This paper presents an approach to teach programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and industrial automation to students in Mechatronics Engineering program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. The first course, i.e. PLC Programming, introduces texted languages, such as instruction list and structured text, according to IEC61131-3 standard so that students can learn a fundamental concept about PLC hardware and software using the standardsbased programming languages. The advanced course, Industrial Automation, focuses on teaching students the sequence control concept and problem solving strategy, where Sequential Function Chart, Ladder Diagram and Function Block Diagram are used to put the design of industrial manufacturing assembly line into operation. The classes have been taught in project based approach and the kinesthetic learning style has been adopted throughout all laboratory sections. From students' comments, the teaching approach was very successful. By the end of the academic year, students have developed their own various projects using the knowledge they learned from PLC Programming and Industrial Automation courses. Some of the projects have been further advanced as a student research paper published at the college technology day conference, ASEE regional conferences or the Latin American Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology. Moreover, these courses are intended to enhance career opportunities for the students in Mechatronics Engineering program. Currently some of our graduates have chosen their careers in the area of PLC programming and industrial automation.

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is a professor and department chair of Engineering and Technology at Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology. He is the author of two books, Vaughn College Journal of Engineering and Technology (VCJET), numerous conference papers in the areas of solid mechanics, computational mechanics, vibration analysis, fracture mechanics and reliability analysis. He is also a principle investigator for the NSF S-STEM grant and the HIS-STEM grant and a student adviser for a number of technical papers in the areas of mechanics, robotics and industrial automation.

Elzawawy teaches courses in mechanical and mechatronic engineering and engineering technology programs. His research background is in the area of experimental fluid mechanics and currently active on the area of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and heat transfer simulations. This in addition to developing STEM programs to enhance engineering education experiences focused on improving retention and graduation rate.

Christopher Chariah is a senior in the Mechatronics Engineering program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. He also has a Bachelor's of Science in Respiratory Care. He hopes to merge his expertise in the medical field with his experience in engineering to develop innovative solutions to human problems. He has published a paper that takes a numerical approach to computing a one story structures response to an earthquake. He is also a member of the Vaughn College UAV Club and is volunteering in an NSF research project. Nicholas Kumia Senior in the Undergraduate Mechatronics Engineering Program at Vaughn CollegeHe graduated high school at the age of 16 and has completed the 4-year Mechatronics Program in 3-years. Recently, He co-founded the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) Club at Vaughn College and has been working as Lead Programmer. He plans to pursue a master's degree in Computer Science to supplement this expertise in Mechatronics Engineering. Mr. Jonathan R. Zubarriain, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and TechnologyJonathan Zubarriain is a senior in the Mechatronics Engineering program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. He is co-founder of the Vaughn College UAV Club and has held the position of vice president for two years. He has worked full time as a bench technician while also attending school full time in pursuit of his bachelor's degrees. As much as he loves acquiring knowledge, he also loves sharing this knowledge with other students by working as a student instructor and tutor. He hopes to one day utilize his experience in an impactful and meaningful way. A Low Cost Automated Pill Dispenser for At-Home Use AbstractThis paper outlines a project idea for an Automated Pill Dispenser (APD) for home usage. It is developed using CAD software, 3D printed parts, Arduino Mega Microcontroller, continuous and non-continuous servos, optical sensors and a 5-inch LCD display interface to create a cost effective and reasonably priced alternative to the traditional medication dispensers. The design is modular and able to house up to four dispensing units on one control unit. The basic housing for the dispensing unit consists of three pieces which connect to the control unit which holds the LCD interface. The target users for this project are senior citizens. According to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, between 2007 and 2009, 99,628 emergency room visits were made by seniors. Two thirds of them were due to accidental overdoses. The design of the machine could be improved by adding a safety measure that would prevent an incorrect amount of pills being dispensed. Aside from this, the current design is effective in showing the potential safety benefits of a low cost at-home pill dispenser.