Marlborough Student Completes Intensive Research Project

From WPI: Stephan Barthold of Marlborough, Mass., a member of the class of 2019 majoring in mechanical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), was a member of a student team that recently completed an intense, hands-on research project in Worcester, Massachusetts. The project was titled Accentuating Accessible Recreation in Greater Worcester. In their project summary, the students wrote, "The project goal was to help the Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) fulfill the Community Health Improvement Plan objective to increase community member engagement in physical activity by developing a set of promotional tools to increase awareness of local accessible recreation opportunities."

At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that applies science and technology to addresses an important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of students complete a project at one of the university's 40-plus off-campus project centers, which are located around the world. A signature element of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI, the project-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to develop thoughtful solutions to real problems that affect the quality of people's lives-and make a difference before they graduate.

"The WPI project-based curriculum brings students out of the classroom and their comfort zones and into the global community to apply their knowledge to solve real problems," said Professor Kent Rissmiller, interim dean of WPI's Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division. "Students are immersed in a new setting, solving open-ended problems and working with people of different backgrounds-all valuable perspectives for surviving and thriving in today's global marketplace. They also learn the meaning and magic of teamwork; make a real and meaningful difference in their host community; and gain a competitive edge for any resume, or graduate or professional school application."

Image via Shuttershock