Global automation supplier, NovaTech, LLC, recently donated its D/3 Process Control System to the University of South Carolina Aiken. The system will provide students of the Industrial Process Engineering (IPE) Program the opportunity to experience a more hands-on approach to designing, building, and managing control systems.
“When NovaTech asked ‘How can we help?’ we jumped at the chance to incorporate the D/3 into our curriculum,” said Dr. Daren Timmons, Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering. Dr. Titan Paul, Assistant Professor of Engineering adds, “This control system is the key component of the Control Systems laboratory which is required for all Industrial Process Engineering majors at USC Aiken. Students apply their theoretical knowledge to configure, run, and monitor the industrial processes controller."
For over 20 years, NovaTech’s Aiken Office has supported customers throughout the region, in particular, maintaining a special relationship with the Savannah River Nuclear Facility. As part of a commitment to provide trained engineers who understand the complex process environment, NovaTech has sought to coordinate with the IPE Program at USC Aiken.
The IPE Program is designed to prepare students with the technical knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, engineering, and management to analyze and solve problems in today’s team-oriented environment. The rigorous curriculum provides students multiple opportunities to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory in real-world settings.
“NovaTech is proud to support USC Aiken’s newest engineering program and its students. Our donation will equip the next generation of engineers with valuable hands-on experience using our innovative D/3 process control technology. This will assure USC Aiken graduates a path to meaningful employment in the region,” said NovaTech’s Vice President of Marketing, Jeff Zola.
Through the IPE Capstone Projects, NovaTech is currently mentoring three seniors who will be among the first to graduate from the University’s program this year. Says Timmons, “NovaTech’s investment of time into these students is just as significant as the technology provided. We are delighted to partner with a company so invested in developing the local workforce.”
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