The supporting role of CAD/CAM tools in undergraduate research education in electrical and computer engineering

Undergraduate research has long been recognized as one of the pillars of a well rounded education in engineering disciplines. One factor that has however received little attention in undergraduate research is the increasingly supporting role played by information technology in the form of computer-aided design and modeling tools (CAD/CAM) in the overall experience of students. This paper analyzes the authors´ experiences in engaging undergraduate students in CAD related research activities in the ECE Department of the UPRM, working in diverse projects spanning from fundamental to applied research. The analysis provides a framework for outlining successful and not so successful practices with undergraduates in these types of activities, including guidelines to increase the likelihood of providing students a meaningful experience through CAD related undergraduate research.