Engineering the Future of the WCBT: Prof. Earns Fellowship

On Jan. 17, Dr. Tolga Kaya, director of engineering, began the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) fellowship. Kaya, along with eight other professors from Conn. colleges and universities, are a part of the fellowship program’s inaugural class.

According to CCAT, “This innovative program is designed to immerse nine college and university faculty members in advanced manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 practices, with the goal of enhancing the integration of state-of-the-art methods, practices, and tools currently used in industry into Connecticut classrooms.” Industry 4.0 practices are the fourth phase of digitizing manufacturing by using digital technologies and more efficient processes.

“This fellowship will offer an intense learning program, more than 50 hours of training both theoretical and hands-on,” Kaya said. “I’m very excited to learn as these training modules are usually offered to only industry professionals. I will be trained to operate, program, and utilize advanced manufacturing equipment even before the industry has a chance to Adopt.”

By participating in the fellowship, Kaya will learn skills that he can bring back into the classroom. Having a professor attend this fellowship, in addition to the accreditation the electrical and computer engineering programs received from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), makes Sacred Heart’s engineering program unique.

“ABET accreditation was a huge success. Our engineering curriculum is now recognized by the world. This fellowship is now the cherry on the top,” said Kaya. “Our state is now recognizing SHU faculty to lead the change in industry technology. Combined with the recognition of accreditation and our state, our graduates will be sought after by companies who like to hire top talent with advanced technology understanding and practical knowledge.”

The fellowship does not limit Kaya to just transplanting the knowledge he learns into the classroom. He will have an existing relationship with CCAT that can be used as part of the engineering Program.

“By gaining practical knowledge on the equipment in Hartford at CCAT, I will have access to their facilities along with my students for additional training and exposure opportunities. Field trips to CCAT and their connected industry network will help us engage with the industry while our students are still at the university, gaining this experience ahead of their counterparts in other schools,” said Kaya.

David Taylor, Dean of the Welch College of Business and Technology (WCBT), shared the fellowship opportunity with Kaya. The application process included his resume, a reference letter from Taylor, a 15-page application and a meeting with the program director.

“Prof. Kaya is very involved with the students. He helps with and supports different programs and events for us to participate in. It will be interesting to see what can come from him participating in this fellowship,” said Christopher Altomare, a sophomore electrical engineering major.

The synergy between business and technology is apparent in the WCBT on West Campus. Kaya hopes that taking part in the fellowship will benefit both the business and engineering students at the university.

“I believe we will attract industry professionals to our campus to discuss and learn new technologies, taking advantage of our unique setup of merging business and technology. While my technical knowledge will attract the big companies like Sikorsky, ASML, or Electric Boat, our strong programs on business will also be recognized, putting us in a unique partner for big companies as a talent pool and strategic partner,” said Kaya.

As Sacred Heart continues to grow, the engineering programs of the WCBT are taking strides in making those students highly sought after job candidates. As a result of the program’s recognitions, a mechanical engineering major will debut in the fall ‘26 semester.

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