Industry-Experienced Graduate Student Program: Innovative Collaboration in Architectural Engineering at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Abstract

In 2001, the Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, along with industry partners, established an industry-experienced graduate student program. The program was developed to bring experienced design professionals to collaborate with the industry while pursuing a Ph.D. in architectural engineering. This program is designed to be mutually beneficial to industry partners, -graduate students, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Architectural Engineering Department, and the building industry at large. The first doctoral candidate in the program graduated, and significant collaborative work was completed for the industry partner. All parties to this initial offering are pleased with the outcome and believe the benefits significantly outweigh the costs. This paper presents the program, lessons learned, and plans for the future. The authors are the faculty, the industry partner, and the graduate associated with this initial application of the program.