Ever since he was young, Adam has been fascinated with building things and how they work, which led him into the engineering field. The entrepreneurship side was modeled for him within his family. Adam enjoys communicating and business as a whole, so he felt like it was perfect to pursue this degree. This summer session, […]
engineering entrepreneurship
Engineering Entrepreneurship: Senior Daniel Nachtigall Shares All About Major
Today we speak with Dan Nachtigall, a recent graduate who majored in Engineering Entrepreneurship from Atlantic County, NJ. Dan explains the importance of his major in the engineering field, learning how to collaborate, and his final project while offering insight for others thinking about pursuing the path.
What is Engineering Entrepreneurship?
Engineering Entrepreneurship is equitable to other engineering majors such as Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. The only difference is that the Engineering Entrepreneurship major incorporates more business-based classes where the other majors focus more on the deeper-based sciences. My major has about 90% of the same classes as the other engineering majors except for the higher level courses, which are substituted with business and entrepreneurship classes that will help me when I step out into my career path.
What are some of the business classes that you take in your major?
We go through classes like Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Product Development, Business Management, Finance, and other things of that nature. These classes help us learn to balance both the creative and management side of engineering.
Can you tell us more about your final project?
My final project is for the New Product Development course. In that course, there’s more of a focus on requests for proposal contracts. In the engineering field, everything will involve some sort of contract or a request for a proposal to bid to get a contract. It’s really important for engineers to have the ability to prepare, write and communicate about documents that they need to make with their company or their own businesses in order to reach the consumer.
What’s the importance of having that education?
It is really important for an engineer to not just be skilled in simply working in design. It’s important that they understand the industry as a whole. They need to know how to communicate with not only their fellow engineers but with the staff they will be working with as well. As much It’s important to be the designer and the one who’s leading the innovation, it’s also important to be able to support the people aiding you in bringing your ideas to life.
How does this program tailor to a different type of engineer, an engineer who isn’t straight mechanical or biomedical or anything else along those lines?
The reason this program stood out to me was that it appeals to all different types of engineers like technical engineers, operations engineers, or sales engineers. It’s not just someone doing data analysts. I don’t want to be the highest level engineer doing the calculations. I want to be one of the supporting engineers who’s on the shop floor of the business, doing more work with my hands.
How do collaborations work between you and your classmates?
In our major, we have a clinic class each semester. The clinic classes are designed to encourage teamwork and collaboration. Most of the work assigned is group projects and team exercise. During my first clinic freshman year, one of the things they had us for first was the spaghetti and marshmallow tower challenge. We had to use raw spaghetti to balance a marshmallow as high as we could. It was fun but it really emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and planning, all things are major values and prides itself on. It’s not just all about sitting behind a desk.
What’s your advice for students looking to get into engineering and may be interested in pursuing engineering entrepreneurship?
I know there’s a lot of students looking to get into engineering but believe it to be really daunting. It was daunting for me, but this program takes away some of the more daunting elements of engineering. Think about the type of engineer you want to be, the job you want to end up in, the type of engineering you enjoy as a hobby, and determine which branch of engineering you could see yourself going down. Take your time, find what’s good for you, and who knows? You might learn that entrepreneurship engineering is the route for you.
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Story By:
Bianca Gray, English graduate
ICYMI: Rowan University Dance Team Ranked Fifth in Nation
This year, the Rowan University Dance Team competed at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in Florida, where the team placed fifth in the Open Division Hip Hop category. Here, members of the Dance Team reflect on their time at the competition and talk about their dynamic as a team.
What makes the Rowan Dance team different?
Jordyn Dauter, a first-year Dance & Exercise Science from Quakertown, Pennsylvania says: “Everyone on the team has something unique to offer, whether that is something specifically to dance, or other elements like attitude or leadership skills. We all have something special to offer, which makes our team diverse.”
Teammate Amber Schott, a junior Psychology major from Bayville, NJ (Ocean County), adds, “Definitely the dynamic of the team. I made my best friends here at Rowan through this team and I always feel super supported and encouraged in reaching my dance goals.”
