Fall 2021
Collaborative Engineering Education in the Digital Age
By Ron Ulseth, PhD
Director of Bell Engineering
In September 2021, IRE/Bell was highlighted as a global exemplar for our project-based model and our teaching during the pandemic.
CEEDA, The Collaborative Engineering Education in the Digital Age website, "showcases examples of global best practice in collaborative and/or project-based engineering learning that are partially or wholly delivered online. It forms one element of a wider study looking at the lessons learnt from the current period of ‘emergency teaching’ and how this might impact the trajectory of engineering education in the future." Link to CEEDA
The case study is the sixth in a series of what will be more than 10 published on the site. The researcher in charge of the study is Ruth Graham from the UK. She was the author of the report published by MIT that recently highlighted IRE as an emerging world leader in engineering education. Other institutions highlighted in the case studies are Aalborg University, a world leader in PBL engineering education, MIT, and University College, London.
There are several examples of student work and positive comments about our programs. Here is one such comment: "the “close-knit” Iron Range community and one-to-one mentorship offered by instructors went a long way to offset the barriers introduced by [Covid]."
The report also includes a few videos.
We are excited to be recognized for our innovations and are always mindful that it is the success of our hard-working student engineers that results in the program’s success.
We encourage you to click on any of the links in this article to view the case study, reports, or videos.
CEEDA, The Collaborative Engineering Education in the Digital Age website, "showcases examples of global best practice in collaborative and/or project-based engineering learning that are partially or wholly delivered online. It forms one element of a wider study looking at the lessons learnt from the current period of ‘emergency teaching’ and how this might impact the trajectory of engineering education in the future." Link to CEEDA
The case study is the sixth in a series of what will be more than 10 published on the site. The researcher in charge of the study is Ruth Graham from the UK. She was the author of the report published by MIT that recently highlighted IRE as an emerging world leader in engineering education. Other institutions highlighted in the case studies are Aalborg University, a world leader in PBL engineering education, MIT, and University College, London.
There are several examples of student work and positive comments about our programs. Here is one such comment: "the “close-knit” Iron Range community and one-to-one mentorship offered by instructors went a long way to offset the barriers introduced by [Covid]."
The report also includes a few videos.
We are excited to be recognized for our innovations and are always mindful that it is the success of our hard-working student engineers that results in the program’s success.
We encourage you to click on any of the links in this article to view the case study, reports, or videos.
|
Summer Bell ExperiencesStudents from around the country would come to northeastern Minnesota to determine if this learning model is a good fit for them. A large change was made to Bell Experiences post-COVID. Bell Experiences are now offered only to Bell Scholars with the goal being to provide Bell Scholars with an opportunity to experience what it would be like to be a student at the Bell Program, focusing largely on the community. Over the summer, we hosted two Bell Experiences in June and August. In total, we had 25 Bell Scholars attend the two events bringing in students from 16 different community colleges around the country.
|
During Bell Experiences, we give workshops on various topics surrounding professional, technical, and design learning. A few workshops given include career development, practice live interviews, and technical learning at Bell. These workshops aim to provide students with enough details for them to make an informed decision on if Bell Engineering is the right path for them. The main focus of this Bell Experience was to begin building a community within the student group. This led to many community-building activities. To aid in bridging the community between cohorts, we asked several Bell students to create short videos about different aspects of the program. These videos were played at the beginning of relevant sessions.
Both events ran very smoothly and efficiently. The camaraderie between scholars was incredible. We observed many shy students blossom during this event and, by the end, were engaging with their peers. If attending a Bell Experience is of interest to you, please reach out to any of the facilitators at Bell! We would be happy to get you plugged into our community.
Both events ran very smoothly and efficiently. The camaraderie between scholars was incredible. We observed many shy students blossom during this event and, by the end, were engaging with their peers. If attending a Bell Experience is of interest to you, please reach out to any of the facilitators at Bell! We would be happy to get you plugged into our community.
