On Thursday August 10, 2023, the Great Lakes ECEDHA Regional Meeting took place in northern Indiana. Sami Khorbotly guided the group through Valparaiso University, and the following day, Greg Snider hosted the group at the University of Notre Dame.
Mario Simoni from Rose-Hulman led a discussion on the integration of machine learning and data science in ECE. Challenges emerged as many institutions lack faculty and courses for teaching machine learning, and students struggle with handling large datasets. Some schools proposed new statistics courses, cross-listing AI/ML courses with other departments and creating minors for undergraduates.
Milind Kulkarni from Purdue highlighted the CHIPS Act and ways that Purdue and other ECEDHA schools are participating in the first round of proposal submissions. Members also shared their engagement with the CHIPS Act, with several ECEDHA schools submitting proposals to join the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program. Milind also shared about other endeavors to increase student interest in semiconductors. This summer, Purdue hosted an eight-week summer program called STARS, which focused on semiconductor education. They plan to grow this program in the upcoming years.
Paul Weber from Lake Superior State University delved into the long-term effects of the pandemic on education. He discussed the challenges of math readiness among students and the need for more supportive courses. Balancing high standards with student support was emphasized, along with concerns about faculty burnout. The significance of fostering collaboration between experienced and young faculty was also highlighted.
The group was able to tour Notre Dame's Hypersonic Facility and learn more about the university's advanced test capabilities. Notre Dame's collaboration with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research resulted in the operation of the AFOSR-Notre Dame Large Mach 6 Quiet Tunnel and the design of a Mach 10 Quiet Wind Tunnel.