Welcome to the Academy for Engineering and Design Technology!

  • AEDT Faculty:

    • Mr. Samarakone
    • Mr. Liva
    • Mr. Nodarse

    About AEDT:

    AEDT was originally developed as an extension of AAST with specific concentration in the engineering sciences, including design and manufacturing technologies, computer science, architecture, electronics, and biomedical engineering. Engineering students have a concentration in these courses and less emphasis on the life sciences than do students from AAST. However, the two academies are identical in math, physics, chemistry, and the humanities.

    Students are drawn to the engineering academy because they like to create, build, or reverse-engineer/hack things. Students have the opportunity to do this in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. Projects include product development, civil or architectural designs, robotic competitions, and much more. Students must have a strong desire to solve problems using math, science and technology, like to work with their hands, and apply their creativity to engineering. Organizational skills, such as maintaining computer files, keeping project journals and building portfolios are needed. Great communication skills are always a plus!

    AEDT focuses on general engineering disciplines and prepares students for entrance into college engineering programs. While not everyone in this academy will pursue a career in engineering or an engineering major in college, those that choose to do so will have a solid background in the field and are likely to successfully master college engineering programs. Students are also prepared to pursue careers in the technical aspects of business or law. Articulation agreements with several universities enable AEDT students to receive college credit for some of the core courses taken in this program.

    Projects

    Most of our students' engineering projects involve problem solving, invention and design innovations, and electronics or robotics that may be entered into science fairs and other competitions. Over the years our engineering sports team, the Titanium Knights, has participated in many of the competitions.

    Facilities

    Engineering students at Bergen County Academies have access to high-tech labs and equipment that rival many colleges. Though most of our classrooms are well equipped with computer technologies, the centers listed below expand the opportunities for our students. These advanced design and manufacturing labs include 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, CNC Machining and other tools to support and enhance the creation of student innovations, competition projects and hacks.

    Collaborations

    The Academy for Engineering and Design Technology strives to seek out and engage our students with new and innovative projects and unique collaborations. Here are a few recent examples.

    • Students are working with the e-NABLE organization to help make prosthetic devices for handicapped kids!
    • High Altitude Ballon Project: Working in conjunction with NASA and students from Kokutaiji High School in Hiroshima, students designed and built a data acquisition system and a Geiger counter to take data during a flight. Results were presented in Japan and at MIT.
    • Based on our successful Titanium Knights Robotics Program, the Bergen County Police Department donated a second decommisioned Bomb Disposal robot to our program. Students were able to drive the MK2 robot and deploy the arm to pick up things. All of our robots were highlighted at the annual Engineering Fair. A previously donated robot "REMI," was updated by students and demonstrated to the squad. And we also saw a demonstration of the police department's newest machine. Each year, students investigate new updates and uses for these robots.
    • Engineering the Chocolate Competition: Engineering students are also involved in many events in collaboration with other Academies. Each year AEDT and ACAHA students meet to discuss engineering needs for the construction of the culinary academy's Chocolate Competition. Engineering students help with the design and construction of the internal structure or display boards for these edible artworks, as well as external ornaments, molds, functionality etc...

    Internships

    Senior Experience Internship Program - 12th grade core full year – Throughout the school year, seniors devote the full day each Wednesday to an individualized internship and research experience. Students are involved in experiential learning opportunities, research, and project development in corporate, university, government and nonprofit institutions throughout the metropolitan area.

    Students are supervised by mentors who are accomplished architects, scientists, engineers and other technical professionals working at these agencies. Student internship research projects are often comparable to university undergraduate courses.

    Mentoring agencies in the BCA Senior Experience internship program include: Altech Machine & Tool, Paul Bennett Architects, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Recon Industrial Controls, Rose Center for Earth and Space, Rutgers WINLAB, Becton Dickinson, Engineering internship 3 City College of New York Robotics Lab, Columbia University Laboratory for Unconventional Electronics, Mercedes-Benz, Polymer Processing Institute at NJIT, POWER Engineers, Stevens Institute of Technology, Suez Environment, Reckitt Benckiser, Sanzari, SNS Architects and Engineers, Soundview Paper Company, Sterling Medical Devices, and Stryker.