WSU Vancouver Receives Gift from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
The School of Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University Vancouver was awarded a grant of $240,500 towards the creation of computer science and mechanical engineering labs.
This grant will enable WSU Vancouver faculty to increase the integration of modern/emerging technologies; create longitudinal learning experiences so that interdisciplinary concepts can be revisited sequentially throughout a student's learning career; implement a student-centered educational model with increased hands-on experiences; respond to local industry's needs; and expand an outreach program to expose pre-college youth to engineering and computer science.
WSU Vancouver's School of Engineering and Computer Science (ENCS) is an academic unit of the WSU College of Engineering and Architecture which houses the engineering and computer science programs located at WSU Vancouver. With its equipped classrooms and laboratories, small class sizes and research faculty, the program provides a stimulating environment for education and research. Currently, WSU Vancouver offers bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science.
"The grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will allow us to significantly enhance our engineering and computer science programs through curricular reform and state-of-the-art laboratories. With the help of this funding, we will be able to implement specialization option tracks in mechatronics, design and manufacturing and micro/nano technology in our mechanical engineering program. Furthermore, we will implement a course sequence on mobile computing and networking in our computer science program. It enables WSU Vancouver to continue to provide Southwest Washington with well-educated graduates who are important to the continued economic development of the region and the state. Additionally, their leadership in funding our labs helped us create strong partnerships with local industries," states School Director, Hakan Gurocak, Ph.D. The grant was co-authored by Drs. Hakan Gurocak, Scott Wallace, Linda Chen, Amir Jokar, and Dave Kim.