This year brings exciting changes to the AME family.

We have two new staff members.  Rebecca Norris, my new assistant, has taken the position held by Lawana Dillard for nearly 15 years.  Rebecca brings a wealth of experience and interests.  Lawana has taken a new job with the university and we wish her well.  Kate O’Brien is the new student services coordinator.  She worked in a similar position at the OU School of Dance for many years and is married to an AME alumnus.  She replaces Suzi Skinner, who is riding off into the sunset with her husband on their motorcycles as they both embrace the new adventure of retirement.

This year also ushers in a new opportunity for AME students and partnering companies.

AME has begun a new program called the 21st Century Co-Op, a five-year B.S./M.S. degree program in mechanical engineering that unites an AME education with interwoven internships, mentorship and special projects with one company for three years of a student’s degree.

In addition to core courses in mechanical engineering, the curriculum includes customized courses jointly offered by company engineers and faculty during summer internships, a senior capstone experience and graduate theses that are of relevance to the sponsoring company, and graduate cross-disciplinary courses.

This program overcomes many of the problems associated with Co-Ops, mainly the length of education.  Students participating in this program should still graduate with a joint B.S./M.S. degree in five years.

By participating in this program, 21st Century Co-Op Scholars gain technical competencies and soft skills that are relevant to the sponsoring company.  A company that sponsors a 21st Century Co-Op has the opportunity to educate and hire a team of engineers who are well prepared to hit the road running.

If you are interested in learning more about joining the 21st Century Co-Op program, please contact me.  I an always be reached at (405) 306-7309 or
farrokh.mistree@ou.edu.

Thank you for being a part of the AME family.  I hope you enjoy learning about the students, faculty and research that makes AME great.

Positive Thoughts,

Farrokh Mistree, Ph.D.
Director