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Cyber Warriors make major upgrades and earn competition successThe Cyber Warriors had a highly productive year. Led by Windows lead Martin Topp and Unix lead Avery Hughes, they spent a concentrated 36‑hour weekend overhauling the data center. Their work included deploying new storage systems, consolidating team infrastructure, adding redundant power and backups, refreshing hardware for the ClassCloud project, upgrading networking to a 10‑gigabit uplink and installing enterprise‑grade GPUs to support AI research.
The team also competed in the Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition, National Cyber League, CyberForce and the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
Beyond competitions, the Cyber Warriors are contributing to grant‑funded initiatives, including digital literacy for seniors, which helps older adults in Fort Wayne navigate modern technology, and IUSE, project focused on identifying ethical gaps in AI and teaching responsible AI use to Tech’s students.
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New industry partnership brings real-world experience for our studentsIndiana Tech has partnered with Fort Wayne Metals (FWM) to advance metal additive manufacturing using the university’s EOS M290 3D printer. FWM, a global leader in precision metals for the medical device industry, is expanding its additive manufacturing capabilities, including the development and characterization of specialized metal materials.
Through this collaboration, Indiana Tech supports FWM by evaluating printing parameters and process performance for advanced materials. The project marks the university’s first experience with a custom material—Nitinol 5, a nickel‑titanium shape memory alloy—providing faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to work with a challenging titanium‑based alloy.
The effort is integrated into a senior design project, giving students hands‑on responsibility for the complete metal printing workflow, from design and build execution to post‑processing and machining. Two builds have been completed: an initial parameter study and a follow‑up focused on process consistency and repeatability.
In the second semester, students will design and manufacture a temperature‑responsive product that leverages Nitinol’s shape memory behavior, with continued technical mentorship from FWM. Indiana Tech is grateful to Fort Wayne Metals for this valuable partnership and for its ongoing support, which enriches student learning, expands institutional expertise, and strengthens long-term additive manufacturing instruction and student success.
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Scan the code to view the at-home lab kits provided to our electrical engineering technology students.
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Indiana Tech’s Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology earns ABET accreditationThe Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences is proud to announce that the Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program has officially received ABET accreditation, marking a major milestone for the university, the program, and its students. Even more notably, the accreditation is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2022, and will remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2031, ensuring that recent graduates and current students alike benefit from this achievement.
Receiving ABET accreditation is a significant accomplishment for any program, but it is especially meaningful for our EET program as it is 100% online. The accreditation affirms that high quality engineering technology education can be delivered in an online format without compromising academic rigor or hands-on learning. During ABET’s comprehensive evaluation and campus visit, reviewers offered very positive feedback on the program’s structure, learning outcomes, and student engagement.
One aspect that stood out to the ABET review team was the program’s innovative approach to hands-on learning. To ensure students gain practical, real-world experience, our college ships electronics kits directly to students, allowing them to complete laboratory exercises and experiments from home.
This model enables students to develop critical skills in circuit analysis, measurement, and troubleshooting, mirroring the experiential learning found in traditional on-campus labs. The positive response from ABET evaluators reinforces the effectiveness of this approach and highlights the college’s commitment to student-centered, applied learning.
For current and prospective students, ABET accreditation enhances the value of an Indiana Tech degree. It can support career advancement, improve employment prospects, and provide a strong foundation for professional certifications or further education. For alumni who graduated during the retroactive accreditation period, it serves as formal recognition that their degree meets nationally respected standards.
This achievement represents Indiana Tech’s mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for meaningful careers in engineering technology. The Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences celebrates this accomplishment and looks forward to continuing to grow and innovate the Electrical Engineering Technology program.
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Talwar Seminar SeriesEngineering and computer sciences students enjoyed a series of exciting seminars designed to elevate their Warrior Wednesdays!
We kicked off the year with our own Dr. Shadi Jawhar, who guided students through AI literacy and its role in cybersecurity. Following that, a panel of industry professionals from Fort Wayne Metals, Stryker, L3Harris and the Indiana Toll Road shared valuable career insights and answered student questions.
Students then participated in a hands-on Capture-the-Flag (CTF) gaming activity led by representatives from Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). To close out the semester, our newest faculty member, Dr. Xin Wang, presented an engaging session on real-world applications of Generative AI in warehouse safety.
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Indiana Tech's Co-op EDGE program launching in fall 2026Our newly launched co‑op program provides biomedical and mechanical engineering students with two paid, industry‑based work experiences built directly into their academic journey, specifically, their third and seventh semesters. Through partnerships with leading regional organizations, students gain hands‑on professiona experience, strengthen their technical and workplace skills, and graduate career‑ready. This innovative model ensures students are engaging with real-world challenges and contributing meaningfully to advancements in the field.
