Science Innovation Learning Community (SILC)
Although scientific discoveries continue at a dizzying pace, turning those discoveries into something that improves the quality of life for people and the planet typically involves a business. Training students who have both science and business coursework and experience fills a critical need to augment the successful development of products matched to market and consumer needs. The Science Innovation Learning Community (SILC), open to incoming College of Science and Daniels School of Business students, provides the introduction to this interdisciplinary training with other people interested in science-driven entrepreneurship. This residential learning community will help you develop important research and communication skills, such as working in a team and crafting a persuasive presentation for a target audience. You will also be introduced to case studies and develop critical thinking skills to weigh tradeoffs for business viability in SCI 19500, the Science Innovation Seminar, a 1-credit course.
Objective
The SILC program is an innovative experiential learning opportunity designed to immerse students in both business and scientific fields. Through real-world projects, a live-in learning community, and dedicated staff support, participants will develop valuable scientific and technical skills while fostering collaboration and innovation.
Key Components
Live-In Learning Community (LLC): Students in the SILC program will live together in a dedicated residence hall during their first year, creating a collaborative environment that encourages peer learning and teamwork. The LLC will host workshops, guest speakers from tech companies, and events designed to enhance both professional and personal development.
Experiential Learning Projects: Students will form teams to work on real-world projects. These projects will focus on developing solutions for challenges in bringing products to market or scaling up profitably, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical challenges. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with experts, gaining insight into the demands and expectations of the different fields through an integrated angle.
Professional Partnerships: As their Purdue journey progresses into sophomore year and beyond, SILC students will collaborate with each other and a host of partners, establishing mentorship connections and creating pipelines for internships and full-time positions. Regular interactions with industry leaders will provide participants with a strong professional network and real-world experience.
Skill Building: Throughout the program, students will complement their coursework by receiving training in areas such as market assessment, SWOT analysis, pitch presentation, and the discovery-to-business pipeline. Workshops and hands-on activities will ensure that students are equipped with cutting-edge skills relevant to the modern entrepreneurial landscape.
Outcomes
By participating in SILC, students will:
- Develop expertise in science businesses alongside their scientific studies
- Gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems through partnerships with companies and experts
- Build a strong professional network and prepare for careers at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship
- Cultivate essential teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills through collaborative projects
By combining classroom learning with real-world application, SILC will be a cornerstone of interdisciplinary experiential learning where students will forge partnerships across majors and colleges. Equipping College of Science and Daniels School of Business students with the technical knowledge and industry connections needed for success in science business innovation, SILC is designed to provide a transformative educational experience.
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