STCC professor lauded for presentation on teaching ‘Internet of Things’
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College professor Gary Mullett recently received a “best presenter award” for his talk on teaching the “Internet of Things.”
Mullett picked up the award in February at the 2023 American Society for Engineering Education Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration in Charleston, S.C.
Professor Gary Mullett
The award from the Engineering Technology Division (ETD) of the ASEE was given for his presentation the previous year at the 2022 conference in Tempe, Ariz.
“I’m honored to be recognized and proud of the work we do at STCC for our students,” said Mullett, who teaches the Internet of Things (IoT). “STCC is a leader in this field. Presently, there are only a few IoT Certificate programs in the country with STCC leading the way by being the first community college to offer technical training in this field.”
The one-year program focuses on the rapidly expanding Internet of Things, which describes the network of physical objects, or “things,” that are embedded with technology that allows for connection with the internet and exchange of data with other devices and systems.
The STCC program prepares students to work in “smart” buildings, where energy and lighting is controlled through the Internet, and in medical facilities where machines are connected to networks, among other locations with IoT technology. Students also will study how the technology applies to motor vehicles, security systems, environmental monitoring, smart manufacturing and smart homes.
In his presentation, Mullett offered an overview and history of the Internet of Things program at STCC. In 2018, STCC received a grant to create a one-year IoT certificate of completion program.
Lara Sharp, Dean of the School of STEM at STCC, congratulated Mullett for winning the award. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. STCC is the only technical community college in Massachusetts.
“I’m not surprised Gary won the award for his presentation. He has a talent for explaining complex concepts in an engaging way that connects with our students,” Sharp said. “He has been an asset to STCC for many years, having obtained many grant awards and established relationships with other colleges and universities.”
Mullett, a longtime professor at STCC, works as a program evaluator for ABET, which accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
In 2021, Mullett was named a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the highest grade for the professional organization for electrical and electronic engineers.
For more information on the Internet of Things certificate program at STCC, visit stcc.edu/explore/programs/iot.coc.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu