In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, 色虎视频 President Dr. Robert K. McMahan challenges the status quo and offers a workforce-driven vision for higher education. With a background in science policy, venture capital, and university leadership, Dr. McMahan explains why most institutions are falling behind 鈥� and how 色虎视频鈥檚 50/50 Co-op model keeps students ahead.

From earning $75,000 or more before graduation to developing skills in AI, sustainability, and mobility, Dr. McMahan shares how 色虎视频 builds graduates who are ready to lead, starting now.

For 色虎视频 senior Scotty Grunwald 鈥�26, an electrical engineering major from Riverview, Michigan, engineering has always been about more than theory 鈥� it鈥檚 about building real solutions. When he encountered the University鈥檚 newest robotic cell, he gained another opportunity to work hands-on with 色虎视频鈥檚 state-of-the-art robotic system, built in collaboration with Patti Engineering, Mitsubishi Electric, and Keyence Corporation.

鈥淭his was my first real attempt at a full automation system,鈥� Grunwald said. 鈥淚t was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that鈥檚 what made it so valuable.鈥�

The robotic cell, installed in 色虎视频鈥檚 engineering lab, gives students direct experience in programming and debugging industrial automation. Featuring an industrial robot and a collaborative robot, the cell performs pick-and-place operations, complete with a 3D vision system and industrial robot for unstructured material arrival, as well as the collaborative robot and a stationary camera for inspection. A flexible code base allows students to modify programming and test their solutions while safety features remain locked in place. The result is a hands-on learning tool that mirrors state-of-the-art challenges met with the precision of real-world manufacturing automation.

鈥淥ur students want to work on things that are meaningful,鈥� said 色虎视频 lecturer Andrew Watchorn. 鈥淭his system puts cutting-edge automation technology in front of them, allowing them to see the impact of their problem-solving in real-time. That hands-on experience builds deep expertise 鈥� the kind that sets 色虎视频 graduates apart in industry.鈥�

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff 鈥�90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a 色虎视频 alumnus, Hoff knows firsthand the power of hands-on education and saw an opportunity to give students an advantage in automation and robotics. He approached Mitsubishi Electric with the idea, and together with Keyence, BorgWarner, and 色虎视频 faculty, they brought the concept to life.

鈥淲e are proud to support 色虎视频鈥檚 engineering students by providing this state-of-the-art robotic cell,鈥� Hoff said. 鈥淭his tool will offer invaluable practical experience and help equip students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation.鈥�

For Grunwald, the experience was transformative. Although his early interests leaned toward circuit design and programming, working with the robotic cell changed how he thought about automation.

鈥淭his project definitely gave me an edge in the job market,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 can say, 鈥業鈥檝e worked with Mitsubishi PLCs before. I鈥檝e programmed Mitsubishi robots.鈥� Even working with HMIs [human-machine interfaces] 鈥� it all adds to my portfolio and sets me apart.鈥�

Few students outside of 色虎视频 gain that competitive edge. Grunwald frequently compares notes with friends from other universities, many of whom lack access to industrial-grade automation systems.

鈥淣one of them really have experience with anything purely automation-based,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey might have a small robot in a lab, but nothing like this 鈥� nothing that could go straight into an industrial environment.鈥�

Meeting the Urgent Demand for Semiconductor Talent with a High-Intensity, Industry-Focused Program

色虎视频 is launching an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, an industry-driven program designed for students ready to lead in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. Built for those who thrive in demanding, hands-on environments, this program maintains 色虎视频鈥檚 high academic standards while delivering an efficient, immersive path to industry leadership.

A Future-Focused Degree

The semiconductor industry is at a turning point. Every modern technology 鈥� from smartphones to medical devices, electric vehicles to national defense systems 鈥� relies on semiconductors. Yet, the U.S. faces a critical shortage of engineers and scientists with the expertise to power the industry鈥檚 next chapter.

