University Innovation Fellows - User contributions [en]

Priorities:Union College Strategic Priorities

2016-02-13T08:10:02Z

Lakhena Leang:

= Overview =

Union College is one of a handful of liberal arts colleges that offer [http://www.abet.org/accreditation/ ABET-acredited] engineering programs. What does this mean? For one, we have a culturally, racially, and gender-diverse campus community. Our engineering students are offered exciting academic opportunities outside of the technical engineering curriculum. Academic excellence, a variety of competitive sports teams, and an abundance of campus leadership opportunities attract some of the finest college applicants to spend four years studying on the beautiful campus in upstate New York. Students are the primary focus of our professors, who also successfully maintain cutting-edge research projects, and develop new ideas and technologies in the sciences, as well as the humanities and the arts.

One has every reason to believe that a school with as tight interdisciplinary connections as Union College, it would be a national leader for innovation, and a catalyst for the transition of STEM into STEAM (where A stands for arts). Well, we are not quite there yet. In general, students at Union are very content (and we have every reason to be), which makes it difficult to identify exact gaps and spaces for improvement. On a 2,200 student campus with The following will be targeted in the six strategies for innovating Union:

A. Encouraging creativity

B. Technology-based learning

C. The visual vs. the verbal/written

D. Innovative study space(s)

E. Campus involvement navigation

F. Engineering and liberal arts in conversation

G. Community division by major, culture, and Greek/non-Greek

H. Target career opportunities

After discussing some of these with professors and deans, two clear messages have been communicated over and over again: 

1) Innovation and creativity on campus should '''not''' be tied to academics

2) What to do is unclear, but what '''not to do''' is crystal clear.

The real question is: How to make busy and overinvolved Union students happy, while also ensuring the happiness of the faculty (which matters in gaining support and funding for just about any initiative), particularly one that involves a long-term change?

Looking at the Innovation Engine, encountered in Tina Seelig's TEDx Crash Course on Creativity and UIF Meetup Presentation, there are two apparent tracks Union can take:

1) Educate "the Self", i.e. the students.

2) Change "the "Environment" on campus.

The first would mean incorporating innovative ideas in the classroom environment, and ensuring that innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship find their way into every class, one way or another. The second would mean providing the perfect setting for students to explore innovation on their own, outside the classroom through organizations, design spaces, and projects (This seems to be the preferred approach of Union faculty). To say that both can be implemented right away would be far too ambitious, but one without the other would not allow Union College to achieve its full potential and become the leader for applying innovation and creativity in upstate New York.
[[File:1cdbf236d8417da5e945d11cc803a56b.jpg]]
Each of the following strategies is designed to significantly expose and educate students in the areas of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.  Note that the strategies listed below are in no particular order of completion.

= Strategy #1: Creating a More Interdisciplinary Atmosphere =

== Sean Farrell - Tactic #1: Daily Interdisciplinary Sessions for Engineers ==

I would say that this is the one idea I feel most stongly about.  Although I will work diligently to help make Hristina's idea a reality, I really feel as though Union College Engineering classes should be not be changed, but enhanced in a particular regard.  As a mechanical engineer, I have been through quite a few fundamental engineering courses up to my current Sophomore year.  The courses are full of math, physics and fundamnetal engineering concepts that make up the truly versatile mind of a professional engineer.  But, some key aspects are missing from these courses: innovation, a bit of entrepreneurial focus, and an interdisciplinary atmosphere.  I agree that the fundamenal courses are extremely important for the deelopment of a competent engineer, but the world needs dynamic engineers for dynamic problems.  I would like to propose an idea to my school's Dean of Studies, as well as the head of the engineering department.

==== My Idea ====

I want to see engineering immersed in liberal arts.  Engineering students are allowed to take liberal arts courses from a bountiful selection, but liberal arts and engineering are not intertwined as well as they should be here at Union; there is a difference; there is a problem with this.  Although I believe the fundamental engineering courses are imperative to the proper education of engineers, I realize that the fundamental coursework has become the curriculum for engineers, which does not allow students to step outside of the bounds set forth by the common curriculum.  The liberal arts aspect of Union must exist with the engineering aspect, and currently it doesn't.  My idea consists the design and implementation of a project idea throughout the length of a term.  Engineering majors, economics majors, art, music and political science majors would be able to work together to bring the idea to fruition.  Each member would be able to contribute to the process of forming the idea into a well-constructed presentation.  The presenation is not a normal presentation though. I plan to have the presentations presented at General Electric Global Research Center, which is less than ten miles away from Union College.  There are eight Ge Global Research Centers in the world, and the orginal one is less than five miles away from Union College.  Currently, there are basically no existing relations bewteen the research center and Union; I desperately want to change this.  I would like for the presentations to be held at the research center.  The research center has state-of-the-art presentation space, and many brilliant people to fill the space.  The Union College students would be able to present in front of engineering and business professionals, and would be able to acquire magnificient feedback from such professionals.

In a sense, my idea is similar to what entrepreneurs experience on their journies:

*forming an idea
*speaking to others in one's specific discipline as well as people across many disciplines; decide if idea is plausible enough to make a reality
*develop idea into a product, pitch or presentation
*attract potential customers
*make a difference

There is a vibrant liberal arts atmoshphere at Union College that has been well established for a long time.  However, the engineering element of Union needs to amalgamate fully with the liberal arts element to make for a truly invigorating and versatile education.  I hope to make a lasting impact on my campus with the support of my faculty and fellow students, and the guidance of the University Innovation Fellows Cohort. 

 ''I have already begun to speak to student students about my idea''

''Expected date to reach out to the department heads of engineering: March 2, 2015 -----> work to implement by fall term of 2015''

''Expected date to reach out to the Dean of Studies (only if approved by majority of engineering department heads): March 9, 2015''

= Strategy #2: Developing a Culture of Creativity =

== '''Hristina Milojevic, Sean Farrell - Tactic #1: A Maker Space''' ==

Following the UIF Meetup and the incredible experiences at Stanford's Design School, I (Hristina) have been buzzing about the overwhelming importance of setting up a maker space on Union's campus. And what's even better, everyone who has heard this, has agreed with a resounding 'YES!' One important thing to consider is the background idea that will be specific to Union's maker space. It is apparent that everyone gets excited at the mention of white boards, white table surfaces, blank studios, post-its, prototyping supplies, and good coffee. The challenge comes with ensuring that this space will live up to its full potential, which means that it will truly bring together students from all disciplines, and foster conversation and collaboration between STEM students and humanists, artists and social scientists.

