ConnectED - Summer 2018

INSIDE:

Summer 2018

>Encouraging Technology Education at Shawnee State >Univ. of Akron Listed among Top 100 Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents >Western Governors University Establishes WGU-Ohio >Students Commit to Earning OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal Through >AEP Internship Program

Volume 6 Issue 3

Photo: Sinclair College SUMMER 2018

3 School may be out for the summer, but the work to advance higher education opportunities for Ohioans never takes a break.

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This issue of ConnectED highlights some of the important ongoing efforts to help Ohioans pursue their higher education goals, including the official opening of WGU-Ohio - the latest state affiliate of Western Governors University, an online, competency-based university.

Three stories highlight new partnerships aimed at preparing Ohioans for jobs of the near future. One covers a roundup of programs related to the rapidly expanding unmanned aerial system, or drone, industry. Another features a career-preparedness program sponsored by American Electric Power to help high school students earn an OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal. The seal is a new formal designation for Ohio high school graduates who demonstrate that they’re ready for the next step on their career path, whether in the workforce or the postsecondary classroom. We also take a closer look at a new summer camp at Shawnee State University that helps middle school girls hone their STEM-related skills and learn about entrepreneurship.

Finally, we spotlight The University of Akron’s remarkable long-term success in turning campus research activities into valuable intellectual property. The university’s efforts were recently recognized in an international report.

We’re proud of all of the ways our campuses and businesses are working to stay ConnectED.

John Carey Chancellor, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Ohio Drone Programs Take Flight Multiple new UAS-related programs of study and research initiatives are taking flight at Ohio public institutions of higher education.

Encouraging Technology Education at Shawnee State Local middle school girls take part in a summer camp focused on immersive tech experiences.

University of Akron Listed among Top 100 Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents University of Akron ranks 60th worldwide according to a new report, Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patent in 2017.

Western Governors University Establishes WGU-Ohio

ODHE Chancellor John Carey announced a new partnership that establishes a new online affiliate.

Four Students Commit to Earning OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal Through AEP Internship Program

Students take part of a 10-week internship program and will receive mentoring from AEP employees.

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As unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drone technologies increase in usage across a wide variety of industries worldwide, multiple new UAS-related programs of study and research initiatives are taking flight at Ohio public institutions of higher education.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that commercial drone sales, powered by expanding usage in the agriculture, military, supply chain, utility, media, and public safety industries (to name a few), will increase from about 600,000 in 2016 to more than 2.5 million in 2020. As a result, the UAS industry could create more than 100,000 drone-related jobs by 2025, including an estimated 2,725 jobs in Ohio, according to a report by the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

In order to commercially pilot a drone, an individual must pass a background check by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as well as an exam covering aeronautical regulations and restrictions. Several programs aimed at preparing future commercial drone pilots have already been launched in Ohio.

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5 this past spring received Ohio Department of Higher Education approval to offer a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science in UAS degree, pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission.

This past June, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) began offering an eightsession drone certification course to prepare future pilots to pass FAA certification exams. Tri-C also offers the Drone Academy, a weeklong UAS pilot training program that introduces law enforcement officers, firefighters, or other first responders to drone technology, its capabilities, and how and when to use drones in emergency and homeland security situations.

At the opposite end of the state, Butler Tech offers a Drone Ground School, a four-session course that also aims to prepare future drone pilots for the FAA’s certification exam and covers current drone rules and regulations, reading aeronautical charts, piloting lessons, and ethical guidance when using drones.

For students interested in a deeper dive into UAS, several Ohio schools offer degree programs. Kent State University offers a UAS minor that introduces students to various types of unmanned aerial systems and their increasing role in society.

The UAS associate degree program at Sinclair College prepares students for entry-level positions in the UAS industry by providing foundational knowledge and skills in UAS technology, mission planning, maintenance, federal laws and regulations, data analytics, and project management.

