Fifteen University of Detroit Jesuit (UDJ) High School students are learning about Computer Aided Design (CAD) as part of the high school’s continuing association with UDM’s College of Engineering & Science. The class in solid modeling, which is taught by Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Kirstie Plantenberg, uses Catia, software that provides 3D modeling. The one-credit class, which began Sept. 24, is loosely based on a course offered to UDM freshman Engineering students.

“Representatives from UDJ approached UDM about offering courses for their students to give them experiences beyond what they could get at UDJ,” explains Daniel Maggio, director of UDM Engineering and Science Pre-College Programs.

The class is an extension of the close relationship that the two institutions have shared for many years.

Says Maggio, “UDJ regularly participates in Tech Day. Several UDJ teachers also are key staff members in our Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) camp for high school girls, and our two institutions partnered in the FIRST Robotics Competition.”

UDM Engineering & Science plans to expand the partnership by exploring other existing courses that would be an appropriate next step for high school students. Such offerings might include Calculus II and III or Physics II.  New classes, such as Robotics or Introduction to Engineering, might be considered as the two institutions look at increasing pre-engineering curricula for the high school’s students.