VSU Celebrates Engineering Education Success

Valdosta State University’s College of Science and Mathematics recently recognized National Engineers Week (Feb. 18-24) with its annual Engineering Night, a celebration of Blazer Nation’s commitment to providing a diverse and well-educated engineering workforce. Rodolphe Boulais, application engineer at Saft, and Mitchell Tatar, industrial and systems engineer with CJB Industries, shared how they are committed to having a positive impact on the world through the work they do every day. This includes making systems work better, finding ways to meet the changing needs of their customers, as well as designing and developing new methods or products.    Rode Peters, an engineering studies student, and Devin Fielding, an engineering technology student, shared their research and development project titled “Applications of CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Three-Dimensional Printing, and Machine Design and Control.”   Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said that VSU recognizes the need for more engineers trained in interdisciplinary approaches to solve real-world problems.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s College of Science and Mathematics recently recognized National Engineers Week (Feb. 18-24) with its annual Engineering Night, a celebration of Blazer Nation’s commitment to providing a diverse and well-educated engineering workforce.

Dr. Barry Hojjatie, professor and engineering studies program coordinator in VSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, said Engineering Night is designed to help students understand engineering and technology careers available to them across South Georgia (and even around the world), connect them with role models they can relate to, and increase interest in engineering as an academic field of study.

Students in attendance were able to network and engage with industry leaders from Saft, Georgia Power, and CJB Industries Inc. during the two-hour event.

Rodolphe Boulais, application engineer at Saft, and Mitchell Tatar, industrial and systems engineer with CJB Industries, shared how they are committed to having a positive impact on the world through the work they do every day. This includes making systems work better, finding ways to meet the changing needs of their customers, as well as designing and developing new methods or products.   

During their presentations, Boulais and Tatar had a significant impact on increasing the profile of engineering and promoting engineering as a career, Hojjatie said. They invited students to tour their companies, asked and answered questions, and encouraged students to apply for available internship and employment opportunities.

Other Engineering Night activities included:

• Jasia M. Kajfas was recognized for earning the Threadgill Thompson Engineering Scholarship and the Outstanding Student in the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program Award. She will continue her education in mechanical education at the University of Georgia in the fall.

• Christian P. Strickland was recognized for earning the Outstanding Student in Engineering Technology Award. He will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology.

• Rode Peters, an engineering studies student, and Devin Fielding, an engineering technology student, shared their research and development project titled “Applications of CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Three-Dimensional Printing, and Machine Design and Control.”

• Xavier Wellons, president of the Engineering Students Association, shared his plan for this relatively new on-campus student organization. Through various projects, community service events, and other activities, this physics and astronomy double major hopes the research-focused group will advance the general interest and welfare of future engineers at VSU.

• Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said that VSU recognizes the need for more engineers trained in interdisciplinary approaches to solve real-world problems. He said VSU is ready to embrace the critically important challenge of educating and training more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals who are capable of transforming society.

• Dr. Sheri Noviello, interim provost and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs, welcomed nearly 50 attendees to Engineering Night, from community members and industry leaders to students, faculty, and even a couple of parents.

VSU offers an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Studies, a traditional two-year program. These students typically transfer to the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, or other Georgia institutions of higher education through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program.

VSU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, a traditional four-year degree program with a concentration in Industrial Engineering Technology. The first graduates from this program will be recognized during the university’s 237^th Commencement May 3-4. 

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/cset/