Sinclair also offers a One-Year Technical Certificate program in UAS technology, and

In addition to training and education, UAS-related research continues to expand in Ohio as well. Sinclair College’s National UAS Training and Certification Center in Dayton supports research, development, and training on vehicles and components through advanced unmanned and manned simulation, sensors, avionics, maintenance, advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping, data analytics, and wind tunnel labs. Sinclair remains at the national forefront of UAS training and applied research support through collaborations with leading UAS organizations in academia, government, and industry. Sinclair also founded and continues to sponsor the Journal of Unmanned Aerial Systems, a peer-reviewed publication that serves the public as an open-access online resource enabling the development and distribution of knowledge for the UAS industry.

In 2014, Sinclair formed a unique partnership with The Ohio State University, creating new transfer pathways from both its certificate and associate degree programs into OSU’s data analytics and geospatial precision agriculture programs. Last year the two partners acquired FAA approval to operate UAS at The Ohio State University Airport in northwest Columbus.

Ohio State has nearly 50 faculty and research staff with UAS-related expertise, spanning the domains of engineering, agriculture, medicine, data analytics, climate modeling, law, and policy. More than 300 OSU graduate students conduct UAS-related research annually at the Ohio State Center

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for Aviation Studies, the Aerospace Research Center, and the ElectroScience Laboratory. Some recent OSU research has focused on such emerging UAS issues as drone detection technology and policy, ingestion of a UAS into a jet engine, human injury resulting from a drone crash, human-systems interaction, ground control station design, development of robust control links that are resistant to jamming or hijacking, remote sensing of crop health, and aerial surveying of harmful algal bloom toxicity.

Last year, an Ohio State team of engineers set a world speed record for an unmanned aerial vehicle of any size, when its UAV flew autonomously with sustained average speeds of 147 mph over a course approximately 28 miles long over Lake Erie.

Although the University of Cincinnati (UC) doesn’t have a dedicated UAS degree program, its aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics programs regularly conduct research on UAS applications, particularly in relation to disaster management operations. Also, the UC Research Institute continues

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to collaborate with southwestern Ohio students and entrepreneurs to help develop concept vehicles based on simulations, such as a recent collaboration with the Cincinnati-based company AMP Electric Vehicles to develop a high-tech package delivery system using drones.

In July, UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science was awarded federal grant money as part of a project to help the Ohio Department of Transportation create new UAV tools for bridge inspections, traffic counts, and construction oversight. The project funding was awarded through the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN), a consortium of Ohio universities that includes both public and private institutions, which aims to spur innovation in the state’s aerospace industry. As further evidence of its interest in the expanding UAV field, the OFRN recently announced that it will explore the use of drones to transport passengers in the form of “air taxis” or other vehicles.

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ENCOURAGING TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AT SHAWNEE STATE Local middle school girls take part in a summer camp focused on immersive tech experiences

During the weeks of July 16 through August 3, Shawnee State University (SSU) is hosting the Verizon Learning Initiative, a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) camp for girls in middle school.

Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) has committed over $400 million to providing free tech, access, and innovative learning programs that transform schools and children’s lives. Alongside 15 other colleges across the country, SSU will provide local middle school girls with immersive tech experiences on its campus to encourage an interest in STEM education and give the students the opportunity to thrive in a techdependent economy.

“I am so pleased that Shawnee State University is partnering with Verizon Innovative Learning on this key education initiative that will change the perspective and lives of young girls in our region," said SSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeff Bauer. " The Verizon Camp is providing them with experience in areas like augmented reality, 3D printing, and entrepreneurship. It is clear that these experiences are already inspiring these young ladies and is providing them with a basis to consider future careers in STEM fields.”

The camp is for females who are entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Students will

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learn coding, 3D printing, augmented and virtual reality, and entrepreneurship. Camp attendees are all students from southern Ohio.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, by 2020, more than 77% of U.S. jobs will require technology skills. VIL is committed to addressing the issue by providing students with free technology, free access, and innovative learning experiences. Each camper will receive a Verizon Ellipsis 10 tablet to keep, provided that they attend 80% of the camp programming.

So far, VIL has helped more than one million kids, with a goal to help more than five million by 2023. Studies show that students involved with VIL are 535% more engaged in school and three times better in math, and their reading comprehension doubles.