The Robotics Lab at Union College currently contains a 3D printer and blank vertical surfaces and is considered the grounds for forming a maker space on campus. The only issue is that its core idea is robotic design and computing, which although wonderful, should not be the core of the campus-wide maker space. With this in mind, I will begin the campus-wide initiative: '''U-CREATE'''. This will be a campus-wide initiative for students to get involved in hands-on projects, workshops, as well as rapid prototyping and ideation sessions as a prelude to designing and pitching the idea of the maker space to committees and departments with funding. 

==== Update (1/15) ====

Hristina has worked diligently on finding a viable location for the makerspace, as well as searching for the best aesthetic and educational options for it.  Her idea has resonated with all who have heard of the idea.  Sean has joined Hristina on this mission, and together, they are both working toward a successful launch of Union College's first MakerSpace, dedicated to enhancing the virtues of collaboration and innovative thought.

==== Luke McCaffrey - Update (2/16) ====

Currently, the closest thing we have to a makerspace is a room the Union Collaborative Design Studio. This room is the home of the various Makerbot 3D Printers that we have as well as the high-resolution Stratasys Objet 3D Printer. These printers are presently only able to be used for specific student projects and by faculty. As of this year, Union hired a Makerspace Coordinator who is assisting in the maker movement on campus. My goal is to have a newly designated room with full whiteboard walls and up-to-date learning technologies along with trained access to equipment that the school already has.

''Target date for U-CREATE formation: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for maker space set-up: June 1, 2015''

== '''Hristina Milojevic, Sean Farrell - Tactic #2: Creativity Curriculum''' ==

There are numerous possibilities for integrating creativity into the class curriculum at Union. One should use Google's 20% model. Union College requires that each student, regardless of their major, completes General Education Requirements, among which the First Year Preceptorial (writing class) and Sophomore Research Seminar seem to particularly fit the 20% model. The idea is to provide no constraints on what students do with 20% of their class work, yet require a project execution or presentation upon completion of the particular project students seem passionate about. It would also not be graded, and would simply count towards or against participation in class, i.e. ambitious students would have to complete it in order to perform well in the class, but they would have a chance to set off on a journey of academic, personal, or professional exploration as they go along.

''Target date for 20% model idea pitch: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for 20% model implementation: April 1, 2015''
''[[File:Innovation-cartoon.jpg]]''
In addition to this, and following up on tremendously high Union faculty interest in Tina Seelig's online course "Creativity: Music to my Ears," I will be advocating for creating Union's very own course on creativity. This idea is in its early stages, and I would primarily be speaking with Professor Erika Nelson, the head of Union's German Department, who is tremendously interested in the topic, then making the final decision between having the course be student-led, or searching for an intersted faculty member.

''Target date for Creativity Course design: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for Creativity Course implementation: April 1, 2015 (Spring Trimester)''

== '''Tactic #3: Visual and Technology-Based Learning''' ==

The change in academia is at once fast and slow:

1) If there is a new technology to be developed, or research to be conducted, professors jump right in! -> '''FAST'''

2) When it comes to using computer technology or innovative learning tools, most professors settle for a marker and a white board, or at best a PowerPoint presentation. -> '''SLOW'''

''Sometimes, this is all one needs'' ''(so don't take this as a judgement)''. Other times, it would be quite nice to branch out and do something entirely different. Imagine a class that only allows homework submitted as Prezi's or youtube videos. Wouldn't that be cool? What about a class that required in-class visualization of the task and the solution (whether that be a numerical problem, or a literary argument)? What about teaching visually? Too often, we focus on words and writing. Way back in high school, I would study geography by drawing my lessons. This means that I would briefly sketch the map of the country or continent in question, then add a whole lot of connecting lines, and additional drawings portraying anything from lessons on tourism in Spain to the natural resources of Canada.

In the long run, the goal is for at least 50% of Union's professors to incorporate alternative ways of teaching and learning into their classes. The specific requirements will be set by the U-CREATE team, as we work on tying the maker space idea with the idea of technology-based learning.

''Target date for requesting to join faculty committe meetings: May 1, 2014''

''Target date for getting feedback on the success of including technology and visuals: January 1, 2015''

== '''Arielle Singer - Tactic #4: Innovation and Creativity Campaign''' ==

By surrounding our campus with signs of innovation and creativity then students will be more likely to partake in entrepreneurial activities. From this mindset we developed a concept based off of the #thismatters campaign started by William Jewell College. We will be working with the communications department to develop an ad campaign that will showcase the works of students around campus. This could be students who are leads in our aerogel lab, students who are starting their own companies, students who choreograph their own routines, the possibilities are endless. After interviewing several key people to make this possible (including the President of our College and Head of Entrepreneurship Courses) it seems as though this concept will be well received. 

''Target date for discussing with Communications Department: April 1, 2016''

''Target date for getting this started: May 1, 2016''

'''Robert Barsamian- Tactic #5: Increase Communication among the Union Student Body '''

Various departments at Union provide information concerning events and activities in many different locations. However, email and social media accounts are cluttered with so much information from so many different sources that it can be overwhelming for both the students and faculty. This creates an atmosphere where important information is often missed which makes if difficult to drive a culture filled with creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. One solution to this problem would be to condense all related information in one email sent out every morning. This would create a central place of information for the entire Union College community.  

''Target date for discussions with ITS and Communication Departments: April 1, 2016''

''Target date for getting email system implemented: May 1, 2016''

 

 

= Strategy #3: Bridge the Professional and the Academic =

== Tactic #1: Broadening Target Industries ==

The beauty of liberal arts education is that students don't have to select their majors early on. They are free until the end of their sophomore year to decide on what they want to do. One dificulty that seems to occur is finding the right industries to intern with. The exception to this rule is engineering students. Unless their decisions are made early, Union engineers won't be able to graduate on time, which makes a lot of students opt out of late declaration of an engineering major. This means that most students don't have a clear idea about what kinds of internships and summer programs to look for, unless they are in engineering.

