Parisa Saboori, Ph.D. is the new associate dean of the School of Engineering.
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
Leyla J. Mercado, Features Editor & Asst. Social Media Editor
Parisa Saboori, Ph.D, has been named the new associate dean for Manhattan University’s (MU) school of engineering.
Saboori, also a mechanical engineer, professor of mechanical engineering and ASME fellow, has spent a majority of her career at MU as a professor, researcher and academic leader. Since joining MU as a professor, she has become increasingly involved in academic leadership through education, research and mentoring students.
Prior to becoming associate dean, she served as chair of mechanical engineering and as co-chair of the university’s strategic planning committee, granting her the opportunity to consider MU’s broader priorities beyond her individual department.
With emphasis on thinking of how she would like to create opportunities for students, Saboori discussed what she hopes to bring to the school of engineering from her previous experiences in academia and engineering.
“One thing I hope to bring is a strong connection between the different parts of an engineering education,” Saboori said. “Students learn a great deal in the classroom, but engineering education should go beyond coursework. Research, design projects, internships, industry partnerships, professional organizations and hands-on experiences are all important.”
Making engineering students feel that the school is a community with individuals there to know and support them is extremely valuable to Saboori.
“My first year is really about listening, learning and building on the strengths we already have,” Saboori said. “One priority is improving the student experience. From the time students first arrive through graduation. That includes looking at advising, course availability, student organizations, research opportunities, professional development, and connections with alumni and industry.”
Saboori continued to discuss with The Quadrangle one of many goals she has for the future.
“Another goal is to strengthen our relationship with industry so that students have more opportunities for internships, projects, mentorship, networking and exposure to what engineering looks like in practice,” Saboori said.
With further plans of increasing communication and collaboration across engineering departments, Saboori noted the tremendous expertise amongst faculty and students and how such builds connections that can result in new courses, research projects, interdisciplinary programs, and opportunities for students.
In reference to “The Role of Communication Skills in Engineering Education” by Dr. P. Rajitha, in the current era of global and rapid technological advancement, effective communication has become an essential skill for engineering professionals. Not only is technical expertise needed, but so is the idea to convey ideas clearly, collaborate with teams and present their work effectively. Efforts in this area can allow MU’s engineering students to succeed on an even wider scale.
To Saboori, the fundamentals of engineering will always be important, but there are also areas within engineering that she would like the school to place more emphasis on.
“I’m also very interested in areas such as robotics, biomedical and healthcare engineering, sustainability and energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technologies.” Saboori said. “We already have faculty working in many of these areas, so part of the opportunity is connecting that expertise and making it more visible and accessible to students.”
Paul Harrison, senior electrical engineering major, spoke to what he would like to see from Saboori in this new position.
“I hope that Saboori will have a focus on providing students with the resources that they need to prepare themselves professionally for the workforce, as well as have a greater focus on getting students connected with engineering job opportunities.” Harrison said.
Harrison said he also hopes Saboori’s appointment will connect engineering students to other fields of study, both in the classroom and through student clubs.
“In my experience as a student I hope to see this [the connection between the different parts of an engineering education] possibly reflected in more educational opportunities for students,” Harrison said. “A push for clubs to have project groups that do interdisciplinary work would also be a plus.”
Saboori further spoke to what she hopes students say she contributed to the department when looking back at her time as associate dean.
“That I listened, that I was approachable, and that I genuinely cared about their experience.” Saboori said. “I want students to feel that if they had an idea, needed guidance, or saw an opportunity they wanted to pursue, there was someone willing to help them find a path forward.”