Stevens Institute of Technology: Admissions Blog

Career Focus at Stevens

Stevens' Career Fair last week attracted more than 100 companies and 700 students to the eagerly awaited, and historically successful, event held in the Schaefer Center each fall for seniors. 

The fair presented an opportunity for both sides - the Class of 2012 and potential employers - to connect and standout. From the overwhelming turnout and high level of preparedness, to the outstanding career outcomes Stevens publishes each year, it's clear that Stevens students make excellent use of their time in front of some of the nation's top companies and agencies that recruit talent here. Impressive career placement figures for the Class of 2011 include an average starting salary of $63,200, which is 9% above the national average. In addition, 85% of Stevens' Class of 2011 obtained job placement within three months of graduating, and 35% entertained more than one job offer.

"I received great, positive feedback from those who participated in the Career Fair, and I am delighted that the event generated a lot of excitement from everyone involved," said Lynn Insley, Director of Career Development at Stevens. "I'm especially pleased about the wide variety of employers represented this year."

Employer representation ran the gamut across industries, expertise, and types of jobs, which provided students from every discipline ample access to career networking and placement. Amid the economic stress of today, the diversity and breadth of commercial and government representation at this year's fall Career Fair is especially encouraging.  Some companies return to Stevens after years of maintaining relationships here, and some have a more recent presence.  NBC Universal, for example, made its first appearance last year. 

A representative from LGS Bell Labs Innovations summed up what his company sees in Stevens graduates this way: "The Stevens graduates we've worked with are well-prepared and they transition very well to high-end work with little stress and time. They adapt quickly and make positive contributions to sophisticated problems and projects right away. They're also team-oriented, which is  very beneficial." 

LGS Bell Labs delivers communications and R&D-based technology solutions to the U.S. government community and is looking to Stevens for computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and physics majors to fill various full-time roles as well as internships. The representative added, "It's nearly impossible to predict where technology will be five years from now. We all know how quickly it evolves and changes. So we're not only looking for folks with excellent knowledge and experience, but also those who like to learn and who adapt while we all 'follow the technology', so to speak." 

At a pre-fair luncheon for employers and students, Stevens presented Johnson & Johnson with its Employer of the Year Award for going "above and beyond" the typical recruitment relationship. In addition to internships, co-op placements, and full-time employment, especially distinct is the company's role in providing student workshops in leadership and networking as well as Johnson & Johnson's sponsoring of Stevens senior design projects. 

Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP), Barclays Capital, Becton Dickinson & Company (BD), Deloitte Services, Ernst & Young, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Hamilton Sundstrand, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Morgan Stanley, L'Oreal USA, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Pepsi Bottling Group, Risk Management Solutions Inc.,  UBS, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Verizon were a few among the many companies represented.

 

Designing the Future

When presented with a real-world problem, Stevens Institute of Technology students kick into gear, and not just because they're required to do so.  The Senior Projects Expo last week exemplified the reality that Stevens students not only develop the skills and knowledge to design solutions to challenging problems but that they enjoy the process!  

It was a beautiful day as faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and friends gathered for Stevens’ annual event, a showcase of the senior year design projects of the graduating students from the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, the Howe School of Technology Management, and the School of Systems and Enterprises.

The Expo is the culmination of the undergraduate education experience at Stevens. It allows students to apply the knowledge they have learned over four years to address a significant challenge in the areas of engineering, science, computer science, engineering management, and technology marketing and management. More than 100 groups were present at this year’s event – with outdoor exhibition space set up for the first time ever to accommodate the overflowing arena. 

"Every year, it is exciting to see the progress, teamwork, and execution of these concepts as ideas become reality," says Dr. Keith Sheppard, Associate Dean of Engineering and Science. "A number of these projects will go on in competitions, while others will make positive changes as industry applications. These students look forward to an incredible future."

The projects on display ran the gamut from alternative energy solutions to biomedical applications to innovative and efficient new vehicles. 

Team Five Guys was among the senior design teams displaying their projects in the Canavan Arena. Nyle Hammond, Edgar Barrios, Kyle Hanas, Elliot MacMillan, and Peter Yurkowski designed an interactive ordering solution for casual eating establishments, a project sponsored by Johnny Rockets, "The Original Hamburger," establishment in Hoboken, NJ. Their solution to inefficiency between front-end service and back-end management functions at restaurants that capitalize on maximizing table turnover? They designed a system that includes utilizing Apple iPads with the "Easy Pay Touch" hardware, docking stations, iOS mboile operating system software that integrates with the restaurant's POS system, and an administrative Web page. 

