Wichita State University
Our Lab Associates Program
Background
The AE department opened a projects and prototyping lab in spring 2017 (EEB Building, Room 142). It's an amazing place, where students can make prototype aircraft and work on AE class projects. There is lots of workspace, equipment (e.g., laser cutters, milling machines, a foam cutter, electronics, etc.) and tools. In short, it is a fantastic place to learn, consider new ideas, and make cool things.
To help with lab operations, the department is creating an AE Lab Associates Program (AE-LAP). The idea is simple. AE-LAP members work in the lab and, in return, earn direct access and learn to use powerful lab prototyping machines.
Membership
Once selected and trained AE students become AE-LAP members. Their primary role is to work in the lab and to help others. In return, following training and demonstrated responsible participation, members are granted direct access to the lab and use of more sophisticated lab tools.
AE-LAP members are required to:
- Commit to reliably and properly working in the lab a few hours a week
- Commit to learning proper equipment operation and lab procedures
- Commit to monitoring and helping other AE students working in the lab
- Commit to watching after the safety of people and all lab resources
- Commit to being responsible for the lab
AE-LAP membership is a great way to do many things:
- Gain more lab skills and LAP ratings
- Demonstrate responsibility
- Get direct access to approved equipment
- Build cool things
- Prepare for future classes, projects, and jobs
Clearly you can also use AE-LAP membership on a resume, as a way to make yourself more valuable to hire.