-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueSpotlight on India
We invite you on a virtual tour of India’s thriving ecosystem, guided by the Global Electronics Association’s India office staff, who share their insights into the region’s growth and opportunities.
Supply Chain Strategies
A successful brand is built on strong customer relationships—anchored by a well-orchestrated supply chain at its core. This month, we look at how managing your supply chain directly influences customer perception.
What's Your Sweet Spot?
Are you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche. What are their insights?
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
A Unique Engineering Space in Mankato
November 9, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Rob Sleezer is associate professor of integrated engineering at Minnesota State University, and lead for Twin Cities Engineering (TCE), a two-year engineering professional school with a non-traditional approach to the curriculum. That new approach just might turn out more industry-savvy graduates than traditional programs.
Nolan Johnson: Rob, introduce us to Twin Cities Engineering. What do you do there?
Rob Sleezer: TCE is an extended campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. We are a project-based program which exists in a space at a partner school. That means that we are not only one of the best engineering programs in the state, we are also the least expensive, which is really cool.
What “project-based” engineering means to us is our engineers do their pre-engineering at some other place (anywhere). Some of them might even do it in Mankato. Regardless, they transfer to us because they're moving from that space into our extended campus space. We’ve specifically partnered with Normandale Community College and St. Paul College, where we have lab spaces. When a student engineer joins us as a first semester junior (J1), the first thing we do is put them on the equivalent of a capstone project. We then work to contextualize their design professional and technical learning to that project as best we can.
Johnson: That makes sense to integrate their experiences.
Sleezer: In fact, we are the Department of Integrated Engineering. We integrate across multiple domains and disciplines, in terms of integration of concepts across the business side of things. These are all really important to us. Additionally, what's really cool is that because I have teams that consist of both senior graduating engineers and first semester engineers, there's some mentorship. I have a corporate culture. In my program, admittedly, every year half of my “employees” quit by graduating.
As we discussed earlier, much of this is being addressed in this context. Maybe not perfectly, meaning we're constantly looking to improve, but we do things that make our student engineers question where they're going, what they're doing in terms of the design, and how the math and physics they're learning play into designing things to improve the world and improve the human condition.
To continue reading this interview, which appeared in the November 2023 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Intel Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Accelerate Innovation and Strengthen Execution
09/09/2025 | Intel CorporationIntel Corporation today announced a series of senior leadership appointments that support the company’s strategy to strengthen its core product business, build a trusted foundry, and foster a culture of engineering across the business.
Cadence to Acquire Hexagon’s Design & Engineering Business
09/08/2025 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Design & Engineering (D&E) business of Hexagon AB, which includes its MSC Software business—a pioneer in engineering simulation and analysis solutions.
Marcy’s Musings: Continuing to Invent the Future With SEL
08/19/2025 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsTwo years ago, PCB007 Magazine devoted an issue to Schweitzer Engineering Labs (SEL), a new captive greenfield PCB facility in Moscow, Idaho. We highlighted some of the most cutting-edge achievements in facility layout, design, and equipment in the PCB fabrication industry. SEL was a shining example of what was possible, providing insight and inspiration to PCB fabricators looking toward growth and expansion.
Advint and SanRex Expand High-Performance DC Rectifier Access for North American PCB Fabricators
08/12/2025 | Advint IncorporatedAdvint Incorporated has entered a strategic partnership with SanRex Corporation, enhancing access to industrial-grade DC rectifiers for the US printed circuit board industry. With a legacy of power innovation and performance across the globe, SanRex rectifiers are available through Advint’s proficient distribution network.
Review: PCEA Orange County Summer Meeting
08/06/2025 | Dan Feinberg, Technology Editor, I-Connect007The Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) represents a community of engineers, designers, and industry influencers dedicated to the advancement of PCB technology, design, and manufacturing, and the growth and knowledge of its membership. PCEA regularly hosts events to share the latest developments, best practices, and visions for the future of electronic design and manufacturing. The Orange County chapter seems to be one of the largest and most active ones and I was invited to attend the latest chapter event on July 24 in Costa Mesa, California.