No matter where you live there is a good chance that you will run into alumni of Youngstown State University. Our alumni chapters are represented across 14 states.
A new initiative at Youngstown State University is bringing together students, faculty and industry partners to tackle real-world challenges while providing valuable hands-on experience outside the classroom.
The Youngstown Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (YAMIC) connects students from a variety of disciplines with opportunities in applied research, product development and manufacturing projects. Led by Bharat Yelamanchi, assistant professor and program coordinator of industrial and systems engineering, the center fosters collaboration between academia and industry while giving students practical experience that complements their classroom learning.
Open to students at every level, YAMIC partners with businesses and organizations on multidisciplinary projects involving emerging technologies, process improvements and applied research. The center aims to prepare students for future careers while strengthening YSU’s partnerships with industry and supporting innovation throughout the region.
Youngstown State University faculty member Siqing Wei, assistant professor in the Rayen School of Engineering, is earning national recognition for research focused on improving how engineering students learn, collaborate and succeed.
Wei recently received the Apprentice Faculty Grant Award from the Engineering Research Methods Division of the American Society for Engineering Education, one of the organization’s highest honors for early-career engineering education scholars. He also earned the division’s Best Paper Award for research examining barriers community college transfer students face when navigating university websites for transfer information.
Wei’s research focuses on creating engineering learning environments that support student success through intentional course design, teamwork and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. As he begins his second year at YSU, Wei continues to study innovative educational practices that strengthen student learning while contributing to the broader engineering education community.
Youngstown State University is expanding its healthcare education offerings with the launch of a new hybrid Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Certificate program through the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services beginning in Fall 2026.
The three-semester certificate program combines asynchronous online coursework with hands-on lab experiences and clinical training at the new Campbell Health and Community Development Center. Designed for both traditional and non-traditional students, the program prepares graduates for careers assisting ophthalmologists in clinical eye care settings and eligibility to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification exam.
The new program reflects YSU’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare education while meeting growing workforce needs through flexible learning, practical training and direct clinical experience.
Alumni and friends of YSU Army ROTC will once again gather for our annual picnic reunion! The event will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Pollock House… Continue reading Annual YSU Army ROTC Picnic Reunion
Heather Belgin
Director of Alumni
habelgin@ysu.edu
330-941-1591
Allison Bye
Assistant Director of Alumni
arbye@ysu.edu
330-941-7170
Tatiana O’Dell
Data Administration Specialist
todell@ysu.edu
330-941-1099