Work In Progress: The Impact of Project-Based Service Learning on Students' Professional Identities and Career Readiness

Dr. Huihui Wang, is an assistant professor and the Chair of the Engineering Department at JU. JU is a private, undergraduate liberal arts institution in northeast Florida. Within our College of Arts & Sciences, the STEM disciplines continually draw the largest student enrollment numbers. In 2015, the Engineering Department transitioned from its 30 year history as an engineering dual degree program to a four year onsite program. The former program was affiliated with seven well-known universities including Columbia University, the University of Florida, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. JU opted to establish the onsite engineering program based on students’ needs and interests as identified through feedback from the previous dual degree program. This four-year program can confer a BS degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. The new engineering department has added two more faculty positions, put $200,000 towards upgrading equipment and facilities, increased retention rates and increased internship opportunities (Dr. Wang has supervised several interns). As a member of ASME, ASEE, IEEE, Florida Engineering Society (FES), and an advisor of NSPE JU Chapter, she actively participates in conferences, workshops and professional activities.