After the camp, the students will participate in monthly sessions throughout the academic year where they will develop a technology solution for a community problem that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The goals set forth include ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all.

For more information about VIL, please visit verizoninnovativelearning.com.

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University of Ak among Top 100 Granted U.S. Ut With 43 patents, the University of Akron ranks 60th worldwide according to a new report, Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patent in 2017. The University of Akron is also the top-ranking public university in Ohio on that report. The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) compiled data obtained from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to produce the rankings.

“We are ecstatic that UA, which is renowned for its global leadership in technological sciences and innovation, has been recognized by the NAI and IPO,” said Kelly Bialek, University of Akron IP manager.

“The flow of invention disclosures from our distinguished faculty enrich our innovation ecosystem at UA and throughout the region.”

UA’s most prolific inventor,

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kron Listed 0 Universities Utility Patents Professor Joseph Kennedy of the Department of Polymer Science, is a named inventor on more than 100 issued U.S. patents, spanning his careers in both industry and academia. In 2017, Kennedy was awarded three U.S. patents in one day – the first time this has happened at the University of Akron, and a rare occurrence at any university.

Among the recent patents issued to and licensed by The University of Akron are: A degradable polymer mesh that can time-release non-opioid pain medicine over a roughly five-day period after a surgery, invented by Dr. Matthew Becker, W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The device, which was licensed by Fortem Polymers, part of the 21MedTech family of

companies, strives to reduce reliance on addictive opioid pain killers.

21MedTech, which is located in Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub, has already raised about $11 million to support development and testing of the technology, and is working with pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. on the project.

A new chemistry for improved electrical contact stabilization materials invented by Professor Mark Soucek and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Miko Cakmak of the Department of Polymer Engineering. This new discovery is based on a UVcurable formulation, which shows considerable performance advantages over the incumbent product used in printed circuit boards, Stabilant 22.

This discovery was exclusively licensed to the research sponsor, Imagine Research, which plans to commercialize it for missioncritical applications in aerospace, the military, aviation, advanced automotive, and medical electronics.

area startup i-Imaging LLC, which recently raised $150,000 to design and manufacture a new prototype device in preparation for starting the FDA approval process.

“Our faculty are innovative and produce quality intellectual property — we are pleased to receive this recognition,” said Dr. George Chase, president of The University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) and The University of Akron (UA) director of STEM research.

“Past and current administrations should be credited with fostering an environment that supports and encourages creative research.”

Hands-free, wireless goggles that provide real-time imagery to help guide surgeons, invented by Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Yang Liu. The technology was licensed by Akron-

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Earlier this year, Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor John Carey signed approval documents for Western Governors University (WGU) that authorize the nonprofit, online university to establish its eighth state affiliate, WGU-Ohio.

Chancellor Carey joined Ohio business and education leaders as well as leaders from WGU, including President Scott D. Pulsipher and newly appointed Chancellor Dr. Rebecca L. Watts, at the Ohio Statehouse to announce the partnership.

Watts, who previously served as Associate Vice Chancellor at the Ohio Department of Higher Education, will lead WGU-Ohio and will be supported by an advisory board that will include senior business, community, and higher education leaders from across the state.

During her speech, Watts spoke about the obstacles she faced when she was a student working full-time, and how WGU would have helped her tremendously by offering students great opportunities to eliminate some of the barriers and obstacles to postsecondary education.

“It’s making postsecondary education change your life, as opposed to being able to have postsecondary education be incorporated into the fabric of your life,” Watts said.

WGU’s affordability and online, competency-based learning model provide another option

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“It’s making postsecondary education change your life, as opposed to being able to have postsecondary education be incorporated into the fabric of your life.”

WGU-Ohio Chancellor Dr. Rebecca L. Watts

for busy adults to earn a degree as they balance work and family responsibilities. WGU has programs in four main areas: business, education, information technology, and health professions.

Currently, WGU serves over 91,000 students nationwide, and 2,179 in Ohio alone.

Undergraduate tuition is $3,190 per six-month semester, and has an annual cost of $6,380, for as many competencies as a student can achieve in that time frame.

