EMU Gets $300K Software Gift From Troy Firm

Engineering Technology Associates Inc., a Troy-based firm specializing in structural analysis for the auto industry, is donating mechanical engineering software to Eastern Michigan University's College of Technology as part of a new collaboration aimed at preparing students for real-world challenges and jobs.

ETA will also provide in-depth training for faculty members of EMU's College of Technology, putting the total value of materials and expertise at approximately $300,000. The donation comes as part of EMU's comprehensive $50 million campaign, called, "Invest. Inspire. The campaign for Eastern Michigan University."

"Through this collaboration, students and faculty at the College of Technology would have opportunities to participate in industrial projects that require innovation and creativity in dealing with real-world challenges," said Ali Eydgahi, associate dean of the EMU College of Technology. "This experience provides more employment options for our students with local industries in demanding areas."

The software tools to be made available to the college include Dynaform, VPG and PreSys. Dynaform will provide students experience creating and analyzing metal forming simulations. PreSys will allow students to create advanced models that visualize where structures bend or twist, and VPG will offer students hands-on experience creating simulations such as crash/safety or structural analysis.
 
Additional initiatives such as an internship program and cooperative educational opportunities are also planned, along with the possibility of joint government research projects.

EMU's College of Technology prepares students for a variety of business and industrial positions, as teachers of business and industrial education, and as commissioned officers for the United States Army. Undergraduate and graduate programs provide a strong background in mathematics, science, technology management and human relations.

The College of Technology offers a doctorate in technology, which provides students with an advanced program of study that focuses on research in applied technology areas. The program prepares graduates for positions of increased responsibility in settings such as faculty in higher education, in high-level management positions in industry and government, and in policy analysis and research careers.

For additional information on EMU and the College of Technology, visit www.emich.edu/cot.

Engineering Technology Associates was established in 1983 by advanced product development engineers working as structural analysts for the world's largest automotive manufacturers. ETA's expertise lies in areas such as product design and development, vehicle durability, crashworthiness and occupant safety.

For further information about ETA and its products, please visit www.eta.com or call (248)729-3010 or email etainfo@eta.com. For more information regarding ETA's Academic Program, visit www.eta.com/index.php/industries/academic.

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