A Space for Innovation - How Temple University partnered with Tektronix to create a cutting-edge engineering space
“This is a space where all engineers can come together, and it replicates the real world,” says Engineering Professor Julie Drzymalski.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1884, Temple University has a long history of providing an affordable, effective education. In recent years, the leadership at the Temple University College of Engineering noticed rapid growth in its engineering program. They decided to invest in a large engineering workspace that they called their Innovation and Design in Engineering and Applied Sciences (IDEAS) Hub.
“The main purpose was to give an open space where engineers could be creative. To really have all the tools at their disposal to be the most successful engineer when they graduate,” says Michael Kala’i, senior director of technology, facilities and operations at Temple University College of Engineering.
In order to prepare their engineering students to develop innovative technology in the workforce, Temple University knew they needed cutting-edge tools in their IDEAS Hub. So they came to Tektronix looking for testing and measurement equipment that would help their students not just learn, but innovate.
“The reason it’s important to have the latest technology is that you want to give your students the best possible advantage for when they graduate, when they hit the real world,” says engineering professor Julie Drzymalski.
Professor Cory Budischak, who specializes in electrical and computer engineering, agrees that better equipment helps prepare Temple’s students for greater success.
“The cutting-edge tools are really important to have in this space because employers are looking for that. They’re looking for graduates that can hit the ground running when they get out of school,” says Budischak.
To meet these needs, Tektronix provided Temple’s young engineers a variety of instruments that make the precise measurements and conduct the key tests they need for a wide variety of applications including:
• Arbitrary Function Generators
The IDEAS Hub has been an enormous success. Designed with an open layout, plenty of outlets, and a variety of reliable tools, it’s become many students’ favorite space in the college.
“I love the IDEAS Hub because it’s open and it’s bright and there’s a real feeling of community about it,” says biomechanical engineering student Susan Oldfield. “It feels right. It feels like yes I’m in a place where people are doing productive things.”
Mechanical engineering student James Kull is excited about the tools and technology available in the new space.
“I think it’s important to have the latest technology because engineering is always growing… The whole point is that it never gets outdated. So, if we’re up to the latest standard then we can better ourselves when we get into the actual field.”
Sam Salloum, Tektronix’s Regional Channel Manager who led this partnership with Temple University, is proud to have provided these students with the best equipment in the market.
“It was very clear from the first meeting that Temple wanted to create a space that was a bit beyond the typical university open space or maker space. They really waned to make a good, better, best type of bench for their students so they can capture the incoming freshmen, the senior labs, and the grad students who could all use the same space,” says Mechanical engineering student James Kull.
“I think it’s important to have the latest technology because engineering is always growing… The whole point is that it never gets outdated. So, if we’re up to the latest standard then we can better ourselves when we get into the actual field.”
Investing in education is the key to the future of innovation. By prioritizing the next generation of engineers, Temple University and Tektronix are paving the way for the next generation of technology.
From renewable energy and automation to transportation and defense, the demand for new talent with new ideas is growing in every industry. Giving students the tools they need to meet that demand has never been more important. Tektronix is committed to doing exactly that by partnering with engineering programs like Temple University’s across the country.
Together we’re equipping tomorrow’s engineers, today.