On December 6-10, 2021, Bell will host the first EngFest! This week-long event will allow for all of Bell - faculty, staff, students, and their families - to gather together for a variety of activities. During this week of professional development workshops, student presentations, and community-building events, we have an entire day dedicated to the Engineering Extravaganza on December 9th. The Extravaganza is the day that the first group of Bell students are graduating and participating in the Order of the Engineer ring ceremony. We are looking forward to celebrating our first group of graduates!
The Bell family has grown... A LOT!
Meet our new faculty and staff!
Neil Schroeder - Facilitator
Where are you from?
I am from Mountain Iron, Minnesota, a small town towards the East end of the Iron Range.
What is your education path?
I attended Iron Range Engineering to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Engineering. At the time, I was one of the very first to get a focus in civil engineering from the program.
What work experience do you have?
Throughout my schooling at IRE, I worked on multiple industry projects working with clients like United Taconite, Premium Plant Services, Lake County, and Itasca County - as well as a handful of internal-focused engineering projects. Before graduation, I interned with United Taconite, Short Elliott Hendrickson, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT). Upon graduating, I began working with MNDOT, rotating and gaining experience within construction, design, hydraulics, surveys, materials, and project management. I eventually ended up as a project engineer in construction, administering around $10 million in road and bridge projects per construction season. My main duties were managing our teams of inspectors and contractors working on our projects. Much of what I did fell into what I can "reactionary engineering," - which included conflict management and developing solutions to problems that would arise during construction plan implementation.
Why did you choose Bell?
This question has two components for me. Going through IRE myself, I saw that I would be able to relate well with the students of our program. A lot of what I did to obtain my civil focus was heavily self-directed, with limited resources at the time. Looking at what my role would be with Bell, I wanted to be the resource that I didn't have moving through the program. I hoped that I could make a difference for these students and help them find their passion areas in engineering. My other reason for coming here was finding a career that allowed for a better life/work balance.
Fun fact about you!
I absolutely love the outdoors. My hobbies get me outside and into nature. I have a passion for hunting and fishing, especially with friends and family.
Where are you from?
I am from Mountain Iron, Minnesota, a small town towards the East end of the Iron Range.
What is your education path?
I attended Iron Range Engineering to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Engineering. At the time, I was one of the very first to get a focus in civil engineering from the program.
What work experience do you have?
Throughout my schooling at IRE, I worked on multiple industry projects working with clients like United Taconite, Premium Plant Services, Lake County, and Itasca County - as well as a handful of internal-focused engineering projects. Before graduation, I interned with United Taconite, Short Elliott Hendrickson, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT). Upon graduating, I began working with MNDOT, rotating and gaining experience within construction, design, hydraulics, surveys, materials, and project management. I eventually ended up as a project engineer in construction, administering around $10 million in road and bridge projects per construction season. My main duties were managing our teams of inspectors and contractors working on our projects. Much of what I did fell into what I can "reactionary engineering," - which included conflict management and developing solutions to problems that would arise during construction plan implementation.
Why did you choose Bell?
This question has two components for me. Going through IRE myself, I saw that I would be able to relate well with the students of our program. A lot of what I did to obtain my civil focus was heavily self-directed, with limited resources at the time. Looking at what my role would be with Bell, I wanted to be the resource that I didn't have moving through the program. I hoped that I could make a difference for these students and help them find their passion areas in engineering. My other reason for coming here was finding a career that allowed for a better life/work balance.
Fun fact about you!
I absolutely love the outdoors. My hobbies get me outside and into nature. I have a passion for hunting and fishing, especially with friends and family.
Darcie Christensen - Professor
Where are you from?
I am from the booming metropolis of Tremonton, Utah. It's a small town in northern Utah about 30 minutes from the Idaho border.
What is your education path?
I have three degrees, all from Utah State University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering in 2017, my Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering in 2019, and my Ph.D. in Engineering Education in 2021.