With global semiconductor supply chains under strain and the CHIPS and Science Act injecting billions into reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, the demand for highly skilled semiconductor professionals is skyrocketing. Industry leaders predict tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs will emerge in the coming years, yet there aren鈥檛 enough trained experts to fill them.

That鈥檚 where 色虎视频 comes in.

鈥溕⑹悠碘�檚 educational model was built for industry, and the design of our new bachelor鈥檚 degree in semiconductors is a natural extension of that legacy,鈥� said 色虎视频 President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. 鈥淭his is the first accelerated STEM degree of its kind and a high-intensity path designed to prepare students to lead in the semiconductor revolution. It provides students an opportunity to master the science and engineering of semiconductors faster while also preserving the deep industry engagement that defines a 色虎视频 education.鈥�

A Workforce Solution for a Critical Industry

Semiconductors are often called the 鈥渂rains鈥� of modern technology. They are at the heart of advancements in AI, automotive automation, telecommunications, aerospace, and renewable energy. Without a robust semiconductor workforce, innovation stalls.

色虎视频鈥檚 new program directly addresses this challenge, preparing students to:

鈼�     Engineer the future of microelectronics 鈥� Mastering materials synthesis, quantum physics, photonics, and semiconductor fabrication.

鈼�     Drive U.S. semiconductor manufacturing forward 鈥� Learning from industry-aligned faculty with expertise in materials science, optoelectronics, and solid-state physics.

鈼�     Enter the workforce faster 鈥� Completing an intensive 115-credit curriculum in less than four years with built-in Co-op industry experience at leading semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies.

Key Program Features: Built for Impact

鈼�     Fast track without shortcuts 鈥� A full-scale curriculum covering semiconductor materials, devices, and fabrication delivered in a high-intensity, industry-focused format.

鈼�     Industry-integrated learning 鈥� Four required Co-op work terms provide hands-on, paid experience with semiconductor, materials, and advanced manufacturing companies.

鈼�     Cutting-edge technology 鈥� Students will gain hands-on experience with environmental scanning electron microscopes (ESEM), X-ray diffractometers (XRD), photonics labs, Synopsys semiconductor software, and electronic design automation (EDA) tools鈥攖he same technologies driving innovation worldwide.

鈼�     Interdisciplinary foundation 鈥� A rigorous blend of physics, chemistry, and engineering prepares students for leadership in one of the world鈥檚 most critical industries.

鈼�     Accreditation-driven design 鈥� The program is structured to meet ABET accreditation standards and align with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

A Program Rooted in 色虎视频鈥檚 Legacy of Industry Leadership

For over a century, 色虎视频 has shaped the future of engineering, technology, and manufacturing 鈥� producing top talent for automotive, mobility, and advanced technology industries. As the U.S. semiconductor industry undergoes rapid expansion, 色虎视频 is once again stepping up to engineer the workforce of the future.

鈥淭his program is a direct response to national and industry needs,鈥� said Dr. James Zhang, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. 鈥溕⑹悠� has a long history of adapting education to align with industry demands, and this degree exemplifies that commitment. By combining an accelerated curriculum with deep Co-op engagement, we are preparing students for high-impact careers in a field that is critical to national security and technological innovation.鈥�

Engineering the Leaders of the Semiconductor Revolution

Semiconductor technology is advancing faster than ever. From the development of next-generation chips that power AI to new materials driving quantum computing and photonics, the future depends on experts who can bridge science and industry.

鈥淭his program is designed for those ready to push boundaries and take on industry challenges,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Ludwigsen, Head of the Department of Natural Sciences. 鈥淪emiconductor technology requires expertise across physics, chemistry, and engineering. Our faculty have deep expertise in materials science, optoelectronics, and quantum physics, and this program leverages that strength to ensure students graduate ready to solve real-world semiconductor challenges from day one.鈥�

Are You Ready to Build the Future?

