Howard University stands apart as the nation’s only HBCU with R1 research status, reflecting their commitment to both academic excellence and innovation. Through its partnership with Autodesk, Howard is creating new opportunities for students to bridge the gap between education and professional experience with access to the tools, technologies, and workflows used across design and manufacturing and AECO industries.
For Howard, it’s more than software access. By integrating Autodesk technologies into coursework and opening the new College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Makerspace, students can further explore hands-on learning that will directly apply to their future careers.
“With this makerspace and partnership, we see an alignment between creating leaders who not just are experts in their professions, but who are well positioned to lead with impact and make a positive change in society,” says Dr. Kimberly Jones, Dean of Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture.
“Howard really focuses on community and service along with building leaders, and that really is important in my career because engineers need to be leaders,” adds Justin Smith, mechanical engineering student, Howard University.
Smith recently embarked on an electric go-kart project and formed a team to participate in the Formula SAE engineering education competition next year. Using Autodesk Fusion, he designed every component and experienced first-hand how digital models help to save time and materials before a physical prototype.
“Every new skill I learn is just opening a new door,” he says. “The more I learn, the more I fall in love with engineering, and the more things I want to build. We're not only getting hands-on experience, but we're able to create something incredible.”
