Session: 11.1.2 - Advances in Fluids Engineering Education II

Paper Number: 158493

158493 - Bridging Academia and Industry: Translating Research Into Real-World Innovation 

Abstract: 

The study demonstrates a example of academia and industry collaboration in a mutual benefit way. The area of interets is in southwest Louisiana where McNeese State University is located. Extanded from the energy center of Houston, the area is home of many petrochemical industries, mostly downstream production facilities. The collaborations between industry and McNeese State University Engineering program has been fruitful. The University produces a significant amount of engineers with applied skills who can be smoothly transition to employment in the local industry. On the other hand, the industry is closely involved in engineering eduction in the University on curriculum development, hands-on training, and applied research project mentorshp, internship etc. The model is unique, and produced high quality engineering graduates who are welcomed in the practical world. 

In this prosentation, several example of the "Bridging" method will be presented and discussed the effectiveness using collected data. The examples include capstone senior design projects, graduate research projects, business incubators, community outreach, and curriculum development, etc. Also, the collaboration focues on several emerging research and development fields related to the industry, such as Liquified Nature Gas (LNG). Some discusses will be provided regarding the creation of an LNG center of Excellence in the campus.  

Presenting Author: Ning Zhang McNeese State University

Presenting Author Biography: Ph.D. Kansas State University