The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University has opened a new student collaboration space on the second floor of the James J. Cain ‘51 Building (ENPH). The space offers students resources such as multiple electrical outlets installed near couches and chairs, dry erase white boards, and Bluetooth enabled monitors. These resources can be used for student projects where student groups may want to bring their own device and would need a power source or large display capabilities.
During an open house ceremony Dr. Andreas Polycarpou, head of the department praised the hard work of all who had a part in making the project become a reality.
“This is the first time we have had a designated student collaboration flex space,” he said. “This project was three years in the making and we are excited to offer such an open concept space for all of our students that will undoubtedly enhance their learning experience.”
Currently the collaborative student space has enough seating for 90 individuals, the adjoining classroom is rated for 71 individuals, and when completed the project presentation space will have enough room for students to present industry sponsored projects for classes such as Mechanical Engineering 401, 402, and 404.
“So far I’ve really enjoyed the student spaces white boards more than anything else, they really help group collaboration and we can interact and learn from each other,” said Walker Wiggins, a junior mechanical engineering major.