What work experience do you have?
Throughout my undergraduate and graduate experiences, my primary work experiences were in the realm of academic research. I was an Undergraduate Research Fellow, so for better or for worse (I'd like to say better - you learn a lot of what you want to do and what you don't want to do!), I was involved in research from the first month of college. Throughout those undergraduate experiences, I worked with nanoparticles, antibiotic inhibition, root mimetics, and engineering education research. I did also have a fellowship through iUTAH EPSCOR with the University of Utah working with bioretention systems aimed at removing contaminants and high nutrient levels from stormwater runoff. I did work with an industry partner for my senior design project, which was to design a modular external fixation device (if you want some gory videos, look up external fixation!). In 2020, I was also the instructor of record for an Introduction to Engineering course. Most recently, from January to July of 2021, I was an intern with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum working with their education team, specifically with an emphasis on virtual programming design.
Why did you choose Bell?
Maybe because of the nature of my breadth of experience in the academic realm, I saw a lot of gaps in the way education is being approached and was exhausted by the "publish or die" mentality of research-heavy institutions. I was excited about the opportunity to focus on excellence in teaching while using my research skills to improve student learning and success. It's great to be in a sphere where there is freedom to create and try new things, whereas that's much harder to do in a large program or institution. Bell is getting back to the fundamentals of learning and focusing on the most important aspects and skills, getting rid of the "fluff", which is awesome!
Fun fact about you!
I love to celebrate food holidays and have tried for 2021 to celebrate one per week (I haven't been perfect, but I've celebrated a lot!).
Where are you from?
I am from the booming metropolis of Tremonton, Utah. It's a small town in northern Utah about 30 minutes from the Idaho border.
What is your education path?
I have three degrees, all from Utah State University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering in 2017, my Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering in 2019, and my Ph.D. in Engineering Education in 2021.
What work experience do you have?
Throughout my undergraduate and graduate experiences, my primary work experiences were in the realm of academic research. I was an Undergraduate Research Fellow, so for better or for worse (I'd like to say better - you learn a lot of what you want to do and what you don't want to do!), I was involved in research from the first month of college. Throughout those undergraduate experiences, I worked with nanoparticles, antibiotic inhibition, root mimetics, and engineering education research. I did also have a fellowship through iUTAH EPSCOR with the University of Utah working with bioretention systems aimed at removing contaminants and high nutrient levels from stormwater runoff. I did work with an industry partner for my senior design project, which was to design a modular external fixation device (if you want some gory videos, look up external fixation!). In 2020, I was also the instructor of record for an Introduction to Engineering course. Most recently, from January to July of 2021, I was an intern with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum working with their education team, specifically with an emphasis on virtual programming design.
Why did you choose Bell?
Maybe because of the nature of my breadth of experience in the academic realm, I saw a lot of gaps in the way education is being approached and was exhausted by the "publish or die" mentality of research-heavy institutions. I was excited about the opportunity to focus on excellence in teaching while using my research skills to improve student learning and success. It's great to be in a sphere where there is freedom to create and try new things, whereas that's much harder to do in a large program or institution. Bell is getting back to the fundamentals of learning and focusing on the most important aspects and skills, getting rid of the "fluff", which is awesome!
Fun fact about you!
I love to celebrate food holidays and have tried for 2021 to celebrate one per week (I haven't been perfect, but I've celebrated a lot!).
Michelle Soledad - Professor
Where are you from?
Davao City, Philippines
What is your education path?
Bachelors and Masters in electrical engineering, PhD in engineering education
What work experience do you have?
Software Engineer, from entry-level to senior team lead and project manager for Accenture
Assistant professor and department chair for electrical engineering at the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, Philippines
Director for Communications and International Engagement for the department of engineering education at Virginia Tech
Lecturer, fundamentals of engineering at The Ohio State University.
Why did you choose Bell?
It was exciting to have an opportunity to be part of a community of innovators and trailblazers, and a program like no other!
