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Part 4 of 9

College of Science & Engineering develops students' skills to industry specs.

When the Minnesota operations of Emerson, a global automation and engineering firm, are looking for new talent, they know where to start: the College of Science and Engineering at St. Cloud State University (SCSU).

"It's a growing problem to attract the right talent," said Bob Weinberger, design engineer with Emerson. "We work closely with [SCSU] and provide input into the curriculum so that the students are learning the key concepts that are important to our industry."

Emerson's involvement is hands-on as well, sponsoring students' projects and sending engineers to evaluate their work. The students even get a chance to work on real-world problems Emerson's clients encounter.

The arrangement is a win-win: St. Cloud State engineering students get real-world experience, and Emerson gets a steady source of skilled graduates. Weinberger should know: As a graduate of the university in 1997, he said, "SCSU really helped me be prepared to work, not only understanding the core concepts of engineering, but also to work in teams."

A Cross-Functional Engineering Approach

That same approach can be found across the College of Science and Engineering (COSE), said Dr. Maureen Tubbiola, associate dean of the college. "We have nine departments within our college," she said, encompassing about 2,500 students. "All of our engineering programs require students to do a culminating project in connection with an industry need."

SCSU believes in and fosters cross-pollination. It offers degrees in natural sciences, many engineering programs and one of the nation's few Meteorology programs. By design, these students mix and mingle regularly to benefit from sharing their developing expertise within their science and engineering disciplines.

 

It is time to look to the future. We want to make sure that as a state university, we are serving our community."


 

That mixing happens at the 100,000 square-foot Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility, or ISELF. The building provides access to the resources and knowledge to conduct research and work on projects, and includes laboratories, workstations, clean rooms and space to engage.

Students also mix with others at the university and receive a rounded educational experience, including arts, literature and more. This approach embodies the university's It's Time initiative, St. Cloud State's effort to redefine its role preparing students for dynamic careers.

"We are really excited about It's Time because we really believe it is time," said Dr. Tubbiola. "It is time to look to the future. We want to make sure that as a state university, we are serving our community," including students and employers.

Hands-On Experience Helps Students Hit the World Running

In the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs, Dr. Yi Zheng, an expert in embedded systems and former department chair, has helped guide and teach students since 1987.

"We design our curriculum with active learning classes, to help develop critical thinking and problem solving," said Dr. Zheng. In higher level courses, "some of these classes have no homework, they are entirely lab-based and project-based. And in the senior level, students work on an industry-sponsored project, designed from scratch."

The embedded systems that are the focus of Dr. Zheng's students are fully-functioning systems, consisting of a circuit board, power supply, wiring, and components including computer chips and integrated chips, necessary to achieve the project objective, and the software to run it. These projects are a source of pride and statement of capability for students. Some current senior projects include:

 

SCSU really helped me be prepared to work, not only understanding the core concepts of engineering, but also to work in teams."


 

Designed to Solve Big Problems

The reputation and reach of COSE is extensive. Businesses with engineering challenges across the country request assistance from the SCSU labs, and SCSU students work directly with faculty, technology and other university resources to identify solutions.

Emerson sees big challenges like those as part of what the company needs to solve as well. "Technology is increasing in everyday life," said Weinberger. "Safety is always important. Providing greener solutions is a top priority. Being able to manufacture things more efficiently, quickly and safely requires engineers of multiple different backgrounds."

"One of the phrases we like to use at Emerson is, 'Consider it solved,'" continued Weinberger. "What we see in St. Cloud State graduates is they're ready to do just that as soon as they come on board."

Faculty and Students Collaborate on Industry Projects in State-of-the-Art Facilities

 

Read more It's Time

Discover more stories about how St. Cloud State is redefining what it means to be a university.

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It's Time

The world has changed. In higher education, It's Time for a new approach. At St. Cloud State, we've reimagined higher education and have redefined what it means to be a state university. It's Time to meet St. Cloud State.

With an enhanced focus on students and their success, we're providing a world-class education to ensure they graduate prepared for a career on day one. Students are at the heart of St. Cloud State experience and work closely with professors, even conducting academic research.

It's Time emphasizes fields that are important to our state, its citizens and its businesses. This has led St. Cloud State to focus on excelling in the fields of engineering and applied science, holistic health and wellness, education and leadership.

As University President Robbyn Wacker says, "It's Time recognizes and builds upon our institutional strengths, forward-thinking research, and academic excellence as we identify new and innovative ways to serve our students and state."

More about It's Time

Being a Husky is about belonging and contributing to something greater.

With relevant, real-world academic experiences in a vibrant, inclusive and diverse campus community, our students are having an impact.

Learn about Our Husky Experience

Rediscover St. Cloud State University

95% graduates employed within their field within one year of graduation

Top 10 most military friendly® schools in the nation

20:1 Student to Faculty ratio with 95% of classes taught by professors

At St. Cloud State, we're on a mission to unleash ideas, imagination, purpose, drive and passion. We're on a mission to unleash all that's within you.

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Protect the Pack safety protocols were employed based on community safety conditions and the rate of transmission of Covid during the filming of the stories in this series.