currents 9-1.indd - MSU College of Engineering - Michigan State ...

M I C H I G A N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G

•

VOL. 9, NO. 1

•

SUMMER 2009

Engineering with a Global Focus

from the Dean lobalization has had a seismic

G

To read more about our residential and

Their care and nurturing is unrivaled.

impact on the way business

cornerstone programs, see the article

They continue to produce many stellar

is transacted around the

on pages 8–11 of this issue.

students, some of whom travel abroad

importance, the subject has become

classroom experience, our student

their research, while others stay closer

an integral element of the educational

design teams travel to places as far

to home to apply their research skills

experience enjoyed by Spartan

away as Tanzania to learn more about

in the areas of homeland security or

Engineers as part of their preparation

how the rest of the world lives and

biomedical engineering. To read about

for pursuing successful careers. A solid

transacts the ordinary business of life.

Vangie and Melissa and some of their

understanding of the global context,

The solar-powered computer project

students, see the article on pages

solid engineering skills, and an ability to

in Tanzania, sponsored by corporate

24–28.

see the big picture — these character-

partner Lenovo, truly exemplifies what

istics are all requirements for the next

a world-grant university is. It goes to

with two of my colleagues to explore

generation of engineers.

the heart of what we are all about –

opportunities for our students and

globe today. Recognizing its

Thus we begin preparing our

Further yet from the typical

to further their studies and continue

In early spring, I traveled to Iraq

partnering with others for the benefit of

faculty to become involved in an

students early on to be successful in

all involved. We felt fortunate to have

exchange program there. Iraq is an

today’s global economy, starting with

a corporate partner who saw value in

ancient civilization with a long history

our freshman engineering program —

what we were proposing, and who

of respect for scholarship. Home to the

Cornerstone Engineering — which aims

provided the necessary support. Not

Sumerian and the Assyrian civilizations,

to let students know that engineering is

only did the project have an impact on

the recorded history of Iraq goes back

for real. We teach them the principles

Tanzania but, just as important edu-

thousands of years. For the last 30 or

of designing things that meet a need

cationally, Tanzania had an incredible

40 years it’s been under assault. Our

while simultaneously satisfying real-

effect on our students (read the story

visit was truly eye-opening. It was a joy

world constraints such as cost. Continu-

on pages 12–13 of this issue).

to see the people of Iraq sharing the

ing throughout their years of study,

In addition, the college now offers a

same values as we do here at Michigan

and culminating in the senior capstone

course in global engineering (see page

State. The prospect of partnering with

course, we provide our students with

39), and our students can find out what

Iraq — as opposed to fighting battles

an exciting environment where they

it’s like to live and learn in intercultural

— is exciting. We envision students and

acquire vital professional skills. While

settings by choosing to participate in

faculty from Iraq being able to spend

mastery of one’s discipline is valuable,

Freshman Seminars Abroad (see pages

time in our College of Engineering,

the ability to comprehend and to com-

30–31), which usually run 10–18 days,

while some of our students and faculty

municate the big picture is priceless.

or the more in-depth study abroad

spend time there. It’s an amazing op-

Industry is looking for engineers with a

programs, which typically run several

portunity. We foresee a lot of positive

broad set of problem-solving skills, but

weeks.

things happening within the next few

many of these skills cannot be taught

There are many outstanding faculty

in a classroom setting. Some things

members in the college who help to

are best taught through engagement

grow exceptional graduates. But two of

and “guided osmosis.” Our Residential

them really stand out when it comes

Experience for Spartan Engineering

to mentoring future engineers — Evan-

lends itself well to that way of thinking.

gelyn Alocilja and Melissa Baumann.

years. And we’ll share these plans with you as they develop.

Satish Udpa

vol. 9, no. 1 • summer 2009

Currents Magazine is published twice a year by the Michigan State University College of Engineering for alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends.

dean

F E A T U R E S

Satish Udpa editor Laura Luptowski Seeley editorial assistant Jane L. DePriest

w

Help Wanted: IT Industry Looks for Employees

i

From Cornerstone to Capstone: A Residential Experience for Spartan Engineers

1@

Spartan Engineers: Improving Lives Around the Globe . . . and Right Here at Home

1$

Helping Students Succeed: DPO Meets Today’s Challenges

2)

Engineering Great Athletes

2$

Behind Extraordinary Students are Great Mentors

3)

Freshman Seminars Abroad Provide Global Focus

3(

Going Global

contributing writers Jane L. DePriest, John Hill, Sheryl James, Mary Mertz-Smith, Lynda White photography Erin Groom, G. L. Kohuth, Patrick T. Power, Harley J. Seeley, Kurt Stepnitz layout/design Charlie Sharp, Sharp Des!gns printing Millbrook Printing We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please direct all correspondence to Editor, Currents Magazine, 3412 Engineering Building, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824 tel 517 432 · 1303 • fax 517 355·2288 web www.egr.msu.edu/

D E P A R T M E N T S

e-mail [email protected] postmaster: Please send address changes to Currents Magazine, 3412 Engineering Building,

2(

Student News & Accomplishments

3@

Faculty/Staff Awards & Accomplishments

3*

New Faculty

4)

Class Notes & Obituaries

4@

Alumni & Development News

4^

Responses to “Looking Back”

MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Copyright © 2009 Michigan State University College of Engineering. All rights reserved.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Printed on recycled 10% post-consumer fiber paper using environmentally friendly inks.

1

■ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

2

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

IT Industry Looks for Employees >> Jane L. DePriest

The demand for College of Engineering computer science graduates remains strong. Yes, even in today’s current economic situation, the “Help Wanted” sign is out for information technology (IT) personnel, including software engineers, system administrators, security specialists, and others. Small companies, big companies, companies on the cutting edge of technology, and companies whose business is not directly related to IT need IT employees. This is a trend nationally, statewide in Michigan, and locally in Lansing. And you might be surprised at the companies needing IT employees. >>

michigan state universit y college of engineering

3


CSE Graduates Find “We have openings now and expect those employment opportunities to continue in the future,” says Robert I. Buchanan, senior vice president of

PHOTO BY JANE DEPRIEST

information systems and technology at

Auto-Owners Insurance staff (left to right) Cheryl Smallwood, assistant manager, IT Department; Phil Danne, senior programmer analyst; and Robert I. Buchanan, senior vice president of information systems and technology.

PHOTO BY GREG SMITH, TECHSMITH CORP.

4

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

programmer even before he got his BS in CSE from MSU in the spring of 2006. He is

now a senior programmer analyst for

Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Why

Auto-Owners Insurance Company. “The

does an insurance company need IT

company was not on my radar screen

people? “One factor that separates the

when I started looking for a job,” says

very best insurance companies from

Danne. Then he saw a posting for an

average companies is great automation

associate programmer at Auto-Owners

and technologies,” says Buchanan, who

Insurance. “My number one goal was

has an IT staff of more than 400 associ-

being a programmer. Since high school

ates. The corporate headquarters for

I wanted to be a full-time programmer,”

Auto-Owners Insurance is in Lansing,

says Danne. He and many of the other

Mich.

graduates from the computer science

TechSmith Corporation, with

and engineering department in MSU’s

headquarters in Okemos, Mich., is one

College of Engineering have found

of many exciting software develop-

information technology (IT) careers that

ment companies in the Midwest. “We

fit their skills. Best of all, they say, the

offer a chance for people to do real

jobs are in the Lansing area. Danne,

software development right here in

who grew up in Ann Arbor, wanted to

mid-Michigan,” says Dean Craven, vice

stay close to MSU.

president of research and development

The skill he uses most from his

at TechSmith. “We are not a giant multi-

days at MSU is to focus on the lifecycle

national company, but employees have

of software. “It’s not just writing the soft-

more ownership of what they do and

ware, but also editing it, revising it, and

more ability to create and innovate,”

making it perfect. The capstone course

says Craven, who is a 1986 MSU com-

at MSU taught me to focus on the final

puter science graduate. TechSmith has

steps,” says Danne, who also learned

grown at the rate of 20 percent over

how to solve problems, working with

the last six to eight years, and while not

the tools available.

growing at the accelerated pace of the

Dean Craven, vice president of research and development at TechSmith.