ODHE Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Stephanie Davidson said, “Western Governors University is a wonderful option for working adults who aim to complete their degree through virtual study while continuing their careers and gaining greater competencies and opportunities for growth. For most working adults, life goes on uninterrupted with enrollment in Western Governors University. Ohio’s endorsement of Western Governors University will help with visibility for this option.”

Chancellor Carey’s endorsement of WGU-Ohio on behalf of the Ohio Department of Higher Education was authorized by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor John R. Kasich on June 30, 2017. Programmatic approvals by the Department of Higher Education were signed by the Chancellor on February 22, 2018.

For more information on WGU-Ohio, visit https://www.wgu.edu/ohio.html.

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FOUR STUDENTS COMMIT TO EARNING OHIOMEANSJOBS-READINESS SEAL THROUGH AEP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Over the summer, students from Columbus City Schools signed their “Letters of Intent” to participate in AEP’s Opportunities iN Energy (ONE) career-preparedness program. The four ONE program participants are beginning a 10-week internship program and will receive ongoing mentoring from AEP employees during their senior year of high school.

The four students currently attend the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, Columbus Alternative High School, and West High School. Their participation in the program prepares them to earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, a formal designation for Ohio high school graduates who have demonstrated that they are ready for the next step on their career path, whether in the workforce or the postsecondary classroom.

Executive leaders from American Electric Power and the State of Ohio praised the students for their commitment to education and focus on preparing for life after high school. The program has earned support from organizations across the state. The addition of AEP’s support through the ONE program adds another potential employer to the list.

“Keeping the lights on requires hard work from a huge team at AEP,” said Lisa Barton, executive vice president, AEP Transmission. “Through our Opportunities iN Energy program, we are helping high school students learn about careers that offer good-paying jobs with a great company. It’s exciting to have the next generation of energy workers with us.”

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AEP has a history of supporting high school and college students through internship programs.

The ONE program expands the model to include continued mentoring and career skills development for participants. Students who participate also may earn college credit through the Credits Count program, sponsored by the American Electric Power Foundation.

ONE interns are paired with AEP mentors to help them develop professional skills. Interns also participate in rotational assignments throughout the AEP Ohio and AEP Transmission organizations, including at the Distribution and Transmission Dispatch Centers, Engineering, Customer Design and Service, and Transmission Field Services departments.

“This is a perfect example of a partnership making Ohio’s education system stronger by supporting each child’s success,” said John Richard, the Ohio Department of Education’s deputy superintendent of public instruction. “We look forward to partnering with others who will follow AEP’s lead and make it their business to improve education statewide.

“Internships are a vital part of a student’s education, and they help to ensure that Ohio has a skilled workforce,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor John Carey. “I commend AEP for its role in helping students earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, for giving these students a jump start on their career, and providing this important step on their pathway to a successful future.”

“We’re excited to see AEP take a leadership role in supporting the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal and the students who earn it,” said Ryan Burgess, director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. “The students recognized today will have a significant advantage at AEP and in their professional careers, whether they choose to go full-time upon graduation or pursue higher education.”

For more information about the AEP Internship Program, please visit www.aep.com/careers/collegerelations.

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A special thank you to all of those who contributed stories and articles: Ohio Drone Programs Take Flight Images provided by the University of Cincinnati

Encouraging Technology Education at Shawnee State Elizabeth Blevins Astra Ng Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University

University of Akron Listed among Top 100 Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents Dr. George Chase Kelly Bialek The University of Akron Research Foundation

The University of Akron

Western Governors University Establishes WGU-Ohio Rebecca Watts WGU Ohio

Four Students Commit to Earning OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal Through AEP Internship Program Ryan Burgess Lisa Barton Governor's Office of Workforce and Development

AEP

John Richard Ohio Department of Education

Thank you for reading ConnectED. We appreciate any suggestions or ideas to improve this newsletter.

We welcome story ideas, links to articles of interest, and news releases.

Please send story ideas to Jeff Robinson at jrobinson@highered.ohio.gov.

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