Fun fact about you!
I enjoy hiking and doing pointed pen calligraphy, particularly in the Copperplate script!
Where are you from?
Davao City, Philippines
What is your education path?
Bachelors and Masters in electrical engineering, PhD in engineering education
What work experience do you have?
Software Engineer, from entry-level to senior team lead and project manager for Accenture
Assistant professor and department chair for electrical engineering at the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, Philippines
Director for Communications and International Engagement for the department of engineering education at Virginia Tech
Lecturer, fundamentals of engineering at The Ohio State University.
Why did you choose Bell?
It was exciting to have an opportunity to be part of a community of innovators and trailblazers, and a program like no other!
Fun fact about you!
I enjoy hiking and doing pointed pen calligraphy, particularly in the Copperplate script!
Justine Chasmar - Professor
Where are you from?
I was born in South Florida but moved to South Carolina as a kid. Since then, I've also lived in Atlanta and Baltimore and ended up back in South Carolina to be closer to family.
What is your education path?
I earned a BS and MS (5-year degree program) in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in Coding Theory from Clemson University. I worked a few years and took a position at Clemson University to earn my PhD in Engineering and Science Education part-time while I worked full time. That particular experience helped me prepare for supporting Bell students!
What work experience do you have?
As an undergraduate and graduate student, I tutored, nannied, and did a lot of research. One summer, I worked as a research scientist in the Director's Summer Program at the National Security Agency, and, another summer, I participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), funded by the National Science Foundation. I also conducted coding theory research throughout my BS and MS degrees. While I loved mathematics and applied research, I most enjoyed tutoring and working with other students, so the first full-time position I accepted following my MS program was in a Learning Center at Georgia Tech. I got to create and run several kinds of tutoring programs, support thousands of engineering and other STEM students, and help grow a small support center into an essential center in the main hub on campus. I then worked a position at Clemson University in a similar position, supporting students on campus in their content and self-directed learning by running learning support programs, while completing my PhD. My most recent position before Bell was as the Founding Director of the Quantitative Reasoning Center at Goucher College, a small liberal arts college just north of Baltimore, and a very different institution from my previous schools and alma mater, which brought a new set of learning experiences. I created a learning support center, focused on STEM and QR development, from scratch and loved the "all hands on deck" approach to smaller schools.
Why did you choose Bell?
I chose the Bell Program because when learning more about the program, I immediately knew that if Bell had been an option when I was a student, I would have loved it! I greatly appreciate the non-traditional approaches, such as putting work experience, breadth, and self-directed learning as priorities. I have seen large gaps in other, more traditional engineering programs which utilize a more "one size fits all" model. I have been so happy with the community of students, staff, and faculty, even as a part-time faculty member.
Fun fact about you!
I dressed my daughter in a different costume every day in October when she was six months old and plan to do it again while she is 18 months old this October!
Where are you from?
I was born in South Florida but moved to South Carolina as a kid. Since then, I've also lived in Atlanta and Baltimore and ended up back in South Carolina to be closer to family.
What is your education path?
I earned a BS and MS (5-year degree program) in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in Coding Theory from Clemson University. I worked a few years and took a position at Clemson University to earn my PhD in Engineering and Science Education part-time while I worked full time. That particular experience helped me prepare for supporting Bell students!
What work experience do you have?
As an undergraduate and graduate student, I tutored, nannied, and did a lot of research. One summer, I worked as a research scientist in the Director's Summer Program at the National Security Agency, and, another summer, I participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), funded by the National Science Foundation. I also conducted coding theory research throughout my BS and MS degrees. While I loved mathematics and applied research, I most enjoyed tutoring and working with other students, so the first full-time position I accepted following my MS program was in a Learning Center at Georgia Tech. I got to create and run several kinds of tutoring programs, support thousands of engineering and other STEM students, and help grow a small support center into an essential center in the main hub on campus. I then worked a position at Clemson University in a similar position, supporting students on campus in their content and self-directed learning by running learning support programs, while completing my PhD. My most recent position before Bell was as the Founding Director of the Quantitative Reasoning Center at Goucher College, a small liberal arts college just north of Baltimore, and a very different institution from my previous schools and alma mater, which brought a new set of learning experiences. I created a learning support center, focused on STEM and QR development, from scratch and loved the "all hands on deck" approach to smaller schools.
