Tag: engineering

UL Lafayette Apprentices Gain Real-World Construction Insight

Developed through a collaboration between the UL Lafayette College of Engineering and the University’s Office of Facility Management, the initiative, Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program, known as ESAP, has been structured to bridge academic study with hands-on project experience. By the close of November, the partnership will welcome ten selected students who will begin working on active improvement and building projects unfolding across the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, as per this news release. While Facility Management teams gain additional support for ongoing construction needs, the arrangement simultaneously strengthens the preparation of future construction leaders.

As explained by Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering at UL Lafayette, the collaboration has been designed to immerse students in the construction process from the client’s perspective. He noted that this vantage point allows participants to better understand how decisions are made, how expectations are communicated, and how project goals evolve over time. In summarizing his remarks, the program’s purpose centers on helping students cultivate professional awareness and managerial confidence that will ultimately make them more effective construction managers after graduation. Through intentional design, ESAP offers a multifaceted learning environment that integrates classroom knowledge with supervised, real-world application.

This new initiative intertwines academic coursework, documented work experience, and opportunities to earn professional certifications. Together, these components strengthen one another, creating a structured route toward industry readiness. Each participant receives guidance from both an academic advisor within the College of Engineering and an assigned industry mentor connected to the Office of Facility Management. The program’s framework ensures that students are not only completing tasks but also understanding how their work contributes to broader goals such as safety, scheduling, compliance, and overall planning for campus development at UL Lafayette.

One of the central advantages of ESAP is the opportunity for construction management students to work side-by-side with Facility Management personnel on major projects. These are not simulated assignments; they are real, ongoing construction initiatives that shape the landscape and functionality of the University. This exposure helps students see how large-scale undertakings are conceived, organized, and managed by the project owner—knowledge that is crucial for navigating the expectations and challenges that often arise in professional construction environments. The experience also offers early insight into quality assurance, workflow coordination, and communication protocols that guide effective project delivery.

According to Scott Hebert, director for Facility Management, the apprenticeship brings a distinct competitive edge to student participants. He emphasized that graduates emerge from the program with a strong blend of technical skill, applied experience, and customer-oriented understanding. Summarizing his comments, graduates are better positioned to perform confidently in their first roles because they have already interacted with real clients, responded to authentic project constraints, and recognized firsthand the importance of aligning construction processes with organizational goals. The combination of these elements sets ESAP participants apart as emerging professionals ready to contribute immediately to the construction sector.

Beyond building technical proficiency, the Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program reinforces the broader purpose of experiential education. Students are placed in environments where their academic studies can be tested and expanded. They also gain first exposure to industry credentials, learn how to interpret construction documentation, and participate in decision-making discussions that mirror those found within professional contracting firms. The careful blend of mentorship, coursework, and applied learning strengthens the pipeline of future contractorsand project managers who will take on leadership roles in shaping contemporary infrastructure.

The program reflects an institutional commitment to developing a knowledgeable, practice-ready workforce. As apprentices contribute to evolving improvements across campus, they simultaneously influence the future of the University’s built environment. Those seeking more information about the structure of the apprenticeship or upcoming opportunities may reach out to Dr. Sharon LaHood, coordinator of the construction management program.

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UL Lafayette Launches Career-Ready Engineering Concentrations

This fall, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Engineering is rolling out three new academic concentrations, each designed to meet the shifting demands of today’s job market. These additions are part of a broader strategic effort to prepare students for high-demand fields that are growing rapidly and require specialized expertise. As per this new release from ULL, students enrolled in the engineering and technology management program can now choose concentrations in construction management and manufacturing management, while civil engineering majors can pursue a concentration in structural engineering and coastal hazards.

According to Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering, these new concentrations reflect the college’s commitment to aligning educational opportunities with the real-world needs of industry and society. He emphasized that each addition is carefully planned to strengthen the employability and leadership potential of graduates. Since 2020, the college has introduced a total of 11 new concentrations, showing a strong dedication to evolving alongside the workforce.

Dr. Khattab explained that the newest concentrations aim to give students an edge in sectors that are expanding faster than the national average. By equipping graduates with targeted technical knowledge, hands-on training, and critical leadership skills, the college is preparing them to confront complex engineering challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.

One of the new offerings, the manufacturing management concentration, is designed to support the future of advanced manufacturing. This program blends technical training with managerial instruction, preparing students for a wide array of career paths. Graduates will be qualified for roles such as manufacturing specialist, plant manager, product manager, production designer, and industrial production supervisor.

The curriculum emphasizes practical and emerging topics that are highly relevant in today’s manufacturing world. Students will engage with applied mechatronics, robotics for advanced manufacturing, facility planning, supply chain management, manufacturing processes, programmable control systems technology, and industrial safety and operations. The goal is to ensure graduates are well-prepared not just to work in the field, but to lead.