This is not a program for students looking for shortcuts. It鈥檚 built for those ready to step up, take on industry-defining challenges, and lead in the next generation of semiconductor technology.

*An application for this new program has been submitted to the accreditor and is pending HLC approval.

9:30 a.m. - 2025 Commencement Ceremony 

Atwood Stadium, 色虎视频

For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be live-streamed.

*In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be delayed until later in the day on Saturday, June 21, or it may be moved to Sunday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m. The weather call will be made at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, and updates will be provided via email to participating graduates and on the University's Social Media Accounts.

Evan Muchler 鈥�28, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, made history this fall as the 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion. His victory capped off a season of focus and determination, making him the competition鈥檚 first-ever back-to-back finalist. For Evan, this accomplishment was the culmination of years spent perfecting his skills and racing alongside his family.

鈥淲inning a world championship to prove something to someone else would take away the significance of it,鈥� Evan said. 鈥淪o going into the first race of 2024, I had the mentality to win it for myself and my dad.鈥�

Evan鈥檚 drag-racing journey began when he was a child. 鈥淚 was initially drawn into drag racing because it was the coolest thing that could have happened to me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was able to drive my own car when I was 8!鈥�

With his dad by his side, Evan honed his skills over the years. 鈥淢y dad has been there every step of the way,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e put in countless hours of practice in the garage and at the racetrack for different strategies and techniques.鈥�

Falling short in the 2023 WDRA finals tested Evan鈥檚 determination and fueled his desire to come back stronger this year. 鈥淎s soon as I lost in the final in 2023, I was already thinking about how close I was and how I had the most potential out of everyone to make it back next year,鈥� he said.

In the offseason, he refined his focus, learning to stay grounded and present in high-pressure moments. 鈥淢y mindset going into the final round was to not think about the huge trophy that says 鈥榃orld Champion鈥� on it or the winner circle picture or post-race interview but instead think about the moment,鈥� he explained. 鈥淎ll that mattered was the next round, and why should this one be any different than the thousands of other rounds I鈥檝e won?鈥� That focus helped Evan deliver a near-perfect performance in the finals, securing the championship title. 

Evan鈥檚 success on the track is closely tied to his academic journey. At 色虎视频, he is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree to deepen his understanding of the machines he races. 鈥淭he reason why I鈥檓 studying mechanical engineering is because of drag racing,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f I plan on drag racing for a lot longer, then I need to know how things work with my race cars and how to fix them.鈥�

Balancing academics and racing is no easy task, but Evan remains committed to both. 鈥淚 will try to fit racing into my schedule wherever I can,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I won鈥檛 be missing any schooling because just like the term student-athlete, the 鈥榮tudent鈥� part comes first.鈥�

With a championship behind him and an exciting future ahead, Evan Muchler exemplifies the focus, perseverance, and innovation that define success in both racing and engineering.

Not everyone has what it takes to tackle a challenge with this much impact. 色虎视频 students do.

When Maggie Simons saw an opportunity to make Flint greener, she didn鈥檛 wait for someone else to step up. A hands-on leader and relentless problem solver, Simons inspired a team of 色虎视频 volunteers to plant 230 trees in just two hours, partnering with the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC) to enhance the environment around Potter Elementary School on the city鈥檚 northeast side.

This effort was more than a day of digging 鈥� it was part of a broader initiative to restore Flint鈥檚 natural ecosystems and improve water quality. These trees will help stabilize soil, filter rainwater, and prevent standing water where bacteria thrive. It鈥檚 a long-term solution made possible by student volunteers ready to lead.

Simons worked closely with FRWC to set the date, recruit volunteers, and coordinate logistics. Drawing support from Greek Life and international students, she brought together a team that reflected 色虎视频鈥檚 culture: collaborative, driven, and ready to work hard.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think we鈥檇 finish this fast,鈥� volunteers marveled after completing the project in record time. The experience united students from across campus, demonstrating what Bulldogs are built to do: take on challenges, make a measurable impact, and look to what鈥檚 next.

