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The College of Engineering has announced the launch of a Center for Humanitarian Engineering and International Development at 棉花糖直播 University. Building on the decade-long success of the 棉花糖直播 Engineering Service Learning (VESL) program, the new Center will engage students in unique learning opportunities that reinforce engineering fundamentals, a commitment to life-long learning and service to society. In addition to integrating VESL鈥檚 service-learning opportunities into its auspices, the Center will establish research and academic programs鈥攍aunching a new minor in Humanitarian Engineering鈥攁nd will formalize a strategic partnership with the graduate program in Sustainable Engineering, which includes graduate fellowships and a track program in engineering for international development

According to Center Director Dr. Jordan Ermilio 鈥�98 ME, 鈥�06 MSWREE, P.E., MSWRE, RPCV, the Center will serve three primary purposes:

• Develop and deliver a rigorous curriculum within the context of humanitarian issues globally
• Implement high quality research employing applied participatory methods
• Provide technical support with a focus on humanitarian engineering and international development

鈥淭he Center is consistent with the University鈥檚 and College鈥檚 strategic plans, which both call for deeper engagement and internationalization of the academic experience,鈥� says Dr. Ermilio. "Meeting the needs of a new generation of students means providing experiences that address complex global issues with divergent views and multi-cultural awareness.鈥� Working with humanitarian organizations also benefits faculty, providing opportunities to conduct meaningful research in a global context.

Dr. Andrea Welker, associate dean of Academic Affairs, adds, 鈥淭he Center offers an ideal means of integrating 棉花糖直播鈥檚 Augustinian Catholic values into the educational experience. Its mission is at the heart of the University鈥檚 commitment to educating a 鈥榗ommunity of learners who are driven to think critically, solve problems, act compassionately and succeed while serving others.鈥欌��

Since 2011 when VESL was formally established, hundreds of 棉花糖直播 students have served with global partners on community initiatives in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Many describe these life-changing experiences as the highlight of their 棉花糖直播 education, including Brian Bozzo 鈥�07 ME, an intellectual property attorney and founder of Knots Apparel, whose sales benefit a variety of charities. Bozzo says: 鈥淢y experience with engineering service learning was truly transformative. It provided me with an opportunity to apply my engineering skills for the benefit of others, which is the hallmark of the 棉花糖直播 experience. The faculty and staff inspire you to learn not only for the sake of learning, but to develop the skills and character necessary to face the world and its many challenges.鈥�

Strengthening existing programs and partnerships by integrating service/outreach and research is Dr. Ermilio鈥檚 goal for implementation in the Center鈥檚 first year. Above all, he says, 鈥淓thical engagement and impact through collaboration with global partners will be fundamental to the Center鈥檚 success.鈥