Similarly, the construction management concentration is crafted to provide students with hands-on experience and leadership development in construction. This concentration covers every major stage of the construction process and readies students for critical roles such as project manager, estimator, scheduler, controls specialist, and construction safety expert.

Coursework in this concentration covers a wide range of industry-relevant topics, including construction materials and methods, building information modeling (BIM), cost estimation and budgeting, project planning and control, industrial and construction safety, and professional communication and teamwork. By immersing students in these areas, the program seeks to create graduates who are well-rounded and ready to take on the demands of modern construction projects.

The third new concentration, structural engineering and coastal hazards, focuses on a growing national priority: infrastructure resilience. This concentration prepares civil engineering students to work on some of the most urgent engineering challenges of our time, including designing hurricane-resistant buildings and protecting vulnerable coastlines from erosion.

Students in this concentration will take courses in structural mechanics, steel and bridge design, reinforced concrete, resilient structures, and structural engineering design. They will also study wind engineering and coastal hazards in depth. These areas of focus will help graduates play essential roles in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of coastal communities, which are increasingly at risk due to climate change and severe weather events.

By offering these new concentrations, the College of Engineering is not only addressing current workforce needs but also anticipating future ones. The integration of leadership training with deep technical expertise ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but also capable of stepping into key decision-making roles in their industries.

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Engineering Program Expands with UNO Partnership

Nicholls State University recently took a transformative step toward advancing its local engineering program by establishing the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering. This initiative, made possible by a generous $1 million donation from the family of Clifford Smith, honors the deep-rooted legacy of Clifford Smith, a respected civil engineer and land surveyor. In partnership with the University of New Orleans (UNO), this new school will enable students to obtain a comprehensive engineering degree, combining advanced academic instruction and hands-on industry experience, right in the Bayou Region, as per this news article from The Nicholls Worth.

The development of the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering aligns with Nicholls’ commitment to providing relevant, career-oriented education to its students and further enhances the region’s educational landscape. Through their partnership with UNO, Nicholls can offer students a streamlined pathway to earn an engineering degree without needing to relocate to other regions, addressing a longstanding challenge for aspiring engineers in the area.

At the core of Nicholls’ vision for the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering is its partnership with the University of New Orleans. This collaboration allows students at Nicholls to pursue an engineering degree through the established program offered by UNO. By bridging academic offerings between the two institutions, students in the Bayou Regiongain access to specialized engineering education that aligns with the current demands of the industry. This partnership empowers students to stay rooted in their community while achieving their professional goals, making it an appealing option for many who may have otherwise faced challenges in obtaining a comprehensive engineering education locally.

Alongside the academic benefits, the new school of engineering at Nicholls also opens doors for meaningful industry experience. Students pursuing an engineering degree will have access to internships with a leading regional engineering firm, allowing them to gain valuable, hands-on knowledge. The internships provide students with the skills and experience essential to their careers and offer local businesses the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of engineers who may eventually strengthen the regional workforce.

Clifford Smith’s family played a pivotal role in the development of the new school, motivated by their desire to honor his contributions to the field and to the Bayou community. Clifford’s son, Kenneth Smith, recounted the profound impact his father had on both the engineering industry and the local community, noting that his father’s career began through his work alongside his own father, T. Baker Smith, at their family business. T. Baker Smith founded the self-named firm in 1913, and following his passing in 1962, the company leadership was entrusted to Clifford. Under Clifford’s guidance, the firm became a mainstay in the Bayou Region’s engineering landscape, gaining a reputation for excellence and integrity.

According to Kenneth, Clifford’s legacy as a civil engineer and land surveyor “left an indelible mark on our profession and community.” Over the years, the T. Baker Smith firm has hired numerous Nicholls graduates, creating a strong bond between the institution and the firm. Kenneth highlighted this connection, expressing that the quality of Nicholls graduates has always been a testament to the value of Nicholls’ educational impact and alignment with industry standards.

Nicholls State University President Jay Clune expressed deep gratitude for the support of the Smith family, noting that this “generous gift” is a tribute not only to Clifford Smith but also to the Bayou Region as a whole. Clune emphasized that Clifford Smith’s name symbolizes “high-quality engineering and land surveying” and his contributions have extended beyond Nicholls to positively influence the entire region.

As the program evolves, Nicholls anticipates that the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering will become a cornerstone of regional engineering excellence. By fostering local talent and maintaining strong connections with regional firms, the school will contribute meaningfully to the Bayou Region’s industry and economy, offering both an academic and economic boost to the local community.

