Accelerating Education in The Mast

Inside The Mast is an engineering student’s playground: updated 3D printers, laser cutters, and a high-powered computer that can do complex computations, simulations, and calculations. They also have two CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, which are digital cutting tools. These machines are used for testing materials and electronics for a variety of engineering disciplines, such as physics and solid mechanics. There are also plenty of basic tools for cutting and drilling in the mechanics section.

Almost all engineering classes involve labs at one point or another, to supplement and apply what students are learning in the classroom. The Mast’s open layout and updated equipment ensures that Bethany students get the most practical, hands-on experience, and gives them an advantage for their future careers. Students are also encouraged to make use of the space outside of class, taking their time to work on projects. It is certainly big enough that many students can work there at a time.

Assistant Professor of Engineering Sciences Sheng Sang is one of the engineering professors at the forefront of The Mast’s continual development. Sang teaches and develops mechanical engineering classes while also planning The Mast’s future.

“Mechanical engineering is developing every year—new technology, new machines—so we have to update everything year by year,” said Sang.

Because engineering technology is constantly evolving, Sang will often place orders for new equipment to add to the already useful essentials inside The Mast. Teaching has given him a keen understanding of what equipment students will most benefit from. When a machine needs an update or the department has an idea for a new piece of equipment, he will purchase that equipment through grants—that is how they got their new CNC machine, for instance.

One of Sang’s goals is to make sure that students have the opportunity to become proficient in machines that they will be using in the field. The CNC machine is one such piece of equipment, which students already enjoy using. Often, engineering companies will look for keywords on an applicant’s resume, showing that the applicant has worked with a few different pieces of equipment and technology. Sang noted that any engineering company would expect their employees to know their way around a CNC machine—particularly mechanical engineers. Thankfully, Sang gets to see those needs up close while teaching.

“We have several different sizes of 3D printers, which really give students a leg up,” said Sang. “It’s a very basic tool for all mechanical engineers. No matter what company you go to, [engineering students] should know how to use that machine.”