Hadjimichael was named dean of the School of Engineering at Fairfield University five years ago, it was no surprise that he applied his scientific background and extensive research experience to molding the curriculum. Since 1997, Dr. Hadjimichael and the faculty in the School of Engineering have instituted a method of quantifying student learning called ACQI or Assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement. Companies from the surrounding Connecticut region periodically use the industrial-capacity machine for their unique research needs. Still, his concern about the students is foremost.
Young people mature and learn in different ways.
A scientist at heart, Dr. Hadjimichael boasts about the University's push in the last decade to immerse undergraduates in the research experience. Students in physics, chemistry, and biology learn valuable skills as they work alongside professors and assist them in their research. Many of these student-teacher partnerships continue beyond the school year into the summer months. They get acclimated to the use of sophisticated equipment, learn hands-on skills from the professors, and ultimately go out and get good positions. Dr. Hadjimichael also employs his methods of observation and analysis in looking beyond the world of higher education to the high-tech establishments where he hopes Fairfield University graduates will one day make their professional contributions.