UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To fully reimagine its undergraduate lab experience, the Penn State College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) broke ground on a 5,700-square-foot space in the basement of the Reber Building.
Once completed, the ME Knowledge Lab will serve as the learning and innovation hub for several required undergraduate courses at Penn State University Park, providing students with cutting-edge and impactful tools to prepare them for a dynamic career in the field.
“We expect our graduates to help solve today’s complex engineering challenges. That starts here, in their undergraduate education, by providing the best experience and technology,” said Karen Thole, distinguished professor and ME department head.
Once completed, the ME Knowledge Lab facilities will include:
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Collaborative design hub
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3D printers and a light makerspace
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Lab stations including characterization devices for wind turbines, gas turbines, battery cells and materials
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Virtual reality learning site
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Autonomous vehicles lab
Thole explained, in synergy with the construction, a new curriculum has been designed to ensure the undergraduate ME education includes modern topics, while emphasizing problem solving skills for complex systems to prepare students for their future career paths.