Why did you choose Bell?
I chose the Bell Program because when learning more about the program, I immediately knew that if Bell had been an option when I was a student, I would have loved it! I greatly appreciate the non-traditional approaches, such as putting work experience, breadth, and self-directed learning as priorities. I have seen large gaps in other, more traditional engineering programs which utilize a more "one size fits all" model. I have been so happy with the community of students, staff, and faculty, even as a part-time faculty member.
Fun fact about you!
I dressed my daughter in a different costume every day in October when she was six months old and plan to do it again while she is 18 months old this October!
Lauren Singelmann - Professor
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Fargo, ND, which is about 4 hours west of Virginia. I work remotely for the Bell Program, so I'm currently based in Fargo as well.
What is your education path?
I graduated with my Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering from North Dakota State University in 2018. I did my Masters in Electrical and Computer Engineering at NDSU in 2020, and I'm set to finish my PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and STEM Education at NDSU soon!
What work experience do you have?
Most of my work experience has been at the intersection of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. I have worked on teams that were designing better pacemakers, assessing how radio frequency affects our health, and improving the way we support patients who have had a stroke. My favorite thing about these projects is that I was able to use my technical expertise in electromagnetics, electronics, and signal processing to make a difference in the healthcare sector.
Why did you choose Bell?
I chose Bell because I knew it would challenge me in the ways that I want to be challenged. I want to be in a role where I need to be learning new things and developing new skills at a really broad level, and I think Bell is a program that truly embraces that. Technology (and society as a whole!) are changing so rapidly, and we want to help support engineers that can keep up and make an impact. In order to do that, we as faculty and staff also need to be learning about new technologies and trends and adapting our courses and programs accordingly.
Fun fact about you!
I have participated in competitive collegiate rock climbing. To be more precise, my friends convinced me to sign up for a rock climbing tournament with them, and I did it and ended up getting last place. However, I still had fun, I still occasionally climb, and I still can say that I'm a collegiate athlete, so I'll call it a win.
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Fargo, ND, which is about 4 hours west of Virginia. I work remotely for the Bell Program, so I'm currently based in Fargo as well.
What is your education path?
I graduated with my Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering from North Dakota State University in 2018. I did my Masters in Electrical and Computer Engineering at NDSU in 2020, and I'm set to finish my PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and STEM Education at NDSU soon!
What work experience do you have?
Most of my work experience has been at the intersection of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. I have worked on teams that were designing better pacemakers, assessing how radio frequency affects our health, and improving the way we support patients who have had a stroke. My favorite thing about these projects is that I was able to use my technical expertise in electromagnetics, electronics, and signal processing to make a difference in the healthcare sector.
Why did you choose Bell?
I chose Bell because I knew it would challenge me in the ways that I want to be challenged. I want to be in a role where I need to be learning new things and developing new skills at a really broad level, and I think Bell is a program that truly embraces that. Technology (and society as a whole!) are changing so rapidly, and we want to help support engineers that can keep up and make an impact. In order to do that, we as faculty and staff also need to be learning about new technologies and trends and adapting our courses and programs accordingly.
Fun fact about you!
I have participated in competitive collegiate rock climbing. To be more precise, my friends convinced me to sign up for a rock climbing tournament with them, and I did it and ended up getting last place. However, I still had fun, I still occasionally climb, and I still can say that I'm a collegiate athlete, so I'll call it a win.
Jon Peterson - Facilitator
Where are you from?