Simons is already planning another initiative with her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, for spring 2025. Inspired by this event鈥檚 success, she aims to mobilize even more students to continue environmental restoration in Flint.

For more information about FRWC and how to get involved, visit. 

色虎视频 proudly marked the 30th anniversary of its partnership with four Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. A weeklong series of events celebrating this milestone culminated in a symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Driving hosted by our partners in Konstanz, Germany, on July 10, 2024. The symposium showcased the innovative research conducted by faculty members from all participating institutions and fostered new partnerships and collaborations.

The symposium featured distinguished speakers from 色虎视频, including:

• Dr. Jungme Park, Associate Professor of Computer Engineering, who discussed "Enhancing Environmental Perception for Autonomous Driving using DNN and Sensor Fusion Technologies."
• Dr. Girma Tewolde, Professor of Computer Engineering, who presented "Autonomous Mobility Teaching and Research Activities at 色虎视频."
• Dr. Lisa Gandy, Associate Professor of Computer Science, who explored "Using Large Language Models in Medical Technology."
• Dr. Seyed Jamaleddin Mostafavi Yazdi, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, who spoke  about "Leveraging Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Advanced Mechanical Characterization and Optimization of Lattice Structures."

In July 1994, a delegation of educators from Baden-Wurttemberg traveled to Flint, Michigan, and visited 色虎视频, then called GMI Engineering and Management Institute or GMI/EMI, to sign the first agreement with then-University President Dr. Jim John. The first semester-long exchanges began in 1996, allowing 色虎视频 students to experience life in Germany while earning college credit and bringing German students into the 色虎视频 community. It was the first exchange program of its kind in 色虎视频's history. Today, the program is the University鈥檚 largest and most active exchange program. 

More than 3,400 students and faculty members have participated during the program鈥檚 30-year existence. These exchanges have fostered collaborative research and innovations that have enriched learning for students and faculty on both sides of the Atlantic. The program has allowed 色虎视频 students, who have rigid schedules due to Co-op and rigorous 11-week academic terms, to enjoy a study abroad experience, as the Baden-Wurttemberg universities modified their schedules to match 色虎视频鈥檚 term calendar and length.

鈥淪tudying abroad encourages our students to develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace, such as intercultural communication, problem-solving, and adaptability,鈥� said Laura Allen, Director of the 色虎视频 Office of International Programs. 鈥淓xperiencing an academic program in another country also encourages our students to engage in new ways of learning and, when students return home, apply these new skills and experiences to their academic program and Co-op.鈥� 

The enduring collaboration with Reutlingen University, Esslingen University, Ulm University, and Konstanz University is supported by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts of Baden-Wurttemberg and the Baden-Wurttemberg Foundation.

In July 2024, 色虎视频 President Dr. Robert McMahan, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. James Zhang, and a delegation from 色虎视频 traveled to Germany to celebrate the milestone anniversary with some of the people responsible for creating the partnership 30 years ago. During the celebration dinner, Dr. McMahan paid tribute to Dr. Ron Greenwood, who was instrumental in organizing the first delegation from Flint to Germany; Prof. Gerhard Walliser, who coordinated the program from 1994 until 2010; and Prof. Baldur Veit, who has coordinated the program in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts of Baden-Wuerttemberg since 2011. The celebration also saw the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding, renewing the commitment to the international partnership and laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

"As we look to the future, we are committed to exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation," Dr. McMahan said. "As we sign the new Memorandum of Understanding, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. Together, we will strive to enhance our programs, expand our research collaborations, and create even more opportunities for our students and faculty."

