We decided a collaboration would be good for the students technically, in terms of solving real problems, and good for their professional development as well as for their understanding of engineering as a global practice. But students aren't the only ones Kalonji expects to benefit. That is already happening. Many of the faculty are making connections that could lead to research collaborations in the future. I think the benefits will last long beyond the duration of the course.
FIGs are groups of classes designed to allow freshmen to explore various majors.
UW students in the engineering class, for example, are taking corresponding math and chemistry classes. Of approximately 100 FIGs offered for the fall term, the engineering collaboration class was one of the first to fill up, according to Denton. The first weeks of class proved enlightening for many of the students. Most of the effort has focused on getting the teams up and running. The groups adapted quickly, however, Kalonji said.