“Ninety-nine percent of the equipment in the lab is provided by companies,” Noseworthy says. “These are provided to students, which provide them with knowledge. That way, when they go out in the industry later, they can recommend tech [to customers].
“A challenge [with the lab] is the funding part,” he says. “What’s key here is that we’re industry funded, which keeps us relevant and focused. If you are trying to stay close to engineering, you need some skin in the game.”
Coming soon:
The IOL will be moving to a new location.
“We are moving the lab into a new building soon so that it is closer to campus, and students can walk back and forth to work.” – Bob Noseworthy, Technical Sherpa, Chief Engineer, UNH
Due to the industry’s help, Nosewothy says the IOL is able to maintain a symbiotic ecosystem between the AVnu Alliance, technology companies, and students.
He says students especially get a great taste of real world experience in the realm of engineering.
“We’re moving students on an easy path if they choose this as their career,” Noseworthy says.
Noseworthy says other colleges that are looking to implement their own IOL should keep students’ interests in mind.
He says colleges should view their IOL as a career diving board for students, and provide them with the most educational benefits as possible.
“We provide roles to students in the industry that are a step above entry level,” Noseworthy says. “We ask, what’s the opportunity for students? We hope to be a stepping stone for students in their careers.”
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