Developing the next wave of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs high-tech business leaders was the focus of U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acostaβs visit Friday to 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polytechnic University.
The visit included a meeting between University leadership and the Secretary to discuss 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβs unique approach to high-tech higher education, the creation of highly skilled jobs and the impact on the economy. The Secretary also toured campus and interacted with 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly students who demonstrated the projects theyβre developing to solve challenges presented to them by industry. Among them was research to curb the spread of the Zika virus by using a high frequency sound to neutralize mosquitoes and a virtual reality project to train crime scene investigators.
βTodayβs visit highlighted a student-focused curriculum that teaches the skills required by the modern workplace. This partnership between the University and the private sector is an example of demand-driven education that leads to career success,β Secretary Acosta said.
91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent also briefed the Secretary on SunTrax, a partnership between the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Department of Transportation and the University. SunTrax recently broke ground on a 400-acre site to build a 2.25-mile test track that will include testing for tolling and autonomous vehicle technology. Complementing the discussion was a student demonstration of small-scale autonomous vehicles built during their spring 2017 course, as well a student CEO who presented his business, Logentix, which is developing an after-market product that gives autonomous capabilities to ordinary vehicles.
β91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly believes in teaching through application and thatβs reflected in the projects Secretary Acosta saw today. We were proud to present our vision for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs high-tech economy and the Universityβs dedication to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs and high-tech leaders,β President Avent said.