P

hil Danne was working as a

Randy Schott, who received his

past years, the business is doing well in

BS degree in CSE from MSU in May

the current economy.

2007, works at TechSmith Corporation.

Technically speaking, IT is

“I heard about the company through

the study, design, development,

CSE’s capstone course. Otherwise I

implementation, and support of

might not have known the company

computer-based systems, particularly

existed,” says Schott, who is a software

software applications and computer

developer for Camtasia Studio, one of

hardware. Recently, the term IT has

TechSmith’s leading products. The Cam-

ballooned to encompass many fields.

tasia program allows computer users

An IT professional may be involved in

to easily record their computer screens

data management, networking, com-

to create training, demo, and presenta-

puter security, engineering computer >>

tion video. “Working on commercial

software is very exciting and that’s one

December 2002. He found out about

of the reasons I decided to work here,”

TechSmith through a friend who said

says Schott. He is a mentor for students

it was a “fantastic” company. “I was

currently in the capstone course and

surprised to find a company right here

believes the capstone projects are

in the Lansing area where you could

important to students because it gives

work on real software. I assumed I

them a real-world experience and an

would have to move to make com-

opportunity to work on a group project.

mercial software,” says Middlin. Like

Schott likes the relaxed atmosphere


Career Success, Job Security in IT

other graduates, he has family in the

in May 2007. She had an internship at

at TechSmith as well as the flexible

area and he is a big fan of Michigan’s

IBM and did her capstone project with

schedules and doing creative work. And

hunting and fishing opportunities.

Motorola. One skill that has helped her

there is always something “cool” to try

When Middlin started at TechSmith

out because the company encourages

there were only about 40 employees. “I

“I’m not scared to try them or experi-

employees to investigate other new

have seen the company grow into a dif-

ment with them,” says Noren. She likes

products. “The one thing I wish I had

ferent company, and I still want to work

working on cutting-edge projects,

done in college was more personal proj-

here. The culture and the feel is the

such as Jing, a TechSmith program

ects, such as game development,” says

same.” His responsibilities have grown

that snaps a picture or makes a quick

Schott. “Those kinds of projects force

over the years, too, but “sharing is all

video of anything on the computer

you to work out little things to make

part of the job. We always collaborate

screen and makes it possible to share

them function — and having experience

in teams.” Recently another employee

it instantly.

like that impresses employers.”

made a suggestion for a project Middlin

Lauren Revard’s advice to under-

is knowing several program languages.

Cheryl Smallwood, who received

was working on. “It was a brilliant idea

her BS in CSE from MSU in 2002,

grads looking for career possibilities

and saved me hours of sitting there

started at Auto-Owners Insurance as

is to learn to work well in groups. “In

thinking about what to do.”

a programmer, working on various

the real world, especially in IT, you are

Michael Malinak is a lead developer

going to work with a group of people.

with TechSmith Labs, which is the com-

development for the company. Her

You have to bring that skill with you,”

pany’s research area. “We are looking at

family is in the Lansing area and she

says Revard, who is a 2006 CSE gradu-

technology and methodology to adapt

jumped at the opportunity to work

ate and now a programmer analyst at

for our products,” says Malinak, who

close by. Smallwood is now an assistant

Auto-Owners Insurance. “I enjoy work-

received his BS in CSE from MSU in

manager in the IT Department where

ing here. The company cares about its

2000. “I was surprised to find a media

she does less technical work and

employees and really makes an effort

aligned company in the area. The work

supervises employees. “I’m working on

to make us happy,” says Revard. And

is complicated and challenging, but it

the challenges of building relationships

she feels secure in her job, a bonus in

is exciting creating something people

with people and getting people to work

these difficult economic times.

want to use,” says Malinak. The one

together in groups,” says Smallwood.

thing he points out is that there are not

However, the people she supervises

enough women in computing.

all have technical backgrounds, so her

Paul Middlin is the lead developer for Snagit at TechSmith. Snagit, TechSmith’s first commercial product,

That brings us to April Noren, who

TechSmith employees (left to right) Michael Malinak, April Noren, Paul Middlin, and Randy Schott.

Web systems, and research and

engineering knowledge and computer

is a program that captures, edits, and

is a software developer at TechSmith.

skills are helpful relating to people.

shares exactly what is on a computer

Her dad is a mechanical engineer with

“There is always something different to

screen. Middlin received his BS in CSE

a degree from MSU, as is her brother.

work on and I am learning more about

from MSU in December 2000, and

“I wanted to go into engineering, but

the company,” says Smallwood. “I

then went on to get a master’s degree

chose a different area,” says Noren,

really like how friendly the people here

in computer science, graduating in

who received her BS in CSE from MSU

are.” — JLD


5


companies,” says Dyksen. In addition to Auto-Owners Insur-

“That’s because of our relationship with

involved with projects in the CSE

Wayne Dyksen, our overall involvement

capstone course have included Micro-

with MSU, and primarily the caliber

soft, Boeing, Ford, Chrysler, General

of the students,” says Buchanan. He

Motors, Accident Fund, Urban Science,

admits that a major stumbling block

GE Aviation, Toro, Motorola, Terex, and

for the company is that students think

others. All of these companies actively

accepting a position at Auto-Owners

seek people to fill IT positions. “MSU’s

Insurance will mean they have to sell

College of Engineering is offering the

insurance. “Students, university faculty,

best education and the best opportuni-

and others in the community don’t

ties for IT employment,” says Dyksen.

realize the robust IT environments

hardware, and software design, as well

“While some students want to get away

that businesses use,” says Buchanan.

as management and administration of

from mid-Michigan, more and more

For example, Auto-Owners Insurance

entire systems.

graduates want to stay in the Lansing

is building a new 95,000-square-foot

area, and we connect students with the

state-of-the-art data center near the cor-

TechSmith are good examples of

excellent career opportunities available

porate headquarters in Delhi Township.

companies that need IT staff, espe-

right here.”

“Auto-Owners Insurance and

cially computer science graduates,”

Dyksen also says that some

TechSmith is also pleased with its involvement with the MSU CSE

says Wayne Dyksen, professor in the

companies have realized that large

capstone course. “The capstone

Department of Computer Science and

percentages of their IT staffs are ap-

course in CSE has been wonderful. I

Engineering (CSE) in MSU’s College of

proaching retirement and many workers

can’t imagine not being involved with

Engineering. He is also the instructor

will be exiting the labor force. “There

projects in the course,” says Craven. “It

for cse 498, Collaborative Design, the

are fewer workers available to take

is a good way to develop relationships

capstone course for CSE seniors. He

their places,” says Dyksen who, along

with students, many of whom do not

works with corporate clients to explore

with others from the computer science

know about our company and that it

and develop potential capstone course

department, is part of the Capital Area

is located in Okemos. We also believe

projects. This turned into a gold mine

IT Council, formed by Capital Area

that by being involved we can help the

for companies looking for IT employ-

Michigan Works! to increase awareness

CSE department turn out graduates

ees. “Local and state companies need

of IT possibilities in mid-Michigan. “The

with more knowledge relevant to

computer science graduates. Faculty

College of Engineering is committed to

our industry.” Students who work on

and staff at the MSU College of Engi-

working with companies in Michigan,

TechSmith projects in the capstone

neering are continually engaged with

across the country, and around the

course tend to tell other students about

companies to get in front of the curve

globe to provide them with engineers

the “cool” local company and the op-

and have ready the graduates that

who can immediately be effective in

portunities for developing commercial

companies need for their present and

the workplace,” says Satish Udpa, dean

software. “We are team-oriented,

future employment,” says Dyksen, who

of MSU’s College of Engineering.

dynamic, and fun. The word gets out,”

personally interacts with a wide range

6

in IT than from any other university.

ance and TechSmith, other companies

PHOTO BY PATRICK T. POWER

Heidi Dowling (left), an Auto-Owners Insurance Company recruiter, talks with Wayne Dyksen, professor in MSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, during Engineering Expo, held February 19, 2009, in the Engineering Building. This year’s event, described as a “laid back career fair,” drew about 75 organizations and nearly 1,000 students.

more graduates from MSU working

Auto-Owners Insurance has

says Craven, who as a 1986 grad admits

of companies. “Through the capstone

provided a project for student teams in

to being one of the oldest TechSmith

course, companies get to know the

the capstone course since the spring

employees.

students and the kind of work they

of 2005. “It’s a great way to get our

can do. In turn, the students are more

name out and to talk to students,” says

Auto-Owners Insurance had a team

aware of the possibilities at various

Buchanan. Auto-Owners Insurance has

of students from the capstone course

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

For the spring 2009 semester,

programs for middle- and high-school

dashboard. Some of the technologies

students to increase awareness of

needed for this project included

computer science possibilities. The

JavaScript, Sequel Server Database, and

lead developers at TechSmith also talk

Web Services. TechSmith had a team

to students in freshman engineering

of students working on Collaborative

courses. “We want to feed the pipeline,

Video Captioning to upload videos with

to keep students actively interested in

audio to a server and perform software

IT,” says Craven. “So many people do

speech-to-text transcription. Technolo-

not realize that there is an IT industry in

gies being used in the project are the

the Lansing area. All the news is about

Windows Vista operating system,

the decline of the auto industry. State

Speech to Text Software, Windows

and local officials say they want IT and

Speech Recognition Engine, JavaScript,

high tech, but they don’t give specific

and others. Students, working in teams,

examples of companies that already

have 15 weeks to design, build, test,

exist.”

and deliver a working software solution

Buchanan and Craven want similar

from scratch. There are no textbooks

attributes in potential employees. “We

and no posted solutions. “It’s a creative

look at the classes completed, grades,

environment that forces CSE seniors to

and their recommendations,” says

draw on everything they have learned

Buchanan. “Our primary goal is to hire

during their time at MSU,” says Dyksen.

people with an outstanding attitude as

As part of the coursework, each team

well as great aptitude. We want to be

produces a 15-minute video about

confident that our people will adapt

their project, which is then posted on

well to our dynamic development envi-

the Web for clients to view. TechSmith

ronment where projects, specifications,

offers Camtasia Studio, one of the

and priorities may change frequently.”

company’s programs for creating

He points out that there are many ac-

presentation videos, to all students in

tivities going on in the IT area at Auto-

the capstone course to help with the

Owners Insurance, and employees

development of the required videos.

have an opportunity to work on projects

In addition to involvement in the

in many areas including software


working on a telephone log self-service

Of the 60 software engineers employed with TechSmith, 22 are graduates from MSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering. From left to right, back row: Jonathan Eaton, Bryce Hauptman, David Girdwood, Michael Malinak, Mark Schall, Andy Rudnitsky; middle row: Scott Schmerer, Matt Mercieca, Larry LaHaie, David O’Rourke, A. J. Orians, Chris Bowron, Tony Lambert, Tricia Broderick, April Noren; front row: Bill Scanlon, Justin Welsch, Casey Phear, Jason Eagleston, Paul Middlin, Mike Simons, Randy Schott.

fast facts

|

TechSmith Corporation

• Founded in 1987, TechSmith is the world’s leading provider of screen capture and recording software for individual and professional use. The company is located in Okemos, Mich. • Major TechSmith products include Snagit, Camtasia, Camtasia Studio, Jing, and Morae. These products are localized into five languages and distributed by resellers in more than 30 countries. • The company has seen a 20 percent growth in staff each year over the last six to eight years. TechSmith currently has about 200 employees; 48 are MSU alumni; 22 of the 60 software engineers are graduates from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at MSU.

fast facts

|

Auto-Owners Insurance Company

• Auto-Owners Insurance Company is a large mutual insurance company dealing with property, casualty, and life insurance. It was established in 1916 and operates in 25 states. The corporate headquarters is based in Lansing, Mich. • The company has been ranked among the Fortune 500 every year since 2002, and its written premiums are more than $4.4 billion. In addition, Auto-Owners Insurance ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Automobile Insurance Claims Experience” in the J. D. Power and Associates 2008 Auto Claims Study. • There are about 400 Auto-Owners Insurance associates in IT; 70 of those associates are MSU grads from all majors, and 34 are CSE graduates.

capstone course, TechSmith hires

development, network engineering,

software engineer interns, primarily

telecommunications, and mainframe

from the MSU CSE department. Spring

engineering, as well as projects related

out in different ways. Sometimes it is

semester there were five CSE students

to security and compliance.

doing independent software projects or

working as interns at TechSmith. Two

When evaluating potential employ-

getting involved with some of the open

have since been hired for full-time

ees, Craven looks for smart people

work after they graduated. “We don’t

who have a good understanding of

intend to hire every intern for employ-

computer science, can solve problems,

it is all about people. “We don’t hire

ment here,” says Craven. “But it is a

and work well with others. “The

the university or the major, we hire the

good way to expose students to our

intangible is a passion for innovation

person.”

company, and they tell others. The

and the development of software,”

word-of-mouth advertising is great.”

says Craven. “They would do this work

TechSmith also works with MSU on

even if they were not paid. It comes

source projects on the Web.” In the end, as Buchanan points out,

e

Jane L. DePriest is a writer and editor who lives in East Lansing, Michigan, with her engineer husband, Leland.


7

■ CORNERSTONE TO CAPSTONE

Beginning in the first week of freshman year, students work in teams and actively design projects. The first project of the fall 2008 semester required students in egr 100 to design, build, test, and compete with a “nutritionally balanced” edible car. Students selected edible materials of their choice to build their vehicles, as long as the finished product represented a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The vehicles had to be under a certain size, with total materials costing no more than $10. They spent two weeks at the beginning of the semester, working in teams of four students, to build their vehicles. They then raced their cars on an inclined track, with speed determining the “best cars.” The students were also required to write formal engineering reports detailing their designs. The purpose of the project was to introduce firstyear students to engineering design, teamwork, and the principles of optimization. The main engineering principle learned: proper engineering design does not use trial-and-error methods.

8

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

>> Sheryl James

FROM

CC

ORNERSTONE TO APSTONE a residential experience for spartan engineers

A

fter nearly three years of plan-

view of how these would be applied

ning, the College of Engineering

in engineering practice and very often

has successfully launched the

discouraging the students.

first stages of its Residential

Experience for Spartan Engineering. It’s all happening one step at a

freshmen, ran as a pilot course for two

time — and step one has gone well,

semesters in 2007–08. In fall 2008,

says Thomas Wolff, associate dean for

453 students were enrolled, with 117

undergraduate studies.

design teams working collaboratively on

The new program, located in

projects in a new design lab in Wilson

Wilson Hall, essentially combines an

Hall. The spring 2009 Engineering 100

existing residential program (which

class had 194 students. Engineering 102

has been housed in Bailey Hall for a

was off to an equally smooth start in

number of years) with a brand-new

spring with 311 students.

academic component — Cornerstone

PHOTO BY HARLEY J. SEELEY / MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Engineering 100, one of the cornerstone courses now required for

Tim Hinds, the lead instructor for

Engineering — in which freshman

these courses, now has his office in

engineering students get an overview

Wilson Hall. Also located in Wilson

of engineering along with hands-on

Hall is a new computer lab with 36

design experience. The cornerstone

dual-monitor computers designed to

courses help students see what’s ahead

accommodate student-teaching as-

so they know what they’re getting into;

sistant teams. And 12 graduate students

faculty also expect that the hands-on

and 26 undergraduate mentors were

approach will help students get excited

on site fall and spring semesters to

about engineering. The old model

help students through their challenging

confined students to the rigorous cal-

first year.

culus, chemistry, and other foundation classes for two years — putting off any

All in all, the new program is going very, very well, according to Hinds. “This


9

Students take advantage of the new computer lab in Wilson Hall, which is equipped with 36 dual-monitor computers.

Tim Hinds, lead instructor for Engineering 100 and Engineering 102.

is great. This is a fantastic program. The

‘If you just want to do calculations or

ter. In addition, some college faculty

team of folks who put together this

check things, you’re in the wrong coun-

and staff will have secondary offices in

program, the graduate and undergradu-

try.’ But the other message I convey is,

Wilson, so they will be able to interact

ate students — everybody’s excited

‘This might look overwhelming — but

with freshmen and facilitate the sense,

about this.”

you can do it. And we’re here to help

as Buch says, “that engineering faculty

you.’”

do care.”

Wolff agrees. He is especially excited about the renovation of the en-

It will be a college within a college,

gram will be implemented in fall 2009,

a total immersion that will, its designers

cornerstone classes, thus setting up,

when the residential component now

hope, help retain students and produce

he says, a “cornerstone to capstone”

in Bailey Hall will be relocated to Wilson

21st-century engineers.

experience. Allowing students — in

Hall. This move will allow the residential

some cases, pushing them — to work

program to expand from 150 freshman

be exposed to the critical issues in

in teams and actively design projects

engineering students to about 400 of

engineering today and will learn

from the first week of freshman year

an expected 650 engineering freshmen.

to focus on long-term solutions to

Students in the program will

on is preparing them not just for their

“The whole idea is to create a

senior year capstone projects, but for

live-and-learn community,” says Neeraj

college intends to accomplish this

higher-level engineering jobs.

Buch, the newly appointed director for

“big picture” goal is through “themed”

the Residential Experience and Corner-

rooms or common areas within the

those entry-level jobs have gone

stone programs, and professor of civil

residence hall, where students will

overseas. “We need a different kind of

and environmental engineering. This

work together to brainstorm ideas and

engineer,” one who can write those

community, when all the pieces are in

provide technical solutions to real-world

executive summaries and feel confident

place, will largely exist in Wilson Hall

problems in areas like energy, sustain-

right after graduation to manage

and will be a home base for all things

ability, or transportation. Students will

projects.

engineering. Long-term plans are also

be “getting their feet wet and their

underway for offices for advisers, career

hands dirty,” says Wolff, as they apply

during their second week of Engineer-

planners, tutors, and even professional

knowledge to real-life problems. The

ing 100. “The lecture is called, ‘The

organizations such as the American

college is currently seeking companies

Engineer of 2020,’” he says. “I tell them,

Society of Civil Engineers student chap-

interested in sponsoring these themed

That’s crucial, he says, because

Wolff tells freshmen exactly that

10

The next major stage of the pro-

gineering curriculum to allow for those

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

21st-century challenges. One way the

CORNERSTONE TO CAPSTONE ■

Thomas Wolff, associate dean for undergraduate studies, presents his “Engineer of 2020” lecture to students in egr 100.

areas. The corporate partner would

try leaders would link theory to practice.

provide students with the information,

This would provide students and faculty

If you would like more information

environment, and tools to supplement

with new ideas on how to serve the

about partnering with the college to

their educational experience. Students

business community.

help develop the engineering leaders

would participate in corporate visits and

Says Satish Udpa, dean of the

PHOTOS BY ERIN GROOM / MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

who will shape the future, please

company-sponsored activities. And the

College of Engineering, “These new

contact the College of Engineering

benefit to the company? They would

Residential Experience and Cornerstone

Development Office at (517) 355-8339.

gain the opportunity to engage the

programs will offer experiences that

innovative thinking of a group of bright

educate students in ways that typical

Sheryl James is a freelance journalist from

young minds. It could also provide a

classroom instruction just can’t ac-

Brighton, Michigan.

base of students — already immersed

complish.”

e

in the knowledge of a particular industry or company — from which to recruit for co-ops, internships, or full-time positions. This residential program will also provide opportunities for students

N

eeraj Buch was appointed in January 2009 as the director of the Residential Experience for Spartan Engineering and Cornerstone Engineering. He was a logical choice, say his colleagues, because he has an unusual combination of engineering

expertise and talent as a teacher. He has conducted substantial research in both, and

to rub shoulders with engineering

has won several teaching awards. He was involved from the beginning in the planning of

entrepreneurs, and even learn how to

the new programs.

write business proposals that will be

Originally from New Delhi, India, Buch came to the United States in 1987. He holds a bachelor’s, a master’s,

critiqued by professionals. Through a

and a PhD in civil engineering, and has a special expertise in concrete pavements. He joined the faculty at MSU

“professional in residence” program,

in January 1996 as assistant professor and is now a professor of pavement engineering in the Department of Civil

professionals would spend extended

and Environmental Engineering.

periods of time on campus sharing

Buch, who will spend half of his time with the residential and cornerstone programs and the remainder in

their strategies and experiences with

his home department, says that despite the economic crisis, “I’m convinced we’ll succeed in implementing the

students. Through lecturing to classes,

program, in phases. The administration has been great, and open to any and all ideas. I haven’t had anyone tell

attending college events, assisting in

me to slow down.”

labs, and providing career advice, indusmichigan state universit y college of engineering

