In the summer of 2020, Purdue University launched a pilot project for more than 3,000 first-year science and engineering students to develop new techniques and technologies that would allow it to rethink and redirect higher education. Purdue Engineering is heavily involved in these continuing efforts via a pilot program supported by the Charles Koch Foundation.

Virtual labs have been gaining ground in the College of Engineering. By combining mixed reality technologies with physics-based modeling and simulation and authentic machine interfaces, virtual labs are enriching learning. To expand the reach of this innovative instructional approach, the College has launched the Virtual Labs Faculty Fellows program, and has selected and engaged the first cohort of fellows.

Well before the reality of a global pandemic, Purdue was creating online versions of many of its engineering labs, so the College of Engineering’s virtual lab initiative didn’t start with COVID-19 in mind.

The College of Engineering, including AAE, already had taken steps to develop virtual labs before Purdue moved to remote instructional delivery.

AAE Professor Alberto Mello is leading a project to create and install six virtual laboratories this semester. The virtual labs allow AAE to maximize the use of its physical lab space to ensure the best hands-on learning opportunities for students.