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Dr. Lucy Yang, dean of Indiana Tech's Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences
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Advancing Excellence in Engineering and Computer SciencesGreetings to our students, faculty, alumni, industry partners, and friends of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.
This year reflects significant progress as we align our programs with industry demands and prepare students for a rapidly evolving technological workforce. We expanded curricula to emphasize advanced skills, including new AI theory and application courses, AI certificates and concentrations, a new Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, enhanced cybersecurity offerings, and expanded microcredentials across engineering and computer science. AI practices are now embedded in core electrical and computer eEngineering courses, empowering students to use AI as a learning and productivity tool.
Industry Advisory Council members and engaged alumni play a critical role by providing guidance, real-world projects, mentorship, philanthropy, and access to internships and employment opportunities. Our dedicated faculty further strengthen student success through student-centered, relationship-based learning, hands-on experiences, field trips, and access to state-ofthe-art labs and facilities.
Research and experiential learning remain central to our mission, supported by significant external funding, such as NSF, Ball Venture Foundation, Lilly Endowment Foundation, and industry partners, that enables scholarships and paid student research.
We continue expanding partnerships with industry and government, lead initiatives in AI in higher education, and co-lead Junction 36 to advance community collaboration.
Program quality remains strong, with continued ABET accreditation for our engineering and computer science programs and the recent achievement of ETAC of ABET accreditation for Indiana Tech’s fully online A.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology—the first program of its kind to earn this distinction.
Our students continue to excel beyond the classroom, highlighted by the Cyber Warriors' 17 state titles and the launch of new co-op programs in biomedical and mechanical engineering this fall. Together, these efforts prepare graduates to lead with innovation, excellence, and purpose.
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TOP RIGHT: Dr. Steve Dusseau took the president and VP of the SME student chapter to FabTech. It is North America’s largest manufacturing show. The students met with some SME leaders an explored the manufacturing supplier exhibits.
MIDDLE: An annual Toyota assembly plant visit is organized by IME professor, Peggy Canales, that brings lean manufacturing to life for our engineering students.
BELOW: Engineering students visited BAE Systems in Fort Wayne on Nov. 12. Sponsored by the Career Center and accompanied by electrical engineering professor Dr. Said Abushamleh, the students toured the facility that manufactures key components for the aerospace and defense industry.
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Talwar Visit Day a successWe were delighted to welcome interested parents and high school students for a tour of our beautiful home, the Zollner Engineering Center, which houses our state-of-the-art labs, cutting-edge facilities, and most importantly, our exceptional faculty and students.
Our faculty and students showcased a variety of engaging projects, giving our visitors truly memorable hands-on experiences.
Once again, Spot was patrolling the building, this time with one of his favorite “children” from his robotic fleet. Just like an excited kid, this little robo-dogshowed off even more tricks: bowing, sitting, shaking hands, doing push-ups, and much more.
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Dr. Steve Dusseau’s three decades at Indiana Tech reflect a career defined by growth, service, and meaningful connections. He was first attracted to the university because of its strong focus on quality engineering and its ideal size for building a relationship-based learning environment. Over the years, he has seen the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences expand academically while preserving a strong sense of community.
Teaching Six Sigma courses has been especially rewarding for Dr. Dusseau, allowing him to translate real-world experience into classroom learning. He emphasizes that relevance is essential for keeping students engaged, a philosophy he reinforces by regularly consulting industry leaders to ensure his courses reflect current tools and workforce needs.
Dr. Dusseau has also been instrumental in launching major programs, including Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, the MBA, the Master of Science in Engineering Management, and graduate pathways such as the 4+1 program. His long-standing leadership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers student chapter further demonstrates his commitment to professional development.
Asked what makes Indiana Tech distinctive, he highlights its personal approach. “The faculty truly care about the students,” he says. That care is evident in his own advice to new professors: teach well and invest in students’ lives. For Dr. Dusseau, the most rewarding part of his career remains clear, watching students grow and succeed.
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 | Jordan Merriman is one of our
dedicated NSF‑SSTEM Peer Mentors.
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Celebrating the successful first year of the NSF S-STEM Grant: Developing Industry and Innovation Scholars in the Midwest
We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first year and inaugural cohort of the National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM grant, Developing Industry and Innovation Scholars in the Midwest. This transformative initiative is designed to expand access to higher education and workforce opportunities for talented students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing degrees in high-demand computing and engineering fields.
