UML Shines at NSF Service-Learning Conference

Prof. John Duffy spoke about service-learning at a National Science Foundation conference.

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The cornerstone of the College of Engineering's service learning efforts is a National Science Foundation-funded service learning program that is embedded into the curriculum (SLICE - Service-Learning Integrated thoughout the College of Engineering). Faculty and students are challenged to take on real world service-based projects and find real solutions, helping the student learn the engineering content in a real, engaging and meaningful way.

A recent NSF conference on Service Learning in Engineering, held at the National Academy of Engineering in Washington, DC, prominently featured the SLICE project.

"We were in good company," said Engineering Dean John Ting, "We are now known nationally as one of the top programs in the country - because of our track record in service-learning, and our attempt to infuse this throughout the core curriculum not only in one department, but all departments in Engineering."

Other featured programs included the EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) program from Purdue University, Engineers Without Borders from the University of Colorado and the non-profit group Engineers for a Sustainable World.

The conference was attended by some 200 faculty, students and administrators from all over the U.S. and as far away as New Zealand. President of the National Academy of Engineering, William Wulf, gave opening remarks.

UMass Lowell participants included Dean John Ting, Mechanical Engineering Prof. John Duffy, Civil Engineering Asst. Prof. Jackie Zhang, Service-Learning Coordinator Linda Barrington, Prof. Emeritus Bill Moeller, and Raul Raulades from the MesoAmerican Development Institute.