2025-cohort
10
edits
Changes
=<span style="font-size: xx-large">Overview</span>=
<span style="font-size:medium">Milwaukee School of Engineering is excited to share with you the strategies we have created for establishing I&E on campus and in our community. We currently have a presence on </span><span style="font-size: 14.4px"><span style="font-size:medium">campus,</span></span><span style="font-size:medium">but feel that it is too disperse and needs to be connected, strengthened, and highlighted as a priority in order to educate and excite people about the power of I&E.</span>
<span style="font-size:medium">On this page you will find five strategies to create a presence of I&E on our MSOE campus that will help students, faculty, staff, the community, and all other people where our outreach extends to learn and get excited about brainstorming, entrepreneurship, innovative thinking, forming creative solutions, thinking future-forward, prototyping, design thinking, and implementation.</span>
=Cohort 8: 2025=
==Priority 1: Creating a 24 Hour Create Space==
The '''24-Hour Create Space''' at MSOE is an open-access innovation hub designed to empower students to design, build, and collaborate anytime inspiration strikes. Whether you're prototyping a new invention, refining a class project, or exploring creative ideas, this space provides the tools and freedom to bring your vision to life — day or night.
Equipped with '''simple craft supplies, fabrication tools, 3D printers, electronics stations, and collaborative work areas''', the Create Space supports hands-on learning and experimentation across all students and faculty. The flexible, student-centered environment encourages creativity, teamwork, and practical problem-solving in a safe, well-equipped setting.
With '''24/7 access''', MSOE students can innovate on their own schedule , turning great ideas into real-world solutions without limits.
===Timeframe===
*Be implemented into the new Robert D. Kern Engineering Center Innovation Center which will be completed Fall 2027.
===Point People===
Sam McClure - Primary
Rouya Mirzaei - Support
Adrian Manchado - Support
Adam Swedlund - Support
===Key Tactics===
*'''Marketing & Awareness''' - Promote early: Before the launch of the space we would advertise the space using flyers, social media and student orgs to ensure students are aware of this space.
*'''Prototype''' - Creative Pop-Ups: Plan to host Pop-Ups through out campus to promote embracing creativity on campus.
*'''Space Planning''' - Setup: Interview with students, faculty, and alumni to survey what would be useful within the space and see where their expectations would land.
==Priority 2: MSOE Shadowing Workshop==
The MSOE Shadowing Workshop focuses on helping students feel more prepared and confident before entering professional environments. It will teach important skills like how to communicate and behave in a professional matter while reflecting on what they learn from their experiences. Students will take part in interactive activities, such as short scenarios and job role-playing exercises, to practice how they might handle real workplace situations. The main goal is to make sure students know what to expect during shadowing while also helping employers feel confident in hosting them.
===Timeframe===
*Planning for the workshop will take place during November and December 2025, with the goal of launching a pilot session in January 2026 before the spring shadowing cycle begins.
*Feedback from the pilot will be collected and used to make improvements through February and March.
*The final version of the workshop will be fully implemented during Spring 2026.
===Point People===
Rouya Mirzaei - Primary
Sam McClure - Support
Adrian Manchado - Support
Adam Swedlund - Support
===Key Tactics===
*Design a 60–90 minute interactive session with presentations, discussions, and group work.
* Use faculty and employer feedback to make the content relevant to real workplace expectations.
* Create digital resources such as slides, checklists, and reflection templates for both in-person and virtual formats.
* Run a pilot workshop and use surveys and student reflections to evaluate effectiveness.
* Apply feedback to improve the workshop before full implementation.
==Priority 3: Engineering the MSOE Experience==
At MSOE, students are highly capable and technically skilled, but often lack opportunities to apply those skills to real, campus-impacting problems before graduation. “Engineering the MSOE Experience” aims to bridge this gap by creating a structured program or course where students from all majors can collaborate on real-world projects that directly improve university operations, facilities, and student life. By aligning with the Raider Core and CREATE Institute, this initiative transforms campus into a living laboratory where students learn by doing while driving visible change.
