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Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences Roundup
Academic Roundup
“It’s my sense that the stats have remained pretty consistent since our study,” Dr. McGrade said. “For the study, we interviewed alumni from the chapter and analyzed the transcripts to find the characteristics of NSBE that helped sustain them through their studies. The interviews always returned to themes of family, confidence and pride—themes that resonate with current members.”
NSBE still strong after 16 years
Indiana Tech’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was founded in 2006 to provide a supportive community for Black engineering students so that they stay in school and graduate. Sixteen years later, Indiana Tech’s NSBE chapter is still successfully fulfilling its mission.
In February, the chapter held its annual banquet; this event is a fundraiser, but it has also become a celebratory comingtogether for the members of this tight-knit student organization.
“Within NSBE, students are able to provide the support to one another that is needed when you are part of a minoritized population, as there are additional pressures and stressors when one is not part of the majority population,” said chapter faculty advisor and professor of English, Dr. Susan McGrade. “Because of that, NSBE members form strong bonds, like family members. They always support and lift up one another.”
One of the most active student organizations on campus, NSBE’s activities are guided by its mission statement: “To increase the number of culturally-responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” Its members meet weekly to engage in professional development programming, organize fundraising activities and plan community service activities such as events with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne. “NSBE provides networks and opportunities to students who otherwise aren’t a part of existing networks,” Dr. McGrade said. “Members provide space for study groups, share helpful information about classes and create a network of alumni and current students who are aware of opportunities for internships, scholarships and jobs.” Most importantly, NSBE affiliation is helping Indiana Tech’s Black engineering students stay in school and graduate. In 2016, Dr. McGrade and Dr. Monique (Anderson) Ross, the academic advisor for Indiana Tech’s first NSBE chapter, did a research study on the chapter for a presentation at the American Society of Engineering Education conference. Their study showed that 82 percent of Black engineering students who were NSBE members graduated
within six years, compared to only 7.7 percent of Black engineering students who were not NSBE members. “Being a part of NSBE means being a part of a community that symbolizes growth, belonging and family,” said John Iluno, programs chair of Tech’s NSBE chapter. “My career as a mechanical engineer has been positively impacted by my experience with NSBE.” Chapter president, “Being a part of Cherokee Bodell, has been positively NSBE means being impacted, as well. a part of a community “I’ve been able to develop that symbolizes growth, bonds with members of my chapter and see belonging and family.” people who look like me experiencing success and JOHN ILUNO, being leaders in their NSBE PROGRAMS CHAIR fields,” she said. While the themes that draw members toward NSBE remain constant, every class adds something new to the chapter’s legacy. “It is incredible to watch every chapter find an area of improvement and then make its mark,” Dr. McGrade said. “Sometimes it’s through fundraising. Sometimes it’s through recruitment. Sometimes it’s through achievements like having back-to-back debate champions (2017, 2018), or being the National Retention Chapter of the Year (2020). "Every year I am a part of this, I am fortunate enough to learn from students,” she added. “It is a different world when you begin to put yourself in a capacity to learn from those around you, especially those whose experiences, perspectives and positionalities are different from your own.”
WHAT NSBE HAS MEANT TO ME:
It has contributed to my professional growth by allowing me to interact with different companies and colleges that are present at our regional and national conventions. I’ve been able to develop bonds with members of my chapter and see people who look like me experiencing success and being leaders in their fields.
Cherokee Bodell
CHAPTER PRESIDENT NSBE has given me a place to express my creativity and ideas outside of the classroom, while also giving me multiple tools to excel academically and succeed professionally.
Darrell Martin
VICE PRESIDENT Being a part of NSBE means being a part of a community that symbolizes growth, belonging and family. My career as a mechanical engineer has been positively impacted by my experience with NSBE.
John Iluno
PROGRAMS CHAIR I have been part of long-term family that has put me in the right direction professionally, socially and academically. The things that I’ve learned in NSBE, the connections I’ve made and positions I have held have prepared me for the future.
Victor Njemanze
BANQUET COORDINATOR
Mechatronics and robotics engineering program starts this fall
Indiana Tech announced in February it will begin offering a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering. Coursework for the new degree program will begin in August. Visit ind.tc/ mechatronics-bs to learn more about the program.
The field of mechatronics and robotics engineering integrates mechanical, electrical and computer engineering in the design of products and manufacturing processes. Mechatronics and robotics engineering revolves around the design, construction and operation of automated and robotics systems, which result from the integration of software and hardware. As automation and autonomous machines become increasingly important in society, so does the need for professionals who are proficient in this discipline. As such, mechatronic and robotics engineers are needed in a wide range of fields including manufacturing, construction, aerospace and telecommunications.
“The availability of well-trained professionals is paramount to fulfilling the hiring needs of area manufacturing and automotive companies—many of which significantly impact the region’s economy. That was the impetus for the creation of this program,” said Dr. Ying Shang, dean of Indiana Tech’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. “University research forecasts a notable regional demand for mechatronics professionals over the next five years due to the rapid growth of automation, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and robotics leading the digital transformation during Industry 4.0.”
In 2021, Indiana Tech surveyed 19 regional employers; of them, 84 percent anticipate hiring between one and 15 mechatronics professionals over the next five years, while 11 percent will hire between 15 and 50.
