Manufacturing and Engineering Education

If you missed the movie "The King's Speech," you need to see it. It's an artistic success. There is a sub-theme, though. There were many "proper" Englishmen who had training and certification to treat speaking problems. The future King George VI, though, sought out an unorthodoxly trained, uncertified Australian. Of course, it worked.

Don't let that theme get extrapolated too far afield, though. Certification can mean something significant. Just evaluate the person, too, not just the paper. But even without the "paper," the therapist was trained.

Today, we need many more young people trained both in "book" knowledge and practical, reflective experience. There are technology companies and foundations working on that problem. Here are a couple of recent examples.

National Instruments

National Instruments has developed a Student Design Competition. It is now open for submissions. This is a worldwide contest showcasing innovative student projects that integrate NI LabView and other NI technologies to engineer a better world. NI will select the top four projects and fly two members from each student team to Austin, Texas to attend NIWeek 2011. The grand prize winning team will be announced at the conference and receive $2,000. Additionally, the winning project will be highlighted at the Graphical System Design Achievement Awards.

SME Education Foundation

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers has developed the SME Education Foundation, not for political lobbying, but for helping kids. I just received a release from the Foundation that essentially details some of its accomplishments. Perhaps your organization or company can get ideas for similar work.

The release cites a recent study by the Kauffman Foundation that found that in any given year, the top-performing one percent of firms is generating roughly 40 percent of all new jobs. The SME Education Foundation accelerated its efforts through relationships with this one percent of major companies to deliver its STEM-based programs and expand job growth. Managing an $18 million endowment, Foundation Director, Bart A. Aslin and his five person staff are changing public perception of manufacturing with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-based education programs the result of a series of highly successful collaborations with business and industry over the past 30 years.

As the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to report U.S. unemployment levels above 9 percent, the SME Education Foundation accelerated its Planned Giving efforts. A direct mail program targets five distinct audience segments ranging from ages 25-40 to those in the 70-plus age group (many of whom have benefited from successful careers in manufacturing). The Planned Giving program encourages support for the Foundation’s Gateway Academy, Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Program offering courses in high schools and its critically important SME Education Foundation Scholarship Program.

Today, more than ever, companies clearly understand their organization’s vitality and long-term sustainability are dependent on being able to hire technically skilled workers. Committed and more knowledgeable, they are making long-term investments in the Foundation’s STEM-based programs and encouraging entrepreneurial small business partners to join them.

Working with Bart Aslin, Grant Writer and Fund Developer, Peggy McIntyre, identifies strategically compatible organizations interested in financially supporting the Foundation’s many programs. In 2010, funding for scholarships, youth programs and capital equipment for schools included support from the Andersen Foundation, Gene Haas Foundation, Siemens PLM Software and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME).

Students and their parents have benefited of career direction and financial support through the Foundation’s Scholarship Program. Program Officer, Kathleen Carter, who has worked with Foundation’s Scholarship Committees since 1998, has seen over $4.2 million dollars in financial aid granted through its various scholarship programs. Advancements in technology, enjoyed by consumers today, has increased awareness and generated excitement, and as the economy improves— about careers in advanced manufacturing.

Last year, a gift of $270,000 established the new Walter E. Panse Scholarship, honoring the memory of a Michigan tool and die executive. “Our scholarship committee represents all levels of manufacturing, “says Carter. “They are very aware of the challenges facing aspiring engineers and in many cases arrived at their own present position because of a scholarship. They consider scholarships an investment in the future of manufacturing and evaluate applications accordingly.”

A $150,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation is helping qualified students interested in machine operation and maintenance coursework. In addition to supporting the Haas Machining Scholarship, these dollars also funded the introduction of the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Centers at 400 Project Lead The Way schools across the country which engage other industry partners and SME Chapters.

In 2010, $382,250 in scholarships was awarded to 140 students in the United States and Canada ranging from a minimum $1,000 to $70,000. These students are now able to take advantage of career opportunities opening in emerging technology and advanced manufacturing. Carter encourages students to visit the website at www.smeef.org where more than 45 different scholarships are available. The deadline for 2011 scholarship applications closes on February 1, 2011.

The SME Education Foundation’s Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) course has reached 2,000 students in 25 states where CIM classes are currently taught. Funded states included Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Requests for funding reflect high unemployment rates. With the exception of seven states, each of the remaining 18 states has a current unemployment rate of eight to 12 percent.

Laurie Maxson, director of the Foundation’s youth programs, and an award-winning teacher and former Career and Technical Education Director for Project Lead The Way (PLTW), successfully served as a conduit between PLTW and the SME Education Foundation. Her involvement helped secure financial support and in-kind donations from organizations such as 3M, Intel and the Kauffman Foundation, making it possible for the Foundation to offer STEM-based youth programs. Today, she is working to identify PLTW schools interested in offering the CIM program.

Attention to detail in managing the SME Education Foundation’s myriad programs is Christine Milantoni, program coordinator, who has worked at the Foundation for nearly ten years, and who brings a parent’s eye to the program. Monitoring the Foundation’s website, including its Manufacturing is Cool and CareerMe.org web sites; she is available to students seeking information on applying for a scholarship best suited to their background and interest.

Other sites are advanced manufacturing careers and the Website for young people,Manufacturing is Cool.

FIRST Robotics Kicks Off 20th Season of Competition

Set your reservations now for the finals of the FIRST Robotics competition in St. Louis April 27-30. The organization that does so much to promote engineering among students of all levels just kicked off its 20th season of robotic competition. Inventor Dean Kamen was joined by luminaries to Help FIRST kick off its season. Best-Selling author Neal Bascomb explained how FIRST has become "The New Cool." Check out the schedule and try to make it to a competition. Last year I ran out of time. This year, I'll plan it into my schedule.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was joined by public figures to launch the 20th season of the FIRST Robotics Competition with a worldwide Kickoff event originating from Manchester, N.H.

