When Stefan Davitkov took ENG 198- Engineering for Global Development- he expected to leave the class with a knowledge for making prototypes and teamwork. But the class also helped him get an idea of what aspect of engineering he wants to focus on.

“There are two sides to it. There is math and science and then there is design. Once you have that creative mindset, you can use the math and science to create a solution. That’s what’s exciting to me.”

Stefan is a part of the Illinois Engineering Freshman Experience (IEFX) and it’s all about acclimating freshman students into the college world with an eye towards success. IEFX helps guide freshman students with a variety of courses and events.

The IEFX experience may include taking a one-credit  ENG 198 class. These classes range in topics, from MatLab to the arts, and are offered exclusively to freshman. All the ENG 198 classes end with the Explorations event.

Stefan’s group decided to focus on an agricultural product for impoverished farmers in places like Northern India or Southern Asia.  Their  product is called MAAT, or the Multi Application Agricultural Tool.

Stefan Davitkov (third from the left) and his group pictured with the MAAT

“What we found was that these farmers spend a lot of money each season renting tractors, livestock, or hired help to do things such as plowing, seeding and watering, ” he said.

The MAAT has multiple attachments. A seeder, a plow, and a water pump can be attached one at a time. Though the prototype shown here is made from PVC, the final product will be made with a non-corrosive material, like stainless steel. Stefan’s group noticed that these farmers often use wood or iron tools, which degrade, which costs more money.

“Our solution will cut down on investment while increasing their yield. Our hope is that it will help give them a little more disposable income every season,” Stefan said.

Michelle Adeoye, the IEFX Program Coordinator, has seen progress since the inception of Explorations in 2009. The program morphed from pilot status to becoming a routine part of an engineer’s freshman year.

Michelle Adeoye

Michelle sees Explorations as a unique experience for freshman students. “Not only do they get to share what they’ve done with other students, they also get to talk to faculty and upperclassmen so it’s exciting and great practice for them,” she said.

The Illini Union ballroom buzzed with students as they wandered from booth to booth, pointing out the various gadgets that zoomed about. One team devised a make-shift hovercraft with a leaf-blower and a lawn-chair. The team said they decided to have fun and experiment with the mechanics.

Michelle’s overall hope for the IEFX classes is that they help develop skills that can be applied throughout their studies and beyond the classroom.

“As our students become involved in RSO’s, delve further into their careers, and pursue their interests, we hope these classes can help  them make connections across disciplines.”

For more information on the Illinois First Year Experience, visit their website.