WVU engineering technology demand spurs cutting-edge resources for future experts

Engineering technology student working in the Lane Innovation Hub on industrial grade machinery. (WVU Photo/Savanna Leech)

With a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Education grant, West Virginia University is preparing its undergraduates with new industrial grade resources which will allow for increased student capacity and new instructional activities and experiments.

Story by Paige Nesbit, director of marketing and communications
Photos by Savanna Leech

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The funding supports the fall 2023 launch of the new undergraduate engineering technology program including state-of-the-art new equipment and real-world certifications at the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

“This grant will allow us to create the infrastructure necessary to support the growing engineering technology program while providing students with meaningful laboratory experiences to help prepare our students for engineering careers,” stated Emily Spayde, principal investigator and teaching assistant professor in the engineering technology program.

Established in February 2023, the engineering technology program is a multidisciplinary degree designed to train students in modern technologies. It equips them with the practical skills and hands-on experience needed to excel in advanced technological industries.

Within the past year, the program has significantly increased in student enrollment warranting a necessary expansion in resources to meet the demand.

“The program has grown from 30 students in fall 2023 to over 80 students at the beginning of fall 2024,” Spayde explained. “This grant allows us to purchase more of the existing equipment to accommodate the program growth as well as new equipment to enhance student learning outcomes.” 

The real-world experience students will gain from learning directly on the equipment used in industry and gaining certifications provides valuable knowledge that gives them a competitive edge as they enter the workforce.

Starting their first semester, students learn about manufacturing processes and gain skills in industrial scale machining and welding processes.  In subsequent semesters, the curriculum incorporates 3D modeling techniques, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, material properties and testing techniques, numerical problem-solving, electronics, and industrial automation. 

“As the demand for engineering technology experts grows, WVU is well-positioned to produce skilled and knowledgeable professionals to fill the many engineering jobs available in West Virginia and across the country,” stated Robin Hensel, co-pi and teaching professor in engineering technology and fundamentals of engineering programs. “Support from this grant and the Statler College ensures our students’ success for their future careers.”

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