|
 |
INTEC students listen to a presentation by Dr. Charles Barnett, Vice President of Engineering, at Hughes Network Systems |
|
The M.S. in Telecom program launched its International Telecommunications Exchange Program in conjunction with the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) of the Dominican Republic in late April.
The M.S. Program in Telecommunications hosted a group of visiting students and professors from INTEC in order to provide an overview of the academic community at Maryland, showcase the opportunities available through the Master's program, and provide exposure to the local Telecom industry.
Students and their accompanying professors, Manuel Mendoza and James Pichardo, received a warm welcome at a reception hosted by ECE Department Chair Dr. Patrick O'Shea, Telecom Program Director Dr. Mehdi Kalantari as well as current students and staff on April 20, 2009.
In the events program that followed over the next week, students took part in hands-on activities such as conducting drivetests of a working DC area cellular network, visiting Hughes Network Systems (HNS), taking tours of on-campus labs, and attending academic lectures.
At HNS students had the opportunity to engage Dr. Charles Barnett, the Vice President of Engineering. Students also learned about the University of Maryland's on-campus MAXWell Lab, which is only the second WiMAX applications lab in the world, from its Director Dr. Ashok Agrawala. Dr. Agrawala also performed a demonstration of MyeVyu, a broadband computing tool intended to improve campus safety.
INTEC students also discovered the entrepreneurial aspect of the M.S. in Telecom program. Dr. David Barbe, Executive Director of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech), gave an overview of different on-campus programs that foster opportunities for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Students also attended Pitch Dingman, an event where students can pitch their business ideas to successful entrepreneurs with the Dingman Center.
INTEC students and professors also enjoyed all the benefits of the Washington DC metropolitan area, including a tour of the museums and monuments on the National Mall as well as forays into local neighborhoods such as Georgetown and the historic U Street Corridor.
In regard to the exchange, Professor Mendoza stated, "This has been a wonderful experience, for professors and students alike...With all that your university had to offer and the opportunity to visit the DC area we feel that our students have had an experience that will be remembered for a very long time." The M.S. in Telecommunications Program looks forward to continued collaboration with INTEC and to building upon this mutually beneficial institutional relationship.
May 26, 2009
|
