1. 11 Lecture 14 US Engineering Stats and Graduate School: How to get the work done March 22, 2010 Luis San Andres Mast-Childs Tribology Professor Texas A&M University http://rotorlab.tamu.edu/me489 ME 489 Practices of Modern Engineering

2. 2 Lecture Date: March 22, 2010 Today: About graduate school Statistics on US engineering Grad school: how to get the work done Reading & other assignments: A4: IP Primer due today Other: complete ONE MINUTE PAPER The Wrecking Crew presents:

3. 3 Assignment 4: Intellectual Property Intellectual Property (IP) is the group of legal rights for things (ideas, processes, artistic expressions, gadgets) people create or invent. Intellectual property rights typically include patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret rights. http://www-apps.umuc.edu/primer/enter.php# AS AN INDIVIDUAL or GROUP READ a PRIMER on IP and take a QUIZ at Send “report card” via e-mail to your lecturer (due by 03/22/11) NOTE: URL site does not send acknowledgment of completion – PRINT/SEND SCREEN of completion OK

4. 4 comments: Entrepreneurship -I never really thought about attending the (E)workshops, but now I will check into those resources - What should we do as a first step to learn more on how to be(come) an entrepreneur? - If we only have time to take a couple of business classes, which ones are the "best"? - For most innovators that became successful, entrepreneurial pursuits come from fully original designs or improvements on existing technologies? - What is contained in a business model?

5. 5 Recommendations:Entrepreneurship As a first step to learn more on how to be(come) an entrepreneur? MAYS Business School: CENTER FOR NEW VENTURES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP http://cnve.tamu.edu/ Contains (student) resources including a reading list -For most innovators that became successful, entrepreneurial pursuits come from fully original designs or improvements on existing technologies? READ DEBATE on INNOVATION MODELS (March 8-19, 2011) Is Japanese "incremental innovation" superior to the West's "disruptive innovation“? http://www.economist.com/debate/archive

6. 66 Practices of Modern Engineering Lecture Engineering by the Numbers Data taken from 2008 ASEE Prism & 2010 ME Dept Statistics

7. 77 Engineering: Bachelor’s degrees by discipline ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education 2008

8. 88 ASEE: Engineering by The Numbers 2008 ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education UG enrollment 403,191 72,213female17.9% 330,978male 85,249Mechanical Eng21.1% Bachelor degrees 74,170 18%female 82%male 67%Caucasian 13.0%Asian American 6.5%Hispanic 4.7%African American 94%Domestic 6%Foreign 17,324ME 23.4% 11.90% ME women Undergraduate 08 09 6,840 7,090#2, #1 G Tech: 7,507 ME 20091,145#4, #1: G Tech Bachelor degrees 1,010all 8 th in nation, #1 GTech: 1,459 171 women 10 th in nation, #1 GTech: 282 93 Hispanic 8 th in nation, #1 U PRico: 578 204ME 8th in nation, #1 G Tech: 317 Texas A&M University UG & Bachelor Degrees

9. 99 ASEE: Engineering by The Numbers 2008 ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education ALL Graduate 2008 2,698 #6, #1: USCA: 3,882 Texas A&M University Masters enrollment and degrees Masters enrollment 92,815 20,396female 22.0% 72,419male 40,427foreign 43.6% MS degrees 38,986 23%female 77%male 59%Caucasian 15.4%Asian American 5.4%Hispanic 5.4%African American 58%Domestic 42%Foreign 4,647ME 11.9% 14.60%ME women MS Degrees 493 all#12 in nation, #1 USCA: 1,449 < 30% womennot among top 20 ME MS 2009 245 #4, #1: G Tech 93ME # 3 in nation, #1 GTech: 184

10. 10 ASEE: Engineering by The Numbers 2008 ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education ALL Graduate 2009 2,906 #4, #1: USCA: 3,882 Texas A&M University Ph.D. enrollment and degrees PhD Degrees 181 all#3 in nation, #1 GTech: 214 151 foreign 83% ME PhD 2009 207 25ME # 9 in nation, #1 UC Berk: 58 Ph D enrollment 59,450 13,426female22.6% 46,024male 31,193foreign52.5% PhD degrees 9,086 21%female 79%male 61%Caucasian 12.40%Asian American 3.60%Hispanic 3.20%African American 42%Domestic 58%Foreign 1,140ME12.5% 14.20%ME women

11. 11 Engineering: Enrollment by Gender ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education

12. 12 Engineering: Enrollment by Ethnicity ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education

13. 13 Engineering: Enrollment by Residency ASEE: American Society for Engineering Education

14. 14 A frequent comment from UG students Comments?

