Poly receives $3 million/5-year NSF GK-12 Fellows grant to promote mechatronics at K-12 schools

(left to right) Professor Noel N. Kriftcher, Professor Dariusz Czarkowski, Professor Vikram Kapila, Professor Magued G. Iskander, Professor Maurizio Porfiri and Professor Rastislav Levicky

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Poly a $3 million/5-year GK-12 Fellows grant to fund its Applying Mechatronics to Promote Science (AMPS) program.

Professor Vikram Kapila is the Principal Investigator and Director of AMPS, a collaborative program between Poly professors, graduate Fellows, and the faculty at six New York City middle schools.

AMPS engages middle school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies through mechatronics-based science labs and robotics competitions. (Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical engineering, control theory, computer science and electronics.)

It’s hoped that the hands-on exposure to mechatronics will excite students to continue their studies and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition, this grant will enable participating Polytechnic graduate students to perform scientific research, improve their presentation skills, and provide vital service to neighboring public schools.

AMPS provides technology literacy and professional development to teachers and enriches the education of its graduate Fellows who integrate their mechatronics and robotics focused education and research into middle school curriculum.

Professor Magued G. Iskander and Dr. Noel Kriftcher, Executive Director of Poly’s David Packard Center, serve as AMPS’ Co-Principal Investigators. Professor Dariusz Czarkowski, Professor Rastislav Levicky, and Professor Maurizio Porfiri are Senior Personnel.