Experiential learning opportunites plentiful at Case School of Engineering
Undergrads mix action learning inside the classroom with real-world experiences outside
December 7, 2004 | For more information: Laura M. Massie (216)-368-4442
 Aside from their regular studies, undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Engineering have a variety of formal experiential learning options—including cooperative education programs, internships, on- and off-campus research opportunities and international programs—to choose from.
For example, roughly two-thirds of 2003 Case School of Engineering students completed at least one seven-month co-op assignment. The school has seen a steady increase in the number of co-op students in recent years. As one of only 11 such accredited programs in the country, the school’s experiential learning programs have alliances with more than 650 big-name businesses, including Accenture, BF Goodrich, General Electric, Goodyear, Hewlett-Packard, Honda of America, Intel, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
“The significance of this is not just that we place them, it’s where we place them,” said James D. McGuffin-Cawley, associate dean of undergraduate programs and Great Lakes Professor of Ceramic Engineering at Case. “Last year we had about 200 students at 100 companies in 43 different states and around the world. Our students go to the best possible opportunities out there.”
One important aspect of cooperative education is that it allows students to see how their classroom education relates to the real world.
This was certainly true in Megan Browdie’s case. The senior mechanical engineering major from Harrisburg, Pa., admits that she really didn’t understand the importance of her project management classes. That was before a spring-summer co-op at Rockwell’s Beta Drive facility in suburban Cleveland.
“The theories seemed kind of silly in the abstract,” she said. “Then I had to actually manage some projects. I definitely understand the importance now.”
Co-ops also allow students to make contact early on with prospective employers in their desired fields. In some cases, they can also help students determine if a field isn’t right for them. This is equally valuable, according to Browdie.
“I liked my experience at Rockwell, but I’m not sure now this type of work is for me,” she said. “I’m really glad I found that out now rather than after graduating and getting a full-time job.” Browdie thinks she may want to go to law school to practice patent law. She credits the Case co-op program for opening this door for her.
In addition to the practical work experience offered by the cooperative education program, engineering students also have a myriad of opportunities to participate in world-class research through the school’s undergraduate research program.
Nate Miller, a senior materials science and engineering major, has taken full advantage of research opportunities both on and off campus during his time at Case. In addition to a co-op at GE Aircraft Engines, the Lancaster, Ohio, native has participated in research projects for NASA and Stanford University. Miller believes that Case’s top-notch engineering faculty plays a big part in securing prime research opportunities for students.
“In addition to the help from Engineering Student Programs at Case, the professors in my department have provided great contacts,” Miller said.
Connections aside, Case School of Engineering faculty members performed more than $40 million in funded research of their own last year, and undergraduates got to see much of it firsthand.
“Roughly half of our faculty members have an undergraduate student as part of their team in the lab, and the majority of those have more than one,” said McGuffin-Cawley. He adds that Case faculty understand the needs of the undergraduate student and the special role they can play in the lab. “They’re not expected to have all the knowledge and skills of graduate students, but they can play an important role. And we’re not simply creating opportunities for them. This is research that is in the mainstream of what we’re doing here.”
Experiential learning success stories like those of Browdie and Miller are the rule than the exception at the School of Engineering, McGuffin-Cawley says.
“Each of our programs is thriving,” he said. “Our students don’t just learn, they experience education so they are prepared and engaged to serve humanity. That’s a core part of the vision of the university.”
While he credits the engineering student programs staff – led by Assistant Dean Debbie Fatica, co-op director Mary Rose Tichar and undergraduate research director Sheila Pedigo – for much of the success, McGuffin-Cawley stresses that it all comes back to the students.
“We could not sustain the relationships we have both on campus and around the world if our students weren’t doing the work,” he said. “People just wouldn’t want to bring them back. Our students routinely excel wherever they go. So when new students go out there, the Case name precedes them.”
About Case Western Reserve University
Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826
and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western
Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research,
service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally
recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering,
Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
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