Students from Archbishop Carroll High School—a local Catholic preparatory school in the Brookland neighborhood—completed another great semester in ENGR 106: Computer Aided Engineering Tools this past Fall 2023. The high school students had the opportunity to take this course at The Catholic University of America—alongside School of Engineering students—where they developed their knowledge and skills in engineering fundamentals and computer aided design.
Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) students began taking engineering courses at Catholic University in 2018. Three to six students from ACHS complete the course each year, receiving full college credit upon completion. This collaboration offers students a head start in their postsecondary education, preparing them for success in college and beyond. In addition to showing them how engineering is taught at a college-level, it also further exposes them to the abundance of topics the field addresses and its interdisciplinary nature, revealing how widespread engineering is and the increasing demand for proactive and resourceful engineers. Establishing this collaboration created an opportunity to introduce younger students to the fundamentals of engineering, while also inspiring curiosity and interest in a field that is uniquely relevant in today's world.
The course is taught each semester by Dr. Gregory Behrmann, who enjoys working with high school students and introducing them to engineering; moreover, assisting in their development as students, thinkers, and individuals. He says that, “It is rewarding to see the ACHS students build confidence over the course of the semester, as well as develop their knowledge and skill sets.” He also, “...appreciates their effort and commitment to the course; especially considering they complete a full high school day prior to coming to the university campus for class.” Carroll students contribute to the learning environment at Catholic University, and work side by side with engineering students to find solutions to technical challenges, while also building teamwork, initiative, and leadership along the way.
Dr. Behrmann is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the School of Engineering. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience in optical engineering, microfabrication, and medical device manufacturing. Over the last decade, he has significantly contributed to the School of Engineering through his efforts in teaching, leadership, and community engagement. He teaches several courses, including ENGR 106: Computer Aided Engineering Tools, ENGR 201: Engineering Mechanics I, in addition to senior design and survey courses. In 2013 and 2014, he received the Charles H. Kaman Award for Excellence in Teaching. Several years later, in 2016, he received the Provost’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Early Career. Dr. Behrmann also served as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the School of Engineering from 2019-2021.
In addition to helping Catholic University students excel, his efforts also extend to the neighboring community. Since 2017, he has worked closely with students at Archbishop Carroll High School, volunteering in the classroom, during the after school programs, and on weekends. Additionally, he has arranged field trips and coordinated tutoring with Catholic University engineering students. Dr. Behrmann is committed to offering unparalleled instruction and support toward the student’s academic interests and pursuits. The work he does is paramount to the advancement of the field of engineering and leaves a lasting impact on the students who graduate from his courses.
Dr. Behrmann also serves on the ACHS Engineering Program Advisory Board; a board that seeks to develop engineering and STEM courses and opportunities at the school. This fall, he participated in the opening of the Dr. Mark E. Dean Innovation Engineering Laboratory at Carroll—a new engineering laboratory for Archbishop Carroll students to take courses and acquire hands-on experience—which included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a blessing from Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the seventh Archbishop of Washington.
Considering the close proximity between The Catholic University of America and Archbishop Carroll High School, it was only natural for the two schools to establish this collaboration. Offering programs like this works to facilitate communication and coordination between the university and the local community; a priority of Catholic University and the School of Engineering. Opening access to education—especially in the STEM fields—is important for our future, and for developing leaders who will make an impact on our institutions. Fostering curiosity and giving all students access to unparalleled instruction is one avenue to achieve this goal. Dr. Gregory Behrmann and the School of Engineering represent this mission and continually work to develop programs like this, that leave a lasting impact on students, the university, and the community as whole.
For more information on Archbishop Carroll High School and Dr. Gregory Behrmann, please visit the following links:
https://www.archbishopcarroll.org/
https://engineering.catholic.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty-profiles/biomedical/behrmann-gregory/index.html