Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

Phase 1 of this proposal will lead to the development of a minor in nanomanufacturing in collaboration with industrial partners and faculty and students from other Drexel departments and schools, and community colleges involved in research and educational activities in nanotechnology.

The  industry-supported project is strongly supported by the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development.