Baylor Mechanical Engineering Professor Named KEEN Engineering Unleashed Fellow
WACO, Texas (Aug. 19, 2022) – Trevor Fleck, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Baylor University School of Engineering and Computer Science, has been named an Engineering Unleashed Fellow. The designation recognizes leadership in undergraduate engineering education by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), a 50-partner collaborative with the mission of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset within undergraduate engineering students.
“I have been working to engage with KEEN ever since I came to Baylor two years ago, looking to incorporate an entrepreneurial mindset in my courses such as ‘Introduction to Additive Manufacturing’ (ME 4364/5364), where students get hands-on training on how to use additive manufacturing in meaningful ways,” Fleck said. “With KEEN, I have continued to develop the course to show students how additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – can be used to increase the viability of their designs and bring more value to the customer.”
Fleck is part of a select group of 21 individuals from higher education institutions across the country have been named Fellows for 2022. Engineering Unleashed is a community of 4,000 faculty members from over 350 institutions.
“Dr. Fleck is truly an ambassador of excellence for Baylor and is distinguished both through a Fellows Project and through interactions with the greater Engineering Unleashed community,” said Douglas Melton, program director for The Kern Family Foundation.
Each fellowship is accompanied with recognition for contributing to entrepreneurial engineering, advanced project work, community membership and a $10,000 grant to the awardee’s home institution through the Kern Family Foundation, Melton said. The nomination and fellowship process began with Fleck’s initiative to participate in the Engineering Unleashed Faculty Development National Workshop Program.
“These workshops are designed and delivered by a collaborative group of subject matter experts. They attract faculty participants from across the country, focusing on the development and application of an entrepreneurial mindset whether in teaching and learning, research, industry, or leadership,” said Melton.
Working with peer coaches for up to a year, Fleck created a unique model that connects Entrepreneurially Minded Learning to an upper-level course, work that could be easily extended to Capstone and Senior Design courses. The project was featured in an on-line publication on EngineeringUnleashed.com. The workshop’s peer coaches nominated Fleck.
“Being named as an Engineering Unleashed Fellow is truly an honor,” said Fleck. “The opportunity will allow for the continued enhancement of this course to bring more hands-on experiences to Baylor’s students. This fellowship will allow me to expand the opportunities for the students to learn how to effectively use additive manufacturing as an engineer in real-life situations."
ABOUT TREVOR FLECK, PH.D.
Dr. Fleck’s research focuses on various aspects of the additive manufacturing (AM) process, including novel materials development, in situ process monitoring and process enhancement capabilities, and AM component qualification. His experience in additive manufacturing spans multiple AM techniques, including fused filament fabrication, inkjet printing, and direct ink writing. Fleck is cofounder of Next Offset Solutions. He joined Baylor’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2020.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) has been preparing its students for more than 25 years as innovators for worldwide impact by training graduates for professional practice and responsible leadership with a Christian worldview. Students can choose from majors including bioinformatics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, general engineering and mechanical engineering. ECS also offers graduate programs in all areas of study within the School. We stand out from the crowd through Christian commitment, a strong community, expert accessibility, leading practical experience and teamwork. Visit baylor.edu/ecs to learn more and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/BaylorECS and on Instagram at @Baylor_ECS.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.