Broadening target industries in engineering means going above and beyond the current information on local industrial and business offerings. It is a true challenge to find research-based internships in engineering on one's own. It is also a true challenge to obtain information about opportunities in attractive locations that are far from New York. Taking into consideration that a lot of our students do summer research at Union, and not nearly as many of them join a graduate program in their field, it will be tremendously beneficial for the Career Center to broaden its view of the target positions for engineers.

Even in other disciplines, one common trait seems to be business. After Union, students are so well-trained in working with people and so ambitious, that they typically get plenty of opportunities in business administration. But doesn't that eliminate the potential to create? In the long run, and with the goal to encourage a greater variety in the scope of positions Union Alumni hold, broadening our target industries ties in well with the next tactic.

''Target date for pitching in the proposal: September 1, 2014''

''Target date for implementation: January 1, 2015''

== Tactic #2: Workshop Series on Startups and Venture Funding ==

A former president of [https://www.asme.org/ ASME] at Union once said that there was an engineer who advised him to start his own company. The ASME president found this idea rather amusing, and the entire group laughed as he quoted the engineer saying "If you can't find a job, just create your own company, and you'll have one."

There is a lot of truth in the statement, but back then this didn't resonate with a group of talented mechanical engineers. Perhaps it wasn't the right group, but it is far more likely that there is a lack of student exposure to entrepreneurship, which I wish to change.

Ranging from 3DS to StartUp Institute and Lean Startup Machine, there are plenty of startup programs that hold a promise on improving and fostering interest in entrepreneurship and idea development in Union students. The plan is to bring in one organization each year for a weekend or week-long on-campus program that students can participate in. 

Words "venture capital" are just as rarely heard on campus as the word "startup." But, how could one start a company without initial capital? The plan is to have a pilot talk on venture capitalists, followed by a workshop, to get students initially informed on the posibilities about funding their startup, and depending on interest, continue to hold annual or monthly talks and workshops on startup businesses and venture capital.

''Target date for first speaker event + workshop: June 1, 2014''

''Target annual time: Spring Trimester (between April 1 and June 10)''

== Tactic #3: Team Building Workshops ==

Teamwork is present on Union's campus in a variety of disciplines, but the teamwork and team building skills of our students can be significantly improved. For one, experience shows that open-mindedness is the key to team success. Sometimes, the least successful teams are those consisting solely of the best students in the class. Why? Because each member of the team may want to implement only their individual idea. Furthermore, class teamwork does not take into account issues of student diversity, of their social and academic expertise, but also of their personal background, such as gender or ethnicity. Certain people seem to be more or less inclined to enforce their ideas on others, speak up, or not speak up. Without the right team strategy, there is the devastating chance of missing ideas of great potential! Utilizing the maker space that is outlined as the first tactic of strategy 1, the expectation is to be able to develop a better approach to teamwork. How should we do this? Through a series of workshops on team building with experts from a vareity of disciplines beginning with engineering, and moving into other fields.

''Target date for selecting the first speaker: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for the first event: September 15, 2014''

''Targeting one workshop per trimester, i.e. 3 per year''
[[File:Keep-calm.png]]
== Tactic #4: Student Leadership Development Weekend (SLDW)- Lakhena Leang (2016) ==

Although Union College has a variety of clubs and events to choose from, leaders also often feel a disconnect between the different organizations on campus. This is only partially the fault of the student board, whom has yet to have a direct opportunity to reach out and expand to other clubs and organizations. One solution to this problem is to host a yearly student leadership development weekend for student presidents on campus in order to promote diverse collaboration and organization. Every year before the beginning of the school term, club presidents would be invited to participate in a leadership workshop where in addition to leadership education, each leader would walk away with at least three tangible things:

     1. A calendar plan for a list of predicted events for the rest of the academic year. 

     2. A list of board member expectations that the presidents want to relay to the members.

     3. A list of solutions for the problems that the organizations have run into. 

The goal of this weekend is to set higher expectations for our current campus leaders so that they know how to accomplish/ achieve more with their organizations throughout the school year. One of the responsibilities of being a campus leader should be to know exactly which direction you want your club/ organization to go in. More than that, I want leaders to develop visions for their organizations and realize how their clubs fit the needed niche on Union's campus. In addition to developing this vision and creating a plan for what they want to see happen, this SLD weekend would act as an essential catalyst for collaboration of diverse clubs on campus. In order to accomplish the goals that these leaders have set, it's also important to define your expectations to ensure that the people working with you (your board) recognizes and follows the same path into achieving your goals with you. This way, members are clear as to what their job entitles them to do and club leaders know when to address a situation in which members may fail to achieve these expectations. Lastly, it's inevitable that these club leaders will have run into similar problems that prohibit them from succeeding in certain projects/ ambitions, so it's important to dedicte time for problem solving. During this time, organizations will share with each other what kind of problems they face and how to overcome these issues moving forward. By having these tangible documents on hand, administrators will be able to understand and communicate more with student leaders on their progress throughout the year. Therefore, not only are we strengthening inter-organizational relationships, we are also able to enhance admin-student relationships as well. 

Potential Workshop Sessions  (in addition to brainstorming) 

    1. Community Service Bonding 

    2. What is a Leader? Defining characteristics and expectations for the "one in charge". 

    3. Creativity and Design Challenge (Understanding the potential of the Leader) 

    4. How to Tap Into the Money (Recognizing the resources on campus)

    5. What Do You Know About Me? (Getting to know these individuals and defining a common goal amongst the grouop)

  


= Idea Pitch YouTube Video Project =
{{#Widget:Youtube|id=xsZWQMqGvsI}}{{#Widget:Youtube|id=G1l15BjYVGo}}
= Related Links =

[[Union College]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Arielle_singer#Biography Arielle Singer]

[[Lakhena Leang]]

[[Category:Student Priorities|u]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T07:47:50Z

Lakhena Leang:

=== About ===

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Prop.jpg]]

Lakhena is current sophomore at Union College. Although she is a biochemistry major, she has an immense passion for learning new things every day. She has taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, she plans on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In her spare time, she loves to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with her Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, Lakhena had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so she's excited to continue that work with her UIF teammates. At Union she has also led several discussions with students on a variety of topics like motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. Currently, lakhena doing research on metacaspases and their activity in the lab in addition to being a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, she worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and the experience really confirmed her goals to getting an MD. Til then, she want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives her.