===Timeframe===
* '''November–December 2025:''' Plan and develop workshop content.
* '''January 2026:''' Launch a pilot workshop before the spring shadowing cycle.
* '''February–March 2026:''' Gather feedback and make improvements.
* '''Spring 2026:''' Fully implement the finalized workshop.
===Point People===
Adrian Manchado - Primary
Sam McClure - Support
Rouya Mirzaei - Support
Adam Swedlund - Support
===Key Tactics===
*'''Integrate with existing structures:''' Combine elements of Raider Core and Integrated Learning requirements to give students academic credit for project-based work.
*'''Engage industry and campus partners:''' Collaborate with Facilities, Dining, Athletics, and external organizations to identify real challenges that can become student projects.
*'''Develop a sustainable course model:''' Ensure projects can continue beyond one term by implementing hand-off systems and industry mentorship.
*'''Lower opportunity cost for participation:''' Build the program into the curriculum rather than making it an extracurricular commitment.
*'''Create measurable impact:''' Track improvements made to campus systems and highlight student contributions through showcases and digital portfolios.
*'''Partner with Milwaukee Radio Station:''' We will create a podcast showcasing the projects of the students
==Priority 4: Creating a Spring Hackathon (HackMKE)==
The goal of HackMKE is to bring students together to collaborate, innovate, and solve real-world problems. Students are eager to find ways to contribute to their skills in new ways for a variety of reasons (resume projects, experience, food, etc.) We plan to partner with outside organizations and sponsors for the event that will get students in front of people who have the chance to employ students for internships and full-time opportunities.
===Timeframe===
*We’re aiming to implement this during the spring semester of the 2025–26 school year. There are two possible timelines: the first is a weekend in early February, and the second is during MSOE’s AI Week at the end of April.
===Point People===
Adam Swedlund - Primary
Sam McClure - Support
Rouya Mirzaei - Support
Adrian Manchado - Support
===Key Tactics===
*Everybody is motivated by different things; find ways for everybody to find value.
*Create an opportunity for people of all backgrounds (majors, years, etc.) to participate. That means find ways to teach people how to use new coding tools regardless of coding experience.
*Find sponsors for the event that can provide value such as prize money and food. In return find ways for the event to provide value back to the companies.
=Cohort 7: 2024=
==Priority 1: Building a Commuter Space==
A commuter space provides a dedicated environment for off-campus students to feel included, meet others, and access resources. Since commuters might feel disconnected, this space serves as a central hub for engagement with campus services, by providing equal opportunity to feel welcomed on campus.
===Timeframe===
*Our cohort is looking to have a functioning prototype / model by the end of the 2024 / 2025 school year.
===Point People===
Zachary Burke - Primary
Mai Nguyen - Support
Benjamin Leshin - Support
===Key Tactics===
*Define needs for commuter students on campus
*Identify locations currently underused
*Gather data on current commuters and their needs
*Implement a space with provided funding and organize security / décor / rules and regulations<br />
==Priority 2: Fostering a more Collaborative Community with Raider Center for Academic Success==
A stronger tutoring program with the approach of making resources more accessible, evaluating the status of tutors, rewarding excellence through recognition programs and building a collaborative and supportive environment between tutors, professors, and students, with the goal of enhancing the overall educational experience. Through these initiatives, the plan aims to cultivate a passionate and interconnected community where everyone is empowered to contribute to each other's success and personal development.
===Timeframe===
*Implement protype next semester continue to oversee it next fall and track meterics in fall semester 2025, give input feedback on futre visions and ideas for spring sem 2026
===Point People===
Mai Nguyen - Primary
Benjamin Leshin - Support
Zachary Burke - Support
===Key Tactics===
*TBD
*TBD
*TBD
*TBD
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==Priority 3: Developing Resources for Higher Utilization==
When more students are aware of and comfortable using available resources (like technical equipment), it builds a stronger mindset for innovation and growth. This helps increase the likelihood that students will succeed academically and socially by reducing stress and cultivating creativity.
