STEM grant from DENSO

JOHNSON CITY (Aug. 15, 2018) – East Tennessee State University is one of 25 institutions nationwide selected to receive a STEM education grant from DENSO, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers of technology and components.

DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) announced nearly $1 million in total funding to help achieve the company’s goal of exposing students to the rewarding careers available in manufacturing and enhancing programs that will produce the next wave of highly-skilled problem solvers. The Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Surveying at ETSU will use its $37,000 STEM education grant from DENSO to update equipment to more closely resemble the electronics industry laboratory and production environments. 

“The electrostatic charges our bodies build up while moving around, which produce that annoying ‘zap’ when we touch a metal doorknob, can cause catastrophic failures in today’s high-tech electronics and is a key focus in industry,” said Dr. Keith Johnson, professor and chair of ETSU’s Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Surveying. “A significant part of this grant will be used to set up laboratory equipment to model proper handling procedures for electronic components as students build and operate circuits that reinforce the theory they have learned in the classroom.” 

ETSU, in partnership with Tennessee Tech University, launched a general engineering program in fall 2017. The coursework covers many types of engineering such as electrical, mechanical and civil engineering. The university also offers a bachelor’s in engineering technology with concentrations in biomedical, construction, electronics, industrial, manufacturing and product development.

A previous STEM education grant from DENSO allowed ETSU, through matching funds, to add two new robots and five 3D printers to its robotics lab in Wilson Wallis Hall. DENSO also supports hands-on learning for students outside the classroom.

“Many of our graduates have completed internship and co-op experiences with DENSO and receive exceptional opportunities for applied learning,” said Melinda LaPrade, director of career services for ETSU’s College of Business and Technology. “DENSO offers our students a tremendous launch pad to begin their careers in engineering technology.”

For more information about the engineering and engineering technology degree programs at ETSU, visit www.etsu.edu/entc.

Media contact
Amanda Mowell
mowella@etsu.edu
423-439-4317