We deliver lectures into your classroom

Lawrence Technological University
Department of Math and Computer Science

21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield MI 48075, USA
Office (248)204-3504     Fax (248)204-3518

 

Director: Maurice Tedder, M.S.C.S., Adjunct Professor

Head Instructor: CJ Chung, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Robofest Coordinator: Lori Birman, B.A.

Theory & Practice

 

Mission Statement

 

Lawrence Technological University’s Robofest Academy offers autonomous robotics classes for 5-12th grade students on-site with an extremely effective curriculum to learn science, engineering, technology, and mathematics concepts. The on-site classes are aiming putting theories into hands-on practice. After the class, students will be able to master technologies to participate in robot game and exhibition competitions such as Robofest.

 

Unique Delivery Methodologies

 

·         Lawrence Technological University professors, graduates, and students are teamed up to provide the on-site classes.

·         The class can be either regular class or after-school class.

·         In principle, we expect the cost will be covered by your school, but LTU and the hosting school shall work together to find sponsors and grants to support the expense.

·         Work together with school teachers to participate in robotics competitions and to continue to use the robotics curriculum in classes.

 

Current Class Details

Class size

Max. 18 students (one robot kit per two students)

Total number of contact hours lead by Lawrence tech instructors

18 - 20 hours

Robot used

LEGO Mindstorms or LEGO NXT. We recommend the new NXTs. Once purchased, kits can be re-used every year. The cost per NXT including software and extra sensors is around $300

Class contents

Math, Logic, Science, Engineering, and Computer Programming

Computer programming language

·         RCX-code, RoboLab, or NXT-G  for Middle Schools

·         NXC for High Schools

Class room requirements

One computer per two students. LCD projector and carpet recommended.

Lawrence Tech Instructors

One lead instructor and one assistance instructor (We have teams of Lawrence Technological University professors, graduates, and students to teach the class on site)

Cost of the instruction

$3,000 (without LEGO robot kits)

 

Instructor Bios

 

Dr. CJ Chung, Head Instructor

 

CJ Chung received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Wayne State University in 1997. Dr. Chung then joined the faculty of Lawrence Technological University. Before coming to the USA for his Ph.D. study, he received a full fellowship from the Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI), where he worked as a senior research scientist from 1982-1997. While employed with ETRI, he was involved in developing TDX electronic switching systems, which became the first CDMA system in the world. Chung also worked as a visiting researcher for Ericsson AB in Stockholm, Sweden from 1983 to 1984. Chung's doctorial research was the development of a self-adaptive system motivated by cultural evolution process. This algorithm has been applied to various non-linear/high-dimensional/combinatorial optimization problems. Dr. Chung's current research interests include evolutionary computation, evolutionary neural networks, neuro-fuzzy systems,  and evolutionary robotics. He has published over 28 refereed technical articles in journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Chung is the founder and director of Robofest (http://www.robofest.net). He is a member of IEEE, ACM, and IROC (International Robot Olympiad Committee). Additional information about Dr. Chung's research projects and programs can be found on his home page at http://www3.ltu.edu/~chung

 

 

Dr. Jay Miller, M.D., Lead Instructor

 

Dr. Miller is an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University teaching biomedical engineering, computer science, and embedded programming classes. As a medical doctor, he is a volunteer for Cabrini Clinic in Detroit, a free clinic for the poor, which his father established.

http://medicalopensource.net

 

Prof. Maurice Tedder, MSCS, Director of Robofest Academy, Lead Instructor

Maurice has been working with various educational robots at all levels for over 5 years. He holds three college degrees: an Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and a Masters of Science in Computer Science from Lawrence Technological University. He has been involved with teaching young people about robotics for the past 3 years at Lawrence Technological University, Washtenaw Community College, Ford First Robotics, and Detroit Metro Girls Scouts.

 

Prof. Joe Engalan, MSCS, Lead Instructor

Joe Engalan received his BS and MS from Lawrence Technological University. He also took second place (collegiate division) at the first Robofest in 2000. He also spent 5 years coaching and teaching RCX robotics through various organizations including KLICK!, MCWT and AT&T. Professionally, Joe writes software for a world renowned software company and also writes computer games. Joe also teaches at Lawrence Technological University as an adjunct professor.

 

Mr. Tom George, MSCS, Lead Instructor

Tom George received his Masters degree in Computer Science from Lawrence Technological University and his Bachelors degree in Physics from Amherst College.  He also sponsored and coached a team at the Robofest for two years and previously was a referee for the 2002 Robofest.  Tom currently works with youth in his community to perform annual service projects to Kentucky to restore homes through Appalachia Service Project (ASPhome.org).

 

Mr. Ali Khazaal, BSCS, Assistant Instructor

Ali has a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from Lawrence Technological University and has taught Lego programming for Robofest workshops. He has also served as a judge for the Cranbrook Lego Robotics Competition (First Lego League) in 2003 and helped develop the competition challenge for the 2004 Robofest, “Mission Possible”.

 

Mr. George Miller, LTU BSCS student, Assistant Instructor

George is a computer science student in his fifth year at Lawrence tech.  He served as a programming judge for both the regional and the world championship Robofest competition in 2005. He was the NQC programming instructor for MISD summer camp, 2006.

 

Last updated 8-29-07