New Tech-Focused SUNY Canton Courses Cover Drones, Electric Vehicles and 3D Printing

SUNY Canton’s Canino School of Engineering Technology is offering three new courses to fall in line with the latest commercially available advancements.

The college began offering a drone operations course during the fall semester and is scheduling courses in hybrid and electric vehicles and 3D printing during the spring 2023 semester, according to the school’s dean, Michael J. Newtown.

“There has been significant interest in these emerging technologies from our students and from the community,” Newtown said. “Our faculty members continue to adapt to evolving consumer trends and the latest industry demands to provide the best education available within their disciplines.”

College Lecturer Kevin McAdoo’s Introduction to Drones course (FLHT 101) prepares students for the Federal Aviation Administration’s remote drone pilot examination.

“The course covers the five areas on the examination, including regulations, the national airspace system, weather, loading and performance, and operations,” McAdoo said. “We provide several unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) for students to gain experience flying.

This is the second UAV specific course available at the college. Lecturer Nicholas S. Wildey, who teaches in SUNY Canton’s Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Cybersecurity Center has also offered a drone surveillance course.

Associate Professor Brandon J. Baldwin created an Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (AUTO 197) course to focus on vehicles with electric drivetrains.

“Electric cars are rapidly becoming more prevalent as consumers continue to shift away from fossil fuels,” Baldwin said. “The increase in demand is necessitating knowledgeable, high-quality technicians who can service these new vehicles.”

AUTO 197 primarily focuses on electric powertrains, including safety considerations, tools and procedures. Baldwin said he designed the introductory-level class without prerequisites. It will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings so community members can enroll.

The college’s Mechanical Engineering program is establishing an entirely new take on rapid prototyping in Introduction to 3D Printing (MECH 199).

“Instead of having students purchase a textbook, we’re going to have them purchase their own 3D printer,” Lecturer Cullen Haskins said. “Students who already own a printer are also invited to join the class.”

Additive manufacturing has been emerging within several programs at the college for several years. Students in Mechanical Engineering Technology and the Graphic and Multimedia design program all have the chance to learn 3D printing. This course differs from traditional offerings where students work with college-owned equipment in that they will keep the machines at the conclusion of the semester.

For more information about any of the courses available at SUNY Canton, or how to join one as a non-matriculated student, visit the college’s course listings for non-degree students webpage. Traditional college students can enroll through UCanWeb or by speaking with their advisor.