The S-STEM grant supports full-time, domestic, low-income students with strong academic ability, talent, or potential who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. The goal of the program is to reduce financial barriers while preparing students to become industry-ready professionals and innovators who will contribute to the regional and national technology workforce.
The first cohort includes seven scholars, consisting of five traditional on-campus students and two online students, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and flexibility.
These scholars receive comprehensive support, including full tuition coverage for four years, a free laptop computer, and access to a range of academic and professional services designed to promote student success, retention, and timely graduation.
During its first year, the program has already made a meaningful impact by fostering a strong learning community, supporting academic achievement, and connecting students with mentorship and career-focused resources. The success of this inaugural cohort highlights the importance of investing in students who have both the potential to excel and the drive to innovate when provided with the right opportunities and support.
Students who are interested in learning more about the Developing Industry and Innovation Scholars in the Midwest program or applying to future cohorts are encouraged to contact Associate Dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Dr. Stephanos Mavromoustakos, at SMavromoustakos@IndianaTech.edu.
We look forward to building on this momentum as the program continues to grow and empower the next generation of technology leaders.
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Engineering with Intelligence: Indiana Tech embeds AI across the ECE curriculum
Artificial intelligence isn't just transforming industries—it's redefining what it means to be an electrical and computer engineer. At Indiana Tech, we're meeting this moment not with a single elective, but with a visionary integration of AI across our entire Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum.
Started Spring 2025, compact two-week AI projects are embedded within eight core courses—from freshman C programming to senior design—ensuring every graduate masters both timeless engineering principles and the intelligent systems shaping tomorrow's world. We begin piloting three courses before full implementation across all eight courses by 2027.
Industry demand confirms the urgency—75% of employers in power, robotics, and telecommunications now list AI/ML literacy as essential for entry-level roles. Companies like Siemens, GE, and Qualcomm seek engineers who can design robust classical systems and enhance them with intelligent algorithms
Assessment is built in: rubric-based project scoring, senior exit surveys, and employer feedback will ensure continuous improvement—all aligned with ABET outcomes on design, modern tools, and ethics. Our approach strengthens, but do not replace, core engineering foundations. Students tackle domain-specific challenges using AI as a tool for deeper insight.
In one standout example, a team of ECE students developed a deep learning diagnostic tool for early detection of rotor bar and bearing failures in induction motors. Using easily accessible stator current and voltage signatures, they extracted time- and frequency-domain features and trained a model in MATLAB® that accurately identifie faults across varying load conditions and severity levels—demonstrating precisely how AI augments classical analysis with actionable intelligence.
Ethics remains central: students learn to validate AI outputs against first principles, document limitations, and reflect on societal implications—cultivating not just technical skill, but the engineering judgment Indiana Tech prizes. Continuous improvement is built in through rubric-based scoring, senior exit surveys, and employer feedback—all aligned with ABET outcomes on design, modern tools, and professional ethics.
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 | My name is Daniela Rubio. I am from Lima, Peru, and I am a junior.
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| | - What inspired you to pursue engineering, and why did you choose your specific major? I've always liked challenges while growing up. My dad is an industrial engineer himself and has always pushed me to follow in his footsteps. I've always enjoyed science classes more than any others, so I decided to give biomedical engineering a try. And I loved it!
- Can you describe a favorite or most impactful engineering project, research experience, or hands-on work you’ve done here? I feel that an impactful engineering project that I've done was in my medical device class. In this class, we learn how to research and model prosthetic implants as they would in industry. I've learned so much with this class, and it's always fun and challenging to improve our own models and ideas. This year, we are designing a total hip arthroplasty implant.
- What has been one of your biggest challenges as an engineering student so far? One of the biggest challenges, I think, has been learning how to organize my time. Engineering is very assignment-heavy, requiring constant studying and just work in general. I've learned that time management is key, especially when you are working two on-campus jobs like I am. It gets easier with time; but I've learned to take a break when needed and how not to break down (or at least try to) due to the workload. It's always great to have friends around to support and help each other.
- How have you gotten involved outside the classroom? Outside of classes, I work for the OSS as a tutor, and I'm part of the STEAM academy staff. I've always liked to help people, especially since a lot of friends and people helped me with tutoring and whatnot, when I was a freshman. I wanted to do the same for others. I'm also the student president of the College Connections Program for Big Brothers Big Sisters at Tech and have volunteered at Science Central, helping with basic maintenance and small projects. All of these experiences have helped me grow as a person, improve my interpersonal skills, and just be a more wholesome person in
general. - If you could engineer a new flavor of ice cream, what would it be? If I were to engineer an ice cream flavor, it would be a mix between dark chocolate ganach and something sour like lime. Don't knock out the combo without trying it.
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