A group of engineering students from Queen’s University Belfast’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences recently traveled from Northern Ireland to participate in the inaugural Vanderbilt Engineering summer study tour program hosted at the university.
The program, organized by Gabriel Luis, VUSE’s assistant dean for Graduate Recruiting and Global Engagement, aimed to help further develop students’ leadership skills for graduate school and the engineering industry. Joining the 10 students was an advisor from Queen’s University Belfast. Luis believes that the recently hosted students will be the first of many international cohorts benefiting from summer immersion programs at the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering.
“Our mission at the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering is to make a deep societal and scientific impact, both locally and globally, and train the leaders of the future,” said Krish Roy, the Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering and University Distinguished Professor. “As Vanderbilt expands its global reach, immersion programs like this offer valuable opportunities for international students and faculty to experience our world-class engineering research and educational offerings. In the coming years, we plan to expand on this program and include other international partners to create lasting collaborations and exchange of ideas.”
From May 31 to June 7, the students participated in engineering seminars as well as explored the campus and the region. On campus, faculty members David Florian, assistant professor of the Practice of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Yiorgos Kostoulas, director of the Division of Engineering Science and Management, led the students in engineering seminars on 3D model print designs and engineering management. Vanderbilt graduate students met with the cohort for lab tours, showcased the latest research, and provided a snapshot of their graduate experience.
During their first-time visit to the city, the group enjoyed some of the sites both locally and regionally, including the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Luis said he hopes there will be other student exchanges between the two institutions.
“Programs like these are not only impactful in shaping a student’s future, but also in providing a wonderful opportunity for more people to learn about our university,” he said. “As Vanderbilt increases its global profile, these types of programs will help position the university as a key destination for various forms of international partnerships.”
Learn more about Vanderbilt’s global engagement strategy at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/global/.