iFoundry to celebrate early successes at iExpo

Charles L. Tucker III, associate dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering works closely with iFoundry. He believes that iFoundry is a program that operates well around change and innovation.

“iFoundry is an innovation center. It has very unique ideas, clear articulation and substantive thought for engineering education.,” Tucker said.

iFoundry--short for the Illinois Foundry for Innovation in Engineering Education--admitted its first class of students last spring, and currently has 77 freshman split into four iTeams, all of which look to further their engineering education. The teams have been working closely all year, and each of the four teams has at least two faculty advisors, two graduate students who help mentor and at least one corporate executive who looks to assist and encourage their respective teams either in person or through phone conferences.

“The teams have been given the freedom to come up with their own semester-long goals and the ability to use iFoundry staff as resources,” explained David E. Goldberg, a professor in industrial and enterprise systems engineering and co-director of iFoundry. “They presented in front of the entire iCommunity at iCheckpoint in mid-October, and each group displayed their advancements in four categories: world of work, service, academics and identity. Teams not only displayed their ideas and accomplishments but also the friendships and sense of community they have found.”

Goldberg and iFoundry co-director Raymond L. Price, along with various staff members, meet with the students on a weekly basis. The students are divided up by their educational interests into four iTeams, Art and Engineering Design, Technical and Innovative Planning Services, Entrepreneurial Innovation and Engineering in Service to Society. Each iTeam is assigned two faculty members, at least two graduate students and one corporate executive who work closely with the team, either in person or through phone conferences, on a regular basis. Each iTeam also elects an iChair to lead the group throughout the semester.

Along with establishing teamwork, iFoundry students strive to grow in four areas: world of work, service, academics and identity. iTeams meet on a regular basis and are encouraged to plan social events and grow as a team. The iTeams serve as a support system for the students and foster the highest level of success possible.

“iFoundry has been instrumental in connecting me with faculty all over campus. It is the ultimate networking locus!” said Kevin Wolz, iChair for the Engineering in Service to Society iTeam.

“iFoundry really builds and brings to life undergraduate education and works towards innovation and creativity,” said Price.

“My favorite aspect of iFoundry is the club meeting dubbed the ‘iCommunity,’” said Kevin Armstrong, iChair for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation iTeam. “It is here that engineers across departments convene and express shared infatuations. The iCommunity acts as an incubator for all your wildest invention ideas.”

On December 2, the entire iCommunity will come back together again to see what the iTeams have accomplished. iExpo will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the
iHotel and Conference Center, 1900 South First Street, Champaign). Many professors and College of Engineering administration will be in attendance. Corporate sponsors have been invited as well and iFoundry looks forward to welcoming representatives from State Farm, Motorola and IBM. iFoundry students have worked all semester to achieve their goals and iFoundry is excited to see the results of it’s inaugural class.
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Contact: Karen Hyman, associate director, iFoundry, 217/244-3824.

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, Engineering Communications Office, 217/244-7716, editor.