=== Related Links ===

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Arielle singer]]

[[Robert Barsamian]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Vera Marsova

2016-02-13T03:59:58Z

Lakhena Leang:

=== About ===

[[File:VeraMarsova.jpg|thumb|left|200px|VeraMarsova.jpg]]

Vera is a sophomore Bioengineering major with Chemistry and Nanoscience minors. She is passionate about bringing interdisciplinary approach to every day problem-solving. She strives each day to further push the borders between the disciplines and connect the dots where no connections are readily apparent. From day one she has been involved in research at Union, collaborating with professors, assisting student projects, and conducting her own research with a goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and becoming a life-long researcher in the vast field of regenerative medicine.  

Having lived most of her life in Russia and been to over 15 other countries, Vera is also passionate about languages and cultures. She shares that passion through involvement with German club, Russian club and International Society. Ultimately, Vera hopes to one day work on a truly interdisciplinary international project for the benefit of humanity.

=== Related Links ===

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Union_College Union College]

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Union_College_Strategic_Priorities Union College Strategic Priorities]

[[Category: |V]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]] [[Category:Student Contibutors|V]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:55:24Z

Lakhena Leang:

=== About ===

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Prop.jpg]]

Lakhena is current sophomore at Union College. Although she is a biochemistry major, she has an immense passion for learning new things every day. She has taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, she plans on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In her spare time, she loves to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with her Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, Lakhena had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so she's excited to continue that work with her UIF teammates. At Union she has also led several discussions with students on a variety of topics like motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. Currently, lakhena doing research on metacaspases and their activity in the lab in addition to being a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, she worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and the experience really confirmed her goals to getting an MD. Til then, she want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives her.

=== Related Links ===

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Arielle Singer]]

[[Robbie Barsamian]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:54:55Z

Lakhena Leang:

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:53:15Z

Lakhena Leang:

=== About ===

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|left|200px]] Lakhena is current sophomore at Union College. Although she is a biochemistry major, she has an immense passion for learning new things every day. She has taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, she plans on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In her spare time, she loves to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with her Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, Lakhena had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so she's excited to continue that work with her UIF teammates. At Union she has also led several discussions with students on a variety of topics like motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. Currently, lakhena doing research on metacaspases and their activity in the lab in addition to being a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, she worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and the experience really confirmed her goals to getting an MD. Til then, she want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives her.

=== Related Links ===

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Vera Marsova

2016-02-13T03:50:10Z

Lakhena Leang:

=== About ===

[[File:VeraMarsova.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

Vera is a sophomore Bioengineering major with Chemistry and Nanoscience minors. She is passionate about bringing interdisciplinary approach to every day problem-solving. She strives each day to further push the borders between the disciplines and connect the dots where no connections are readily apparent. From day one she has been involved in research at Union, collaborating with professors, assisting student projects, and conducting her own research with a goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and becoming a life-long researcher in the vast field of regenerative medicine.  

Having lived most of her life in Russia and been to over 15 other countries, Vera is also passionate about languages and cultures. She shares that passion through involvement with German club, Russian club and International Society. Ultimately, Vera hopes to one day work on a truly interdisciplinary international project for the benefit of humanity.

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

=== Related Links ===

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Union_College Union College]

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Union_College_Strategic_Priorities Union College Strategic Priorities]

[[Category: |V]]

[[Category:Student Contibutors|V]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:47:41Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Prop.jpg]] Lakhena is current sophomore at Union College. Although she is a biochemistry major, she has an immense passion for learning new things every day. She has taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, she plans on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In her spare time, she loves to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with her Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, Lakhena had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so she's excited to continue that work with her UIF teammates. At Union she has also led several discussions with students on a variety of topics like motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. Currently, lakhena doing research on metacaspases and their activity in the lab in addition to being a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, she worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and the experience really confirmed her goals to getting an MD. Til then, she want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives her.

 '''Related Links'''

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:43:38Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|right|200px]] Lakhena is current sophomore at Union College. Although she is a biochemistry major, she has an immense passion for learning new things every day. She has taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, she plans on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In her spare time, she loves to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with her Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, Lakhena had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so she's excited to continue that work with her UIF teammates. At Union she has also led several discussions with students on a variety of topics like motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. Currently, lakhena doing research on metacaspases and their activity in the lab in addition to being a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, she worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and the experience really confirmed her goals to getting an MD. Til then, she want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives her.

''' Associates:'''

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:39:50Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|right|200px]] I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

Associates:

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:39:15Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Prop.jpg]] I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

Associates:
[[Union College]]
[[Union College Strategic Profiles]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:38:14Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:Prop.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:36:51Z

Lakhena Leang:

<img _fck_mw_valid="false" _fck_mw_filename="Prop.JPG" _fck_mw_type="thumb" alt="Prop.JPG" class="fck_mw_frame fck_mw_right fck_mw_notfound" />

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Union%20College">Union College</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Union%20College%20Strategic%20Priorities">Union College Strategic Priorities</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Robert%20Barsamian">Robert Barsamian</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Vera%20Marsova">Vera Marsova</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Luke%20McCaffrey">Luke McCaffrey</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Arielle%20Singer">Arielle Singer</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Sean%20Farrell">Sean Farrell</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Hristina%20Milojevic">Hristina Milojevic</a>

[[Category:Student Contributors|l]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:36:33Z

Lakhena Leang:

<img _fck_mw_valid="false" _fck_mw_filename="Prop.JPG" _fck_mw_type="thumb" alt="Prop.JPG" class="fck_mw_frame fck_mw_right fck_mw_notfound" />
I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Union%20College">Union College</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Union%20College%20Strategic%20Priorities">Union College Strategic Priorities</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Robert%20Barsamian">Robert Barsamian</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Vera%20Marsova">Vera Marsova</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Luke%20McCaffrey">Luke McCaffrey</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Arielle%20Singer">Arielle Singer</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Sean%20Farrell">Sean Farrell</a>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Hristina%20Milojevic">Hristina Milojevic</a>
Pages with broken file links

