University of the Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science has been selected to join KEEN, a network of more than 60 colleges and universities around the country created to help schools develop an entrepreneurial mindset in engineering students.

The new partnership is one of several initiatives launched by the School of Engineering and Computer Science to prepare students to creatively tackle problems with more than just technical knowledge.

“With today’s complex problems, you need a broad set of skills—how to think outside the box, how to communicate across disciplines and how to think about policy and ethics,” said Dean Elizabeth Orwin. “The idea is to create a generation of engineers who are able to solve intricate, multidisciplinary problems and make a real impact on the world.”

The collaboration with KEEN enables faculty with the means to exchange best practices, attend development workshops and identify ways to incorporate new ideas into their curriculum. Grant opportunities also are available.

“The best part is that it’s a very collaborative community,” said Assistant Dean of Innovation and Professional Development Mehdi Khazaeli, who also serves as director of Pacific’s Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship program. “The most important thing for our students is that we are identifying new opportunities for experiential learning and hands-on activities.”

Doug Melton, program director at the Kern Family Foundation, said Pacific adds unique vitality to the KEEN network because of its “forward-thinking and nimble approach to education.”

“Pacific’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary experiences and innovation across disciplines strengthens our shared mission to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in engineering graduates,” Melton said. “We are thrilled they've joined the powerful KEEN community."

Pacific recently launched new courses for first-year students to introduce them to the design-thinking process and incorporate KEEN concepts of curiosity, connection and create value.

Students in the interdisciplinary design courses, called IDEA, are learning about design prototyping and have taken part in challenges such as designing LED acrylic signs and building towers out of spaghetti.

Many of the design projects are developed in the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace, which was also created as part of the engineering school’s larger focus on design and entrepreneurship.

The 10,000-square-foot facility—open to students of all disciplines—opened in the spring of 2024 and includes equipment for prototyping, 3D printing, woodworking and more.

The experiences are intended to better prepare students for what they’ll face when they graduate.

“Employers are looking for this kind of attitude when hiring our students,” Khazaeli said. “It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about the mindset.”