Duluth, Minnesota, at the western tip of Lake Superior and an hour's drive south of Virginia, MN.
What is your education path?
I have an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Engineering from Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN. I am in my final semester as a Senior in the IRE Upper Division PBL (project-based learning) program, where I helped create the IRE Society of Air and Space, did several aerospace-centered projects, and have been interning with both Lower Division and the Bell Program as I explore the professional world of collegiate engineering education.
What work experience do you have?
While exploring the path of an engineering educator I've interned with Lower Division and Bell for two (going on three) semesters and one summer. I've designed and facilitated student projects, designed and led Professionalism and Design sessions, organized student life events, and created videos to introduce aerospace subjects to student engineers. Between my time as a student engineer at ICC and IRE I've been part of more than a dozen design teams (of both client and entrepreneurial varieties), and facilitated or mentored a large number of teams as well. I'm currently devoting my creative energies to developing a pathway for Bell students to explore the aerospace field in their personal academic ventures.
My most valuable work experiences have come from a decade of volunteer work with the US Civil Air Patrol--a volunteer, civilian, non-combat auxiliary of the US Air Force. I've served as a squadron-level Training Officer, Squadron Deputy Commander, Aerospace Education Officer, and a variety of other positions centered around our cadet (youth leadership development) program and aerospace missions. I've long since found that learning to accept responsibility at (and otherwise working within) a large, structured organization generates transferable skills applicable to working just about anywhere.
Why did you choose Bell?
I chose Bell as a place to explore the engineering education field for two primary reasons. First, the learning community is second-to-none. I know from personal experience that a supportive, friendly, and inclusive community makes learning far easier, and as both a student and a professional I want to be a part of that. Second, I believe firmly in the value of practicing not only technical and design skills in engineering, but in the critical importance of professional development. Bell practices all these in spades.
Fun fact about you!
I was active in more than seven choirs and show choirs in high school, and performed in three separate all-city high school musicals in Duluth--Annie, Grease, and Anything Goes. I was generally typecast as a nerd, sailor, and a posh British butler.
Where are you from?
Duluth, Minnesota, at the western tip of Lake Superior and an hour's drive south of Virginia, MN.
What is your education path?
I have an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Engineering from Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN. I am in my final semester as a Senior in the IRE Upper Division PBL (project-based learning) program, where I helped create the IRE Society of Air and Space, did several aerospace-centered projects, and have been interning with both Lower Division and the Bell Program as I explore the professional world of collegiate engineering education.
What work experience do you have?
While exploring the path of an engineering educator I've interned with Lower Division and Bell for two (going on three) semesters and one summer. I've designed and facilitated student projects, designed and led Professionalism and Design sessions, organized student life events, and created videos to introduce aerospace subjects to student engineers. Between my time as a student engineer at ICC and IRE I've been part of more than a dozen design teams (of both client and entrepreneurial varieties), and facilitated or mentored a large number of teams as well. I'm currently devoting my creative energies to developing a pathway for Bell students to explore the aerospace field in their personal academic ventures.
My most valuable work experiences have come from a decade of volunteer work with the US Civil Air Patrol--a volunteer, civilian, non-combat auxiliary of the US Air Force. I've served as a squadron-level Training Officer, Squadron Deputy Commander, Aerospace Education Officer, and a variety of other positions centered around our cadet (youth leadership development) program and aerospace missions. I've long since found that learning to accept responsibility at (and otherwise working within) a large, structured organization generates transferable skills applicable to working just about anywhere.
Why did you choose Bell?
I chose Bell as a place to explore the engineering education field for two primary reasons. First, the learning community is second-to-none. I know from personal experience that a supportive, friendly, and inclusive community makes learning far easier, and as both a student and a professional I want to be a part of that. Second, I believe firmly in the value of practicing not only technical and design skills in engineering, but in the critical importance of professional development. Bell practices all these in spades.
Fun fact about you!
