“I am planning to use amateur radio licensing as an entry point into wireless technology because it will enable students to gain practical skills and a credential that can potentially last a lifetime.”
Kettering University Professor Helping Transform Amateur Radio Education
In December, Dr. Ronald Kumon, Kettering University Associate Professor of Natural Sciences, was awarded the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) Terrell Teaching Innovation Grant, a $6,000 investment to transform his Physics 224 course into a cutting-edge learning experience. Dr. Kumon’s goal is to integrate wireless technology and amateur radio in ways that excite students and prepare them for future careers in STEM fields. Through the CETL grant, he’s redefining how hands-on learning meets the future of communication technology.
To prepare for the redesigned course, Dr. Kumon attended national conferences, connected with other universities, and collaborated with Kettering alumni to shape a program that sets students up for success. As part of his outreach, Dr. Kumon participated in key amateur radio events and research initiatives, including a solar eclipse radio experiment that gathered critical scientific data.
“My work on the ‘Electricity and Magnetism’ course is focused on placing the traditional content of the course into the context of a topic of contemporary interest, namely wireless technology,” Dr. Kumon said. “I am planning to use amateur radio licensing as an entry point into wireless technology because it will enable students to gain practical skills and a credential that can potentially last a lifetime.”
Students who take the new course will have the chance to earn an amateur radio license — adding a professional credential to their portfolio. With the course set to launch in Fall 2024, Dr. Kumon is already preparing future coursework, labs, and materials, ensuring students don’t just learn — they lead.