Aqua Terra Tech: A Multiyear, Multidisciplinary Undergraduate EnterpriseWorking on Water Resource Development & Protection

John S. Gierke, Ph.D., P.E., Advisor for Aqua Terra TechDepartment of Geological & Mining Engineering &

Sciences

Geological Engineering

22%

Civil Engineering

22% Environmental Engineering

56%

MTU Enterprise Program Features:

Started Fall 2005

Optional Curricular Paths*

Participation can begin in sophomore year**

22 “Enterprises”, 3 involving BSCE & BSEnEs

Projects are sponsored externally:

Foundation support

Grants & Contracts

*Available to all engineering majors (minor, area concentration, or in lieu of “senior design”), increasingly some of the non-engineering majors have been adapting their curricula to allow their students to participate)

**Most join as sophomores, PDMC requires joining as first-year students Aqua Terra Tech Enterprise General Features and Expertise:

Projects Predominantly Geo/Environmental Engineering in Nature

Interdisciplinary Field Characterization Services: Geophysical Surveys Geologic Mapping Stream/River Characterization Aquifer Tests

Computational Services: Surface Hydrology Groundwater Modeling Geographical Information Services

Design Services: Water Wells Site Layout Pumping Systems Water Distribution

Coursework Expertise (Collective) Water Collection & Wastewater

Distribution Hydrology & Geohydrology Open Channel Flow Fluid Mechanics Professional Practice Geophysics

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2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

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Seniors

Juniors

Sophomores

Comprehensive Data

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Benefits:Student Recognition

2 Udall Fellows to dateVarious Scholarships & Internships

University Recognition (National Design Competition Awards)

Grant OpportunitiesExperienced Undergraduates for Research Activities

More Engagement in Education for Faculty AND Students

Fulfilling Mentor/Protégé Relationship

Further Information:MTU Enterprise Program: www.enterprise.mtu.eduAqua Terra Tech: www.enterprise.mtu.edu/att

Pre-College ATT•Establishing Apprentice Enterprises (e.g., Aqua Terra Tech at Cass Tech)

•New 2-year Funding from NSF Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in Geosciences Program

Silver River Watershed (Completed)•3-yr Funding from KBIC/EPA

•Field Characterization

•Hydrological Modeling

Water Supply Development•Boaco, Nicaragua

•Proposal Pending w/NSF Developing Global Scientists & Engineers Program

•Groundwater Exploration & Well Design

•Future: Water Treatment & Distribution Upgrade

Curricula Differences(for Engineering Majors):

Year Sophomore Junior SeniorCurricular

Path OptionFall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring

Capstone Design(6 cr.)

Design I(3 cr.)

Design II(3 cr.)

Traditional(15-18 cr.)

General Education

(9 cr.)

Elective(3 cr.)

Elective(3 cr.)

Elective(3 cr.)

Free or Tech.Elec

. (≥ 1 cr.)

Elective(1-3 cr.)

Project Work

(6-7 cr.)1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit 2 Credits 2 Credit

Area Concen-tration

(≥ 15 cr.)

Elective Enterpris

e Modules(~ 6 cr.)

Teaming(2 cr.)

Communi-cations(1 cr.)

Elective Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Elective Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Elective Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Project Work

(≥ 7 cr.)1 Credit 1 Credit 1 Credit 2 Credits 2 Credit

Enterprise Minor

(≥ 20 cr.)

Required Enterpris

e Modules(≥ 4 cr.)

Teaming(2 cr.)

Communi-cations(1 cr.)

Communi-cations(1 cr.)

Elective Business Modules(≥ 5 cr.)

Business Elective

Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Business Elective

Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Business Elective

Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Business Elective

Module(s) (1-3 cr.)

Free Elective Modules(≥ 4 cr.)

Elective Module(s) (1-3 cr.)