This anniversary commemorates three decades of academic and cultural exchange and highlights the ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence that 色虎视频 and its German partners share. Current 色虎视频 faculty member Dr. Mo Torfeh has been a part of the exchange program from the beginning. Dr. Torfeh is a professor of electrical and computer engineering specializing in automotive electronic control systems, electric vehicle propulsion, and solar photovoltaic energy systems. Torfeh has also served as the faculty coordinator for the Baden-Wuerttemberg program. 鈥溕⑹悠� students who participate in the exchange learn skills that are very beneficial for when everything's getting global. We have to work with all kinds of cultures,鈥� said Torfeh. 鈥淭he German students benefit from the opportunity to strengthen their English skills. And all of the students build strong connections and friendships with one another.鈥� Torfeh has also served as the faculty coordinator for the Baden-Wuerttemberg program. In that role, he advises 色虎视频 ECE students who want to participate in the exchange. Dr. Torfeh also coordinates research projects for German students who wish to complete their master's thesis while at 色虎视频.

Another 色虎视频 faculty member, Dr. Jungme Park, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, specializes in environmental perception for autonomous driving and the optimization of deep neural networks for artificial intelligence and serves as a research advisor for German students.

As we look to the future, the symposium in Konstanz symbolizes the continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of research and fostering global academic relationships. It is thanks to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved that the collaboration has become a shining example of what can be achieved through international cooperation.

from the week of events in Germany.

色虎视频 awarded 418 bachelor's and 163 master's degrees during its 2024 commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 15, setting the stage for these graduates to take on roles as leaders and innovators in a breadth of industries and areas ranging from mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, to AI and sustainability. Since its founding in 1919, 色虎视频 has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, 色虎视频 students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation. They also continue to command the highest starting salaries in Michigan, as evidenced by a multi-year standing at the top of SmartAsset鈥檚 list.

The 色虎视频 Class of 2024 has shown a unique ability to adapt and thrive in its post-secondary educational career that, for many, started amid the COVID pandemic. 鈥溕⑹悠� stands out among all of higher education as an institution that provides the very best education and career preparation combined, and these graduates embody the concept of mastery that underlies our entire educational model,鈥� University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan said. 鈥淭his world needs their talents and abilities, their energy, their service, their determined focus, and their spirit. They have navigated college years through turbulent and uncertain times - but also with grace, grit, and resilience. And they have done so successfully.鈥� 

The Celebration of the Class of 2024 started the night before Commencement with the Academic Honors Banquet on June 14. The invitation-only event recognized several groups of graduates. Some of the 色虎视频 Class of 2024 graduates honored at last week鈥檚 Honors Banquet include:

Kimberly Linnette Betty, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Flint, Michigan, is a 2024 Sobey Scholar, an award that honors her outstanding scholarship and leadership on and off campus. Betty鈥檚 association with 色虎视频 began as a high school student participating in the Academically Interested Minds (AIM) pre-college program. While a 色虎视频 student, Betty participated in the Co-op program at Lear Corporation, leading the effort to build a cost-efficient battery distribution unit prototype that reduced supply costs by 20%. On campus, Betty was instrumental in reactivating the 色虎视频 Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Off-campus, Betty spent time as a Kagle Leader, tutoring Flint High School students in physics.

Henry Warren Grasman, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Computer Engineering, Flushing, Michigan, is a 2024 President鈥檚 Medalist, demonstrating extraordinary professionalism during Co-op employment and in the classroom while contributing to 色虎视频 and the surrounding community. Grasman has been part of the General Motors Global Product Development Engineering Co-op since July 2020. Grasman accepted an offer to join GM full-time after graduation, making him a candidate for the MEDC鈥檚 Michigander Scholars Program, awarding him a $10,000 scholarship. While working for GM, Grasman earned an Intellectual Property Award for Patent No. US 118992308 B2, Uncertainty-based Map Visualizations for Directing Vehicles. This is just one of the multiple patents and trade secrets he has contributed to through his Co-op assignments and thesis work. Grasman is also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, participating in many philanthropic activities on campus and in the greater Flint community.