Essentially, they put touch-screen devices in the hands of customers, allowing them to choose and submit their orders directly to a ticketing system, generate and manage their bills, request server assistance, and split bills easily - decreasing time and error that would otherwise impede flow of service and, essentially, profits for the restaurant.

One of the groups, TEACHINS-U, worked to develop a therapeutic device for autistic children. Designed in two phases, a training phase then a hands-on phase, the acronym stands for Training and Educating Autistic Children to Help Improve Necessary Skills Unit. The Mechanical Engineering team has been receiving very positive and enthusiastic feedback to the device, according to group member Jeff Pass.

 

An Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) group created The Digital Wall Calendar, a device which will utilize a calendar-based operating system for organizing plans, meetings, and other scheduled events. They also intend for it to incorporate a custom photo feature to replicate the novelty of a traditional wall calendar.

 

The team members report that the project development was a lot smoother than they originally thought. They were able to utilize their time throughout the entire Senior Design process, completing the research early on, which made putting the final product together even easier. The team also published a QR code on their poster, drawing smart phone users to a website explaining their project. 

 

CADeyes, a Stevens Start-up company, is an advanced mobile mapping system designed to create dimensionalized site and contour maps, and as-built drawings of both the exterior and interior of building structures. The company tasked a Mechanical Engineering group with developing a mobile indoor-scanning platform for 3-dimensional mapping and visualization.

 

“We are really pleased with the way the CADeyes IntelliScan turned out,” said Ravi Javia. “The device is exactly what we expected it to be. CADeyes didn’t have a system for indoor scanning yet, so this is just what they wanted. Our group created something that delivered to their exact specifications.”

 

An Engineering Management group stayed close to Stevens for their project, working with the Athletics department on their website. They developed a highlights video package for Athletics events that would create a more interactive website experience.

 

Their display was a colorful, interactive board, complete with streaming video. Gene Kang stated that the board replicated exactly what they intend the website to look like beginning next year. Attila the Duck, Stevens’ mascot, hung out with the group at the Expo.

 

“We’re getting a lot of attention today,” said Kang. “But I think that’s because of Attila!”

 

Margaret Przeszlo, an ECE major, and her partner Kevin Fuhrman, worked on a project entitled Facemask. At the Expo, she stated: “Everything worked out so well! Last week our system crashed and we were afraid we wouldn’t have anything to show but we were able to work the glitches out. I guess that’s what Senior Design is all about, right? Real-life, real-working challenges – and finding solutions.”

 

That sentiment is definitely a recurring theme among the students.

 

"The hands-on Senior Design process is very helpful," says Biomedical Engineering student Dalia Shendi, whose "Heat Wave" Senior Design team created a portable device to re-warm patients suffering from hypothermia, with applications for both the U.S. Army and New Jersey Physicians. "Before Stevens, I had little real experience, and now I know I can research a problem, look at the market for a product, and build and test a successful prototype."

 

Stevens Senior Engineers Jacob Latimore Hit

Dan Smith, a senior in the Music & Technology department at Stevens Institute of Technology has fulfilled his dream – before graduating! His goal – to be part of a #1 hit pop song - has been realized through engineering.  

Smith engineered the song "This or That" for the new 14-year-old R&B star Jacob Latimore.  It is marketed in retail stores internationally via Universal, EMI and SONY Records as part of NOW That's What I Call Music 37.

 

“The one thing I told professors when I started at Stevens is that my goal is to get a number one album before I graduate and I did,” said Smith.

 

“To make the Billboard 200 charts at number one is an amazing feat for any music professional let alone a student,” said David Musial, Industry Affiliate Professor in the Music & Technology Program. “This is just the beginning for Smith.”

 

Smith has interned at many major record labels in the past two years and in his early days was part of the Stevens Multimedia, Castle Point Records venture. Leveraging his engineering experience, he hopes to become a producer in the industry and work with as many new artists as possible.

 

 “I feel fortunate to be part of a number one album while I’m still in school,” said Smith. “My goal after graduation is to be an A-list producer.”

 

Dan will graduate in May just after completing his thesis which explores the art of launching a new pop star. 

Affordable Education

Stevens is committed to making a quality education as affordable as possible. About 90% of our students receive some form of Stevens aid. Information about financing your education at Stevens is available by Clicking Here, and our admissions staff is available to answer any and all of your questions.

We are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships to our incoming students. You may want to consider applying for the DeBaun Performing Arts scholarship, the FIRST (Robotics Competition or Tech Challenge team) scholarship, or the Science and Technology Center Volunteer scholarship.

A college education is an investment. Stevens has a notable history of preparing students for challenges in engineering, the sciences, business, and the arts. Consider all that Stevens offers, and you will see your investment as a springboard to future successes.

ATTENTION: Our Admissions Application deadline is February 1^st.  You can Apply Online today!

If you have applied, be sure to submit any missing documents and complete your interview if you have not already done so. The deadline for submitting your supporting documents is March 15!

 

Summer Research for Stevens Scholars

This past summer, nearly 80 students conducted research at Stevens and abroad as part of the Stevens Scholars Program, and each had a chance to showcase and discuss their work on Wednesday, October 13, in the Babbio Center at a poster exhibit and reception to celebrate their accomplishments. 

Scholars Program summer research projects are diverse in topic and scope. Commonly, though, all the projects allow students to apply their engineering and scientific training to design and research, an attractive challenge to students eager for experience beyond the classroom.  Sophomores Jackson Kelly and Chris Federici were among the scholars presenting their work at the exhibit.  Their study, "Investigation of Secure Human Identification Protocols with Random Noise," was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Antonio Nicolosi and, in layman's terms, involves designing the code and interface for a more secure way of utilizing usernames and passwords - while still maintaining ease of use for consumers.  Both Chris and Jackson are pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and said they appreciate the opportunity to conduct hands-on, cutting edge research.  "The coursework is one thing," Jackson said. "But it's this kind of research opportunitiy that allows us to explore new territories - to take part in real-world problem solving."

Incoming freshmen were invited to attend the showcase, which, for them, is a chance to be inspired by and consider participation in such student-driven research as quantum cryptography, bone regeneration, neural tissue engineering, a novel approach to overcome the drug resistance of cancer cells, understanding social networks psychology of movement in video games, indoor geolocation technology, passive solar house technology, applications of energy harvesting for micro/nano robotics, and more. 

"The Stevens Scholars Program provides our best students the opportunity to conduct research within a wide range of topics during the summer," said Dr. Edward Whittaker, professor of physics and engineering physics in the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr School of Engineering & Science and director of the Stevens Scholars Program. "Students work closely with a faculty member and present their research not only at annual poster sessions but also in leading research journals."

Stevens Scholars are typically high-acieving students with strong interest in and dedication to their areas of study.  Strong candidates are invited by faculty to apply for the program. And once admitted, student scholars must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA at Stevens. In addition to summer research - or additional summer coursework - Stevens scholars can earn a combined B.E/M.E, B.E./M.S., or B.S./M.S. degree in just four years and accelerate their programs of study to earn B.A., B.E. or B.S. degrees in three years. Over a dozen students from the Class of 2010 graduated with dual degrees earned through participation in the Scholars Program, Dr. Whittaker said.

Aiming High at Stevens

Last week the Babbio Center had more than sun and a stunning view of Manhattan illuminating its beautiful atrium.  Undergraduate students in the Technogenesis™ Summer Scholars Research Program held their season-concluding poster exhibition there – an event that showcased 42 student researchers in a well-deserved, collective spotlight.

The scholars were recognized for the research they did over the 10-week span of the program this summer. They also had the opportunity to discuss their projects with many observers who were curious about their work – if not in complete awe.  For those who missed the opportunity that afternoon to observe the new technologies and innovations produced and in active development by these students, this video is a great way to learn something new about the culture of technology and entrepreneurship at Stevens.  Or, it may simply validate what you already know!

Taking advantage of ample opportunities to work closely with faculty on cutting-edge research, as well as directly in industry even before graduation, is nothing new or unusual for many Stevens students.  However, programs like the Technogenesis™ Summer Scholars Research Program distinguish especially high-achieving studentsamong their peers.    

Mechanical Engineering major Christina Alecci’s project, “Design of an Introcular Pressure (IOP) Sensor” was facilitated in Stevens’ MicroDevice Laboratory under the advisement of professor E.H. Yang.

Another student, Ben Choe, advanced research in Social Networking in Urban Healthcare. "I wanted to participate in this student reasearch program because I'm interested in learning by doing," Ben said.  "I am intrigued by the particular research I did and its application in a specific industry that needs it.  But thinking ahead, I'm also interested in exploring how the research and process can be applied for other purposes."

In its 10th year of existence, the Summers Scholars Research Program admitted its largest class of students, and from its largest pool of applicants, said David Peacock, Director of Intellectual Property Management at Stevens.  Peacock addressed the students at a certificate and recognition ceremony after the exhibition.  Joining Christos Christodoulatos, Associate Provost for Academic Entrepreneurship, and Malcolm Kahn, Vice President of Enterprise Development and Licensing, he reminded the scholars of their distinct place in what he calls a family of students who've gone through the program. 

Build IT!

This week, the Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) at Stevens  hosted Build IT. An underwater LEGO robotics competition for middle school and high school students, Build IT was partially funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and Motorola this year, which allowed almost 30 area schools to participate.

Each team’s goal was to create a robot, using LEGOs and up to four motors, that could be submerged into a pool and complete specified tasks. The prize categories included Innovation and Speed, in addition to the overall Main Competition. The teams gathered on campus on the Babbio Patio to test out their robots, while judges, classmates, the media and other onlookers cheered them on.

After an intense competition, the winners were announced by Dean Daniel Gallagher at the closing ceremony held in DeBaun Auditorium. Dean Gallagher started the ceremony by telling the students: “This competition is about more than just building, it’s about creativity, design and innovation. If you continue to foster those skills, and you challenge yourself to think like a problem-solver, you will be able to develop the solutions needed in today’s world.”

The Innovation Award, which was assessed by combining originality and performance of each team’s robot, went to Henry Beck Middle School in Cherry Hill, NJ and Technology High School of Newark. The Speed Trial Award went to Valley View Middle School of Watchung, NJ and Passaic County Technical Institute (HS) in Passaic, NJ.

There were three prizes for the Main Competition for both middle school and high school teams. For the middle school competition, Lincoln Park (NJ) Middle School placed first, with Henry Beck Middle School and Ann Street School (Newark) placing second and third respectively. The high school winners were Technology High School in first place, Hoboken High School in second, and Robbinsville High School of Washington Township, NJ placing third.

Lincoln Park Middle School

 

Technology High School

Congratulations to the winners and all of the participating schools!!

H2prO Wins Top Prize at the 2009 Pitch Olympics

On the heels of Stevens annual Senior Design Expo, this year’s Pitch Olympics, a segment of Research & Entrepreneurship Day, was held in May. All Senior Design project teams were considered to be part of the Pitch Olympics and ten groups moved on to participate. Each group that participated was required to prepare a two-minute elevator pitch presented by one designated representative of the team to a panel of judges. 

This year’s top prize was awarded to Amanda Grimes, Nicole Migliore, Michael Mitchell and Joanna Sweetgall, a group of Biomedical Engineering students who presented H2prO, a portable, mechanically powered UV water treatment unit designed to provide safe drinking water for any individual, in any location, under any circumstance. An alternating current generator crank powers the UV bulbs, which, in turn, purify the water.

Michael, who represented the group in the Pitch Olympics, said that the team identified the need for this based on the number of people who travel around the world and contract illnesses from drinking water. The team wished to develop a cost-effective, simple, portable device to combat this issue and allow people access to clean, safe drinking water instantly.

“Our target market is wilderness enthusiasts, people who are traveling, and taking water out of a lake or a stream and are not sure whether the purification level is trustworthy or not,” said Nicole. “They can use our product to treat the water and make it safe for them to drink in any circumstance, in any situation, without an external power supply because it’s powered by a crank system. So it’s very easy to use for everyone.”

Dr. Vikki Hazelwood served as the team’s overall advisor. Michael said: “While Dr. Hazelwood pushes us to build a prototype, she also encourages us to envision our prototype translating to industry and production, and the potential applications it might have.” Inspired by this, the H2prO team is currently in the process of securing a provisional patent. The team’s clinical advisor was Dr. Robin E. Stutman, a New York-based infectious disease specialist.

Alumnus, professor work together to fight obesity

Seth A. Tropper, past co-founder of the successful Stevens spin-off PlasmaSol and current CEO of Switch2Health (S2H), and Dr. S. Vincent Grasso, a Stevens Institute of Technology Adjunct Professor and Healthcare IT Management Advisory Board member, have joined forces to extend the value of the S2H product line. 

S2H’s proprietary sensor technology placed within a wrist-worn device will identify and quantify physical activity and this, coupled with a web-based rewards system, will motivate individuals of all ages to be physically active and lead a healthier lifestyle.

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Video: Dean Bruno on Port Security