innovation. The 68,000-square-foot facility was specifically designed with the DesignSpine curriculum in mind. At the heart of the building is the Ideation Space – an open, flexible environment where students and faculty come together to brainstorm, prototype, and problem-solve. It also hosts signature events like the annual DesignSpine Expo and weekly Community Nights. Engineering students also have access to state-of-the- art facilities that allow them to take their learning beyond the traditional classroom. From the Wood Shop and Machine Shop, where students learn precision fabrication, to specialized labs dedicated to thermal systems, fluid mechanics, materials testing, and more, R.B. Annis Hall provides the tools and spaces necessary to turn classroom lessons into real-world solutions. Under faculty guidance, students gain hands-on experience with equipment and processes that mirror those used in the field—preparing them to design, build, and lead from their first day. Community Nights The R.B. Annis School of Engineering is more than a building or a curriculum—it’s a community. Nowhere is that spirit more alive than during Community Nights, when the Ideation Space buzzes with energy. Students, faculty, and staff gather to share a meal, collaborate on projects, and connect outside the classroom. Each night is shaped by student interests and needs. The UIndy Racing team builds and fine-tunes go-karts for upcoming competitions, the Robotics Club tests and troubleshoots their latest designs, and tutors are on hand to provide academic support. Recent events have also included résumé workshops and student organization introductions, giving engineering students opportunities for career development, peer mentoring, and hands-on learning.
That excellence is reflected in national recognition as well. The School rose 37 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, earning the title of #1 undergraduate engineering program (non-doctoral) in Indianapolis and No. 113 in the nation. “To see this level of recognition in such a short time is extraordinary,” said Reid. “With full ABET accreditation secured and our innovative DesignSpine curriculum, we are confident UIndy Engineering will soon be among the top 100 programs in the nation.” The DesignSpine curriculum The cornerstone of the R.B. Annis School of Engineering, this unique multidisciplinary framework equips UIndy engineering students with technical expertise, professional skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring they thrive in their careers. Beginning in their second year, engineering students engage in hands-on projects that challenge them to apply their knowledge, solve real-world problems, and make an impact in their communities. DesignSpine projects have included: A solar-powered Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) developed for the Institute for Affordable Transportation A rivet press safety system developed for C.H. Ellis A fully functional water distribution system, ‘the Water Wagon,’ for Citizens Energy DesignSpine’s hands-on approach embodies the spirit of ABET accreditation, preparing UIndy engineering students to design with purpose and use their education to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. State-of-the-Art Facilities R.B. Annis Hall is home to the R.B. Annis School of Engineering and serves as a hub for collaboration, creativity, and
Nathaniel Vieweigh (left), Eli Shoemaker (center) and Makayla Amara, work on a racing team project during community night.
13
MAGAZINE // WINTER 2025
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker