Industrial engineering, the unseen force behind countless industries, often remains a hidden gem in the realm of career choices for students.  While STEM fields like mechanical and computer engineering are widely explored through robotics and coding classes, industrial engineering (IE) stands out as a “discovery major,” offering a myriad of problem-solving applications across diverse sectors. 

To help students explore the variety of careers in IE, the iExperience Summer Camp was hosted by the Center for Academics, Success, and Equity (CASE) in partnership with the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC). This week-long immersive experience at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) introduces high school students to the dynamic world of industrial engineering.  

From the outset, students are engaged in a hands-on journey through visits to corporate giants like The Coca-Cola Company and PwC. These excursions not only showcase real-world applications of IE but also provide insights into life as a Georgia Tech alumnus. 

Prince Cooper, a participant from Woodward Academy, described how these visits clarified his next step: pursuing a degree in ISyE to further develop his passion for optimization. 

“Visiting Coca-Cola gave me a new perspective on the industrial engineering world. Georgia Tech's focus on technical topics is appealing. I enjoy problem-solving and finding different solutions which is what led me to explore industrial engineering." 

The camp’s core mission is to reveal how industrial engineering principles transcend traditional boundaries, offering limitless career avenues. 

Caroline Spies, a rising senior from Marist School, started the iExperience Camp unsure about what degree she wanted to pursue. 

"PwC and Google showed me the diverse applications of industrial engineering—you can apply it in any industry, which offers great options. Learning about the major and career paths has solidified my college decision." 

Beyond corporate insights, expert-led sessions delve into the practical applications. 

3D Bin Packing using Legos by Dr. Arthur Delarue 

Dr. Arthur Delarue, an ISyE assistant professor, initiated an interactive presentation with colorful Legos, challenging students to master 3D bin packing – a task central to optimizing space utilization. This creative approach helped to demystify the complex engineering concept of smarter lower bounds. 

In simple terms, lower bounds represent the minimum values that can be achieved within given constraints, helping to identify the most efficient solutions and evaluate the performance of algorithms. 

Surrounded by piles of vibrant bricks, the students eagerly dove into the project. The room buzzed with excitement as they pieced together blocks, their faces lighting up with each successful fit.  

Modeling Disease Spread by Dr. Jovan Julien 

Jovan Julien is an Assistant Professor with joint appointments in ISyE and the School of Public Policy with a deep commitment to innovative teaching methods. Dr. Julien brings a unique perspective to the classroom, blending practical applications with theoretical insights.  

Their research focuses on collective decision making under uncertainty, as well as predictive and speculative models that can inform health systems & public policy. 

For iExperience, Dr. Julien engaged the students in an interactive exercise. They asked the students to form groups, provided each group with a large poster board and markers, and tasked them to create a game to model disease spread using various variables.  

This hands-on approach not only helped students understand complex concepts in epidemiology but also encouraged teamwork and creative problem solving. 

Work Agility Game, Dr. Damon Williams 

Batoma Freeman, student at Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence (FAVE), shared her thoughts on the program and interest in becoming a future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.  

“My favorite activity was with Dr. Damon Williams, Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence – it was a lot of fun, and the most interactive activity that helped me understand what industrial engineering is.” 

After iExperience, Freeman looks forward to attending and returning to campus for the Material Science camp in July.  

“This has helped me because in everyday life aspect, there is something that involves industrial engineering.” 

Uniting ISyE – Celebrating Collaboration 

The success of the iExperience Summer Camp was bolstered by the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, alumni, industry leaders and the dedication of student assistants, who played a crucial role in guiding participants. 

Bryce Lin, a sophomore at Georgia Tech and assistant with CEISMC, reflected on the camp, "Leading these students is always so rewarding. They ask great in-depth questions, and I learned a lot on our trips as well." 

Participating students departed with more than just a basic understanding of industrial engineering; they gained a profound appreciation for its expansive applications and career prospects. This transformative experience not only ignited their passion for innovation but also equipped them with essential skills for future academic and professional endeavors. 

Discover how you can embark on this journey of self-discovery through the iExperience Summer Camp here. 

Curious to learn more about IE at Georgia Tech? Visit isye.gatech.edu to explore your potential in this dynamic field. 

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Author: Nat M. Esparza