===Timeframe===
*Our cohort is looking to have a functioning prototype / model by the end of the 2024 / 2025 school year.
===Point People===
Benjamin Leshin - Primary
Zachary Burke - Support
Mai Nguyen - Support
===Key Tactics===
*Identify why students have not heard of the spaces and/or why they do not use them.
*Bring awareness to the different maker spaces and labs available on campus.
*Create resources to help students feel more comfortable using the equipment.
*Host events to get students into the spaces and familiarize themselves with each space.
*Campaign for professors to involve the spaces more than they already do.
=Cohort 6: 2023=
==Priority 1: Increasing relations between current students at MSOE and alumni==
===Time-frame===
Ideas will be tested over the course of the 23/24 school year and fully implemented in the 24/25.
===Point People===
Noah Nieberle - Primary
===Key Tactics===
*Identify current connection between students and alumni
*Ease or improve avenues of communication for students and alumni
*Provide opportunities for groups to interact in established events
<big><u>'''Priority 2 : Provide a space for CAECM students to experience 3d concrete printing'''</u></big>
Point People - Louisa Essuman
<u>Key Tactics</u>
*Identify building projects ongoing at MSOE through conversations with senior faculty members.
*Talk with people leading on campus maker spaces.
*Conduct surveys to understand the needs of the CAECM student population.
*Research new tech innovations in the Construction space.
=Cohort 5: 2022=
===Point People===
*James Siedchlag- Primary*Ben Paulson- Support
===Key Tactics===
*Explore non-event ways that students can engage with I&E content and develop community, for example, a wiki.
*Make it possible for students who don't have room for business and entrepreneurship topics on their course track to engage with that course content outside of classes.
*Maintain events on a regular schedule, allowing students a lengthy, future-track calendar to build their schedules around.
==Priority 2: Community Outreach==
===Time-frame===
*~text here~Current contacts with/within tech-focused student organizations.*2022-2023 expansion of relationships to include non-tech student organizations.*2022-2023 discussion series to be determined with MKE Tech Hub
===Point People===
*Benjamin Paulson- Primary*Bansari Modi - Support
===Key Tactics===
*~text here~Expand UIF events to more majors -- beyond current trend of tech-heavy majors. Follow up for student organization outreach.**Joint-effort workshops between UIF and another student-drive organization. Builds connections for both involved parties, as well as expanding to topics attendees may not be exposed to in their majors.*Collaborate with Milwaukee entrepreneurs through platforms like MKE Tech Coalition, Milky Way Tech Hub, and Gener8or.**Build regular series to integrate Milwaukee entrepreneurs with MSOE entrepreneurial mindset.**Follow up with business platforms to invite UIF-event attendees to spin-out events.
==Priority 3: Motivating Others by Making Student Success More Visible==
For the majority of human history, it was thought beyond the capabilities of the human body for an individual to run a mile in under four minutes. When Roger Bannister ran the first sub-four minute mile, seven other athletes then accomplished the same within two months. There is invaluable power, and also incredible restrictions, that come with the mindsets we hold in our daily lives. While we can't hope to change everyone's minds instantly, we can work to make students believe that they can succeed with their independent ventures. Through creating more opportunities to display student success, we can help others visualize and pursue their passions.
===Time-frame===
*Preliminary Displays Tactics to be planned and proposed by the end of 2022
*Permanent fixtures to be implemented around campus by the end of the 2022-2023 school year
*Asher Sprigler - Primary
*James Siedchlag- Support
===Key Tactics===
==Priority 4: Fostering Creativity Through Entrepreneurial Mindfulness==
===Time-frame===
*~text here~Planning will be done throughout the 2022-2023 year*Results should hopefully be seen in the 2023-2024 year when there is a change from trimesters to semesters
===Point People===
*Bansari Modi
*Asher Sprigler
===Key Tactics===
*Help to improve Students' Mental, Physical, and Spiritual health through the prototyping and introduction of the MSOE Morning
*Encourage professors to create student led projects that are ambiguous in nature
*Creative thinking workshops in classes
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