In this episode of the WLEI podcast, we speak with Dennis Wade from Oakland University and Lisa Eshbach, PhD from Ferris State University. They share their universities' programs that provide hands-on lean learning experiences for students through collaboration with industry partners.

In our discussion, we explore:

• The backgrounds and roles of Dennis Wade and Lisa Eshbach in academia and their work connecting students to real-world lean projects.
• The models used at Ferris State University and Oakland University for experiential learning projects, including course-based projects and paid internships.
• The impact of these programs on students' development of lean skills and tools, as well as skills like collaboration and problem-solving.
• Examples of projects undertaken by students, such as a kanban system for an eye clinic supply room and creating a food pickup process for a university food pantry.

Dennis and Lisa will lead a learning session on connecting industry to academia at the Lean Summit on March 19-20 in Carlsbad, CA.

To contribute to the James P. Womack Scholarship, which funds student internships at Oakland University, email us at info@lean.org. Click here to read case studies from past student projects funded by the scholarship.