NIST Invests in Standard Education: 8 Universities Awarded for Curriculum Development

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The U.S. Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has awarded eight grants totaling $1,156,973 to support standard education in undergraduate and graduate curricula.

Standards Coordination Office at NIST for Curriculum Development

Since its inception in 2012, the NIST's Standards Coordination Office Curriculum Development Cooperative Agreement Program has received 255 applications and granted 54 awards totaling over $4.3 million. These funds support curriculum development to integrate content on documentary standards and standardization processes into courses, modules, seminars, and learning resources, including sustainable approaches replicable by other educational programs.

Current Year's Awardees: Colorado School of Mines (Golden, Colorado) — $150,000

Development and integration of three modules into the new ceramic engineering curriculum. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, Florida) — $150,000

Development of six modules integrating industrial standards into three engineering and aeronautics courses. Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, Missouri) — $150,000

Creation of a postgraduate certification program in standards and safety in electrical and computer engineering. Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) — $149,820

Creation of five modules to integrate standard content into the engineering technology curriculum. Texas A&M University - Kingsville (Kingsville, Texas) — $114,534

Development and integration of 16 course modules for engineering students. Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas) — $149,021

Development of a module on emergency, disaster, and crisis management standards for engineering students. University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) — $149,070

Development of four modules on incorporating standards into biomedical engineering education. University of South Alabama (Mobile, Alabama) — $144,528

Development and integration of five modules into the civil engineering program. Practical Utility for Students and the Community These efforts aim to provide graduates with practical understanding of standards and regulations related to emerging technologies. For instance, at the University of Texas, five webinars will address the application of standards in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and industrial management and technology.

NIST Standards Education: The term refers to the efforts of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States to promote understanding and integration of standards in university academic programs.

In this context, NIST's Standards Education involves projects and funding allocated to academic institutions to develop and integrate standard content within undergraduate and graduate curricula. The goal is to prepare students to understand the importance of standards in their disciplines and to use them effectively in their professional careers.

NIST's Educational Projects Aim to: Integrate Standard Content into Curricula:

Develop modules, courses, or specific programs that incorporate knowledge of standards in academic disciplines. Support Standardization Across Various Disciplines:

Cover a wide range of disciplines, from technology to engineering, promoting awareness of standards in specific sectors such as aviation, ceramic engineering, biomedical engineering, and more. Create Certification Programs:

Establish postgraduate programs that confer certifications in specific areas, such as standards and safety in electrical and computer engineering. Promote Sustainability:

Strive to develop sustainable approaches in teaching standards that can be implemented by other educational programs. NIST's Standards Education seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of standards in the real world and prepare them to face challenges and opportunities related to compliance with standards in their future professional careers. These efforts contribute to the training of aware and competent professionals in the context of technical standardization.

Supported by Current Statistics: These efforts are supported by updated data and statistics, reflecting NIST's ongoing commitment to standards education. Since 2012, 255 applications have been submitted, resulting in 54 grants, demonstrating a strong interest and commitment to promoting knowledge of standards.

Conclusion and National Impact: The impact of these efforts extends beyond academic boundaries, actively engaging the community through collaborations with local organizations. These projects represent a significant step towards preparing students and professionals with the skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving world of standards.

For more information on previous awards or to sign up for program updates, visit the NIST Standards Coordination Office website, standards.gov.

Glossary: NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology): The U.S. agency that develops and promotes technical standards and advanced technologies to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. industry. Standardization: The process of developing, publishing, and applying technical standards that provide guidelines and specifications for products, services, and processes to ensure consistency, safety, and effectiveness in various sectors. NIST Standards Education: Initiatives and projects aimed at integrating standard content into academic curricula, funded and promoted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Standards Coordination Office at NIST: An office or program that facilitates cooperation and coordination among various organizations and sectors for the development and adoption of standards. Curriculum: The set of courses and educational activities offered by an educational institution. In the context of the article, it refers to university academic programs that include standard-related content. Educational Module: A unit of teaching that may include lessons, practical exercises, educational materials, and assessments developed for a specific topic or aspect of a standard. Webinar: An online seminar or presentation involving user participation and interaction. In the context of the article, webinars can be used to educate students about standards. Industrial Standard: A set of rules and specifications that establish minimum requirements for the design, production, and evaluation of products or services in a specific industry. Technological Engineering: A discipline that applies engineering principles to understand and solve complex technological problems. Postgraduate Certification: A study program that offers academic and professional certification after completing specific courses, as in the mentioned postgraduate certification program in standards and safety. Emergency, Disaster, and Crisis Management (EDCM) Standards: Rules and protocols defining best practices and procedures to follow in emergency, disaster, or crisis situations. Badging Platform: A platform that enables the creation and assignment of digital badges to recognize the completion of specific skills or courses. Sustainability: An approach to development that aims to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Compliance: Adherence to established standards and rules, ensuring that a product, process, or service meets defined requirements. This glossary provides clear explanations of key terms to facilitate understanding of the NIST standards education article.