I was active in more than seven choirs and show choirs in high school, and performed in three separate all-city high school musicals in Duluth--Annie, Grease, and Anything Goes. I was generally typecast as a nerd, sailor, and a posh British butler.
Luke Nyberg - Facilitator
Where are you from?
I grew up on a small farm close to the town of Ely in northern Minnesota.
What is your education path?
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Engineering from Minnesota State
University Mankato. I am endlessly curious. I want to know a bit about everything. I believe in
having a broad range of skills and knowledge, both practical and philosophical. An engineering
degree seemed to fit this conviction perfectly, and nowhere is this more emblematic than Iron
Range Engineering’s Integrated engineering degree path.
What work experience do you have?
I have been managing projects and implementing designs for many years. Prior to engineering,
I built everything from log cabins and pole barns to four thousand square feet luxury homes. I
have worked in social work, hotel management, and installed thermal management systems. I
have plumbed, and wired homes, worked as a courier, farmed, logged, and placed concrete. I
was a miner, equipment salvager, and a geologist’s assistant. After my degree, I worked as a
staff engineer, lab manager, and soil scientist. I have worn many hats over the years, and I’m
not nearly done expanding my range of experiences.
A teacher I once had, encouraged the principles of being a Renaissance person. I have strived
to live up to that principle.
Why did you choose Bell?
I think this quote by the Stoic Philosopher Seneca sums up my reasoning perfectly.
“Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are
capable of improving. The process is a mutual one. People learn as they teach.”
-Seneca
Fun fact about you!
While in Wyoming, I once rode a horse amongst a herd of wild antelope, galloping alongside them. It
was quite a rush and one of my most memorable experiences.
Where are you from?
I grew up on a small farm close to the town of Ely in northern Minnesota.
What is your education path?
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Engineering from Minnesota State
University Mankato. I am endlessly curious. I want to know a bit about everything. I believe in
having a broad range of skills and knowledge, both practical and philosophical. An engineering
degree seemed to fit this conviction perfectly, and nowhere is this more emblematic than Iron
Range Engineering’s Integrated engineering degree path.
What work experience do you have?
I have been managing projects and implementing designs for many years. Prior to engineering,
I built everything from log cabins and pole barns to four thousand square feet luxury homes. I
have worked in social work, hotel management, and installed thermal management systems. I
have plumbed, and wired homes, worked as a courier, farmed, logged, and placed concrete. I
was a miner, equipment salvager, and a geologist’s assistant. After my degree, I worked as a
staff engineer, lab manager, and soil scientist. I have worn many hats over the years, and I’m
not nearly done expanding my range of experiences.
A teacher I once had, encouraged the principles of being a Renaissance person. I have strived
to live up to that principle.
Why did you choose Bell?
I think this quote by the Stoic Philosopher Seneca sums up my reasoning perfectly.
“Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are
capable of improving. The process is a mutual one. People learn as they teach.”
-Seneca
Fun fact about you!
While in Wyoming, I once rode a horse amongst a herd of wild antelope, galloping alongside them. It
was quite a rush and one of my most memorable experiences.
Student Highlight: Veronica Ramirez
Where are you from?
I am from Ponca City, Oklahoma born and raised, but have roots in Mexico and Kansas. This is where my parents are originally from.
What kind of engineer do you want to be?
The engineer I had originally wanted to be is a Mechanical Engineer, this is definitely flexible especially once I gain more experience out in industry. I may find something I am more passionate about.
What made you decide to attend the Bell Program?
The reason I decided to attend Bell was from my bell experience. When my instructor at the community college and the zoom call that Cody Mann did for our college. My initial thoughts on the Bell Program was that it was too good to be true. What college is going to pay to fly out 5 Students round trip to pay for food and lodging. Originally, I had the opportunity to be part of cohort 1. I was unable to attend at that time due to my family here in Oklahoma plus the family business my husband works in. Financially, it just didn't make sense for me to attend at that time. Then the world wide pandemic hit, and Bell adapted (What Engineers do) and figured out how to allow this to be virtual. As soon as Cody contacted me and let me know that Bell has become virtual if I was still interested, I jumped on the opportunity immediately.