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Shaping the Bayou Region’s Future: Nicholls and UNO’s Engineering Partnership

In a significant step towards enhancing engineering education in Louisiana, Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans (UNO) formalized an agreement to develop a comprehensive plan for offering UNO’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering on the Nicholls campus, as per this news release from Nicholls. This partnership aims to align the engineering curriculum with local industry needs, preparing students for the demands of the regional workforce.

Nicholls State University has long recognized a trend where many students from its region have opted to leave the area to pursue engineering degrees at other institutions. By joining forces with UNO, Nicholls aims to retain these students, leveraging local resources to meet the growing demand for engineering professionals. This collaboration is expected to significantly bolster the engineering workforce in the region by creating specialized academic programs that cater to the specific needs of local industries.

Jay Clune, the President of Nicholls State University, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated that Nicholls acknowledges the regional necessity for engineering professionals and related disciplines to support the workforce. He noted that such partnerships not only strengthen the bonds with UNO, a sister institution but also reinforce Nicholls’ commitment to the region it serves.

Lizette Chevalier, dean of UNO’s Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering, echoed these sentiments. She viewed this collaboration as a strategic opportunity to expand UNO’s mechanical engineering program while simultaneously addressing workforce development and economic growth in the Bayou Region. Chevalier pointed out that Nicholls already had a robust pre-engineering program and established connections with the regional engineering community, making this partnership a logical step forward.

The partnership plan includes offering up to six semesters of coursework relevant to UNO’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering through Nicholls State University. Additionally, the agreement outlines a clear pathway for the transfer of coursework between the two universities. This streamlined process ensures that students can transition smoothly from Nicholls to UNO, without losing any academic credits.

Both institutions committed to providing comprehensive student support services, including advising and counseling, professional development opportunities, and connections to industry professionals. Faculty members from both campuses would collaborate on research and service projects, involving students and enhancing their understanding of real-world engineering challenges.

This new initiative builds on an existing agreement between Nicholls and UNO, established in 2019. The earlier agreement allowed Nicholls pre-engineering students to transfer seamlessly to UNO to complete their engineering studies. Under this arrangement, students from Nicholls could enter UNO as juniors and pursue any of the university’s undergraduate engineering programs.

By expanding this collaborative framework, Nicholls and UNO aim to create a more integrated and supportive educational environment for engineering students in Louisiana. The initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy by producing a steady stream of highly skilled engineers ready to meet the demands of the industry.

The collaboration between Nicholls and UNO reflects a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. By pooling their resources and expertise, the two universities are better positioned to provide high-quality engineering education that is both relevant and accessible to students in the Bayou Region. This partnership serves as a model for other institutions looking to enhance their academic offerings and support regional workforce development.

In conclusion, the partnership between Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans marks a significant milestone in the development of engineering education in Louisiana. By working together, these institutions are not only addressing the immediate needs of their students but also contributing to the long-term economic growth of the region.

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Champions in Mechanical Engineering: UL Lafayette Students Excel at National Fluid Power Vehicle Final Challenge

In the realm of mechanical engineering, innovation, and competition go hand in hand. A shining example of this can be found in the remarkable achievements of a group of students from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. These students, namely Austin Sun Chee Fore, Brett Hildreth, Chase Jeansonne, and Michael Tonore, have etched their names in the annals of excellence by earning the grand championship at the prestigious 2023 Fluid Power Vehicle Final Challenge, according to this news release from ULL. Hosted by Danfoss Power Solutions in Ames, Iowa, this competition brought together brilliant minds from various universities to showcase their prowess in the field.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is fluid power? Well, it involves the transmission of power through the use of either liquid, known as hydraulics, or compressed air, known as pneumatics. The Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, in which these talented students participated, provides a platform for students to delve deep into research, design, and the construction of vehicles that incorporate both hydraulics and pneumatics, along with components inspired by bicycles. These innovative vehicles are meticulously crafted to combine performance efficiency, speed, and power, leading to remarkable technological advancements.

The UL Lafayette team’s extraordinary performance did not stop at the grand championship. They triumphed in several other competition categories as well, showcasing their comprehensive expertise. They secured the first position in both the endurance and sprint races, displaying their unwavering determination and unmatched speed. Furthermore, their midway and final presentations earned them well-deserved accolades, emphasizing their exceptional communication and presentation skills. In the highly competitive regenerative braking category, they achieved a commendable third place, highlighting their commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.

The Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge culminates in two final events held in different locations, where the participants showcase their vehicles and their skills in vehicle construction and testing. These events encompass thrilling races and captivating presentations, all of which are meticulously evaluated by industry professionals who serve as judges. It is worth mentioning that the national competition, held in Littleton, Colorado, was won by Texas A&M University, showcasing the intense competition among the participating institutions. The National Fluid Power Association, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, takes the reins in coordinating these events, as their primary focus lies in promoting and advancing fluid power technology.

