www.union.edu/CT
Dr. J. Douglass Klein,
Director of the Center for Converging Technologies
Converging Technologies (or just CT) refers to new interdisciplinary programs which build on our strengths in engineering and the liberal arts, and on our tradition for academic innovation. Since our founding in 1795, and since the introduction of engineering in 1845, Union has been a leader in preparing graduates to succeed in a changing world.
As technology reshapes our world, the forces of change are increasingly emerging at the boundaries of traditional disciplines, As examples, between biology, mechanical engineering, ethics, and computer science lies bioengineering; between physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science lies nanotechnology; and between computer science, economics, sociology, the arts, and psychology lies pervasive computing.
The Center for CT at Union is creating programs to prepare students to understand both the new technologies and their global implications. The Center brings together faculty from engineering and the liberal arts so that students graduate with an understanding that goes beyond that provided by a traditional disciplinary major. We are developing CT programs while maintaining our commitment to fundamentals. And these programs exist in the context of our liberal arts tradition, where courses are taught in small classes, faculty and students interact closely, undergraduate research is prized, and, of course, interdisciplinary work is strongly encouraged.
Our goal is to teach our students how to communicate, work, and think within and beyond their area of specialty. Our CT web site highlights the dynamic and innovative academic programs we are developing, and showcases some of the exciting courses and research opportunities you will find here at Union.
Doug Klein
Professor of Economics, and Director of the Center for Converging Technologies