What is it like attending Bell Academy remotely and maintaining a work/life balance at home?
Attending the Bell Academy as a virtual student has been the best virtual experience ever. With how willing all the facilitators are to use technology is very appreciated, they always include us in all aspects of the program, and really care about our input on the program. They send us food via doordash and such when they provide lunch for the students on campus. That way we aren't missing out on those opportunities. They understand that sitting all day can be hard on the body and therefore, sent us rising desks. Now attending the Bell Program and having a healthy work life balance has been a little challenging but the facilitators are all very welcoming when my boys decide to pop in. They are all understanding when I need to step away for a moment. The ability to be able to get my education and be home with my boys has been amazing. I would never want to sacrifice any time with them. Also, my biggest help is having a planner. I have a planner I use outside of the Google Calendar that has my school schedule, my appointments, the boys' appointments and extracurriculars, and my husband's appointments and work schedule.
What are you enjoying most about Bell Academy?
What I enjoy most about the bell academy is how everyday it is something different and how the facilitators are by our side through everything whether it be failure or success. I know I can call my learning coach about anything even if it's just a call back on an application. Having someone in the career in your corner and rooting for you is a relief.
I am from Ponca City, Oklahoma born and raised, but have roots in Mexico and Kansas. This is where my parents are originally from.
What kind of engineer do you want to be?
The engineer I had originally wanted to be is a Mechanical Engineer, this is definitely flexible especially once I gain more experience out in industry. I may find something I am more passionate about.
What made you decide to attend the Bell Program?
The reason I decided to attend Bell was from my bell experience. When my instructor at the community college and the zoom call that Cody Mann did for our college. My initial thoughts on the Bell Program was that it was too good to be true. What college is going to pay to fly out 5 Students round trip to pay for food and lodging. Originally, I had the opportunity to be part of cohort 1. I was unable to attend at that time due to my family here in Oklahoma plus the family business my husband works in. Financially, it just didn't make sense for me to attend at that time. Then the world wide pandemic hit, and Bell adapted (What Engineers do) and figured out how to allow this to be virtual. As soon as Cody contacted me and let me know that Bell has become virtual if I was still interested, I jumped on the opportunity immediately.
What is it like attending Bell Academy remotely and maintaining a work/life balance at home?
Attending the Bell Academy as a virtual student has been the best virtual experience ever. With how willing all the facilitators are to use technology is very appreciated, they always include us in all aspects of the program, and really care about our input on the program. They send us food via doordash and such when they provide lunch for the students on campus. That way we aren't missing out on those opportunities. They understand that sitting all day can be hard on the body and therefore, sent us rising desks. Now attending the Bell Program and having a healthy work life balance has been a little challenging but the facilitators are all very welcoming when my boys decide to pop in. They are all understanding when I need to step away for a moment. The ability to be able to get my education and be home with my boys has been amazing. I would never want to sacrifice any time with them. Also, my biggest help is having a planner. I have a planner I use outside of the Google Calendar that has my school schedule, my appointments, the boys' appointments and extracurriculars, and my husband's appointments and work schedule.
What are you enjoying most about Bell Academy?
What I enjoy most about the bell academy is how everyday it is something different and how the facilitators are by our side through everything whether it be failure or success. I know I can call my learning coach about anything even if it's just a call back on an application. Having someone in the career in your corner and rooting for you is a relief.
Bell Important Dates:
EngFest: December 6-10, 2021
Cohort 5 Starts: January 10, 2022
Cohort 1 Graduation: December 11, 2021
Next Bell Experience: TBD
EngFest: December 6-10, 2021
Cohort 5 Starts: January 10, 2022
Cohort 1 Graduation: December 11, 2021
Next Bell Experience: TBD
