Villanova forms Partnership with University in Ecuador

Dr. Pritpal Singh, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with Dr. Angel Ramirez, Dean of Mechanical Engineering at ESPOL, and Villanova Engineering Interim Dean Dr. Randy Weinstein.

Representatives from Villanova University's College of Engineering and Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Ecuador signed a memorandum of understanding on June 1, 2018, to promote the development of academic, scientific and institutional cooperation between the universities. The agreement calls for the exchange of students and faculty, scientific research collaboration, professional internships and other forms of technical cooperation.

Through the open exchange of students, those from one institution may enroll in courses and postgraduate programs offered by the other. ESPOL faculty will be encouraged to attend Villanova to pursue doctoral studies and research opportunities, and will benefit from Villanova’s expertise in sustainable engineering as well as other areas such as mechatronics and renewable energy.

Villanova Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Pritpal Singh, PhD who led this initiative on behalf of the College remarks, “There are several initiatives that we are jointly working on through this new partnership, including collaborating in the areas of research and service learning. As an example, we plan to have students from Villanova and ESPOL work together on a project to rehabilitate non-functioning solar home systems on the island of Cerrito de los Moreños, located in the Gulf of Guayaquil near ESPOL.”

With the involvement of ESPOL Rector Dr. Cecilia Paredes, Dean of Electrical and Computer Engineering Dr. Katherine Chiluiza, and Dean of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Angel Ramirez, both institutions look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.