Behind the scenes, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Department of Mechanical Engineering boasts exceptional faculty advisors who have guided and nurtured the fluid power team throughout their journey. Yasmeen Qudsi, a senior instructor, and John Carroll, an instructor, have played instrumental roles in mentoring and advising the team, channeling their expertise and knowledge to bring out the best in the students. Their dedication and commitment to the team have undoubtedly contributed to their resounding success.

The achievements of the UL Lafayette mechanical engineering students at the Fluid Power Vehicle Final Challengeserve as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and preparing students for real-world challenges. It showcases the intersection of theoretical knowledge and practical application, highlighting the importance of hands-on experiences in engineering education. The fluid power challenge provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to real-life scenarios, allowing them to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and effective teamwork, which are crucial for success in the engineering industry.

Aspiring engineers can draw inspiration from the remarkable achievements of these students and their advisors. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at UL Lafayette stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and rigorous education in mechanical engineering. By equipping students with the necessary tools, knowledge, and opportunities, the department nurtures their talents and enables them to excel in their chosen fields.

In conclusion, the recent triumph of the UL Lafayette mechanical engineering students at the 2023 Fluid Power Vehicle Final Challenge is a testament to their exceptional skills, relentless dedication, and the invaluable support of their faculty advisors. This achievement not only brings pride to the University but also highlights the significance of experiential learning and hands-on opportunities in engineering education. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at UL Lafayette continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the engineers of tomorrow, empowering them to make a lasting impact in the world of engineering and beyond.

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UL Lafayette To Start Only Smart Oilfield Concentration in Nation

This upcoming fall semester, students enrolled in the College of Engineering at  The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will be able to pursue the only Smart Oilfield concentration in the nation. The announcement of this ground-breaking concentration is according to a news release from the school, where courses are set to begin this fall for the new concentration.

Specifically, the Smart Oilfield concentration is a pathway from ULL’s College of Engineering that is designed for petroleum engineering majors who are preparing for a career in the oil and gas industry, one that involves an increasing reliance on ever-evolving technology for efficient, safe, and environmentally-sound and stable exploration and production.

According to the Dean of the University’s College of Engineering, Dr. Ahmed Khattab, the new Smart Oilfield concentration is the only program of its kind in the entirety of the United States of America. Dr. Khattab commented on the necessity of establishing such a concentration by saying, “its addition is part of our comprehensive plan to address conventional and renewable energy by providing cutting-edge degree programs, minors, and concentrations that augment our traditional energy base and meet industry and community needs.”

According to Dr. Khattab, the new concentration will be able to integrate the College of Engineering’s current petroleum engineering degree program’s sub-surface expertise with data analytics, machine learning, and smart drilling. The concentration will also reportedly feature a combined blend of both traditional courses and interactive labs that will focus on automation, carbon capture, coding, computational fluid dynamics, machine learning, predictive capabilities, smart drilling, statistics, and the economic feasibility of exploration in specific locations.

According to Dr. Rafael Hernandez, the Interim Department Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, the curriculum for the Smart Oilfield concentration was developed based on extensive, data-driven research. The concentration was created in conjunction with input from professionals who work in the oil and gas industry, an entire field that has, according to Dr. Hernandez, “undergone a significant transformation in recent years.”

Dr. Hernandez continued to underline the necessity of evolving their program by continuing to outline the Oil and Gas industry by saying, “it now relies on a system of sensors, networks, and integrated operations that generate and communicate field and data analyses to ensure more environmentally friendly, safe and cost-efficient oil exploration, production and management.”

Outside of the new Smart Oilfield concentration, ULL’s College of Engineering has added eight other concentrations in the last two years in order to address recent trends in the industry and needs in fields that have been growing faster than the national average. For instance, employment opportunities for petroleum engineers are projected to increase by 8% through 2029, and employment opportunities for engineers are projected to increase 6% through 2029, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to Dr. Khattab, the total 9 concentrations that have been added by the College of Engineering have been added for a variety of well-informed reasons. Dr. Khattab said, “These are strategic additions implemented to ensure we continually give our graduates the knowledge and skills they will need for the jobs they want, and that will position them to thrive and advance in their careers.

Besides the Smart Oilfield concentration, the other 8 new concentrations are: autonomous and robotic systems; bioengineering; computer engineering; engineering management; power and sustainable energy; secure smart systems; sustainable energy systems; and water resources and environmental engineering.

According to the Department of Petroleum Engineering, the above new concentrations are made all-the-more valuable as the “UL Lafayette Petroleum Engineering (PETE) program ranks among the top in the nation and is recognized across the globe. It is the only academic program in the U.S. providing education and training for students to demonstrate compliance with the International Association of Drilling Contractors’ Well Sharp Certification, an industry-standard credential that ensures knowledge of cost and efficiency optimization and risk minimization during drilling operations.”

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