Thomas Weldon Sprecher III, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Computer Engineering, M.S. Electrical Engineering, Marietta, Georgia, is also a 2024 President鈥檚 Medalist and 2024 Sobey Scholar. While completing a Bachelor鈥檚 degree with double majors and a Master鈥檚 degree simultaneously through 色虎视频s bachelor鈥檚 to master鈥檚 pathway, Sprecher performed his Co-op employment with PassiveBolt LLC, a start-up company founded by two 色虎视频 alumni. While there, he was instrumental in designing several printed circuit boards for PassiveBolt鈥檚 smart home security systems. Sprecher has also worked on campus as an Electrical and Computer Engineering Assistant Lab Coordinator since 2021 and assisted with Dr. Allan Taylor鈥檚 OpenRoad project, building portable range boosters for electric vehicles.

Alexandra Lakota Kekel, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Grand Blanc, Michigan, earned a 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award for her work during her Co-op employment at Munro & Associates Inc. in Troy, Michigan. As is sometimes the case when working on high-level projects and emerging technology, the company deemed her thesis confidential. Her Faculty Advisor, Dr. Bashar AbdulNour, said Kekel鈥檚 309-page report is one of the most technically valuable and best thesis he had ever seen. Kekel was also employed at Stryker in Portage, Michigan, where she was a Co-op student and now works full-time.

Lauryn Nicole Tithof, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Owosso, Michigan, earned a 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award for her work 鈥淯niversalized H-Point Process鈥� under Faculty Advisor Dr. Scott Grasman while in the Co-op program at Lear Corporation. Her thesis project replaced manual H-point testing with a semi-automated process that improved efficiency by as much as 84% and reduced the risk of injury by 100%. Tithof also embodies the spirit of innovation, having launched her own small business, SneakArt Shoes, while still in high school. She is also a member of 色虎视频鈥檚 Industrial Engineering, Management, General Engineering, and Mathematical Honor Societies.

Commencement Speaker Sean McBurney 鈥�03 Celebrates 色虎视频 Graduates With 鈥淥ne Last Sneaky Assignment鈥�

A business leader who rolled the dice on a non-traditional application of his Mechanical Engineering education and now leads the Las Vegas region of one the world鈥檚 preeminent resort brands, 色虎视频 alumnus Sean McBurney 鈥�03 (Mechanical Engineering) delivered the 2024 Commencement address. McBurney oversees nine casino resort properties as Regional President of Caesars Entertainment. With responsibility for 26,000 hotel rooms, McBurney ensures these large-scale operations deliver high service levels through robust processes and quality-control systems 鈥� skills rooted in his 色虎视频 education.

鈥淚 quickly learned crafting a commencement address is daunting,鈥� McBurney said. 鈥淭here are awesome expectations surrounding commencement addresses. As I put pen to paper, I oddly felt like I was back in the classroom. The last sneaky assignment from 色虎视频, 20 years after graduation.鈥� His advice to graduates? 鈥淵our success is limited only by your imagination,鈥� McBurney said. 鈥淚 had an extraordinary education here. You have had an extraordinary education here. You have developed a skillset, discipline, and experience that can set you on virtually any career path you desire.鈥�

色虎视频 conferred McBurney with an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration during the 2024 Commencement ceremony. McBurney began his 色虎视频 career as a Co-op student with General Motors, working in Lordstown, Ohio, as well as Warren and Detroit, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from 色虎视频 in 2003 and attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business before joining Caesars Entertainment in 2006 as a Casino Marketing Manager. In the nearly two decades since then, McBurney has worn many hats in the Caesars organization before taking on his current role as Regional President in 2021. As Regional President, he is responsible for overseeing hotel, gaming, food and beverage, retail, surveillance, security operations, marketing, and human resources operations for the company鈥檚 nine properties in the Las Vegas region, and over the last two years, the region set an all-time revenue record.

