Program for Enhanced Design Experience for Undergraduate Engineering Students

A joint program between an academic institution and an industrial firm whose goal is to enhance the design experience of undergraduate engineering students is described in this paper. The program consists of three components, namely, (1) a faculty summer internship at the industrial firm, (2) students working on the design projects, and (3) a design project laboratory. Students participating in the program are expected to work closely with engineers from the firm over a ten-month time period on design projects of direct benefit to the firm. This paper provides details on the background for establishing the program and the components of the program.