The Ukrainian-American Concordia University (UACU) of Kyiv, Ukraine, and the Global Experiential Learning Institute at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA jointly conduct the Scientific Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. The foundation of the Program is based on learning techniques of Advanced Manufacturing and applying these to entrepreneurial activities. The program combines science and innovation with business and economics and culminates in the award of a Certificate signed by both Universities.
The Global Experiential Learning Summer Institute is an interdisciplinary summer study opportunity that connects students from around the world with renowned Rutgers faculty to collaboratively explore solutions to real world challenges. Under faculty mentorship, students will spend three weeks living on-campus at Rutgers University and will be a part of a rigorous research and entrepreneurial environment in conjunction with the Rutgers Makerspace – a state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facility.
Students will have full access to work with the latest Automated Rapid Manufacturing Technology in a State-of-the-Art Facility.
The Rutgers Makerspace facility is a 3,000 square meter flagship experiential learning and workforce development hub for Rutgers faculty, staff, students and the local community. Over $2M in equipment includes 3D printers, 3D Scanners, Laser Cutters, and an Arduino Platform (Hardware and Software for Designing Products, Games and Services) and advanced Data Analytic Systems, a Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Auto Bay, Welding, CNC, Graphics, Textiles, Arts & Crafts and Commercial Kitchen. Participants will learn by using tools and equipment to translate their ideas and designs into physical objects.
Innovation Subject Areas
When enrolling in the Program, students will choose an “Innovation Subject” of interest from the list given below, indicating a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice. Students may request an Innovation Subject not on the list and if there is sufficient interest from other students in that Innovation Subject, it may be possible to accommodate the request.
When enrollment is closed, a preliminary list of the most popular Innovation Subjects will be prepared. Prior to departure for Rutgers University, Student Project Teams will be formed based on mutual interest in each Innovation Subject. Supporting information, data and a suggested reading list on each Innovation Subject will be provided in advance of departure.
Biomedical Sensors: The age of wearable technologies is upon us – miniaturization has allowed us to monitor our health with our jewelry, clothing, athletic equipment, and more. Using accurate yet inexpensive biosensors and the Arduino platform, we explore how technology can increase health awareness and save lives.
Agribusiness: The growth of the world’s population in comparison to our rate of fresh food production is a challenge in ensuring food source sustainability. Through implementation of technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors deployed throughout the supply chain from farm to consumer, the agribusiness industry in all countries can better ensure the future of the food production market.
Sustainability: Our need to harness renewable energy sources is rapidly rising as we continue to consume unsustainable amounts of energy from the environment. As technology advances, numerous innovation opportunities are arising to reduce the carbon footprint by diversifying and better managing energy consumption, increasing business opportunities based on product recycling and biodegradability, and developing methods to better manage our usage and waste.
Urban Development: There is a great need to reassess how governments develop and maintain their infrastructure and analyze risk, especially given the challenges of climate change and population growth. Technological innovation is addressing such urban challenges as traffic management, energy production and distribution, environmental health monitoring, bridge and road repair analysis, wastewater and stormwater runoff treatment, connectivity and communication, and other urban challenges.
Retail: For students with a strong interest in retail marketing, the world of consumer preference and marketing strategies are explored through product innovation by making a custom fragrance soap as an example product. Students will use mixers, extruders, and soap bar presses to manufacture sample soaps. Students will then design consumer friendly packaging for their soap product, conduct focus group analysis, and design a marketing campaign.
Food and Fashion: Students with a strong interest in retail product innovation will design either a food product or a fashion garment. Equipment available will be a commercial kitchen with 3D food printing or a textiles center with automated industrial sewing equipment and embroidery machines.
Small Farm Innovation and Implements: In many developing counties, nearly 90% of the food production occurs on small plots of land (less than 4 hectares) and typically by a single owner or family. Access to appropriately-scaled technology for improving water and soil quality, farm management, or productivity-enhancing crop sensors or equipment, is applicable in many countries throughout the world. Students will work on prototype development to address one of these small-scale production challenges.
Autonomous Vehicles: From self-driving cars to automated delivery vehicles, this is an industry experiencing rapid innovation and business opportunities. Students will use a pre-built radio-controlled car, at scale, and by using the Arduino platform and a variety of sensors, will manage vehicle use. A track will be constructed to allow for testing of collision avoidance, obstacle maneuvering and other autonomous vehicle challenges.
Student-Proposed Innovation Subject
Students are encouraged to submit their ideas and preferences for work in an Innovation Subject area of particular interest.
Enrollment is designed for students enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program at UACU and also encourages applications from students enrolled in a Bachelor’s or equivalent Degree program at any of Ukraine’s engineering, IT or other related universities. Enrollment is limited to 20-25 students. Master Degree students or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree may also apply to become Team Leaders.
Students may apply any time prior to March 1. An application form may be obtained from and subsequently submitted to the UACU Administrative office. Students not enrolled at UACU must submit proof of passing the UACU English language placement exam, and provide a complete transcript of courses studied and grades earned at their universities through the most recent completed semester of study. Acceptance to the Program will be based entirely on the submitted application information, grade level performance, English language proficiency, and level of demonstrated interest. If necessary, an in-person interview may be requested by UACU administration.
Housing
Students will live in Rutgers University on-campus student, housing located approximately one mile from the Makerspace facility.
Program Cost
The cost of all academic and cultural activities, on campus housing and transportation within the U.S. is $2,995 (U.S. Dollars) per student. International air travel, food and miscellaneous expenses are additional. International air travel will be arranged on a group discount basis to ensure the lowest possible cost.
Travel and Visa Requirements
Contacts
For UACU:
Primary: Dr. Natalia Chaplynska, email: natalia.chaplynska@uacu.edu.ua
Secondary: Mrs. Olga Glazova, email: olga.glazova@uacu.edu.ua
For Rutgers University:
Primary: Stephen Carter, email: scarter@rutgers.edu
Secondary: Louli Kourkounakis, email: louli@docs.rutgers.edu
Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Rutgers (USA) and UACU was signed on April 4, 2019 to establish students and faculty exchange, dual degree programs and joint research activities.
Our Dean Dr. Natalia Protsun had an opportunity to visit Rutgers for her in-service training, participation in the conference on Distance Learning during the spring semester 2019.
Now we are working on joint projects of Dual MBA in Agribusiness, Internship for UACU students and others.
