Mechatronics and Robotics have continued to grow in importance in recent years which has led many colleges and universities to start offering courses on these topics. A brand new technical elective course, "Introduction to Mechatronics", was offered for the first time in spring 2012 at the author's institution. While the course provides for ten weeks of instruction in Mechatronics, as an elective it does not reach a sufficient number of students. The author received a competitive grant internal to the institution for a project to infuse mechatronics and robotics concepts and applications throughout the engineering curriculum. The project was completed during academic year 2011-12.Several hands-on modules were developed for three courses in the engineering curriculum, spanning the entire freshman to senior experience. The modules were developed with "active learning" principles in mind, to ensure students' full participation in the learning process in the classroom. The author chose the affordable and now widely adopted LEGO Mindstorms platform to illustrate basic mechatronics concepts and applications.The targeted courses were the freshman "Introduction to Engineering and Design" course, junior "Kinematics" course, and senior "Dynamic Systems and Control" course. The modules were deployed in the three courses throughout the academic year, and were assessed using a variety of assessment tools including rubrics and student surveys. In end-of-course surveys students expressed satisfaction with the hands-on modules and suggested ways to improve the experience. The paper will present the modules developed for the three courses, including learning objectives, hands-on activities, performance results, and survey data. Conclusions and future plans will be addressed.

No abstract

This paper describes the modeling and design of a novel Electro-Absorption Modulator (EAM) based on a Multi-Mode Interference (MMI) waveguide that utilizes the combination of optical absorption and mode interference effects to improve the extinction ratio of the EAM. In addition, modeling and design of an Evanescent Coupler based EAM with improved performance based on a similar dual extinction principle is presented. Feasibility of fabrication of such devices is discussed.

The year 2015 has been proclaimed the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies by the United Nations General Assembly 1 . This global initiative will highlight the importance of light and optical technologies in promoting sustainable development and providing solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health. Baker College has introduced an exciting, new program in Photonics and Laser Technology in fall 2013 with support from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program. The program is now completing its second year and graduating a first group of well-prepared photonics technicians ready for employment in the growing photonics industry in the state and across the US. The second year marked the successful completion of the program curriculum and further development of the Optics and Photonics Laboratory. Outreach activities included summer programs for high school and middle school students. The paper describes the outcomes of the two year project in relation to the objectives of the NSF ATE grant. Challenges and lessons learned along the way are discussed, together with plans for sustainability and future expansion of the program.

He has several years of teaching, research, and consulting experience. He is an active member of ASEE, ASME, and SAE. He has more than 100 technical paper publications in journals and conference proceedings of repute. He has chaired several sessions at national and international conferences and delivered numerous invited talks and keynote addresses. He has reviewed several textbooks, journal papers, and conference papers. He is an active member of many conference committees.