11

PHOTO BY BEN KER SHN ER

Spartan Engineers: Improving Lives Aro ER BEN KER SHN PHOTO BY

Sunny Days Ahead for School Children in Tanzania

and installed a rugged, low-cost computer system that uses energy

1

In Tanzania, the Maasai people’s herd-

2

3

PHOTO BY JAKU B MAZU R

students and faculty have designed

The project began a few years

government regulations allow takeover

ago, when Erik Goodman, professor of

of their land, leaving little room for

electrical and computer engineering,

their herds to graze. Many elders of

and Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor

the community believe their future

of telecommunication, information

depends on educating their children

studies, and media, approached

so they will be able to participate in

Lenovo with the idea of creating cost-

public discourse and influence govern-

effective solar-powered computers for

ment decisions, protecting their land

developing nations and remote loca-

and their way of life and making pos-

tions. Lenovo signed on to fund the

sible more life choices. Yet, in small,

research. Engineering professors Aloys

remote villages across the country,

Mvuma and Dominic Chambega of

young people gather in schoolrooms

the University of Dar es Salaam in Tan-

that lack not only computers but the

zania’s capital provided the team with

electricity to power them. Books and

essential information about Tanzanian

other educational materials are scarce.

infrastructure, as well as direction and

But now, an MSU-designed

ongoing support to help ensure that

computer system powered by the sun

the program will fulfill the needs of the

is empowering children in Tanzania

community and be sustainable.

by giving them access to the vast

B MAZ UR PHOTO BY JAKU

4

generated by solar panels.

ing way of life is slowly disappearing as

In spring 2008, senior engineering

educational resources and information

and telecommunication students

of the Internet. Working with Lenovo

designed an Internet-enabled, solar-

Corporation and MSU’s Department of

powered computer system. In the fall,

Telecommunication, Information Stud-

a second team of engineering and

ies, and Media, a team of engineering

telecommunication students refined

1 Pictured here is one of the buildings at the Baraka Primary School in Losirwa Village, a Maasai community near Mto wa Mbu (Arusha District). To the left is another building under construction. That’s a termite mound in the right foreground. The aim of the solar-powered computer project was to develop a computer system that is cheap, so it can be deployed in Third World countries to give students access to the Internet. The Baraka Primary School is now the first primary school in Tanzania to have Internet access. 2 The MSU team installed six solar panels that generate about 80 watts each. Shown here on the roof of the school installing the frame for the solar panels is Jakub Mazur, electrical engineering senior; he graduated fall semester 2008 and is now on the team as a visiting research scholar. 3 Ben Kershner, computer engineering senior, finishes the wiring installation for the solar panels. The team worked for three days to install the solar-powered computer system. Once installed, it worked on the first try!

4 The MSU team was in Tanzania December 9—19. “Once word got around that we were in the village, students came from all over to see what we were doing,” says Eric Tarkleson, who graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in spring 2009. While the MSU students worked on assembling the computer system, the Tanzanian students hung out with them, practicing their English, learning about computers, and enticing the team into some football (soccer) in the courtyard. “I think I learned more from them than they did from me,” says Ben Kershner, who graduated with a degree in computer engineering spring semester 2009. “They have so little, yet are so eager to engage in everything; it was awe inspiring.”

12

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

IMPROVING LIVES ■

To view a video about the project,

four-terminal computer system as part

go to http://report.president.msu.edu/

of their senior design course project.

content/providing.php.

KI SEE LEY

the design and produced a workable,

PTOWS LAU RA LU PHOTO BY

und the Globe . . . and Right Here at Home

— Lynda White

In December 2008, the second team of engineering students — Ben Kershner, Jakub Mazur, Eric Tarkleson, and Josh Wong — traveled to Tanzania with faculty members Goodman,

Spartan Engineers Work Extreme Hours to Improve Lives of Local Family

DeMaagd, and Jennifer Olson, associWhen ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home

information studies, and media. They

Edition came to nearby Holt, Mich.,

met with their African colleagues and

in October to build a new home for

acquired computer and solar power

recently widowed Arlene Nickless and

parts in Dar es Salaam before moving

her three sons, a team of engineering

on to Losirwa, a remote village located

students and faculty gladly pitched

southwest of Mount Kilimanjaro. There,

in to design a room for 12-year-old

the team worked from dawn to dusk

Aaron, who has a passion for electrical

for three days to assemble, install, and

engineering.

test the system in the Baraka Primary

6

A number of faculty, staff, and students logged many late hours

Tanzania to have Internet access. The

to complete the room on time.

new system operates from a list of

Students who worked on the project

approved Internet sites including msu.

were Ben Kershner, George Ballios,

edu, a special version of Wikipedia,

Michael Dow, and Nicholas Vogtmann.

and some Swahili resources. Finally,

Faculty involved included Tim Hogan,

the team trained community members

electrical and computer engineering

and turned over responsibility for the

professor, and Leo Kempel, electrical

system to the village.

and computer engineering professor

RS ITY MS U UN IVE SEE LEY / HARLEY J. PHOTO BY

School — the first primary school in

“We know this is a small installa-

5

PHOTO BY HAR LEY J. SEE LEY / MSU UNIVER SITY REL ATIO NS

ate professor, telecommunication,

and associate dean for research in the College of Engineering. In addition to

The MSU project is paving the way

working on Aaron’s room, the Spartan

for more cost-effective solutions that

Engineering team also assisted in mak-

could make their way into many vil-

ing sure that other electronics projects

lages in Tanzania and other developing

in the home actually worked.

e

S

countries.

RE LATION

tion, but it is a start,” says Goodman.

— Laura Luptowski Seeley

5 Paige Hemmis, one of the designers on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, works with Ben Kershner in an Engineering Building lab to plan a room design for Aaron Nickless. The TV film crew visited the College of Engineering on October 2, 2008, to tape a segment. The Nickless family episode aired in November.

6 Ben Kershner (left) and Aaron Nickless in his new room. Aaron’s favorite feature is a hidden room (directly behind him in the photo) that contains four computer screens, as well as two surveillance monitors that allow Aaron to see who is coming into his bedroom.

7 Arlene Nickless (center) with her boys Aaron (left), Noah (right), and Andrew (front) outside their new

7

home. Tim Nickless, Arlene’s husband and the boys’ father, died in January 2008.


13

PHOTO BY G. L. KOHUTH / MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

DPO Meets Today’s Challenges

Helping Students Succeed

>> Laura Luptowski Seeley

A

shley was a freshman about to start spring semester at MSU when her father was laid off from his job while the family was already in the midst of experiencing other financial

challenges. They were maxed out on the financial aid they were able to get from the university, and the College

That’s when her plight came to the attention of Theodore Caldwell, director of the Diversity Programs Office (DPO). Caldwell says, “We brought her into the office and I told her ‘we’re going to make all the calls we need to figure this out.’” As it turned out, Ashley was no stranger to the DPO and its programs — she had been involved with two pre-college programs through the DPO

of Engineering had done all it could do. The family had

during previous summers. Now, thanks

exhausted all options. But Ashley was still short $1,800, the

the DPO from one of its corporate spon-

to discretionary funds available through sors, Ashley was able to get the $1,800

balance she needed to enroll for spring semester courses. 14

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

she needed — along with her books for

the semester. Because of the Diversity

Opportunity Engineering Program, it

Programs Office, Ashley was able to

was established because faculty and

first two to three years in a student’s

continue with her college education.

