ODU - Engineering Technology Department

𝗗𝗿. 𝗢𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗔𝘆𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄
Orlando Ayala, Ph.D., director of Undergraduate Research and the Ray Ferrari Endowed Professor in the ODU - Engineering Technology Department at Old Dominion University, has been named a 2026 Engineering Unleashed Fellow by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN).

Dr. Ayala is one of just 30 engineering faculty members nationwide selected for the honor this year, representing 23 institutions across the United States.

The fellowship recognizes educators who demonstrate outstanding innovation in engineering education and seek to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in undergraduate engineering students.

To be considered, participants must complete a yearlong project through the Engineering Unleashed Faculty Development program. They are then nominated by peer coaches and reviewed by a committee of past Fellows. Fewer than 10% of program participants are ultimately selected for the fellowship.

Dr. Ayala’s project focuses on bringing faculty together to enhance student learning through undergraduate research. The initiative will develop teaching materials, mentoring programs, and other resources designed to help students ask critical questions, connect ideas across disciplines, and solve real-world problems.

"Some of the most meaningful learning happens when students tackle authentic problems that don't have textbook answers,” Dr. Ayala said. “Through the Vertically Integrated Program for Undergraduate Research (VIPUR), we're helping advance Old Dominion University's goal of ensuring every student participates in a work-based learning experience before graduation by creating opportunities for students to grow as researchers while developing the curiosity, collaborative mindset, and problem-solving skills that define outstanding engineers.”

During the year, Fellows will share ideas and learn about one another's projects through in-person and virtual events. Each Fellow will also receive a $10,000 grant to advance their project.

Engineering Unleashed is a community of more than 6,000 faculty members at 400-plus institutions, powered by KEEN, a 70-partner collaborative focused on graduating engineers with an entrepreneurial mindset.

https://engineeringunleashed.com

🏆 Best Paper Award 🏆 Congratulations to Dr. Dalya Ismael on receiving the Best Paper Award at the 2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition from the Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation Division!
⭐ Exploring Lunar Innovation to Support Entrepreneurial-Minded Learning
This outstanding work demonstrates how frontier engineering challenges can be used to cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset in engineering education. By integrating a semester-long lunar construction project into an undergraduate Construction Project Management course, students were challenged to navigate ambiguity, constraints, and complex systems-level problems similar to those faced in real-world innovation environments.
⭐ The project engaged students as design-build contractors tasked with addressing lunar construction challenges such as dust mitigation, radiation shielding, and thermal management. Grounded in the entrepreneurial mindset framework of Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value, the study revealed significant gains in students’ confidence, problem-solving abilities, systems thinking, and value-oriented decision-making. The findings highlight the potential of space-inspired engineering projects to strengthen both technical competencies and entrepreneurial thinking without compromising disciplinary rigor.
⭐ Congratulations to Dr. Dalya Ismael on this well-deserved recognition and for advancing innovative approaches to engineering education. This achievement reflects the impactful scholarship and educational leadership emerging from Old Dominion University.
Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology

Congrats Dr. Murat Kuzlu, Electrical Engineering Technology and the team! Dr. Mecit Cetin and Dr. Cindy Tomovic

Old Dominion University Researchers Define AI’s Role in Transportation Nationwide Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to solve real-world problems, improving efficiency, strengthening decision-making and addressing complex challenges that affect everyday life.

We were delighted to welcome prospective students and their families to Academic Day in June 2026!

Charles Lowe, Program Director for Manufacturing Engineering Technology, provided an overview of smart manufacturing, metrology, and mechatronics. Maria Murdock, P.E., Program Director for Civil Engineering Technology, showcased the fascinating field of geotechnical engineering and explained why understanding soils and foundations is critical to successful building construction.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! Learn more about our programs at www.odu.edu/engtech