On Campus FOCUSED ON DIVERSIFYING STEM STUDENT POPULATIONS Business Sense WPI master’s program merges IT with analytics for real-world applications BY GENNIFER BIRNBACH WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (WPI) WAS FOUNDED Another switch is shifting to open source databases that can be in 1865 with the goal of creating and conveying the very latest in built into phone apps — to provide IT solutions for everyday use by science and engineering knowledge to benefit society. Then in 1970, consumers. “We work closely with businesses to stay up to date on way before Apple’s tagline “think different” hit the marketplace, the technology, and then we put that into our curriculum so we don’t forward-thinking WPI did just that. It broke away from the conven-miss a beat,” Strong says. The school’s diverse student body also tional educational formula so the school could empower students infuses the learning experience with the expansive point of view on from all over the world to shape their own experiences through challenges and solutions that consumers and business owners face project-based learning. throughout each continent. Seeing the big picture that IT While creative problem-solv-touches every industry imagin-ing and innovative thinking are able, WPI is now once again big markers of success in tech-ahead of the trend, unveiling an nology, so is confidence. WPI of-updated Information Technology fers support services for students MS program in its Foisie Busi-who are first in their family to ness School to ensure that gradu-attend college. The WPI leader-ates have a deep understanding ship team continues to bring in not just of the “how” but the diverse talent so students can see “why,” with a focus on business themselves represented in execu-analytics and more. tive positions. And an effort to Diane Strong, IT professor and bring in more females to study interim department head at WPI, and enter the male-dominant explains further. “Starting at the tech industry has resulted in a ▲ Diane Strong, IT professor and interim department head, in intersection of technology, busi-freshman class that is made up of discussion with Stephen Frimpong-Manso, a first-year graduate ness and people, we prepare our 40% women. student from West Africa. students to become leaders, to “If we all had the same way of think simultaneously about what thinking and the same back-businesses need, how to answer that with innovative tech solutions grounds, we would not be able to come up with the best solutions,” and then deliver intuitive, easy-to-use products and programs.” says Strong. “Everything at WPI is entrepreneurial, and there is a According to Strong, WPI faculty members work with students great sense of creativity and individuality.” on interdisciplinary research, seeking solutions to important and WPI also prides itself on its capstone projects. Students work in socially relevant problems, both on campus and at more than 50 teams to design and develop solutions for a company. There are four project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific and or five teams in each class and they all work on the same problem. Europe. “As educators, we are teaching principles and concepts that At the end, students present their ideas directly to the company. should apply broadly and over time,” she says. “Five years from now, Often there are many ideas from the various teams so the compa-technology will be different but the educational foundation should nies will cherry pick from each. In a recent example, a student team still be valid.” developed an app focusing on weight management and diabetes for To stay current, WPI revised the MS in IT program to keep up launching in the app store. Strong adds, “The students were thrilled with the ever-evolving smart world of computers, phones, TVs, because they are doing something real and valuable.” home security and devices. The program adds more AI, business The projects also expose the students to the companies and vice applications of machine learning and business analytics so students versa. “There is nearly 100% placement upon completion of the MS can study and apply patterns gleaned from big data to inform future program. Many students have a job before they even graduate, often planning and decision-making. from the company where they did a summer internship.” 70 Diversity in Action | MAY/JUNE 2020 PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE STRONG/WPI