College launches
LEADERSHIP, ETHICS, AND PRO FROM
improving quality of life through advances in 3D printing to flood mitigation and space exploration, Iowa engineers are bringing groundbreaking innovations to life. Now more than ever, important societal changes such as the fast pace of technological advancements and increasing demands for multi-disciplinary collaboration require new ways of preparing Iowa engineers to become the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. In response, the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa has created a Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Pathways (LEaPP) Academy, which will expand the experience of engineering students. Open to all students in the college, the LEaPP Academy will supplement engineering coursework with meaningful, experiential opportunities where students can draw on the wisdom of successful alumni, analyze engineering case studies, conduct innovative research with faculty members, and take part in micro-internships that will position them for success in industry. LEaPP aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will enhance their long-term success, make them valuable leaders in the companies that employ them, and develop them as ethically and globally aware citizens of the world. LEaPP builds on the successes of other engineering programs, including the Hanson Center for Communication, the Virginia A. Myers NEXUS of Engineering and the Arts, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, and the college’s ethics initiative. Each of these programs offers students opportunities to engage in co-curricular activities that integrate what students learn in classrooms and laboratories with valuable skills and perspectives related to communications, artistic sensibilities, global issues in engineering, and the ethical implications of innovation.
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LEaPP was launched with support from a cornerstone gift from UI alumnus James Whiteley (BSME 62, MS 64), who also provided support for the college’s Grand Challenges scholars and ethics initiative. As students progress through the Academy, they will earn credentials, or badges, that track their competency in these areas. One hallmark of the program will be the close mentoring and coaching students will receive from faculty fellows and practicing engineers on their journey to becoming responsible, globally aware, and ethical engineering leaders. The college is currently seeking additional alumni and friends of the college who could serve as mentors or provide micro-internship opportunities as part of LEaPP. LEaPP will begin its credentialing activities in fall 2022 and has already started programming in spring 2022 at events such as the college’s leadership banquet and Leadership Institute. “Engineering is one of the most essential majors to the future of humanity, and our college is committed to helping students become responsible engineering leaders. LEaPP is designed to reinforce their journey in this regard,” said Harriet Nembhard, dean of the College of Engineering. “Moreover, we know that when students have access to programs like LEaPP, they are ultimately more engaged and excel academically. This can be especially impactful for women and underrepresented groups in engineering. We hope to scale up LEaPP in the years to come, creating a flywheel with early wins in student success and learning experiences that will build on each other and create momentum with high schools and with industry partners.”
IOWA ENGINEER 2022