Senior Kaya Snow, a double major in Dance and Theatre Arts with concentrations in Acting and Musical Theatre from Oak Ridge, NJ (Passaic County), says, “We’ve really gone through some huge changes in the last few years and we’ve come out stronger through it all. I’m so glad that we decided to pursue UDA Camp and Nationals my sophomore year because it really has changed the entire dynamic of the team for the better.”
Kristin Mostrangeli, a sophomore Psychology major from Hamilton, NJ, (Mercer County) puts it simply: “Since we get to spend so much time together, we really become so close with each other as a team.”
What is your most memorable memory with the team?
Junior Inclusive Elementary Education Bianca Moffa from Maple Shade, NJ (Burlington County), shares, “Hearing our university get called as a finalist qualifier will definitely be a core memory for sure. I am so proud to be a member of this team and to see all our hard work pay off by becoming 5th in the Nation in Hip Hop.”
Do you have a Rowan University or Dance Team experience you’d like to share?
Nicholette Voci, a junior Law & Justice and Psychology double major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County), says that “being able to dance at football games, volunteer events, and be in Florida with my best friends is the best experience anyone could ever have in college.”
Sophomore Sociology major Taryn Larsen from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County), reflects on her time with the Rowan Dance Team by saying “it is the perfect mix of practice each week, meeting new friends and performing.”
How was your experience at Nationals 2022?
Reflecting on her experience, Mia Tabasco, a first-year Sociology student from Haddon Township, NJ (Camden County), says, “It was so incredible. I’ve been dreaming of going to UDA for the longest time and I’m so proud of our team for making finals. We’re a new team and we made our names known.”
Sophomore Exercise Science major Adrianna Laezza from Monroe Township, NJ (Middlesex County), shares that the journey to the UDA National competition was a big deal to her. “It was the best feeling in the world to perform on stage again. I got to compete at UDA which was a dream I have had since I was 12 years old.”
Valentina Giannattasio, a first-year double major in Dance and Marketing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, says, “It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I still cannot believe we performed there with all those astonishing dancers. I am proud of how far we have gone. Now we are Top 5 in the nation for Hip Hop!”
What is the best part of being a member of Rowan University Dance Team?
Alyssa McAvoy, a sophomore Music Industry Technology and Business major from Shrewsbury, NJ (Monmouth County), says, “I love that I am still able to dance in college and the friends I have made through being on the team!”
Junior Engineering Entrepreneurship major Isabel Rivera from Flemington, NJ (Hunterdon County), puts it simply. She says, “The best part about being a member of the Rowan University Dance Team is “being surrounded by people who will motivate you no matter what.”
First-year Spanish Education major Lily Cummings from Pittsgrove, NJ (Salem County), reflects on her first year on the Rowan Dance Team by saying, “It allows me to grow in my ability as a dancer and dance throughout college without it having to take up my whole life. It also provides so many exciting and memorable experiences along with amazing new friendships.”
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, senior public relations and advertising major
Photos by:
Valentina Giannattasio, first year dance and marketing double major
Header photo courtesy of:
Rowan University Dance Team ProfLink
Professional Goals of Engineering Entrepreneurship Majors
Today, we feature the long-term and short-term goals of two students in the Engineering Entrepreneurship program.
Kenyon Burgess, a sophomore from Jackson, NJ (Ocean County), is taking advantage of the programs Rowan has to offer to reach his goals.
Currently, Kenyon is on an engineering research project and is also attending events held by the College of Business for networking and personal development. These are all steps he’s taking to be prepared for his next steps after graduation.
His long-term goal is to own his own business where he can utilize his engineering experience.
Senior Micheal Lampasona, from South Plainfield, NJ (Middlesex County), is taking charge of his future by actively expanding his network, self-educating through reading books and watching videos, and reaching out to business professionals to ask them questions regarding his interests in different industries.
In his last semester, Micheal wants to continue to search the technical and business fields to see what industries he gravitates towards for his career. His long-term goal is to own and develop real estate by investing in and developing multi-unit (30+) properties.
