Engineering and Design

Faculty: Susannah Howe, Engineering, Smith College; Tom Gralinski, Curriculum Specialist, Smith College 

The engineering design process is a complex structure that guides engineers and technologists in finding solutions to human problems. While this structure is a foundation skill for those working in engineering, it is also applicable to problem solving across a broad spectrum of most academic disciplines. The vehicle for delivering an understanding of the Engineering and Design process can be an investigation and redesign of any existing product we are looking to improve, or the development of a totally new product that addresses a need or desire. Our vision has teams of students collaboratively working with a governmental body or industry partner and the college partner on a meaningful problem in the students’ community. Clear problem identification, research, analysis, engineering graphics (for communication), prototype development (building), testing/evaluating and redesign are significant elements in the engineering design process. In small teams, students will work through a number of problems seeking the "best" solution within constraints provide by the community partners, teachers and college faculty.