{"id":855,"date":"2020-07-15T12:01:40","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T12:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tickle1stg.wpenginepowered.com\/mse\/?p=855"},"modified":"2023-10-27T19:33:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T19:33:54","slug":"eli-darby-the-first-graduate-of-the-heath-integrated-business-engineering-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mse\/eli-darby-the-first-graduate-of-the-heath-integrated-business-engineering-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Eli Darby: The First Graduate of the Heath Integrated Business & Engineering Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Randall Brown.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eli Darby, a Knoxville native and senior in materials science and engineering, is among the first cohort to graduate as part of the\u00a0Heath Integrated Business and Engineering program<\/a><\/strong>, also known as Heath IBEP. The cohort has enjoyed the boost of an industry-focused curriculum that opened doors between historical silos in tech and business academics.<\/p>\n

The connection might seem a given, especially in tech-based industry, but there are good lessons in the nuts-and-bolts of really making it all work.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s what was most surprising: the methodology linking the two and how quickly we found that and how effective it proved to be,\u201d said Darby.<\/p>\n

Students have found success in the program through the shared language of systems thinking and a focus on project management. Darby put these lessons to work through internship opportunities within the college and beyond. After his first year, he became a research intern with the materials science department, then transitioned to an internship in the advanced textiles industry with JPS Composites in South Carolina. He thanks IBEP for helping him land the position.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to the Engineering Expo and I was able to use a lot of the tools\u2014the networking abilities I\u2019d learned in IBEP,\u201d he said. \u201cThat was a really cool first internship, and I got experience in a manufacturing setting, which I think was really useful.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also appreciates the influence of program director Mary Pile.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s invested a lot of time and energy into every individual IBEP student,\u201d he said. \u201cShe\u2019s our biggest supporter, and a lot of times she pushes us to test our comfort zone. She\u2019s always there for everyone in the cohort, which I thought was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pile returns the praise toward Darby and the three cohorts that have been in the program so far.<\/p>\n

Darby intends to stay in touch with Pile, the program, and the college as he moves forward. He\u2019s already given back to UT through an internship with the UT Office of Sustainability.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am conducting research on microplastic emissions from washing machines on campus,\u201d he said. They hope to improve on the already 90% capture rate for these emissions. \u201cIt\u2019s something to try and make a difference and look at some of the problems we\u2019re facing on campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Darby plans to head to Detroit after graduation for a position with General Motors.<\/p>\n

Integrating Business and Engineering<\/h2>\n

The Heath Integrated Business and Engineering program pairs an industry-focused curriculum with immersive, professional, co-curricular experiences to graduate leaders with a comprehensive, systems-thinking approach to breaking down silos and solving challenges. In short, graduates will understand the intersections between business and engineering, bringing depth and value to both fields from day one.<\/p>\n

Watch the video below to learn more about the program.<\/p>\n