staff were concerned that the numbers

experience here were critical in terms

When students like Ashley need

of underrepresented minority students

of indicating the student’s ability to

help, the DPO is there for them. “We’ve

and women majoring in or graduating

succeed,” says Caldwell. “Here we are

been able to provide ‘emergency

with degrees in engineering were

41 years later and that hasn’t changed.”

funding’ to keep kids here,” Caldwell

extremely low. While its name and

Other issues seen as challenges in

says. “This semester, we’ve been able

the methods by which it delivers its

1968 were the difficulties students

to keep two students here who were

services and its message has changed

experienced transitioning to the col-

on their way back home because their

since 1968, what has not changed is the

lege environment, financial concerns,

parents weren’t able to provide the

need for the office and the services it

and students’ under-preparedness.

funding necessary to keep their kids

provides. In fact, the rough economic

Today, freshmen still have difficulties

in college.” But that’s just one of many

climate during these past five years

transitioning to a college environment,

things the office does — and does well.

makes the DPO more important today

students still face financial difficulties,

than ever.

and “under-preparedness is still one of

Founded in 1968 as the Equal

“Back then, it was believed that the


Andrea Smith (far right), a student mentor with the 2008 Academic Intensive Summer Residential Program (AISRP), assists AISRP participant Marc Narcisse (far left) with a math equation while Theodore Caldwell, director of the College of Engineering’s Diversity Programs Office, observes.

15

Theodore Caldwell

Kyle Foster

Tonisha B. Lane

Rickey Caldwell

DIRECTOR

ciation of Minority Engineering Program

ing. Upon graduation, he accepted

Theodore (Theo) Caldwell, a native

Administrators Region C.

a position in the Chrysler Institute of

of Detroit, received his BA in advertising

During his time in the DPO, there have been a number of successes,

Corporation. While in the program, he

degree, he served in a number of roles

including an increase in the number of

earned an advanced degree in engi-

including program manager for the

pre-college programs from one to five,

neering from the University of Detroit

YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and as-

and the creation of a summer bridge

Mercy. After completing two years in

sistant general manager for AmeriSuites,

program for incoming freshmen. Ad-

the CIE program, Foster spent the next

a Hyatt Hotel chain. He also worked

ditionally, the Guided Learning Center,

nine years as a product development

for Ford Motor Company and was a

the academic assistance hub for the

engineer at Chrysler. He joined the

recruiter for the International Academy

entire college that is managed by the

staff of the Diversity Programs Office in

of Design and Technology, a design col-

DPO, has undergone a major technol-

February 2009. He hopes to impact the

lege in Troy, Mich. He returned to MSU

ogy upgrade. His efforts and passion

lives of future engineers by passing on

in 2006 to join the Diversity Programs

for his work have helped students from

all that he has learned from MSU and

Office (DPO) as academic coordinator.

various backgrounds succeed academi-

corporate America.

He was named director in 2008. He

cally at MSU.

currently teaches Engineering 160:

ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

Diversity in Engineering and Professional

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Tonisha B. Lane, a Detroit native

Preparation, and was recently appointed

Kyle Foster graduated from MSU in

and a proud product of the Detroit

chairperson elect of the National Asso-

1997 with a BS in mechanical engineer-

Public School system, received her BS

the biggest challenges that our young

support them in that.”

mentoring program, was established

people face, particularly with under-

The DPO is a student support unit

in 2005. College faculty and staff serve

represented minority students,” says

for the entire College of Engineering.

as advisers for a number of registered

Caldwell. “Some school systems simply

Caldwell points out that the DPO is

student organizations including the

have not been able to prepare these

“ready to serve any student that walks

National Society of Black Engineers,

students for what they’ll encounter

through the door and says ‘I need help’

the Society of Hispanic Professionals,

when they get here, so students still

or ‘I have a question.’” It assists about

the American Association of Blacks in

need help in certain classes.

500–750 students each academic year

Energy, the National Organization for

in a variety of ways. A free Guided

the Professional Advancement of Black

are, technology-wise, they still face

Learning Center (GLC) is the hub for

Chemists and Chemical Engineers,

many of the same challenges that

academic assistance across the college.

and the American Indian Science and

yesterday’s students faced. So we still

“We currently have academic assistants

Engineering Society. The DPO provides

have to address them; we just have to

ready to go in more than 80 classes,”

student employment opportunities,

change the way in which we address

says Caldwell. If a student requests help

hiring student assistants to work in

them,” says Caldwell. Those methods

in a class that the GLC does not have

the Guided Learning Center or in the

have included creation of a Facebook

a tutor for, special arrangements will

administrative side of the office. Schol-

page, a newly upgraded Web site, and

be made to attempt to hire a tutor for

arship opportunities are also available

direct communications via text mes-

that student. Drop-in help, one-on-one

through the DPO’s corporate partners.

saging. “I’m impressed with how our

tutoring, and group study sessions are

In addition, the DPO hosts pre-

young people are able to work through

all available. LEAD (Leaders Encourag-

college and pre-freshman programs.

challenges and persevere. We want to

ing Academic Development), a peer

“Our goal with these programs is to cre-

“As advanced as today’s students

16

Engineering (CIE) program at Chrysler

from MSU in 1996. After receiving his

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE ■

Meet the DPO Staff in psychology in 2005 and her MA in

the National Association of Minority

on an aberrant career as a martial arts

student affairs administration from MSU

Engineering Program Administrators Re-

instructor. He earned his 2nd Degree

in 2008. As a student, she participated

gion C, the Michigan College Personnel

Black Belt in the American Advance

in study abroad and alternative spring

Association, and the Michigan chapter

Combat System and was the main

break in Ghana, West Africa, and

of the American Association of Blacks

instructor at the Mid-Michigan Academy

Jamaica, respectively. She joined the

in Energy.

of Martial Arts. In 2007, Caldwell began working on his MS in mechanical

Diversity Programs Office in October 2007 as the academic coordinator

GUIDED LEARNING CENTER

engineering; he plans to begin his PhD

responsible for recruitment and reten-

COORDINATOR

in fall 2009.

tion initiatives for underrepresented

Rickey Caldwell was born in California

In his current role as Guided

students in engineering.

and raised in North Carolina. He served

Learning Center coordinator, Caldwell

Currently, she serves in a dual

in the Army National Guard from 1992-

employs and trains a staff of academic

capacity with MSU’s Office of Sup-

1998, and earned his BS in mechanical

assistants who tutor students in any

portive Services. Previously she worked

engineering from MSU in 1999. He was

class they request. He recently ran a

on campus in the Department of

employed by Engineering Animations

mentoring group that resulted in his

Residence Life, the Office of Study

Incorporated in Southfield, Mich., as a

students experiencing a 25 percent

Abroad, and the Office of Racial Ethnic

dimensional management engineer

increase in their term GPA. Caldwell

Student Affairs (now the Office of

prior to being laid off due to the World

works to leverage his wide range of

Cultural and Academic Transitions). She

Trade Center attacks. Then, following

experiences to help undergraduates in

holds executive board positions with

another passion, Caldwell embarked

the College of Engineering to succeed.

ate a pathway for students to follow to

DAPCEP-funded programs so youth

earn credit, they take courses in math,

help them gain acceptance to MSU and

from areas outside of Detroit — Flint,

writing, and chemistry, as well as a

admission to the College of Engineer-

Saginaw, Grand Rapids, and Lansing —

seminar course that teaches them

ing,” says Caldwell.

would be qualified to attend.

about test taking, study skills, time

Since 1977, the DPO has hosted

The Engineering and Science Sum-

management, and financial responsibil-

a number of pre-college programs

mer Academy (ESSA), initiated in 2007,

ity. Participants say: “If I could survive

through funding from the Detroit Area

is a residential six-week bridge program

ESSA, I can certainly survive a regular

Pre-College Engineering Program (DAP-

for incoming freshmen. Caldwell de-

college semester!”

