Evaluation of STEM+Art Collaboration for Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology Laboratory

The need to restore manufacturing competitiveness in the United States has become increasingly evident over the past decade. A common weakness that has been identified in much of the related literature is that engineers need a broader skill set than is currently contained in the core engineering curricula. Key skill deficiencies that have been identified include creative thinking, entrepreneurship, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary groups. For the past 3 years, a project at Youngstown State University dubbed the Cooperative Laboratory (CoLab) has brought together students from STEM and the Fine and Performing Arts to work on challenging design problems. Through the CoLab project, engineering technology students have been able to work on real-world, open ended projects with both technical and non-technical constraints. Thus far, initial development of the program has focused on Mechanical Engineering Technology students from STEM. Through the program, students have gained opportunities to: develop innovative solutions to loosely defined problems work with diverse multi-disciplinary colleagues towards a common goal; this involves negotiation and compromise maintain design intent while addressing cost and market factors practice leadership and self-direction in completing the project communicate technical aspects of designs with non-technical colleagues be responsible for project planning and scheduling considering resources and deadlines This paper explores the relevance of the identified metrics from the perspective of industry, specifically local and regional. It presents a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of CoLab by comparing students who have gone through the program as compared with those who have followed a traditional Engineering Technology curriculum. Current issues with implementation, student evaluation and outcome assessment are addressed. This includes a discussion of how the goals that the Performing Arts can be met compatibly with the needs of the Engineering Technology program. Finally, recommendations for future adaptation, improvement and expansion of the CoLab methodology are proposed.