P & G

The Department of Mechanical Engineering received a donation of $119,654 over 3 years from the company Procter & Gamble for the development of the Mechatronics Design Center (MDC). The center will train our engineering students in the multidisciplinary field of information-driven machinery. The establishment of the MDC responds to an increasing need to prepare engineers in the fundaments of computer-controlled systems and processes as well as to provide continuous education in the growing field of mechatronics to practicing engineers and technicians.

The term mechatronics refers to a methodology for the optimal design of computer-controlled systems and processes. It involves the combination of four fundamental disciplines—mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and information technology. Through the efficient use of the available 1,740 square feet of space, the Center focuses on four main activities, 1) Course development, 2) Industry training, 3) Research and Development and 4) working with future scientist and engineers by sponsoring summer camps for high school students. Procter & Gamble was established in 1837, and began as a small, family operated soap and candle company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Today, Procter & Gamble markets more than 250 products to more than five billion consumers in 130 countries. Procter & Gamble has being working with the School of Engineering for over 20 years and has a long record of commitment to excellence in engineering education. This donation is an example of Procter & Gamble’s commitment to the quality of out graduates. Alex Albacarys and Maite Iraolagoitia, two of our graduates have being coming to out campus for many years to recruit our graduates and to team up with faculty and staff to help assure the quality of our engineering education. Maite Iraolagoitia, (mechanical engineer, class of ‘92) is Proctor & Gamble’s focus (liaison) person for the Mechanical Engineering Department. She reported that many of Procter & Gamble’s engineers graduated from UPRM. The consistently high quality of our graduates keeps companies like Procter & Gamble coming back to UPRM to satisfy their need for the best of the best. The faculty, staff and students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering are very grateful to Procter & Gamble for this sizable donation