He says: “Engineering entrepreneurship will support my dreams and goals because it gives me the best of both the technical and business world. I know that the world of technical sales, product development, project management, technology commercialization, and operations in manufacturing is what I was born to do.”
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Select photos by:
Quintin Stinney, sophomore radio/TV/film major
“Your Major is WHAT?” 10+ Unique & Interesting Majors at Rowan University [VIDEO]
Real Insights from Real Students on Their Majors
First Year Voices: Roommates Chris Voyantzis and Bekim Krkuti
Today, we speak to roommates Chris Voyantzis and Bekim Krkuti, who live on campus in Chestnut Hall. Chris is an Engineering Entrepreneurship major and Bekim is a Supply Chain and Logistics major. They’re both from Freehold, NJ (Monmouth County). They tell us more about why they chose their majors and what it’s like living on campus.
How did you two meet each other?
Bekim: We’ve been friends for a while. We went to the same high school together!
Why did you choose Rowan?
Chris: It was close to home. There are things that are appealing to me. The campus looks nice the student center is cool and there’s a lot of things to do here.
Why did you choose your major?
Chris: I was just looking for something that gives me a problem solving aspect of learning. Also, a more traditional education at the same time.
Bekim: I chose my major because my dad was into it and he explained some things to me and decided to put my foot into it too.
What do you like about living in Chestnut?
Chris: Its gonna be warm inside in the winter!
How’s campus been for you so far?
Chris: It’s been good! It’s been fun meeting new people, walking around and doing what you want to do.
What do you like about campus?
Bekim: I like how there’s a lot of people out and about … having fun, playing basketball and stuff like that!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Engineering Alumnus and Entrepreneur Finds His Dream Job
Meet Peter D’Amico, a 2013 Rowan alumnus from Mays Landing, NJ (Atlantic County). Today he shares his experience in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and how far his time at Rowan has taken him.
“Rowan taught me how to talk to people, be social and gave me the ability to get the job I want.”
After struggling to choose a college, Peter decided to attend Rowan University for its smaller class sizes and more intimate learning experience. Before going away to college, he wasn’t fully set on a career path. The one thing he knew for sure is that he loved to “break things down and figure out how they worked.”
Eventually, he decided to pursue Electrical and Computer Engineering. Peter noted that he is forever grateful for the College of Engineering, especially Professor John Schmalzel. He recalls spending time in Professor Schmalzel’s office, where they talked about everything under the sun.
After leaving Rowan, Peter began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he worked as an electrical/computer/mechanical engineer. His job was to travel around the country to collect pavement data for the National Airport Pavement Testing Facility. After two years of working as a contractor, he was promoted to a computer engineer position. Now within the test and evaluation branch, he became the first member of the storyboarding team, where his job is to “communicate the complexities of the National Airspace System (NAS).”
“I work directly with the engineers, programmers and human factors experts to tell the story of the NAS. I love the fact that I am on the front lines communicating these elaborate programs to people all over the country,” he said.
Along with being a successful engineer upon graduating, Peter is also a businessman and entrepreneur. A year after graduation, he purchased his first rental property in Glassboro. He has since bought two other properties and provides affordable housing to a number of current Rowan students.
Peter also started a YouTube Channel, The Sundae Drive, where he and a fellow Rowan alumnus perform DIY car maintenance tips. This channel currently has more than 5,000 subscribers. On top of all of this, he launched a supplement company, PWR Supplements, with another Rowan alumnus.
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Story by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major
Photos courtesy of:
Peter D’Amico
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Faculty PROFile: Engineering’s Dr. Cheryl Bodnar
Meet Dr. Cheryl Bodnar, Assistant Professor Experiential Engineering Education (ExEEd) within the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and Assistant Director of Faculty Programs Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE).
What is your area of expertise?
