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STEP Events Fall 2009



Aeronautical Engineering Learning Community


Dr. Peter Gustafson

Aeronautical Engineering Professor

Dr. Kapseong Ro

Faculty Mentor

Students in the Aeronautical Engineering Learning Community met with faculty mentor Dr. Kapseong Ro and Aeronautical Engineering Professor Dr. Peter Gustafson on November 6 over a lunch of Mexican treats. First-year students also got to meet department office staff Ann and Erin.







Senior Capstone Design Lecture Series

"Engineering Written Communication: Senior Design and Beyond"


Dr. Betsy M. Aller

Dept. of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, WMU

Monday, November 2, 2009
5:30 p.m., D-109 Parkview

Abstract: The ability to communicate one's engineering work effectively is cited by industry representatives as one of the most crucial skills necessary for success in engineering and technology fields. This lecture, the first of two this semester on engineering communication, reports feedback from industry on the most important attributes of engineering writing and provides suggestions for achieving them. The senior design report is also discussed, and the lecture concludes with helpful hints for communication success in academic and professional settings.



Neural Cell Investigations in Relation to Spinal Cord Injuries

STEP First-Year Program Seminar Event

Sponsored by the WMU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)


Mr. Adeel Khan

Junior, WMU Chemical Engineering

Co-authors:

Virginia Ayres, Volkan M Tiryaki, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, and Sally Meiners, Roberto Delgado-Rivera, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ

Thursday, October 29, 2009; 7:00 p.m.
African Lounge, Bigelow Hall

Abstract: This undergraduate summer research experience explored the extra cellular matrix (ECM) which forms an important part of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and helps signal neural system functions by providing the appropriate microenvironment. The ECM sequesters a wide range of cellular growth factors, and acts as a local depot for them. Growth factors regulate the dynamic behavior of neural system cells, astrocytes, and neurons. Electrospun polyamide nanofibers are biomimetic for the ECM at the BBB, and can potentially be used for regenerative tissue engineering. This seminar will discuss an ongoing study where the researchers perform first quantification's of the powerful growth factor FGF-2 in a covalently bound and bio active configuration and analyze its effects on central nervous system cells. A discussion about undergraduate research opportunities will also be held.


Project Management: Things University Students Should Know

Western Michigan University - CEAS Seminar Series


Mr. Leonard Todd, PMP

Engineer, Palisades Nuclear Power Plant and Past President
Western Michigan Chapter of the Project Management Institute

Monday, October 26, 5:30 p.m.
D109 Parkview

Abstract: This seminar will inform engineering and technology students about the importance of Project Management skills and their applications in industry. Discussion will include information about Project Management techniques and methods; who would typically use Project Management; when and why an engineer or scientist would need to use Project Management; and how and where Project Management is typically used in industry. Practical exercises based on a real world project will be presented to illustrate points of discussion.


"Engineering Problem Solving and Hybrids Vehicle Basics Presentation"

2009 Engineering House Lecture

Western Michigan - College of Engineering and Applied Sciences


William Hynes

Allision Transmission
Hybrid Powertrains and Alternative Propulsion
(BSE Computer Engineering, WMU-CEAS)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009; 8:00 pm
African Lounge, Bigelow Hall/Engineering House

Abstract: In this presentation, William Hynes will give a brief explanation of what an engineer do using an example that he has worked on to illustrate how engineers find creative solutions to complex problems by using the tools to solve the problem. Mr. Hynes will also discuss the current status on hybrid vehicle development, and he will end with some thoughts on how engineering and applied sciences students should prepare themselves for the future


Aeronautical Engineering Learning Community

Western Michigan - College of Engineering and Applied Sciences


Dr. Kapseong Ro

Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineer
Faculty Mentor

Friday, October 2, 2009
Aero Lab

The Aeronautical Engineering Learning Community gathered in the aero lab of faculty mentor Dr. Kapseong Ro. Students ate pizza below model aircrafts designed and built by members of the WMU Student Chapter of AIAA. To view pictures click here.


Fall Engineers Week Program

2009 Electrified Transportation and Wind Energy Presentation

"To increase public awareness and appreciation of the engineering profession"


John Patten

Chair and Professor of Manufacturing Engineering
Friday, September 25, 2009 - 2:30 pm

Below are videos for the Electrified Transportation and Wind Energy Presentation on September 25, 2009


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6 - Student Questions

Part 7 - Student Questions




2009 Step Project

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences


Sunday, September 13, 2009
Valley Pond area

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences kicked-off the 2009 STEP project with a cook-out on Sunday, September 13. First-time first-year students met with faculty mentors and their families and representatives from student organizations at the event held at the Valley Pond area.

Representative from the Society of Automotive Engineers talked with first-year students about their entry from 2008
Dr. Paul Engelmann, Chair of Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, grilled food for CEAS students and faculty.



Academic Etiquette: Communication Strategies for Success

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences hosted Academic Etiquette: Communication Strategies for Success on September 2, 2009 for the incoming class of first-time first-year students. After meeting the CEAS faculty members in "Pizza with Profs," students learn verbal and non-verbal communication strategies for success, including how to communicate by e-mail and by phone.

First-time first-year CEAS students and faculty lined up to get pizza for "Pizza with Prof"
Students composed e-mail in competition
Dr. Edmund Tsang, STEP Principal Investigator, worked with students in composing e-mail in a competition.



Fall Welcome event for first-time first-year students

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences held Fall Welcome event on September 1, 2009 for the incoming class of first-time first-year students. Students were given a passport with which they collect stamps from various stations to get to know the people and programs of the college and the layout of the engineering building.

Students designed a spaghetti bridge during 2009 Fall Welcome.
CEAS first-time first-year students met with Dean Tony Vizzini and got his signatures on their passport.
Students learned about Broncojobs, an online tool to get connected with prospective employers.

 

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0336581.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.