CEP), the premier pre-college engineer-

scribes the program as “academic boot

ing, science, and technology initiative

camp.” “It’s designed to put incoming

this summer, which will officially launch

in metropolitan Detroit and the nation.

freshmen through their paces and

with the 2009 ESSA. Called the Diver-

One of the MSU-hosted programs

better position them to be academi-

sity Programs Office Scholars Program

is the Academic Intensive Summer

cally successful once they begin taking

(DPO-SP), it will have a capacity of 30

Residential Program (AISRP) for high

classes ‘for real’ in the fall,” he says.

students. DPO-SP targets incoming

school students, which has ranged from

But not just anyone gets in. Students

freshmen who declare engineering as

a three-week to a six-week program

must go through a challenging inter-

a major and place into either Math 1825

over the years, depending on available

view process. This year, the program

or Math 103, or are students in the Col-

funding. Another program is aimed at

will admit 15 students as opposed to

lege Achievement Admissions Program

7th- and 8th-graders. Caldwell said he

the typical 20, thus enabling the DPO

(CAAP), a program managed by MSU’s

would like to secure additional funding

to offer a scholarship to each student

Office of Supportive Services that ad-

through the DPO and expand these

who attends. While students don’t

mits students who meet certain criteria,

The DPO is starting a new program


17

have this idea that if you’re good at math and science, you’re not cool. But engineering is cool. So how do we get kids excited about math and science? We take it to them and we make it fun for them.” He also believes in getting pre-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE

college students involved with research. He’d like to start a program that would connect 7th- and 8th-grade students with MSU research faculty. “That’s going to keep a kid engaged and excited about math and science. That will reinforce the things they’re learning in grade school,” says Caldwell. And that, he says, will better prepare them to do well at the college level. Members of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at the 2008 NSBE National Conference. From left to right: Theodore Caldwell, MSU NSBE chapter adviser and Diversity Programs Office director, with Jeremy Bowie, Angela Rhone, Renaldo Ferguson (front), Jarreau Jackson (back), Ashanta Moss, Stephen Garrett, Tammy Jackson, Anton Woods, MSU College of Engineering Dean Satish Udpa, Francis Okonkwo, Jamal Adams, and Rodney Dennis.

such as being a first-generation college

research component. Each academic

student. DPO-SP is a collaborative effort

year, approximately ten students are

of going out to the students, as well

to help increase student retention in

involved in research. This summer, for

as bringing kids to campus for a day.

the College of Engineering. Those who

the second year, the DPO is hosting

Last year, the DPO sponsored “Day at

successfully complete the program

an eight-week research residential

State,” a program funded by corporate

will receive a $1,000 scholarship and

program — the Summer Undergradu-

partner Alcoa, which brought to campus

placement in a research assistantship

ate Research Academy (SURA). As a

115 7th- and 8th-graders from Baylor

the summer after their first year, which

result of last year’s SURA, one student

Woodson Elementary School in Inkster,

includes a $2,000 stipend.

had a paper published and another was

Mich. They spent five hours touring

The DPO is also the managing

sent to a conference in Europe. The

the College of Engineering, visiting an

office for MSU’s Michigan Louis Stokes

DPO is also planning to host a six-week

engineering faculty member’s lab, and

Alliance for Minority Participation

residential research program called

sightseeing around campus. “It was

(MI-LSAMP), an NSF grant-funded alli-

Summer Experiences in Math.

extremely impactful,” Caldwell says.

ance between the four leading research

Caldwell’s vision for the future

“These school districts are challenged

institutions in Michigan — MSU, Wayne

includes a DPO-sponsored “traveling

to connect these kids to us, and we

State University, Western Michigan Uni-

engineering lab,” which would take

ought to be able to make that connec-

versity, and the University of Michigan.

hands-on experiments into 3rd-, 4th-,

tion happen.”

The program’s goal is “to double the

and 5th-grade classrooms across the

number of historically underrepre-

state, specifically to rural and urban

out to classrooms and bringing

sented minorities who graduate with

areas. It would potentially be staffed

students to campus — can have a huge

degrees in the STEM (science, technol-

by a DPO staff member, a graduate

positive impact on these students’

ogy, engineering, and math) fields in a

student, and an undergraduate student.

interest in math and science, their

five-year period.” The grant is currently

“Data shows that in 3rd grade, kids

engagement in it, and the likelihood

entering its fourth year.

make their minds up about whether or

that they’ll become Spartans. “What we

not they can do math and science. So

want to see first of all is that these kids

in addition to a pre-freshman com-

that is a critical time to get them excited

are reengaged in math and science

ponent, MSU has an undergraduate

about math and science again. They

and believe it’s cool. We want to be

As part of the MI-LSAMP program,

18

Caldwell believes in a combination

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

Both methods combined — going

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE ■

sure they are positioned to do well in those classes so they’re academically prepared,” says Caldwell. “The bonus will be that they become Spartans! “There are a lot of activities and ideas we’d like to implement, but they all cost money. And at a time when it’s a bit of a challenge to obtain these funds,” Caldwell admits. “So we’re working on a number of ways to bring in the funds necessary to move this program forward and increase graduation rates.” Corporate partners provide about 60 to 70 percent of the funding for

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE

everyone is looking to save money,

DPO’s efforts. “Our corporate partners are extremely important to us,” says

General Motors. She says the DPO was

Caldwell. “But in today’s economy,

extremely instrumental in her success

activity and expand our reach,” says

everyone is increasingly limited in what

while she was a student here. The

Caldwell, “to make sure that our stu-

they can provide for us. So we really

Southfield, Mich., native had co-ops

dents have the tools they need to be

have to work hard to maximize our

with Honda and NASA; an internship

successful. Our mission is very simple:

dollars and find new ways to fund our

with Delphi; and a study abroad in

To help students graduate.”

programs.”

Kaiserslautern, Germany. She was also

“We are continuing to increase our

As a parent, mentor, and administra-

One such way is through grants.

involved with the Institute of Electrical

tor, Caldwell says he enjoys “being able

The MSU Office for Inclusion and Inter-

and Electronics Engineers, Inc. and the

to encourage and sow optimism into

cultural Initiatives provided a $35,000

Society of Women Engineers. Through

the lives of students.” He says there is

grant for the DPO’s summer 2008

the National Society of Black Engineers,

nothing more exciting than seeing a kid

six-week bridge program for incoming

she helped to organize mock interviews

“get it,” whether it’s a math equation,

freshmen. In December 2008, the Mo-

for the DPO. She credits Aurles Wiggins,

or how to write a paper, or how to

torola Foundation contributed $50,000

her egr 160 instructor, as being instru-

convince someone to hire them. “That,

in discretionary funds. “Discretionary

mental in her life. “She molded me,

for me, is priceless. That’s what drives

funding like the Motorola Foundation

she shaped me,” says Hall-Stanbrough.

everything that we do here.”

grant gives us the flexibility to decide

She describes Wiggins as her “mother

how to best meet our students’ needs

away from home.” Wiggins is currently

DPO, “There isn’t anything else I’d

and challenges — which change on a

the director of MSU’s Office of Sup-

rather be doing.”

daily basis,” says Caldwell. It’s this type

portive Services.

of funding that is able to help provide

Diversity Programs Office director Theodore Caldwell and student mentor Oluseyi Akinpelu with students from the 2007 Engineering and Science Summer Academy. The six-week “academic boot camp” for incoming freshmen has been sponsored by the 3M Foundation since its inception in 2007.

