Education Efforts

EDSGN 100 is a first-year engineering course that is required for most engineering majors. The course uses a design-driven curriculum where students learn the science behind the design process and the tools of that will help lead them to a successful design. Other skills–such as teamwork, communication skills (graphical, oral, and written), and computer-aided design and analysis tools–are be learned throughout the design process.

EDSGN 562 focuses on the evolving role of design in the face of modern additive manufacturing, with special emphasis on bleeding edge research occuring in the field. Students work in a project-driven environment that leverages research advances in the DfAM, including lattice structures, mass customization, topology optimization, multi-material and multi-functional design. This course is one of four required courses for Penn State’s Additive Manufacturing and Design Master’s Degree Program.

EDSGN 462 is a Senior-level course that introduces students to the basic concepts behind DfAM and how they can be applied in product design. The course uses hands-on, project-based learning to assist students in developing the design skills necessary to operate within the space of additive manufacturing.  Students in the course put their existing computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing knowledge to use in this new context, with a specific focus on desktop-scale material extrusion systems.

In addition to formal coursework, the Made By Design Lab is involved in numerous informal education and outreach activities across Penn State and the State College Area.  This includes co-advising the Penn State 3D Printing Club, presenting workshops at Schlow Centre Region Library, sponsoring Senior Capstone Projects, and advising students through the Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates (MC-REU) program.