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In the span of just over a week, six Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering students expanded their practical knowledge of engineering software programs and added international travel and collaboration to their academic experience.

The mechanical engineering students, along with SIUE faculty members Soondo Kweon, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and H. Felix Lee, professor and chair of industrial engineering, traveled May 9-18 to Tongmyung University (TU) in Busan, South Korea for a Summer Capstone Design Camp.

“The camp fulfilled SIUE’s mission,” said Kweon. “It developed the students to be able to shape a changing world by exposing them to a collaborative environment with Tongmyoung University.”

Five different departments between the two universities participated in the camp, including mechanical engineering and industrial engineering from SIUE, and TU’s Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Mechatronics, and Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning.

“Students gained practical knowledge on computer aided engineering (CAE) analysis, computer aided design (CAD) software, manufacturing and the capstone design process,” explained Kweon. “They also experienced new culture, learning styles and environments.

“The camp provided a great opportunity to get to know the research and teaching facilities at TU, and understand how the universities combined strengths will aid in future capstone design projects.”

Since 2013, SIUE and TU have partnered to offer a dual diploma program that offers South Korean students the opportunity to earn a degree from both universities. It also provides for faculty exchange, summer programs and cooperative research.

While in South Korea, SIUE students also toured the capital city of Gyeongju and its second largest city, Pusan.

Photo: SIUE and TU students collaborate during the Summer Capstone Design Camp.