Innovative Teaching Grant to Advance Hands-On Learning in Engineering

Dr. Sayginer has been awarded a ~$3,000 Innovative Teaching with Makerspace Technology Grant from Temple Libraries’ Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio to expand hands-on, experiential learning in the curriculum beginning Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The project will enhance the MEE 2305 Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Lab by upgrading crank slider experiment kits with real-time motor power and voltage displays, tunable dampers, variable masses, and advanced sensors such as optical and ultrasonic technologies, all produced and integrated using makerspace-based fabrication tools like laser cutting and 3D printing. These improvements will enable students to extend their studies from kinematics into kinetics, calculating system efficiency, relating input torque to acceleration, and linking theory from prerequisite courses such as ENGR 2332 Dynamics to real-world applications. In addition, we will investigate potential synergistic activities for the development of a low-cost interdisciplinary learning kit for MEE 1117, an initiative first presented at the ASEE First-Year Engineering Experience (FYEE) Conference. The impact of this project lies in strengthening mechatronics education from freshman to junior levels, deepening active and interdisciplinary learning experiences, fostering collaboration between the College of Engineering and Temple Libraries’ Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio, and equipping students with rapid prototyping skills that are essential for modern engineering practice and innovation.