Western New England University's College of Engineering, in collaboration with the Kern Family Foundation, recently hosted a 'Faculty-Student Research Speed Dating Event' as part of its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
The event, opened to all faculty and students, took place on Thursday, February 15, 2024, and attracted a significant turnout of 62 Golden Bears, including 24 faculty members and 38 students. Attendees from diverse academic disciplines came together for two rounds of speed dating aimed at facilitating meaningful research connections.
During the first round, faculty members kicked off the interactions with light-hearted descriptions of their research endeavors, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the event. Students had the opportunity to engage in three-minute speed dates with faculty members, exploring their academic interests before rotating to meet a new faculty member at the sound of the "Cow Bell."
The excitement continued into the second round, where faculty members paired up with students to meet with other student-faculty pairs, fostering the exploration of interdisciplinary research opportunities. The atmosphere remained charged with enthusiasm and curiosity as participants sought to establish connections across diverse fields of study.
Sponsored by the Kern Family Foundation as part of the esteemed KEEN Faculty Fellowship Program, the event was hailed as a resounding success, characterized by its high energy and fruitful outcomes. Already, several research partnerships have emerged, promising innovative collaborations and advancements in various domains.
Dr. Rob Gettens, Biomedical Engineering department chair at Western New England University's College of Engineering, expressed excitement about the event's impact, stating, "The Faculty-Student Research Speed Dating Event provided a unique platform for fostering collaboration and sparking new ideas. We are thrilled to see the formation of research partnerships that have the potential to drive innovation and excellence in our academic community."
The event underscores Western New England University's commitment to providing dynamic opportunities for faculty and students to engage in interdisciplinary research, ultimately shaping the future of engineering education and practice.
