Dr. Chris Kelley, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, has been selected as a Fulbright Specialist. He will travel to Canada this summer to work on a collaborative project focused on developing project-based mechatronics curriculum at the University of Windsor in Ontario.
Dr. Chris Kelley, whose work in advancing Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and wearable care technology is garnering national attention, has been selected to join the celebrated ranks of Fulbright Specialists by the U.S. State Department.
The prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program provides a unique opportunity for U.S. academics and established professionals to engage in project-based exchanges at host institutions around the world.
Kelley, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, will travel to Canada in August to collaborate on academic curriculum development at the University of Windsor in Ontario.
“This is a really great opportunity, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Kelley, who collaborated last year with Dr. Jalal Ahamed, associate professor at UWindsor’s Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering, to develop sensors that capture changes in the gait of a person with Parkinson’s disease. Ahamed was at Florida Poly as a Fulbright Canada research chair.
During Kelley’s project at UWindsor, he will primarily collaborate with Ahamed in building mechatronics systems curriculum while incorporating biomedical aspects.
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer systems to design and build intelligent, automated devices and processes. Project-based learning is central to Florida Poly’s curricular structure, and Kelley will use this lens when developing the new coursework.
“Project-based learning engages students and helps them become better problem solvers because instead of doing everything on paper, they’re physically working on something and accomplishing a goal,” he said. “It's especially important for a mechatronic systems type of class because while you can learn about sensors with a PowerPoint, you won't really understand how to use it as well as if you physically set it up, write the code to read the sensor, and work with it.”
As part of the effort, Kelley will conduct seminars, workshops and lectures on project-based and experiential learning. Upon his return, Kelley plans to begin implementing the new methods into Florida Poly’s mechatronic systems, human robotics, and other courses.
After launching its Fulbright program in 2018, Florida Poly quickly earned recognition for enabling the work of students and faculty who continue to make an impact around the world.
“Dr. Kelley’s selection as a Fulbright Specialist highlights Florida Poly’s growing role on the global stage,” said Mustapha Achoubane, the University’s senior advisor for international relationships. “We are dedicated to fostering international partnerships and academic excellence that empower our faculty and students to become leaders and innovators in science and technology worldwide.”
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