Abstract:

This paper outlines the outcomes of an innovative research study aimed at assessing the impact of exposing undergraduate students to cutting edge IT intensive research activities on encouraging such students to graduate programs and research careers. The research activities include Information Centric Modeling, Virtual Reality (VR) based 3D Digital Modeling and Next Generation Smart Technologies involving the Next Internet. The students were exposed to these emerging areas which are also IT intensive and technology oriented involving domains such as advanced micro assembly, surgical simulation and design of digital mock ups for space habitats. Phase I results indicated that majority of students exposed to these research activities and technologies pursued graduate studies in engineering and sciences. A summary of the research activities as well as assessment results is provided. The students who participated in this study were from mechanical, industrial, electrical and computer science majors.

Keywords:

Research experiences, 3D modeling, Virtual Prototyping, Smart Technologies, Micro systems, medical simulators, space habitats.