A Transformative Learning Experience: Underwater Robotics Research

Abstract

Abstract Introducing basic engineering skills and Instrumentation to incoming freshmen engineering students through research in underwater remotely operated vehicle Adam Dorety, Alex Dorio, Devon Keith, Dylan Miller, Zack Hardina, Wei (Richard) Pee, Evan Lemley and Baha JassemnejadFour incoming freshmen students interested in one of the areas of STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering, and Mathematics) participated in the July of 2011 Summer Bridge Program for four weeks.The goal was to introduce them to the basic engineering skills and positive impact of research. As suchthese students undertook the design and building an underwater autonomous vehicle throughparticipating in the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROA) research group. These students, in addition toreceiving research presentations by the faculty members in the various fields of STEM, were presentedspecific daily lectures and training in the areas pertaining to their research activity. The lecturepresentations covered were in the following fields of Mechatronics: Electronics, Mechanics, Physics,Microcontrollers, Sensors and Actuators. These students were introduced to Engineering Processes; andwere required to implement it during their design and construction of their project. The practicaltraining was accomplished through attending labs consisted of simulating and building analog and digitalelectrical circuits, microcontroller assembly and programing. During the third and fourth week of theprogram students successfully constructed and tested an underwater remotely operated vehicledesigned to explore local ponds and lakes. All four students became more committed to pursue one ofthe STEMS’ disciplines. Except for one who decided to pursue mathematics, the rest continued tomaintain engineering as their majors. They also continued working on the project as undergraduateresearch assistants.