The 2011 season will include an estimated 2,200 teams (over 45,000 high-school students) participating in 57 Regional and District events. All teams will be shown the 2011 robotics game field and challenge for the first time and will receive an exciting, new Kit of Parts made up of motors, batteries, a control system, and a mix of automation components – but no instructions. Teams will have six weeks to design and build robots to meet this year’s engineering challenge.

Dignitaries and public figures from across the nation will deliver remarks, including:
-- Hon. John Lynch, Governor of New Hampshire;
-- Walt P. Havenstein, Chairman, FIRST Board of Directors & CEO of SAIC;
-- Neal Bascomb, Author, “The New Cool;”
-- Amir Abo-Shaeer, Teacher and MacArthur Foundation Fellow (and subject of book on FIRST);
-- Robin Saitz, Senior Vice President Solutions Marketing and Communications, PTC;
-- Dr. Woodie Flowers, Chairman, FIRST Executive Advisory Board & Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, MIT;
-- Bill Miller, Director, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC);
-- Dave Lavery, Program Executive, NASA;
-- Jon Dudas, FIRST President;
-- Dean Kamen, President, DEKA Research and Development Corp., and Founder, FIRST; and
-- Special Guests

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an annual competition that challenges high-school students – working alongside professional Mentors – to design and build a robot of their own, and compete in a 'Sport for the Mind' that measures the effectiveness of each robot, the power of teamwork and collaboration, and Gracious Professionalism. Students build and program their own robots against a field of competitors and experience the excitement of science, engineering, technology and innovation.

Education, Perspective, Yahoo, Jobs

Is Yahoo shutting Delicious? I have been using it to save Web pages to search later. Just exported them just in case. Now, I'm worried about Flickr where I have lots of photos to share.

Thomas Hawk on Flickr, Yahoo's misuse of it, and Carol Bartz.

National Instruments has been named to another list of the best places to work.

I don't run an employment agency, but I have a couple of friends who are excellent in their fields and looking for new projects. One is an EH&S engineer and the other is a respected MOM/MES implementation guru. If you are looking for someone, send me a note and I'll fix you up. I don't get a commission or anything. Just know a few people.

Are you a boring daddy? This article should make all of us connected geeks pause and regain perspective on our lifestyles.

Even while I was in university, I made it a goal to be a true "liberal arts" person. That means continuous learning--and having the confidence that I can learn anything if I just provide the work to do it (I've learned much more math, for instance, since graduating than before. Just think of the GPA I could have had...). Jim Cahill has a blog post about continual learning. He has an Emerson-centric point-of-view, but that's OK. The advice is excellent.

Automation Acquisitions and Useful Links

Yesterday, ABB announced its purchase of Baldor. That acquisition fits exactly with its stated directions--filling out its product line strategically (in this case more on the discrete than process side of automation), extending its product line into power and energy areas (efficient motors and variable frequency drives can reduce electric consumption significantly for a manufacturer) with the added bonus of giving ABB a significant distribution and sales channel in the US. I have maintained that this is the kind of acquisition ABB would make (arguing privately that acquiring Rockwell Automation makes no sense), but I'm kicking myself for not seeing that Baldor was the perfect fit.

On another note, I've been on SquareSpace for about a year now and decided to look at some ways to improve the site. I've changed themes trying for a little clarity and simplicity of appearance. There are a few things I still want to do when I get some spare time a little later.

I used to read Embedded Systems Programming magazine cover-to-cover and loved Jack Ganssle's columns on math. I just noticed his column on this Web site--and this is worth pondering. Is math essential for students? Some professor thinks not. You need certain amounts of math just to live economically in today's society. But more than that, I think math is a way of thinking. It teaches you a disciplined, logical approach to thought that is essential to a successful intellectual life. What do you think?

The new-age self-help gurus are all over setting goals. It's December, so it's goal-setting time for the new year. Except, when it's not. I've been through all those classes and lectures. I've come to share the outlook that Leo espouses in this essay about achieving without goals. Find your passion. Do it. Hmmm.

Michael Hyatt hit a trifecta of good posts in the last month or so. Here are some suggestions on clearing your desk, clearing your mind. Boy, do I need to do that. Why do leaders exist? Answer that in your mind, then check out his post. Something for you to focus on this coming year. Where are you most productive? Probably not in the office. I like going outside in the summer. Panera Bread. Even McDonalds. Watch the video, it's interesting. Oh, and watch out for those M&Ms (managers and meetings) that interfere with work.

Finally, here's a post from Garr Reynolds at Presentation Zen on education. Great presentation on the need for connection and engagement in education. Watch the video, too. Then pass this around. I agree wholeheartedly with this one. Wish it could really get propagated.

Learn by Doing

How did you learn engineering and process control? I learned electronics (and many other things such as playing guitar and changing brakes on an MG) through a parallel system of building circuits and studying theory--how to read schematics, do voltage and current calculations and the like.

Recently I had a conversation with Invensys Operations Management Vice President Peter Martin about the demise, yet the necessity, of experiential learning. I'm sure I'd have completed my EE if I could have built circuits along with learning the math and physics. I just lost interest. I wonder how many other potential engineers are lost because we've become a nation of book-learners (read and regurgitate) rather than a nation of builders.

Here is a Website, the Dumb Little Man, whose essay here is Why You Should Learn by Doing. Here are a few tidbits to whet your appetite:

• You gain a better understanding of what it actually means to do the activity
• You'll know if you actually like the activity or not
• You know what you can tweak
• You get a deeper understanding of the subject
• It promotes critical thinking