SCUPI

From February 22 to March 6, 2024, the major seminar series on Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Industrial Engineering (IE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), and Computer Science/Information Science (CS/IS) were successfully held. This series of events was a collaborative effort between the University of Pittsburgh (PITT) and Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI), featured Dr. Christopher Kirchhof, the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment & Transfer Student Services, Swanson School of Engineering (SSOE), initiated by the Career Advising Group (CA) of SCUPI.

MSE seminar was held on February 22, 2024, from 20:00 to 21:00 (GMT+8) China Standard Time. The seminar invited Dr. Markus Chmielus, MSE Program Director of Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, SSOE. The seminar began with a brief introduction to MSE, covering topics such as the development of the discipline, research emphasis, and current employment trends. Dr. Chmielus then introduced the plan and advantages of the Pitt-MSE program, highlighting specific cases that demonstrated the faculty’s focus areas. Following the presentation, Dr. Minking Chyu, Dean of SCUPI, joined the discussion to explore research opportunities available to students both on-campus and externally.

IE seminar was held on February 23, 2024, from 20:00 to 21:00 (GMT+8) China Standard Time. The seminar invited Dr. Karen Bursic, IE Program Director and Undergraduate Program Director, in Industrial Engineering Department, SSOE, and Dr. Scott Streiner, Assistant Professor in Industrial Engineering Department, SSOE. The seminar began with a brief introduction to IE, covering topics such as the core curriculum, research concentrations, and curriculum requirement. Dr. Streiner then introduced the advantages and development future of the Pitt-IE program, sharing the important role that IE plays in international enterprise. Following the presentation, many students put questions about IE major to Dr. Bursic and received enthusiastic response.

ME seminar was held on February 29, 2024, from 20:00 to 21:00 (GMT+8) China Standard Time. The seminar invited Dr. William Slaughter, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Director of the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Department, SSOE. During the seminar, Dr. Slaughter shared insights and advice on general topics such as curricula plan and semester schedule. This was followed by an interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session where participants engaged in in-depth discussions with the professor on various issues related to study life and academic development.

ECE seminar was held on March 1, 2024, from 19:00 to 20:00 (GMT+8) China Standard Time. The event featured two distinguished speakers, Dr. Samuel Dickerson, Vice Chair for Education and Director of Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program, ECE Department, SSOE, and Dr. Robert Kerestes, Director of Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Program, ECE Department, SSOE. The seminar began with a brief introduction by Dr. Dickerson, who provided attendees with an overview of PITT, SSOE, and the ECE Department. This was followed by an engaging presentation on the applications of ECE and the research focus areas of the Pitt ECE Department. Dr. Dickerson and Dr. Kerestes then introduced the ECE curricula, projects design, ECE electives, and more from sophomore year to senior year, offering a comprehensive view of the academic journey that students can expect in the ECE Department.

CS and IS seminar was held on March 6, 2024, from 19:00 to 20:00 (GMT+8) China Standard Time. The seminar invited Dr. Bill Garrison, Teaching Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Academic Programs, School of Computing and Information (SCI), and Dr. Daqing He, Full Professor at the Department of Informatics and Networked Systems (DINS), SCI. The seminar began with a brief introduction, followed by Dr. Garrison introducing the relevant information of the major CS, including major details, course requirements, and practical opportunities provided. Then, Dr. He introduced the relevant information of the major IS. Finally, Dr. Garrison and Dr. He answered the questions about curriculum study for students.

These major seminars are not only opportunities for students to gain valuable insights into various majors which will benefit them in academic and professional journey, but also establish a platform for communication and discussion, strengthening the cooperation between the University of Pittsburgh and Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute. In the end, let’s congratulate these major seminars held successfully!