University of Rochester School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER IDEAS TO INNOVATION SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING IDEAS TO INNOVATION AND APPLIED SCIENCES Our first endeavors are purely instinctive prompting of an imagination vivid and undisciplined. As we grow older reason asserts itself and we become more and more systematic and designing. But those early impulses, though not immediately productive, are of the greatest moment and may shape our very destinies. —Nikola Tesla As I begin my first year as member of the faculty and Dean The University of Rochester is leading in this type of edu- of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at cation due to the overall structure and collaborative nature the University of Rochester, I see countless possibilities in our between the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and future. In an era when technology is truly pervasive in our the School of Arts and Sciences. After all, why should engi- society, engineers have become the “magicians” of that tech- neering students have all the fun? The study of engineering nology, created for the benefit of humanity, sometimes out of is not limited to, or bound by, science and mathematics; it necessity and at others for pure entertainment. While a signifi- is a field that embraces creativity, personal expression, and cant part of the world competes for fuel to supply energy that design—for the betterment of society. Students trained in the sustains and grows the developed nations, other parts of the field of engineering are the future inventors of technology, world struggle with the simple need for clean water. Clearly, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, CEOs, energy and water are two resources essential for our civiliza- and educators. In my humble opinion, an engineering degree tion, and solutions to alternative energy as well as clean water is a springboard to countless possibilities in finding the career will be enabled through engineering. path that is right for you, our future students. However, engineering alone is not the solution. Public policy I spoke of countless possibilities in my opening and ended plays a critical role in the deployment of such technological solu- with countless possibilities in the closing of this message. For me, tions and holds the key, in many instances, to influencing public that pretty much summarizes the field of engineering. I couldn’t behavior, which is why it is so very important for engineering be happier to be a part of this university, and I sincerely hope students to be artful in the communication of their work to the that you will consider the field of engineering in your future un- broader public. It is also why it is important for the broader dergraduate education, whether here at the University of Roches- public to have a basic understanding of engineering. In a recent ter or beyond, for the sake of our nation and humanity. commentary in the Chronicle of Higher Education, I noted the need for engineering schools to provide opportunities for nonen- Sincerely, gineering students to enroll in classes with engineering students. Our students take numerous classes in the liberal arts, sometimes as electives, and sometimes as requirements; however, histori- cally, engineering schools have not provided such opportunities for arts and sciences majors. Engineering schools nationwide need to change this practice so that our future colleagues in Rob Clark Washington, D.C., and beyond better understand what our pro- Professor and Dean fession has to offer in terms of hope for our future. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences 2 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Degree Programs Special Programs Biomedical Engineering: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. 3-2 Programs: This option enables a student to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. Chemical Engineering: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Take Five Scholars: Students who apply and are accepted to Computer Science: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. this program are able to pursue broader academic interests in a Electrical and Computer Engineering: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. fifth year of tuition-free study. Materials Science: M.S., Ph.D. GEAR (Graduate Engineering at Rochester): Exceptionally promising undergraduates may be guaranteed admission to Mechanical Engineering: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. our 3-2 B.S./M.S. program in any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences as well as computer science. Optics: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. GEAR students receive a minimum 50-percent tuition scholar- ship in the fifth year of study through a teaching or research Interdisciplinary Degree Programs assistantship. B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science: This interdepart- mental program is tailored to a student’s individual educational Industry Practicum: Designed for engineering and computer objectives by allowing the student to choose specific courses science students, this program provides quality workplace ex- from all engineering departments. perience through paid, full-time employment. B.A. in Engineering Science: This option is ideal for students KEY (Kauffman Entrepreneurial Year) Program: Students are who want a technical background for such fields as law, medi- able to continue their studies tuition free to pursue entrepre- cine, business, etc. neurial endeavors with the help of SEAS and Simon School fac- ulty. Qualified students may propose to devote as much as an B.S. in Geomechanics: This interdisciplinary program is de- entire academic year to internships, special projects, business signed for students interested in the quantitative aspects of the plan development, research into various factors for a successful earth sciences. entrepreneur, or analysis of how culture and public policy influ- ence entrepreneurial activities. Minors Biomedical Engineering ORT Braude College Exchange: This is an English-language exchange program in Karmiel, Israel, designed especially for Chemical Engineering Rochester science and engineering students. Electrical and Computer Engineering Study Abroad: Other opportunities to take science and engi- Environmental Engineering neering classes abroad during the academic year are available to students of science and engineering. Materials Science Mechanical Engineering Optics SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES 3 4 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES Kearns Scholars The David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity in Science and Engineering offers advising, mentoring, and scholar- ship aid to underrepresented minority students who plan to major in computer science, mathematics, or an engineering field, including students of color, women, and students from low-income back- grounds, to help them support their edu- cational, research, and career interests. So that no student will be deterred by fi- nancial concerns, modest scholarships are awarded to undergraduates to recognize the academic achievement and potential for advanced education or careers in sci- ence and engineering of a diverse student Edmund A. Hajim body. Kearns Scholars also are provided travel funds and book allowances to as- The man who presented the University of Rochester last year with the larg- sist them in taking full advantage of their est single gift commitment in its 158-year history recalls a rigorous under- graduate program that prepared him for a variety of challenges throughout undergraduate experiences. In order to his highly successful investment career. receive continued Kearns Scholarship “It taught me how to work,” says Edmund A. Hajim, a 1958 graduate of support, Kearns Scholars must remain the University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and chairman in a science, mathematics, or engineer- of its Board of Trustees. “There were very few things harder to do in my life ing degree program at the University of than getting an engineering degree from the University of Rochester.” Rochester, maintain satisfactory academic Hajim’s memories are of an engineering program that has evolved from progress toward degree completion, and what was more of a trade school to a place of interactive, highly specialized, participate in program activities. multidisciplinary learning. “Modern engineering allows society to continue to improve itself,” he The Kearns Scholars program helps to notes. promote the development of strong And with its individualized attention and a new dean he describes as en- relationships between students and fac- thusiastic and indefatigable, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences ulty, to create a community atmosphere is positioned to improve on its global reputation for finding solutions to amongst the scholarship recipients, and some of the world’s toughest problems. to encourage students to explore their That reputation is built upon a longstanding history of supporting inno- scholarly and professional potential. vation—although that support is much more accessible than it used to be. When Hajim wanted to do his senior project on the nucleation of glass, the University, which had no in-house capability, matched him with a sci- entist from Corning Glass Works more than 90 miles away. Hajim and his partners traveled back and forth during the project and used University lab space at odd hours when it was available. “Students could innovate in those days, but it wasn’t easy,” says the 2007 recipient of the Hutchison Medal, the University’s highest alumni award. “What’s happened is that what was the exception back then has become a rule now.” One thing hasn’t changed over the years. “Students come here knowing that what they’re going to get is a very se- rious, very solid education.” EDMUND A. HAJIM 5 “It’s a fit you won’t find anywhere else, which makes it an extraordinary opportunity.” Since its inception in 1970, the Laboratory The laboratory’s primary focus is studying the OMEGA facility for a variety of experi- for Laser Energetics has positioned itself the feasibility of inertial confinement fu- ments; and to conduct research and devel- as a unique national resource for research sion as an inexhaustable energy source, opment in advanced technology related to and education in science and technology.