91 welcomed the second cohort of the Monarch Accelerator Program to Engineering (MAP2E) this week. Twenty-one incoming students took part in the weeklong program, which prepares them for success in engineering and engineering technology.
Students took part in team-building activities, a student-led engineering panel, Monarch move-in events and tour of the Hampton Roads Sanitation District Virginia Initiative Plant.
For their group project, students practiced reverse engineering by transforming a flashlight into a lamp that could be used for late-night studying without disturbing a roommate. Working in teams, they disassembled flashlights, reused the parts, and combined them with everyday materials and laser-cut wood. They applied skills in circuits, mechanical design, and fabrication to build working prototypes. Projects were judged on functionality, usability, and clarity in explaining the design process.
On Friday, students attended an etiquette luncheon with department chairs and professors. Rob Gies, an associate technical fellow at Newport News Shipbuilding, engineering professional in residence, and adjunct assistant professor at ODU, praised the program.
“I want to say, 120 percent, this program is outstanding. Old Dominion has done a wonderful job developing it, and last year’s students, the very first year, were wonderful, very successful,” he said. “I’m highly confident that you will also do a great job in this program.”
He encouraged the students to take full advantage of the program, adding, “It is a special opportunity that Old Dominion has afforded you, with tremendous resources and commitment behind it. The reason you are here is to earn that degree, and once you do, all kinds of opportunities will open to you.”
The week concluded with students presenting their projects to family members and faculty from the Batten College of Engineering and Technology.
(NNS) is the lead industry sponsor of MAP2E. Established in 2023, the program aims to increase retention in ODU’s engineering and engineering technology programs in Hampton Roads.
Throughout the academic year, MAP2E students will benefit from tutoring, field trips, career mentoring and opportunities to connect with NNS initiatives such as the NNS Scholars program, co-ops and internships.
For more information, contact MAP2E Program Director Kristin Eden at keden@odu.edu.