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:33:38Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:Prop.JPG|thumb]]

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Priorities]]

[[Robert Barsamian]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Arielle Singer]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:32:04Z

Lakhena Leang:

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Priorities]]

[[Robert Barsamian]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Arielle Singer]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:31:31Z

Lakhena Leang:

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Union%20College">Union College</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Union%20College%20Strategic%20Priorities">Union College Strategic Priorities</a>

<a _fcknotitle="true" href="Robert%20Barsamian">Robert Barsamian</a>

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Arielle Singer]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:30:12Z

Lakhena Leang:

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:28:21Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:prop.JPG|thumb]]

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Priorities]]

[[Robert Barsamian]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Arielle Singer]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|L]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-13T03:22:00Z

Lakhena Leang:

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion  [[File:Prop.jpg]]<span class="details" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; display: inline-block;">for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.Associates: 

[[Union College]]

[[Union College Strategic Priorities]]

[[Robert Barsamian]]

[[Vera Marsova]]

[[Luke McCaffrey]]

[[Arielle Singer]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|L]]

File:Prop.jpg

2016-02-13T03:18:49Z

Lakhena Leang:

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-12T01:51:18Z

Lakhena Leang:

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion <span class="details" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; display: inline-block;">for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.Associates: 

[[Union College]]
[[UNION COLLEGE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|L]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-12T01:50:36Z

Lakhena Leang:

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion <span class="details" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; display: inline-block;">for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.Associates: 

[[Union College]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|L]]

Priorities:Union College Strategic Priorities

2016-02-12T01:48:23Z

Lakhena Leang:

= Overview =

Union College is one of a handful of liberal arts colleges that offer [http://www.abet.org/accreditation/ ABET-acredited] engineering programs. What does this mean? For one, we have a culturally, racially, and gender-diverse campus community. Our engineering students are offered exciting academic opportunities outside of the technical engineering curriculum. Academic excellence, a variety of competitive sports teams, and an abundance of campus leadership opportunities attract some of the finest college applicants to spend four years studying on the beautiful campus in upstate New York. Students are the primary focus of our professors, who also successfully maintain cutting-edge research projects, and develop new ideas and technologies in the sciences, as well as the humanities and the arts.

One has every reason to believe that a school with as tight interdisciplinary connections as Union College, it would be a national leader for innovation, and a catalyst for the transition of STEM into STEAM (where A stands for arts). Well, we are not quite there yet. In general, students at Union are very content (and we have every reason to be), which makes it difficult to identify exact gaps and spaces for improvement. On a 2,200 student campus with The following will be targeted in the six strategies for innovating Union:

A. Encouraging creativity

B. Technology-based learning

C. The visual vs. the verbal/written

D. Innovative study space(s)

E. Campus involvement navigation

F. Engineering and liberal arts in conversation

G. Community division by major, culture, and Greek/non-Greek

H. Target career opportunities

After discussing some of these with professors and deans, two clear messages have been communicated over and over again: 

1) Innovation and creativity on campus should '''not''' be tied to academics

2) What to do is unclear, but what '''not to do''' is crystal clear.

The real question is: How to make busy and overinvolved Union students happy, while also ensuring the happiness of the faculty (which matters in gaining support and funding for just about any initiative), particularly one that involves a long-term change?

Looking at the Innovation Engine, encountered in Tina Seelig's TEDx Crash Course on Creativity and UIF Meetup Presentation, there are two apparent tracks Union can take:

1) Educate "the Self", i.e. the students.

2) Change "the "Environment" on campus.

The first would mean incorporating innovative ideas in the classroom environment, and ensuring that innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship find their way into every class, one way or another. The second would mean providing the perfect setting for students to explore innovation on their own, outside the classroom through organizations, design spaces, and projects (This seems to be the preferred approach of Union faculty). To say that both can be implemented right away would be far too ambitious, but one without the other would not allow Union College to achieve its full potential and become the leader for applying innovation and creativity in upstate New York.
[[File:1cdbf236d8417da5e945d11cc803a56b.jpg]]
Each of the following strategies is designed to significantly expose and educate students in the areas of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.  Note that the strategies listed below are in no particular order of completion.

= Strategy #1: Creating a More Interdisciplinary Atmosphere =

== Sean Farrell - Tactic #1: Daily Interdisciplinary Sessions for Engineers ==

I would say that this is the one idea I feel most stongly about.  Although I will work diligently to help make Hristina's idea a reality, I really feel as though Union College Engineering classes should be not be changed, but enhanced in a particular regard.  As a mechanical engineer, I have been through quite a few fundamental engineering courses up to my current Sophomore year.  The courses are full of math, physics and fundamnetal engineering concepts that make up the truly versatile mind of a professional engineer.  But, some key aspects are missing from these courses: innovation, a bit of entrepreneurial focus, and an interdisciplinary atmosphere.  I agree that the fundamenal courses are extremely important for the deelopment of a competent engineer, but the world needs dynamic engineers for dynamic problems.  I would like to propose an idea to my school's Dean of Studies, as well as the head of the engineering department.

==== My Idea ====

I want to see engineering immersed in liberal arts.  Engineering students are allowed to take liberal arts courses from a bountiful selection, but liberal arts and engineering are not intertwined as well as they should be here at Union; there is a difference; there is a problem with this.  Although I believe the fundamental engineering courses are imperative to the proper education of engineers, I realize that the fundamental coursework has become the curriculum for engineers, which does not allow students to step outside of the bounds set forth by the common curriculum.  The liberal arts aspect of Union must exist with the engineering aspect, and currently it doesn't.  My idea consists the design and implementation of a project idea throughout the length of a term.  Engineering majors, economics majors, art, music and political science majors would be able to work together to bring the idea to fruition.  Each member would be able to contribute to the process of forming the idea into a well-constructed presentation.  The presenation is not a normal presentation though. I plan to have the presentations presented at General Electric Global Research Center, which is less than ten miles away from Union College.  There are eight Ge Global Research Centers in the world, and the orginal one is less than five miles away from Union College.  Currently, there are basically no existing relations bewteen the research center and Union; I desperately want to change this.  I would like for the presentations to be held at the research center.  The research center has state-of-the-art presentation space, and many brilliant people to fill the space.  The Union College students would be able to present in front of engineering and business professionals, and would be able to acquire magnificient feedback from such professionals.