My research areas focus on game-based learning and engineering entrepreneurship. With both of these research areas, my focus is on how to improve the classroom experience so that engineering students can leave my classes well-rounded and ready to tackle the variety of 
challenges that are integral to the engineering field. More specifically, my work within engineering entrepreneurship focuses on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. This doesn’t necessarily mean that students will start their own businesses, but that they will develop an innate curiosity about the world around them, be able to connect ideas and concepts from different classes, and, together, create products and/or services that will provide great value to the community around them.
Share an “a ha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field.
One of my greatest “a ha!” moments was when I could see differences in my students a few years after they had been exposed to the game-based learning techniques that I apply in my classes for developing an entrepreneurial mindset. I knew deep down that these methods of teaching would make a difference in the students and help them develop into individuals who would be prepared to take on the challenges of today’s world. However, when a student came back to me a few years after I taught them to share that they used one of the games they played in class as an example in a job interview, it really brought home that the use of these techniques is leaving a memorable impression on my students. This experience reinforced to me how leveraging teaching methods that actively engage our students and challenge them to work outside their comfort zone can really help in their overall professional development and lead to lasting memories they can draw upon.
Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field.
I have had several great experiences with students in my time at Rowan. With regards to Engineering Entrepreneurship, I believe one of my most memorable experiences is engaging with students as both a teacher and advisor. I have one student that I had the fortunate opportunity to teach and then advise as they are moving through the Engineering Entrepreneurship program. This student brings such a passion to 
everything that they do and is eager and open to learning whatever is necessary to be successful. The student often challenges the status quo and looks for opportunities to improve their and other students’ experiences on campus, thus applying an entrepreneurial mindset in and out of the classroom.
Engineering Entrepreneurship focuses on providing students with a technical foundation within engineering while providing students with the necessary business skills to become innovators within existing organizations or start their own businesses. I think that we too often overlook how essential business skills are to the engineering profession; this degree brings to the forefront that blending these skillsets can lead to new possible career directions that our engineering students may not have considered.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus?
I really wish that individuals would realize that Engineering Entrepreneurship is not exclusively for individuals that would like to start a business. Although this is one potential career pathway, most of the program is really focused around providing students with the technical and business skills necessary to take on critical and essential roles in the engineering industry. The jobs our students will excel at include business developers and technical sales positions, and other positions that interface directly with customers. The skillsets taught within this program focus on the cultivation of an entrepreneurial mindset which means students can recognize opportunities, are comfortable with ambiguity, can persist 
through failure, and can manage risk. These are skill sets that are so important to today’s society when the economy is constantly changing and individuals are having to pivot their careers.
What’s your favorite thing about being on campus on a typical Tuesday?
My favorite thing about Tuesdays is my chance to interact with junior and senior engineering students through our junior and senior engineering clinic program. As part of this program, students are grouped into teams that are assigned to work on different faculty projects. I always enjoy having discussions with my student teams and seeing how their curiosity has led them to new areas of investigation. Several of these projects are grant funded, which means the students are working towards publications that allow them to showcase their work to regional and national audiences. The amount of growth I observe in the students over the course of a semester is incredible and although not explicit, I believe that many of these students develop aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset as they start to recognize opportunities for further development, persist through failure, and deal with the ambiguity associated with research.
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Story and photography by: Alyssa Bauer, junior public relations major
Sidney, Video Tour Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering at Rowan University
Hey! I’m Sidney, a freshman at the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Welcome to my College, and to Rowan University. Like what you see? Register for a tour or open house. Video Created By: Alexander Belli, public relations and advertising double major Vanessa Vause, public relations major Jayce Williams, music industry major
Accepted Students Reception: Engineering Edition
Future Rowan engineering students and their family members attended the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering accepted student reception where they were exposed to components of each program and able to get a sense of what it’s like to be an engineering student here at Rowan. The day began with a welcome from the university’s provost, James […]
#PROFspective PROS Edition: Engineering Entrepreneurship and Music Industry Major Jeff McConnell Jr.
Today, we speak with Jeff McConnell Jr., a sophomore engineering entrepreneurship and music industry double major from Marmora, NJ, who will live on campus in Whitney Center this year. Jeff will give us insight on his career as being a member of Rowan PROS and will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like […]