Engineering students available for corporate improvement projects

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Western New York companies lacking adequate manpower, time or expertise to rectify a recurring issue or pursue a technical-based aspiration might find the help they need from students in the University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

UB TCIE, a center that connects the business community with the expert resources of UB’s engineering school, is seeking corporate partners for two student engagement programs this fall. Companies of all types, sizes and maturity levels – from manufacturers and financial institutions to government entities and nonprofits – are invited to host one or more students through the following outlets.

• The one-semester TCIE Engineering Fellows Program provides an outstanding master’s degree or PhD candidate dedicated to completing up to three engineering projects identified by the host company. Fall or spring placements are available. Fellows work 20 hours per week on site, for a total of 320 hours.

• The two-semester Student Black Belt Program, offered in conjunction with UB’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, focuses on operational excellence by employing the Lean Six Sigma problem-solving approach to reduce process variation. The program, in its 10th year, is one of a handful of Six Sigma programs offered by U.S. institutions of higher education.

Students are supported by a Master Black Belt mentor with varied and extensive industry experience, who works with company officials to identify a project with defined outcomes and achievable results. The students work 12-16 hours per week on-site at the company during the fall and spring semesters, helping to increase efficiency. Visit http://www.tcie.buffalo.edu/studentbb/ for more details.

Both programs align with the initiative of Liesl Folks, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, to increase experiential learning opportunities for students and heighten interaction with the corporate community.

“For industry, there’s a huge advantage to being able to ‘try before you buy’ through internships that often lead to job offers,” Folks said.

For more information on how your company can benefit from one or both programs, contact Gary Simon at 716-645-8837 or ggsimon@buffalo.edu by May 2.

TCIE is Western New York's bridge to excellence; it provides a dynamic link between UB’s expert resources and the region’s business community. Its core focus on engineering solutions and operational excellence drives continual improvements, and ignites innovation and technological advantages. For more information on how TCIE can assist Western New York businesses, visit www.tcie.buffalo.edu or call 716-645-8800.