For photos of 色虎视频鈥檚 Commencement:

Eleven 色虎视频 students joined nearly 1,200 students from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to compete at the 2024 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas, from April 20 through April 23.

色虎视频 students earned three test medals, one presentation medal, three finalist medals, and a third-place finish.

Morgan Main ('24, Mechanical Engineering) earned a presentation medal, a finalist medal, and the 3rd place award in Restaurant and Food Service Management.

Ethan Arun ('27, Computer Science) and Ben Bollman ('27, Mechanical Engineering) received finalist medals and a top 10 finish in the Entertainment Marketing team event.

Skyler Chinn ('24, Industrial Engineering) received a test medal in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising.

Ralph Mancini ('25, Chemical Engineering) and Adam Meyer ('25, Mechanical Engineering) earned test medals in Travel and Tourism.

Other 色虎视频 DECA participants at the conference included the B-Section President, Jack Sigelko ('25, Computer Engineering), Joshua Parker ('27, Mechanical Engineering), Crystal Smalligan ('24, Management), Meadow Loukmas ('26, Mechanical Engineering), and Ally Raymer ('27, Mechanical Engineering).

The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) by DECA is a premier event where teams showcase their business expertise and compete to become international champions. The conference also features networking opportunities, career exhibits, and exclusive activities that enhance the professional growth of all attendees.

鈥�

色虎视频 students are working on ways to make school buses safer.

The team is in the fourth year of a five-year project with Navistar, an Illinois-based manufacturer of school buses and semi trucks. This year, the 色虎视频 team is developing the automation of vehicle sensing behavior capabilities to classify human transient behavior to detect when a child and/or an article of a child鈥檚 clothing is pinched in the bus door, to automate passenger counting, and to detect bullying and other dangerous passenger situations.

Students are using artificial intelligence, algorithms, and models to develop a low-cost platform to take photos of the children and keep a count to report to the driver, ensuring the drivers don鈥檛 leave students on the bus when they park and leave the garage for the day. Other artificial intelligence-based software will detect if a child and/or their backpack or clothing is in the danger zone of getting pinched in the door.

So far, Navistar is pleased with the students鈥� work.

鈥淭his is thinking outside of the box,鈥� said Dr. Teik-Khoon Tan, Navistar Senior Technical Specialist. 鈥淲e need innovation, so our strategy is to partner with universities. Without it, we lack other innovative perspectives. 色虎视频 students, the learning and growth are very high. I鈥檓 very impressed.鈥�

He praised Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh for his 鈥渉igh emotional quotient鈥� or ability to understand others鈥� emotions.

鈥淸Zadeh] listens, and [the students] can learn what our customer really needs,鈥� Tan said. 鈥淟isten to what our pain points are so we can be in a good marriage. This is a perfect marriage. I鈥檓 very glad.鈥�

In the first three years of the partnership, students worked on autonomous sensors and video, segmentation and behavioral learning.

鈥淎ll of this is part of artificial intelligence, and now we鈥檙e getting into behavioral learning when you step into the bus. They will know who you are, when you鈥檙e bullying kids,鈥� Tan said, noting the system will know this behavior is inappropriate.

Instead of using computers, the team uses recycled cell phones to capture the data, which is a cost-efficient way to provide customers with the safety applications they need. 

鈥淭his is important for production because we don鈥檛 have to redevelop everything off the shelf,鈥� Tan said.  

He and Noah Wilson, advanced technology engineer at Navistar, have been working with the team.

鈥淭he students are very bright and clearly hardworking,鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淧retty much all of the work has been done by the students. We鈥檝e been in more of an advisory role.鈥�

Amanuel Weldemichael (鈥�23, CE) has been working on the automatic passenger counter portion of the project.

鈥淚 am interested in [Advanced Driver Assistance Systems] ADAS and autonomous vehicle solutions,鈥� he said.

His biggest challenge has been using well-known models on edge devices for real-time applications.鈥�  

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