15. 15 ME Grad Program Enrollment --- with 452 graduate students (fall 2009; 425 in spring 2010; almost all full-time students) ; the fourth largest and one of the most diverse mechanical engineering graduate programs in the U.S. Faculty --- 61 T/TT faculty include 5 endowed chair professors, 12 endowed name professors, and 23 assistant professors Ranking --- 9th among U.S. public institutions (U.S. News & World Report, 2010) and 16th overall Diversity --- 81 (18%) women (fall 2009) ; 207 (48.7%) Ph.D. students (spring 2010; including direct Ph.D. students) ; students from 21 states in the United States and 29 other countries Fall 2010 Graduate Admission --- 838 total applications (918 for spring and fall 2010) ; 10.5% admittance rate; average GRE scores for admitted students of 779 (Q) and 1,305 (Total) (as of June 2010) Source: ME Grad Advising Office

16. 16 How to Get the Research Work Done? SLOAN Foundation Fellows Program 2008

17. 17 What does earning a graduate degree means? Work leading towards an advanced graduate degree is designed to give the student a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of his or her professional field and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the student’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the student must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of course work, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met. The official view 2007-08 TAMU Graduate Catalog,, p. 151 INDIVIDUAL INDEPENDENT & ORIGINAL MASTERY COMMUNICATION

18. 18 Work leading towards an advanced graduate degree is designed to give the student a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of his or her professional field and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the student’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the student must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of course work, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met. The only view The ability of student (INDIVIDUAL) to perform INDEPENT & ORIGINAL work with demonstrated COMMUNICATION SKILLS What does earning a graduate degree means?

19. 19 Necessary conditions Stability Financial support (economic) Personal (emotional) Family & peer support (emotional) Resources Equipment, Computers, Tools and Space conducive to work Library, Expertise from peers and advisor

20. 20 Necessary conditions Desire to learn Passion for subject. Not merely a ticket for future $$ rewards Natural Curiosity Constant inquiry, hands-on experience Appreciation of Needs How to contribute with improvements? Desire to serve others Professional society/community at large

21. 21 Necessary conditions Fierce Independence Drive towards solving unique problems (find “opportunities”) Appreciation of Past Work Learn from others ! Ability to be a team player You ride with others!

22. 22 The role of your advisor Provides the means ($$, Lab & office space, PC, access to information ) Guides on literature ( self and others ) Guides on selection of procedures ( analytical, experimental, shows shortcuts ) Recommends classes, seminars Serves as active co-author in publications Encourages and supports attendance to professional meetings

23. 23 The advisor does NOT Conduct minute scrutiny of the student progress Monitor correctness of analysis, equations, computer programs, test results, etc. in every detail Correct & Edit English and style of every single document, report, thesis, and (paper) manuscript prepared to show student research progress Teach basic mathematical skills and engineering skills student should have learned in prior education Advisor assumes you are a professional responsible adult

24. 24 The advisor expects a student To perform work timely (assigned tasks and responsibilities) to the best of his/her ability To take full responsibility for own accomplishments and shortcomings To have a strong desire to learn and be of assistance to fellow students in the Laboratory To read/learn from technical papers to enhance knowledge and technical competence in field of interest To write effectively and concisely well documented sound technical reports and papers Remember: you are a professional responsible adult!

25. 25 How to Get the Work Done? All research is INCREMENTAL; it adds to the vast published knowledge. There is no excuse for you not to know what has been done before. Originality relates to novel, faster and more reliable procedures for measurement and prediction. In all cases, the research must strive to solve problems and to create opportunities (innovation). ORIGINAL RESEARCH?

26. 26 How NOT to Get the Work Done? Class Work Literature review Independent research Analysis & Writing Thesis FINISH LINE Year 1Year 2Year 3

27. 27 How to Get the Work Done? Class Work Literature review Independent research Analysis, Synthesis & Writing Thesis FINISH LINE Year 1Year 2Year 3 Literature review

28. 28 Research for industry Industry sponsors a large portion of TAMU research “business.” Industry supports your work because it needs a certain expertise – your advisor’s mainly The Principal Investigator (your advisor) has accumulated a vast experience in solving engineering problems with an outstanding tradition of excellent service to several industries These companies are also the major employers of graduates, i.e., you will probably work for one of the companies funding the work. Only a few Ph.D.s end up working in academia

29. 29 Research for industry Principal Investigator, i.e. PROJECT MANAGER, has the main responsibility of ensuring the program is executed on time, within budget, and addressing to the technical requirements specified Presently, all contracts with industry, even with government, demand the above conditions

30. 30 Research for industry Research is no longer intended to educate students and to show “ a best effort ” to advance science and engineering. Academic research is a business! To stay in business one needs to satisfy the customer, anticipating his needs, delivering on time, exceeding expectations, etc. Furthermore, industry, to remain competitive, demands more work with less resources and in record time. Creativity and Innovation are highly sought to remain competitive. One must strive to do things right the first time!

