Michael J. Birck Innovation Engineering Program

Outreach Programming

Have you thought of an idea for a new invention?

Are you interested in learning the language of innovation?

Our summer experiences will focus on the engineering design process and development of high level interpersonal skills such as leadership and team building. You will work with AU professors and industry professionals to gain invaluable experience, cultivate problem solving abilities, and develop an understanding of STEM careers.

Students who complete any of the four courses will earn two undergraduate credits granted by Aurora University.

The courses listed below are now being generously funded through various scholarship sources. Full scholarships may be granted for students on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarship recipients will be notified by May 15, 2019.

Summer 2019 Courses

The Invention Process
2 undergraduate credit hours
When: June 17-21 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Aurora University Main Campus
Cost: $1140

Students will be immersed in the language of innovation, the contemporary fields that are ripe for new ideas, engage in discussion of ethics and law, and hear from innovative professionals. Concurrently, students will learn graphic methods, including 2D/3D visual/digital representation. Student awareness around research and innovation will be addressed.

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Leading Design
2 undergraduate credit hours
When: June 24-28 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Aurora University Main Campus
Cost: $1140

This experience will allow students to gain experiences and knowledge by working on real problems that our partners help shape. Our students would work as a member of a design team dealing with a question within the organization. Independent learning and high level critical thinking skills will be showcased.

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Thinking Through Design
2 undergraduate credit hours
When: July 8-12 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Aurora University Main Campus
Cost: $1140

The importance of collaboration and problem solving ability will guide the immersion into the design process. Students will study the types of design and quantitative reasoning skills that will be applied through a multi-disciplinary context. The significance of data, computing, statistical analysis and interpretation will be highlighted. Students will study actual questions that corporations or not-for-profit organizations might face, which will foster a deeper understanding of the engineering process.

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The Test-Think Cycle
2 undergraduate credit hours
When: July 15-19 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Aurora University Main Campus
Cost: $1140

Mathematical modeling content will be introduced, enabling students to engage in the reiterative design process. The concepts of optimization, cost analysis, and risk will lead to discussion of the economic and societal implications of an optimized design. Facilitation of the understanding of simulation and virtual prototyping will occur.

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