School of Engineering Sponsors Certificate in Applied Creativity

The University of Dayton will offer the nation’s first academic certificate focused specifically on applied creativity. The certificate program, sponsored by the School of Engineering and housed in the University’s Institute for Applied Creativity for Transformation (IACT) at ArtStreet, is a first step to achieving President Spina’s vision for the University.

During his April 4 Inauguration speech he cited education for innovation and adaptive leadership as one element of the University’s strategic vision. He challenged the University to become "the first university in the country in which every student will take at least one course on innovation, humanity-centered applied creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking." Read the full release here.

New Course Helps Students Interested in Starting Tech Businesses

Fundamentals of New Technology Ventures (EGR 499/MGT 429) is a co-taught collaboration course between the School of Engineering’s Innovation Center and the School of Business’ Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The course leads students systematically through the process of assessing and launching technology-based businesses. According to Becky Blust, Innovation Center director, fall is the perfect time for students who may be thinking about pitching in the Business Plan Competition to take this course. Faculty and staff should make students with an entrepreneurial mindset aware of this opportunity.

Speaking of New Businesses…

Engineering was well represented in this Year’s Flyer Pitch competition with three of the six finalists being engineers. University of Dayton chemical engineering alumnus Zach McHale won first place and $25,000 for his stadium seat device in the University of Dayton’s 11th annual Flyer Pitch competition, one of the largest collegiate-level business plan contests in the country.

The School of Engineering grad was joined in the winner’s circle by team S.T.A.R., who took home the $10,000 third prize and team Ortus, which tied for fourth place and received $5,000. Read the full story here.

Faculty in the News

Kristen Comfort appeared on WVXU’s Focus on Technology program. You can listen to the interview here:

Kim Bigelow was featured on Academic Minute discussing how older adults can avoid falls. Produced by WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, it airs in nearly 70 markets across the country. Inside Higher Ed, a leading website on higher education news, also shares the program daily. You can listen here.

Photo of the Week

Modeled after The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants novel and movie, a decorative scarf connected women students, faculty, and staff at the University of Dayton thanks to this project from the Women’s Center. From February 13 - March 30, each participant spent a day with the scarf and reflected on her experience before sharing the scarf with another woman, who then had her day. Heather Juhascik and Teri Stemley participated from the School of Engineering. You can read a reflection from an engineering student here.