31. 31 The bottom line Industry has a choice! If not satisfied, a customer will go elsewhere where the work can be conducted as requested and probably at a lower cost and in less time. Think about globalization. What skills do you need to keep your “research job” during the next 10+ years?

32. 32 What is TEES view? TEES (Texas Engineering Experimental Station), the research administration arm from TAMU, solicits information from sponsors (customers): * Were contract deliverables satisfied and timely delivered? * Did the quality of the work meet your expectations? * Will you do business with TEES again?

33. 33 TAMU revamping grad education 2011: MS and PhD graduating students must demonstrate, just like UGs, the soft skills needed to survive in a fast changing world.

34. 34 How to Get the Work Done? Views from Dr. San Andres (former) graduate students

35. 35 How to Get the Work Done? Set goal(s) of research Compile written tasks Develop time table for completion Remain focused Strive for excellence Read technical literature Ask questions when necessary Document work throughout Student 1

36. 36 How to Get the Work Done? Ask for help with design and feasibility Plan ahead—fabrication always takes longer than expected Make certain your project budget fits the plan Read instrument and software manuals early Write about what you have learned as you learn it. Don’t get discouraged by failure—it happens! The work will not get done by itself and it will not get done overnight—hang in there! Student 2

37. 37 How to Get the Work Done? Student 3 Divide ultimate research goal into tangible objectives Prioritize objectives List the individual tasks to achieve each objective. Prepare a timetable to complete tasks Read and learn from literature Deliver as planned! The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge. Daniel J. Boorstin

38. 38 How to Get the Work Done? Student 4 * Develop a methodology with your advisor Weekly meetings with your advisor are recommended * Seek help from other students/peers * Keep yourself organized * Read technical papers Identify similar problems others have encountered and/or solved. Gain ideas on how to further your research.

39. 39 How to Get the Work Done? Student 5 Plan your tasks and keep organized. Don’t rush what you are unsure of. A task is achieved the quickest when it is done slowly and correctly once, than when it is rushed through several times without the appropriate background and consideration given. Document your work, diversify your schedule and deliver on your planned tasks DO THINGS RIGHT ( ALMOST ALWAYS ) THE FIRST TIME !

40. 40 How to Get the Work Done? Student 6 Define a clear goal and conduct work with vision and persistenceDefine a clear goal and conduct work with vision and persistence Utilize tools and resources to your advantage: mentor’s experience, the close-knit social group of a laboratory (grad students, post-docs, and professors of all ages) Utilize tools and resources to your advantage: mentor’s experience, the close-knit social group of a laboratory (grad students, post-docs, and professors of all ages) Make the most of information (the depth and breadth of understanding necessary to thrive in a field of research is constantly growing) Read technical papers related to your work Make the most of information (the depth and breadth of understanding necessary to thrive in a field of research is constantly growing) Read technical papers related to your work Take course work that is applicable and information rich Have a sense of urgency to make your research field the best it can beHave a sense of urgency to make your research field the best it can be

41. 41 How to Get the Work Done? Personal – Focus on research work and academic studies, prioritize between work and entertainment activities. Distribute time according to duties and responsibilities. Professional – when dealing with research and academic work: organization of ideas and efforts, time management, planning and completion of tasks, methods and procedure to achieve tasks and to meet goals, and to deliver results. Student 7

42. 42 How to Get the Work Done? Work proceeds along several fronts and every task takes time! Do not wait to complete course work to start research! Do not just plan & schedule, actually do the work and deliver! Read & write often! Do not wait until advisor tells you to do so ! Student 8

43. 43 How to Get the Work Done? Avoid NIH ( Not Invented Here ) Attitude Do not reject or discredit ideas because they come from other sources outside your group (In particular published literature) Learn and accept right ideas and reject wrong ones. Invention is 1/10 inspiration and 9/10 perspiration (T. Edison) Student 9

44. 44 How to Get the Work Done? Master published literature. Do not just read & learn your advisor’s papers. A lot has been done elsewhere, even in different fields Have fun! – Enjoy your work, Help others, Write & Publish! Student 10

45. 45 Questions? Next lecture 03/24 – Tips from UT Graduate Students

46. 46 Practices of Modern Engineering © Luis San Andres Texas A&M University 2011 http://rotorlab.tamu.edu/me489