A cohort of fifteen students and a faculty member from Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) participated in a summer program July 16-31 showcasing the advanced engineering degree programs offered at the University of New Orleans, as well as the rich cultural heritage of south Louisiana.

The international visit is the third of its kind led by Vincent Yu, assistant professor in UNO’s School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. New this year is the signing of a memorandum of agreement concerning the admission of SMU graduate students to the University of New Orleans and facilitating future cooperation between both universities.

“Our School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is a true gem among the few schools in America that offer this kind of advanced degree,” said Kim Jovanovich, interim associate dean of the College of Engineering. “The University of New Orleans offers a world-class education, and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to let these talented young people know all that we have to offer in the way of advanced maritime engineering studies.”

Students attended lectures about ship hydrostatics, ship control, offshore platform design, energy conservation and leadership. In addition, they received some basic English lessons from the University’s Intensive English Language Program (IELP). They heard from University of New Orleans President John Nicklow during a welcome reception, and interim engineering dean Norma Jean Mattei delivered a lecture entitled “Leadership, Ethics and Sustainability in Engineering.” Beyond the lakefront campus, the group visited the French Quarter and City Park and enjoyed a guided tour of Honey Island Swamp.