Priorities:Kettering University Student Priorities

An Area for Rapid Prototyping (T-space)

Description

Kettering University is an engineering-focused school that prides itself on taking what is learned in the classroom and being able to utilize the same concepts literally through cooperative education. However, design projects largely take place outside the university where students work. An area where students can quickly piece together what they have in mind is needed here at Kettering. Having what we call a “Tinkering Space (T-space)” would create an environment for students not only to have access to the tools they need to produce prototypes, but also have access to an environment where other students have a similar mindset. This new approach may start a movement here at Kettering, creating a space where students feel that they finally have a place were they can bring to life ideas that have been generated for work purposes, or even personal ideas.

Background

The T-Space is an idea that has been generated within the last 6 months, and has really begun gaining traction within the last month. The Kettering Entrepreneur Society has been interested in an area where ideas can be brought to life, and we feel this may do just that. In the Kettering Mott Building, at the end of the hallway on the second floor, there is an empty space where an organization known TechWorks used to be - this is where we aim to have the Tinkering Space. Some of the tools we would like to add include: soldering irons, a laser cutting machine, a 3D printer, computers with high-cost software, and many other tools for quick idea-generation, such as whiteboards, sticky notes, etc.

Leaders

2014: Hunter Casbeer, Saheb Kapoor, Massoud Tavakoli, Alexander Barath, Eddie Scholdolski; Garreth Brazil.  We also want to keep this open to the Kettering community, with the hope that anyone can get involved with this project.

2015: Alan Xia, Cheyne Westerman, Hunter Casbeer, Massoud Tavakoli

Research Tying in with I&E

Background

While every professor at Kettering does research, in large part, it is unknown what type of research each professor is working on and where their research goes. At least in the Electrical Computer Engineering department, when we have our term get-together for a review of the term and what next term will look like, there is some advertisement regarding the research achievements the department has experienced, but it is new to nearly everyone in attendence. Transparency of research projects throughout the university can lead to many benefits, especially when students know what exists so that they may be able to help.

Proposal

In order to get research to connect  with innovation and entrepreneurship, we, first of all, must gain awareness of the research happening on our campus. This could be accomplished through the development of a web page listing all research going on that is not confidential, as well as each department sending out an email to the students associated. Once awareness is achieved, we can begin looking at the broader spectrum, and decide where each research project may lead to. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards thousands of dollars to bring research out of the labs and into a start-up.

Leaders

TBD

Learning to Innovate using Art and Creativity

Background

With roughly 50% of Kettering's student population comprising of Mechanical Engineers, we are a largely technical school. Most of the curriculum consists of dry engineering and mathematical concepts. While there is a Liberal Arts department on campus, there is not a single class offered to explore creative pursuits such as fine arts, music or even drama.

Proposal

The idea is to create a class that broadens student minds towards incorporating art and creativity to complement their general engineering curriculums. This will enhance student interest in innovation and impart in them the confidence to go out into the industry during co-op with an open mind. Inventions do not necessarily stem from lab benches; they are nurtured from seeds of creativity. This class will seek to plant seeds of creativity into the minds of students.

Tedx Event

Background

Kettering University has organized two TEDx Flint events in 2010 and 2011. Both events were attended by several students, faculty and members of the Flint community. The event was put together by Kevin Simpson in coordination with Dr. Doug Melton, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Kettering University, and other members of staff. The speakers included a comprehensive list of local entrepreneurs, artists and professors.

Proposal

The proposal is to bring the event back. As TED talks gain popularity both inside and outside the classroom, the event will give members of the Flint, Michigan and Kettering University communities a chance to share their stories and their problems. Many Kettering students pride themselves as problem-solvers, and this event will help them focus their energies in order to solve problems in their neighborhoods.

Maker Fair

Description

Once successful implementation of the T-space and attempts at mixing research with I&E are completed,  projects should be displayed to give recognition to the students involved, as well as spread awareness.  In general, we would like this to be similar to the Maker Faire in Detroit where many other tinkerers come together and showcase their projects. The event could happen during Orientation Week, when there is the largest amount of student traffic.

Bulldog Demo Days

Description

Over the years, Kettering University students have performed various projects both in school and in the industry. Demo Days is an event that'd be hosted simply for the students to learn from each other's projects and talents. The concept is to bring in and share anything that a student has created. It could be a piece of art, a complex Excel document, a new product design or anything of the sort. Students often enjoy talking about their projects, and this will give them a way to share their creative energies.

Related Links

Kettering University

Saheb Kapoor

Hunter Casbeer