Benjamin James Call

Generic simulation of multi-element ladar scanner kinematics in USU LadarSIM

This paper presents a generic simulation model for a ladar scanner with up to three scan elements, each having a steering, stabilization and/or pattern-scanning role. Of interest is the development of algorithms that automatically generate commands to the scan elements given beam-steering objectives out of the ladar aperture, and the base motion of the sensor platform. First, a straight-forward single-element body-fixed beam-steering methodology is presented. Then a unique multi-element redirective and reflective space-fixed beam-steering methodology is explained. It is shown that standard direction cosine matrix decomposition methods fail when using two orthogonal, space-fixed rotations, thus demanding the development of a new algorithm for beam steering. Finally, a related steering control methodology is presented that uses two separate optical elements mathematically combined to determine the necessary scan element commands. Limits, restrictions, and results on this methodology are presented.

Entrepreneurial curriculum in an Engineering Technical Communication course: Looking for impact on creativity and mindset

This work in progress initiated an investigation into an intervention focused on entrepreneurial training that was implemented in the delivery of a “Technical Communication for Engineers” course at a western research university. The course was delivered through multiple separate sections and was taught by two instructors using the same curriculum. The control-group approach utilized an established method to help engineers and computer scientists learn technical communication by writing a technical proposal as a team. The treatment-group approach included providing entrepreneurial training and consulting through lectures and one-on-one consultations provided by student consultants from the universitys Entrepreneurship Club. Student consultants were trained in Glausers NERCM principles for business consulting. The impact measurement of the intervention focuses on the results of students taking the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA) creativity assessment and Dwecks growth-vs-fixed Mindset survey. Lagged regression in quasi-experimental statistics will be utilized to compare results from a pre- and post-delivery of the test instruments taken before the entrepreneurial lectures begin and then again at the end of the course. Random selection of students from a convenience sample with an opt-out enrollment process was utilized. Additionally, a task value survey and an entrepreneurial intent survey were given to the students to develop an understanding of their views of this teaching method based upon the perceived value of the course.