Center for Discovery & Design
Center for Discovery & Design
The Center of Discovery and Design is a state-of-the-art 4,000-square-foot facility equipped with cutting-edge engineering technology, providing students with the opportunity to explore STEAM fields. Our curriculum focuses on the engineering design process, analytical and numerical modeling methods, and rapid prototyping, all aimed at developing a strong foundation in engineering. Students will receive hands-on training with advanced equipment, including manufacturing tools, a wind tunnel, and a flight simulator. This comprehensive education prepares students for STEAM majors in college, empowering them to begin their collegiate careers with confidence and the potential for leadership and success.
Why Join Discovery & Design:
Gain insights into various STEAM career paths ranging from Electrical, Mechanical, and Biomedical engineering.
Learn and practice standard practices and procedures with industry-grade equipment.
Get ahead of the game, learning foundational skills taught in college-level courses.
Benefit from visits from professionals in the field right on campus, who are willing to answer questions.
What Will I Study:
The Center for Discovery & Design will teach you the basics first, giving you a solid foundation to expand upon, eventually leading to you picking a discipline in which you can receive a more specialized coursework to prepare you for graduation
Engineering design process
Rapid prototyping methods
Computer-aided design modeling
Electronics and circuit design labs
Data collection and analysis
Mechanical analysis of structures
Materials selection
Manufacturing processes
Wind tunnel fundamentals
Multi-disciplinary team-based project competition
Applied robotics design
Hardware learning with a mechatronics focus
Software learning with a microcontroller programming focus
Facilities & Equipment
The Center for Discovery and Design is a cutting-edge facility crafted to ignite and foster students’ interest in STEAM fields. Outfitted with advanced, industry-standard technology, this center is dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences that are usually only available in college or professional settings.
A versatile wind tunnel designed for aerodynamic testing and experiments, ideal for educational purposes and student projects in aerodynamics.
A custom flight simulator featuring a Boeing Military Edition chair provides an immersive experience for aviation training and simulation.
It is renowned for its robustness and accuracy, making it ideal for machining complex parts and prototypes from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
The Nomad 3 offers high accuracy and reliability and can mill a wide range of materials such as wood, plastics, and soft metals.
A high-performance laser cutter that delivers precision cutting and engraving, ideal for various materials and applications in education and industry.
A diverse array of advanced 3D printers offering high-quality printing capabilities suitable for prototyping, design, and educational projects.
Meet the Director
Israel Barrera holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and is pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. Barrera combines his expertise in engineering with a passion for teaching and mentoring. As an educator, he has experience as a teaching assistant and academic tutor in various STEAM subjects, including mechatronics, programming, and mechanics. Mr. Barrera has worked on microcontroller programming and robotic designs in the engineering domain. He has mentored peers using rapid prototyping technology, helping others bring their innovative designs to life.