In a sense, my idea is similar to what entrepreneurs experience on their journies:

*forming an idea
*speaking to others in one's specific discipline as well as people across many disciplines; decide if idea is plausible enough to make a reality
*develop idea into a product, pitch or presentation
*attract potential customers
*make a difference

There is a vibrant liberal arts atmoshphere at Union College that has been well established for a long time.  However, the engineering element of Union needs to amalgamate fully with the liberal arts element to make for a truly invigorating and versatile education.  I hope to make a lasting impact on my campus with the support of my faculty and fellow students, and the guidance of the University Innovation Fellows Cohort. 

 ''I have already begun to speak to student students about my idea''

''Expected date to reach out to the department heads of engineering: March 2, 2015 -----> work to implement by fall term of 2015''

''Expected date to reach out to the Dean of Studies (only if approved by majority of engineering department heads): March 9, 2015''

= Strategy #2: Developing a Culture of Creativity =

== '''Hristina Milojevic, Sean Farrell - Tactic #1: A Maker Space''' ==

Following the UIF Meetup and the incredible experiences at Stanford's Design School, I (Hristina) have been buzzing about the overwhelming importance of setting up a maker space on Union's campus. And what's even better, everyone who has heard this, has agreed with a resounding 'YES!' One important thing to consider is the background idea that will be specific to Union's maker space. It is apparent that everyone gets excited at the mention of white boards, white table surfaces, blank studios, post-its, prototyping supplies, and good coffee. The challenge comes with ensuring that this space will live up to its full potential, which means that it will truly bring together students from all disciplines, and foster conversation and collaboration between STEM students and humanists, artists and social scientists.

The Robotics Lab at Union College currently contains a 3D printer and blank vertical surfaces, and is considered the grounds for forming a maker space on campus. The only issue is that its core idea is robotic design and computing, which although wonderful, should not be the core of the campus-wide maker space. With this in mind, I will begin the campus-wide initiative: '''U-CREATE'''. This will be a campus-wide initiative for students to get involved in hands-on projects, workshops, as well as rapid prototyping and ideation sessions as a prelude into designing and pitching the idea for the maker space to committes and departments with funding. 

==== Update (1/15) ====

Hristina has worked diligently on finding a viable location for the makerspace, as well as searching for the best aesthetic and educational options for the space.  Her idea has resonated with all who have heard of the idea.  Sean has joined Hristina on this mission, and together, they are both working toward a successful launch of Union College's first MakerSpace, dedicated to enhancing the virtues of collaboration and innovative thought.

''Target date for U-CREATE formation: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for maker space set-up: June 1, 2015''

== '''Hristina Milojevic, Sean Farrell - Tactic #2: Creativity Curriculum''' ==

There are numerous possibilities for integrating creativity into the class curriculum at Union. One should use Google's 20% model. Union College requires that each student, regardless of their major, completes General Education Requirements, among which the First Year Preceptorial (writing class) and Sophomore Research Seminar seem to particularly fit the 20% model. The idea is to provide no constraints on what students do with 20% of their class work, yet require a project execution or presentation upon completion of the particular project students seem passionate about. It would also not be graded, and would simply count towards or against participation in class, i.e. ambitious students would have to complete it in order to perform well in the class, but they would have a chance to set off on a journey of academic, personal, or professional exploration as they go along.

''Target date for 20% model idea pitch: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for 20% model implementation: April 1, 2015''
''[[File:Innovation-cartoon.jpg]]''
In addition to this, and following up on tremendously high Union faculty interest in Tina Seelig's online course "Creativity: Music to my Ears," I will be advocating for creating Union's very own course on creativity. This idea is in its early stages, and I would primarily be speaking with Professor Erika Nelson, the head of Union's German Department, who is tremendously interested in the topic, then making the final decision between having the course be student-led, or searching for an intersted faculty member.

''Target date for Creativity Course design: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for Creativity Course implementation: April 1, 2015 (Spring Trimester)''

== '''Tactic #3: Visual and Technology-Based Learning''' ==

The change in academia is at once fast and slow:

1) If there is a new technology to be developed, or research to be conducted, professors jump right in! -> '''FAST'''

2) When it comes to using computer technology or innovative learning tools, most professors settle for a marker and a white board, or at best a PowerPoint presentation. -> '''SLOW'''

''Sometimes, this is all one needs'' ''(so don't take this as a judgement)''. Other times, it would be quite nice to branch out and do something entirely different. Imagine a class that only allows homework submitted as Prezi's or youtube videos. Wouldn't that be cool? What about a class that required in-class visualization of the task and the solution (whether that be a numerical problem, or a literary argument)? What about teaching visually? Too often, we focus on words and writing. Way back in high school, I would study geography by drawing my lessons. This means that I would briefly sketch the map of the country or continent in question, then add a whole lot of connecting lines, and additional drawings portraying anything from lessons on tourism in Spain to the natural resources of Canada.

In the long run, the goal is for at least 50% of Union's professors to incorporate alternative ways of teaching and learning into their classes. The specific requirements will be set by the U-CREATE team, as we work on tying the maker space idea with the idea of technology-based learning.

''Target date for requesting to join faculty committe meetings: May 1, 2014''

''Target date for getting feedback on the success of including technology and visuals: January 1, 2015''

== '''Arielle Singer - Tactic #4: Innovation and Creativity Campaign''' ==

By surrounding our campus with signs of innovation and creativity then students will be more likely to partake in entrepreneurial activities. From this mindset we developed a concept based off of the #thismatters campaign started by William Jewell College. We will be working with the communications department to develop an ad campaign that will showcase the works of students around campus. This could be students who are leads in our aerogel lab, students who are starting their own companies, students who choreograph their own routines, the possibilities are endless. After interviewing several key people to make this possible (including the President of our College and Head of Entrepreneurship Courses) it seems as though this concept will be well received. 

