Title: Enhancing Students’ Materials Science Experience Through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

Abstract: To enhance students’ international awareness, improve intercultural skills, and sharing and transferring materials knowledge, a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activity has been embedded in the Materials and Manufacture module of mechanical engineering and computer-aided mechanical degree courses. COIL is a learning and teaching approach that uses internet-based tools to connect students and staff from universities in different countries. It provides an opportunity for those students unable to go out on a physical mobility scheme (e.g., Erasmus) to gain international experience inspiring cultural curiosity in them. Three universities worldwide, Scotland, USA, and Venezuela participated in the project. The activity selected for this purpose was a Car Dissection, where students selected and analyzed a car component based on i) Functionality, ii) Physics involved, iii) Materials, and iv) Manufacturing process. Students were able to apply reversed engineering through the analysis of microstructures as well as to have the possibility to be introduced to global manufacturing practices.

Biography: First, I started with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering focused on Manufacturing and then a Masters in Finance Engineering from Universidad Simon Bolivar, Caracas, Venezuela; I continued studies with a Ph.D., in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wales, in Swansea U.K. I was a Full professor teaching in Venezuela for more than 24 years and here in the United States for ten years, and working at Norwich University. Also, I’ve been working in welding/manufacturing engineering throughout my research. I was a visiting professor at the University of Wales Swansea in 1998, the Colorado School of Mines in 2005 for the Metallurgical and Materials Department, the Mechanical Department in 2008/2009, and the Research Associate Professor from 2011 to 2014. I received research awards, such as Charles H. Jenning Memorial from American Welding Society for the best Researcher in 2009, Excellence in Research 2021 at Norwich University, and Vermont Space Grant and Vermont NASA EPScor program, 2022 Faculty Research Competition.

Charles A. Dana Category I Grants are supported by an endowed fund from the Dana Foundation for the purpose of attracting and retaining faculty of exceptional caliber. Grants are awarded annually to tenure-track faculty who demonstrate superior scholarship, teaching ability, and university service.

Grant recipients participate in the Charles A. Dana Category I Lecture Series during the year in which they receive their awards. Light refreshments will be served, please feel free to bring your own lunch.