Robert Hart, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, has been selected for the 2015 Obermann Graduate Institute. As an Obermann Graduate Fellow, he will participate, along with other Fellows, in a one-week intensive institute exploring how to combine public engagement with their research and teaching. 

The Institute, now in its ninth year, is co-directed by Barbara Eckstein (English, CLAS) and Craig Just (Civil and Environmental Engineering), with assistance from Senior Graduate Fellow Emily Kroska (Psychology, CLAS). 

During the week, participants discuss theories of engagement and meet with experts, including former Obermann Graduate Fellows, faculty members, UI administrators, and potential community partners. They participate in a site visit -- this year's will be to Iowa City's water treatment facility. They also develop their own engaged project, which they present in draft form at the end of the Institute and then again in a public forum of their choice.