''Target date for discussing with Communications Department: April 1, 2016''

''Target date for getting this started: May 1, 2016''

= Strategy #3: Bridge the Professional and the Academic =

== Tactic #1: Broadening Target Industries ==

The beauty of liberal arts education is that students don't have to select their majors early on. They are free until the end of their sophomore year to decide on what they want to do. One dificulty that seems to occur is finding the right industries to intern with. The exception to this rule is engineering students. Unless their decisions are made early, Union engineers won't be able to graduate on time, which makes a lot of students opt out of late declaration of an engineering major. This means that most students don't have a clear idea about what kinds of internships and summer programs to look for, unless they are in engineering.

Broadening target industries in engineering means going above and beyond the current information on local industrial and business offerings. It is a true challenge to find research-based internships in engineering on one's own. It is also a true challenge to obtain information about opportunities in attractive locations that are far from New York. Taking into consideration that a lot of our students do summer research at Union, and not nearly as many of them join a graduate program in their field, it will be tremendously beneficial for the Career Center to broaden its view of the target positions for engineers.

Even in other disciplines, one common trait seems to be business. After Union, students are so well-trained in working with people and so ambitious, that they typically get plenty of opportunities in business administration. But doesn't that eliminate the potential to create? In the long run, and with the goal to encourage a greater variety in the scope of positions Union Alumni hold, broadening our target industries ties in well with the next tactic.

''Target date for pitching in the proposal: September 1, 2014''

''Target date for implementation: January 1, 2015''

== Tactic #2: Workshop Series on Startups and Venture Funding ==

A former president of [https://www.asme.org/ ASME] at Union once said that there was an engineer who advised him to start his own company. The ASME president found this idea rather amusing, and the entire group laughed as he quoted the engineer saying "If you can't find a job, just create your own company, and you'll have one."

There is a lot of truth in the statement, but back then this didn't resonate with a group of talented mechanical engineers. Perhaps it wasn't the right group, but it is far more likely that there is a lack of student exposure to entrepreneurship, which I wish to change.

Ranging from 3DS to StartUp Institute and Lean Startup Machine, there are plenty of startup programs that hold a promise on improving and fostering interest in entrepreneurship and idea development in Union students. The plan is to bring in one organization each year for a weekend or week-long on-campus program that students can participate in. 

Words "venture capital" are just as rarely heard on campus as the word "startup." But, how could one start a company without initial capital? The plan is to have a pilot talk on venture capitalists, followed by a workshop, to get students initially informed on the posibilities about funding their startup, and depending on interest, continue to hold annual or monthly talks and workshops on startup businesses and venture capital.

''Target date for first speaker event + workshop: June 1, 2014''

''Target annual time: Spring Trimester (between April 1 and June 10)''

== Tactic #3: Team Building Workshops ==

Teamwork is present on Union's campus in a variety of disciplines, but the teamwork and team building skills of our students can be significantly improved. For one, experience shows that open-mindedness is the key to team success. Sometimes, the least successful teams are those consisting solely of the best students in the class. Why? Because each member of the team may want to implement only their individual idea. Furthermore, class teamwork does not take into account issues of student diversity, of their social and academic expertise, but also of their personal background, such as gender or ethnicity. Certain people seem to be more or less inclined to enforce their ideas on others, speak up, or not speak up. Without the right team strategy, there is the devastating chance of missing ideas of great potential! Utilizing the maker space that is outlined as the first tactic of strategy 1, the expectation is to be able to develop a better approach to teamwork. How should we do this? Through a series of workshops on team building with experts from a vareity of disciplines beginning with engineering, and moving into other fields.

''Target date for selecting the first speaker: June 1, 2014''

''Target date for the first event: September 15, 2014''

''Targeting one workshop per trimester, i.e. 3 per year''
[[File:Keep-calm.png]]
== Tactic #4: Student Leadership Development Weekend (SLDW) ==

Although Union College has a variety of clubs and events to choose from, one can also a disconnect between the different organizations on campus. This is only partially the fault of the student board, whom has yet to reach out and expand to other clubs and organizations. One solution to this problem is to host a yearly student leadership development weekend for student presidents on campus in order to promote diverse collaboration and organization. With this weekend, club presidents would walk away with at least three tangible things:

     1. A calendar plan for a list of predicted events for the rest of the academic year. 

     2. A list of board member expectations that the presidents want to relay to the members.

     3. A list of solutions for the problems that the organizations have run into. 

In addition to these tangible documents, students will participate in leadership workshopp lessons. 


= Idea Pitch YouTube Video Project =
{{#Widget:Youtube|id=xsZWQMqGvsI}}{{#Widget:Youtube|id=G1l15BjYVGo}}
= Related Links =

[[Union College]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Arielle_singer#Biography Arielle Singer]

[[Lakhena Leang]]

[[Category:Student Priorities|u]]

School:Union College

2016-02-12T01:47:47Z

Lakhena Leang:

[[File:UC logo with date.PMS202.gif]]

= Overview                                                                       =

Innovation and creativity in all places should primarily be driven by the educators. Union College, according to all statistics and personal experiences, is a wonderfully balanced educational institution. With leading undergraduate engineering program embedded in a liberal arts college setting, Union should be the prime leader in innovation. This is the one thing that Union engineering students always unanimously agree upon. If there is any communication across disciplines it should be happening on this almost unique campus.

Union College admits, educates, and inspires nearly 330 engineering students annually, while the general campus population totals in approximately 2,200 undergraduate students scattered across disciplines. With small class sizes, and 96% of faculty that holds PhD degrees, Union College fosters an educational environment that supports and deeply cares about each individual. 

With the ease of access to every discipline available at Union, students can easily branch out of their area of study. This, seemingly common liberal arts college trait proves to be highly significant in educating future engineers, and Union graduates are frequently praised for their distinguished communication skills, excellent team work, and leadership abilities. One of Union's main goals is to educate well-rounded individuals who are likely to succeed in any area they choose after graduation. Union College fosters and encourages creativity and innovation, leadership and academic research. The campus is a wonderful environment that has simply not worded its efforts as "Innovation and Entrepreneurship".

