Bridging Theory and Practice: UCI Students Dive into Composites Manufacturing at Cerritos College
Eleven students from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) mechanical and aerospace
engineering program have enrolled at Cerritos College for the 2024–2025 academic year
to participate in a unique hands-on learning experience. These students are all members
of UCI's automotive competition teams, including Solar Car, SAE Mini Baja, and SAE
e-Formula. They are participating in the Cerritos College Composites Manufacturing
Program to learn practical skills in composites manufacturing engineering and fabricate
structural and aeroshell components for their vehicles.
Working in the Cerritos College FAB Lab, the students utilize cutting-edge equipment to produce lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber and fiberglass parts. The facility features some of the region's largest and most advanced resources, including a high-capacity 3D printer, a vacuum oven for curing composites, and a fully equipped laboratory for working with carbon prepreg materials. These industry-grade resources provide students with valuable hands-on experience in advanced fabrication techniques that are not commonly available outside specialized industry settings.
The collaboration between UCI and Cerritos College provides students access to technologies and skills that enhance their engineering coursework. At Cerritos College, they have completed courses in plastics technology, composites fabrication, and tooling. In addition to their general engineering courses transferred from UCI, students will graduate this spring with a Certificate of Achievement in Composites Manufacturing from Cerritos College.
The solar car shell is currently under construction and has attracted considerable attention on campus. One student passing by Cerritos College noted, “It looks like a UFO just landed in Norwalk.”
“Cerritos College offers unique programs in composites manufacturing engineering, and many universities lack the facilities or expertise in this area. Our institution also serves as a post-baccalaureate training center for composites, plastics, and CAD education for engineers,” said Dr. Miodrag Micic, department chair and professor of engineering design technology. The Cerritos College Composites Manufacturing Certificate and Degree is probably the fastest route to employment in the aerospace industry.”
This collaboration enhances student learning and positions Cerritos College at the forefront of applied engineering education. It effectively bridges the gap between theory and fabrication, utilizing tools typically found only in advanced research and development labs or within the aerospace industry.
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