Many K-12 students are unaware of the field of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and the career opportunities it has to offer. To address this gap, the ISE department is dedicated to increasing awareness of the field among students, educators, and the broader community through a variety of educational initiatives and awareness projects. So far, we have collaborated with Lehigh’s CHOICES program, the Lehigh University African Student Association, and are currently exploring partnerships with local K-12 institutions.
Furthermore, the K-12 project receives support from both undergraduate and graduate students, who play crucial roles in ensuring its success. These students actively contribute by attending weekly meetings in order to brainstorm and come up with ideas for activities and offering suggestions on program improvement and outreach strategies. Their direct involvement extends to interacting with K-12 students, where they provide a fresh perspective on the subject matter, making it more relatable and engaging for the younger audience. Through this collaborative effort, the initiative is always improving, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation for Industrial and Systems Engineering within the community.
Ongoing Projects
STEAM Expos: Students participating in this awareness project are actively collaborating with the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science to attend numerous STEAM expos and STEM events at middle and high schools. Their goal is to engage with students, providing insights into Industrial and Systems Engineering, and to represent Lehigh University throughout the Lehigh Valley. By interacting with young learners at these events, they aim to inspire interest in engineering and technology fields, showcasing the many opportunities available at Lehigh.
Liberty High School: Professor of Practice Ana Alexandrescu, along with students participating in the K-12 awareness project, visit Liberty school 1-2 times per semester. During these visits, they teach the school’s engineering classes and conduct hands-on labs and activities on topics related to Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). These sessions cover various concepts, such as optimization, the learning curve effect, and production lines, providing students with practical, real-world applications of ISE principles. Through these engaging and interactive experiences, they aim to spark students’ interest in engineering and demonstrate the impactful role of ISE in solving complex problems.