January 2005, Issue #36

JETS Spotlight

This month, JETS Spotlight features JETS' TEAMS Coordinator, Carl Barratt, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT.

JETS' TEAMS Coordinator
Carl Barratt, Ph.D.

An Interview with Professor Barratt

JETS:	How long have you been hosting the TEAMS Competition?
Barratt:	UNH has been hosted TEAMS programs for approximately 15 years. It has regularly been in the top 4 largest single sites in the nation. I have been coordinating TEAMS for approx. 8 years.
JETS:	How much time do you devote to preparing for the TEAMS Competition?
Barratt:	Not a huge amount of time since I've got managing the event down to a science! For the 3 months preceding the event, the main task is that of fee collection from schools, which isn't too demanding. Nearer the event, things become a little bit more frenetic as I coordinate with University facilities staff, Taylor rental, photographers, public relations, staff volunteers, etc. My main worry, always, is the weather (snowdates) because that (and the resulting school cancellations/ late openings) is the only thing I can't control.
JETS:	About how many teams participate at your TEAMS host site (University of New Haven) each year?
Barratt:	Regularly 60+ teams from 30+ schools across Connecticut, totaling over 500 students and coaches each year.
JETS:	How do you recruit high schools for your TEAMS competition?
Barratt:	No need since I have a loyal following of hardy perennials!
JETS:	Why do you Host TEAMS?
Barratt:	Because I see the excitement that participation inspires in the students involved. Over and over again, the teachers let me know how the students look forward to TEAMS, and surely it's not just because it gets them a "day off school"! I can think of easier ways to spend a day off school.
JETS:	How do you feel the TEAMS Competition helps students?
Barratt:	Obviously, it requires the students to think scientifically (analytically). It also emphasizes the need to work together in teams. These are skills critical to success in the workforce they will be entering, whether in technology or not.
JETS:	Any advice you would like to give other TEAMS participants as they prepare for the annual TEAMS competition?
Barratt:	Start preparing early, since the TEAMS competition is challenging.
JETS:	Anything else you would like to add?
Barratt:	TEAMS and the NEDC (design competition) are such wonderful competitions, it continues to amaze me that the government (DC) is not willing to provide more (any?)funding for it, specifically for the NEDC which has been suspended because of lack of funds. The schools that participated in NEDC are really grieving that decision, and I can see why!

University of New Haven 2005 TEAMS Date: Monday, March 7th, 2005

Check the JETS website for the date and location of all TEAMS 2005 competitions.