YSU INSTRUCTOR REIMAGINES COURSE WITH INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Youngstown, Ohio (December 3, 2020) Positivity and perseverance are cornerstones of Dr. Janet Gbur’s approach to reimagining her Engineering Materials course in YSU’s Mechanical Engineering Program. The course introduces materials science and engineering, a critical component to the study of any engineering discipline. Prior to the pandemic, the course included in-person guest lectures highlighting the application of classroom theory to real-world applications and weekly displays of material specimens that students could analyze by-hand according to course concepts. “The switch to Online Live delivery seemed daunting at first; however, I quickly recognized that it also created new opportunities,” said Dr. Gbur of the transition to remote learning. “I could think positively and take advantage of the virtual format by expanding the guest lectures to include scientists from across the U.S. including international companies, consulting firms, and government labs providing the students with an even richer diversity in material applications as well as highlight a variety of career paths.”

Still, Dr. Gbur wanted more for her students. The hands-on component of the class was lost in a virtual environment. She was convinced there must be a way to provide students with hands-on learning activities to reinforce the concepts taught during class. “The Mahoning Valley is known for its manufacturing expertise, so my first thought was to engage area industries and create a Materials Kit which would be distributed to every student. The Materials Kit could supplement discussion on various materials, testing procedures, and analyses while also serving as a focal point for assignments and assessments,” said Dr. Gbur. She reached out to local companies for material specimens, and packaged them with calipers, a clip-on microscope for a mobile phone, and a few items that the students would use for simple experiments. The kits provided students with the opportunity to analyze materials, apply technical standards, and correlate what they observed with class materials. Reece Wilson of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania welcomed the experience, “The materials kit was wonderful to use. Getting to see different materials that failed under different applied loads was extremely useful in determining what features went with each failure. Additionally, the hands-on aspect was a great way to put a fun spin on homework. Everything was great!”

Dr. Gbur expressed her gratitude for the donations and she is seeking additional industry partners in hopes of expanding the kits for the spring semester. “I am deeply grateful for the support provided by Ajax Tocco Magnethermic, Ellwood Specialty Steel, and NF&M Titanium a subsidiary of VSMPO-Tirus. Their generosity was paramount to the success of this initiative, and those efforts positively impacted student learning.” Oluwatumininu Adeeko of Lagos, Nigeria said of the experience,” This semester was very different because of the pandemic, and it was difficult for me because it was my first-semester taking classes related to my major - Mechanical Engineering. However, when Dr. Gbur told us about the Materials Kits and gave us homework that involved the specimens, the class became even more exciting. Having the opportunity to view and touch the objects, not just look at pictures or videos, made it easier to understand the concepts she had been explaining in class, and since we've had to watch so many videos this semester, having these specimens reduced the need to remain glued to a computer screen. I am very grateful to my professor for this opportunity, as well as the companies that helped provide the various specimens to aid our learning. Honestly, you can't imagine how helpful it had been to all of us.”

Dr. Gbur, part-time faculty in the Rayen School of Engineering, is a dual graduate of YSU with a B.E. in Materials Engineering and M.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering. She completed her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University where she is a Research Associate in the Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Reliability Center as well as an Investigator with the Advanced Platform Technology Center in the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Pictured (Above): Oluwatumininu Adeeko and Reece Wilson using items in their Materials Kits for Dr. Gbur’s Engineering Materials class.