[[File:543259 4602271811793 143955698 n.jpg|center|543259 4602271811793 143955698 n.jpg]]

= Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship =

Here at Union College there are a myriad of events that connect students with faculty. Every department holds weekly speaker series, dinner and discussion events happen freequently, and every student can easily obtain  some form of leadership position if so desired. With a lot of campus events being student-run, Union students are able to acquire excellent advertising, planning, and event facilitating skills during their four years here. Despite a vibrant social atmosphere, Union sometimes feels overwhelmingly educational even outside of the classroom. This has been altered in recent years, however, with the introduction of the Minerva program which aims to bridge the gap between the social and academic sides of campus. 

Post graduation, 35% of students pursue a path of continuing their education. It is highly common, as well, for Union engineers to continue their education in business rather than engineering, because their interdisciplinary skills learned here has allowed them to become leaders within their fields.

For those students interested in technological advancement, Union is the place to be. With only undergradute students on campus, the professors are committed to providing research opportunities to all. What makes Union unique is that these research opportunities cross all disciplines and frequently students take on faculty research projects their first or second year, committing to a practicum or summer research.

Students interested in entrepreneurship always find their niche. Although there is no specific entrepreneurialism program, we offer many courses inspiring the entrpreneurial mindset. One to note is our Entrepreneurship Seminar which pairs together science minded students with liberal arts minded students to create their own companies and eventually compete in a pitch competition. 

= Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship =

Professor Hal Fried, of Economics department, and Professor Ron Bucinell, in Mechanical Engineering, are joining their efforts and cooperating with the Alumni Committee on Entrepreneurship, striving to advance Union's current position on entrepreneurship. They are jointly teaching a class on entrepreneurship, offered next trimester.

Professor Fried, in particular, has organized some wonderful international opportunities, such as the Minerva Fellowship (recent graduates' year-long placement in a developing community). One such opportunity is available at a small manufacturing business in India. Professor Harold Fried has also initiated entrepreneurship exchange program to Cambodia. His efforts on campus are a true inspiration. 

Professor Bucinell in Mechanical Engineering department is one of the most passionate innovators. He consistently emphasizes importance on entrepreneurship and innovation in all of his engineering classes. He is one of the best connected faculty members when it comes to local businesses and industry.

= The University Technology Transfer Function =

Union College makes its students a priority, which means the vast majority of faculty gives their best effort to teaching, and working closely with undergraduate students on reseach projects. In engineering, the communication with industry is the greatest. Professors appear well connected and often know of industrial opportunities, as well as do consulting or work on policy making in the region. 

One of the better known cases of the technology transfer is an invention by Professor Frank Wicks, who for the longest time held a patent for his electricity-producing furnace. He used thermodynamics and heat transfer theories to arrive at a furnace design that would be producing electricity while it uses it, and in turn allow for cost decrease and advancement in efforts for creating environmentally friendly technologies.

The research opportunities at Union are vastly available, and often provide not only excellent academic experiences, but also teach students valuable skills for their future work in industry.

= University-Industry Collaboration =

Union College is located in a region full of industrial opportunities. Moreover, Union's close alumni network have consistently offered current students a wide of opportunities for internships and post-graduate positions. It is common to see Union students easily obtain employment in the areas of their choice. While there is a valuable collaboration between academic departments and local industrial businesses, it is important to note that the majority of students identifies their possibilities and opportunities through Becker Career Center on campus.

Due to a high demand for engineers, Union College strives to prepare its engineering students for the industrial setting to the best of its ability. Combined with the excellent research opportunities available on campus, Union engineers are prepared for every possible environment through a series of student research projects, presentations, and collaborative opportunities. 

With ASME speaking competitions, GE Prize Day Awards, and IBM internships offered, it is clear that Union maintains a highly successful long-term relationship with local industries.

= Regional and Local Economic Development Efforts =

Union College provides a good balance of innovation on campus and service to the community. The engineering faculty strives very hard to identify the key areas in education that need improvement in order to educate engineers who will be an excellent fit for the jobs that are currently on the market for them. At times this involves high increase of software use, very frequent team work, design projects, and open-ended questions. 

To a student, this may seem like the College is attempting to produce a "disruptive" engineer, by educating students to become marketable, competitive, and long-term desirable candidates for a wide range of positions. Union students are repeatedly told that their designs, ideas, and projects need to be cutting edge, and fresh. A Mechanical Engineering professor particularly discourages brainstorming in his class, claiming that it shuts down the most unique and innovative ideas. In his MER 419: Design of Mechanical Systems, this professor ensures that his students spend the lab portion of the course working on a design project for a local company. So far, he has found that students are able to come up with fresh ideas, and unique ways of resolving problems differently from engineers in industry.

Union College, along with RPI, and SUNY Albany, drives the technological development of the region and provides constant supply of excellent engineers ready to tackle today's technological, mathematical, and business challenges.

= The Landscape Canvas =

 [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sofKiJqVwrf2M5iEg_kI3o0Rm5PrpyfAzHvg2urhSIQ/edit?usp=sharing: 2016 Landscape Canvas]

= Related Links =

[[Union College Strategic Priorities]]

[[Hristina Milojevic]]

[[Sean Farrell]]

[[Luke McCaffrey|Luke McCaffrey]]

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Arielle_singer Arielle Singer]

[[Lakhena Leang]]

[[Category:Universities]]

Fellow:Lakhena Leang

2016-02-12T01:46:32Z

Lakhena Leang:

I am a current sophomore at Union College. Although I am a biochemistry major, I have an immense passion <span class="details" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; display: inline-block;">for learning new things every day. Therefore, I have taken classes in topics ranging from Anthropology to Chinese and Russian. In the future, I plan on taking acting classes and picking up some computer programming knowledge. In my spare time I love to write spoken word, read a good book, and going on walks with my Nikon DSLR in hand. In high school, I have had experience facilitating topics on leadership and social entrepreneurship, so I'm excited to continue that work with my UIF teammates. At Union I have led several discussions with students on a variety of topics such as motivation and success in weekly Dinner around Discussion and Diversity meetings. I am currently doing research on metacaspases in the lab and I am a part time chemistry tutor. This past summer, I worked at a comfort care home, taking care of the terminally ill and cemented my goals of getting an MD. Til then, I want to enjoy life and gain as much experience possible from the awesome opportunities college gives me.[[Category: |L]]

[[Category:Student Contributors|L]]