Caldwell says of his work in the

e

Hall-Stanbrough says she was

services like “emergency funding” for

impressed with DPO as a student, citing

how you can help the dpo

students like Ashley.

“the knowledge and the connections,”

If you or your corporation would like to help the DPO by volunteering

and “the alumni who came back and

your time, donating equipment or supplies, or providing discretionary

her BS degree in electrical engineering

wanted to help other students.” Says

funds, please contact Theodore Caldwell, director of the Diversity

in 1999 from MSU and is now a buyer

Hall-Stanbrough, “I cannot imagine my

Programs Office, at (517) 355-8310 or [email protected].

in the global purchasing division at

college experience without DPO.”

Ursula Hall-Stanbrough received


19

■ GREAT ATHLETES

A

t Michigan State University, the

who graduated spring semester 2009,

an athlete that is also able to excel

old stereotype that athletes

“Engineering and wrestling required

in engineering. It helps students see

choose easy majors is as obsolete

plenty of discipline. There were times

themselves studying here one day.”

as, well, math without calculators. In

when I did not want to study or work

Amanda Ruhno couldn’t agree

fact, plenty of students in the College

out, but I did it anyway, knowing that

more. A mechanical engineering major

of Engineering are also athletes. And

I needed to in order to be successful

who graduated spring semester, Ruhno

as far as they’re concerned, there’s a

in my sport and study. They both were

was a member of the women’s rowing

direct correlation between sports and

challenging but very rewarding.”

team. She thinks today’s engineering

academics.

A recent marketing campaign in

“Coach (Tom) Izzo says this a lot,

the College of Engineering celebrates

students are becoming more diverse in who they are. “It’s no longer people who don’t have social skills and just sit at computers all day.” Athletics and all sorts of other extracurricular activities are available. “I think that makes the best engineer — having all these life experiences that teach you a lot of life skills.” She said her role as coxswain “definitely helped me to be a leader.” Sometimes, the correlation between a sport and engineering can be quite direct. At least that’s what one Triathlon team member learned. “Triathlon is unique in that there’s a fair amount of engineering that goes into the sport,” says Tingwall, who

>> Sheryl James

double majored in mechanical engineering and journalism; he graduated

but school and sports are related, be-

the dual dedication of the engineer-

in spring 2009. “A fairly large industry

cause if you are a worker in the class-

athlete at MSU. The campaign depicts

engineers bikes to optimize weight,

room, you will probably be a worker on

engineering students in action on the

aerodynamics, and stiffness. Com-

the court,” says Tom Herzog, an applied

sports floor or field. Above the picture

pared to sports like soccer, basketball,

engineering sciences student and MSU

is the slogan, “Spartan Engineers. Built

and swimming, a triathlete’s success

basketball player.

Better.” The photos run in advertise-

depends heavily on the gear — a well-

ments and are used as posters, too,

engineered bike.”

“Being on the swim team and being an engineering student are

says Lynda White, director of marketing

very similar,” says Brian Rockwell, a

for the College of Engineering.

mechanical engineering and economics

Michigan State Triathlon team, I was

student. “Both require a substantial

municate the many different learning

one of the more knowledgeable mem-

time commitment.” He says there

experiences a student can have when

bers when it came to maintaining and

is also camaraderie within the swim

studying engineering at MSU,” White

purchasing bikes.”

team and among fellow engineering

says. “The response to these ads has

Clearly, these young engineers

students, who are in the same classes a

been overwhelmingly positive — from

inspire those around them. Following is

lot of the time.

alumni, faculty, staff, and pre-college

a roster of some of this year’s Spartan

students. The students love seeing

Engineer athletes.

Adds MSU wrestler John Murphy, 20

“This campaign is designed to com-

As a result of his engineering background, Tingwall adds, “On the

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

PHOTO BY KURT STEPNITZ/MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Kurt Kivisto Jeamie Deacon

■ Jeamie Deacon, a civil engineering major, plays field hockey. Originally from Ireland, Deacon led the team in points her first year with the team and has earned Second Team NFHCA All-America honors. Also, three times she has been named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week — the most ever for a Spartan in a single season. She has been named to First Team All-Region and All-Big Ten. In addition, Deacon has gained national attention with her selection on the NFHCA National Academic Team, and selection to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA 2008 Academic All-District Women’s At-Large First Team. ■ Tom Herzog is majoring in applied engineering sciences. From Flint, Mich., Herzog is a member of the Honors College and plays center for the men’s basketball team. A healthy 7-foot-tall, 240-pound young man, Herzog has three times received

PHOTO BY G. L. KOHUTH/MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

MSU’s Scholar-Athlete Award and has been selected for the Academic All-Big Ten team. He is pictured on one of the Spartan Engineers posters. He says he loves the versatility and the engineering professors, “who have been great.” ■ Kurt Kivisto is a graduate student earning his master’s degree in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering; he studied civil engineering as an undergrad. He plays forward on MSU’s varsity hockey team. From Brighton, Mich., Kivisto played junior hockey in Cleveland before accepting an offer to play for MSU in 2005. He’s known as a “shootout specialist,” and is described as a “smart player with a great approach to the game,” and a “role player with a terrific attitude and work ethic.” ■ John Murphy, who graduated spring semester 2009, started wrestling in fourth grade in his hometown of Evergreen Park, Ill. An electrical engineering major, Murphy earned Academic All-Big Ten Honors and All-American honors at University Freestyle National Championships. In the classroom, he participated in multiple research projects and internships that honed his technical skills and background — and secured him a job with Siemens Energy and Automation after graduation. He has always tried to be a mentor and inspiration and, he says, his dedication to engineering has inspired some of his wrestling teammates to consider that field. >>

John Murphy


PHOTO BY HARLEY J. SEELEY/MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

PHOTO BY MATT MITCHELL/MSU ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

Tom Herzog

21

■ GREAT ATHLETES

College of Engineering Varsity Student Athletes sp or t

ma jor

Allen, Xavier Chris

Men’s Basketball

Engineering–No Preference

Sophomore

class*

Bartlett, Cameron Ehlen

Men’s Swimming and Diving

Civil Engineering

Freshman

Beatty, Spencer Davis

Men’s Track & Cross Country

Biosystems Engineering

Junior

Bonnen, Kathryn Leatrice

Women’s Tennis

Computer Science

Junior

Bort, John Ronald


Civil Engineering

Freshman

Chamberlain, Aaron Blake

Men’s Track & Cross Country Outdoor

Mechanical Engineering

Freshman

Cohn, Forrest Fernando Maskill

Football

Civil Engineering

Sophomore

Colbert, Milton Silas

Football


Freshman

Costello, Sean Michael

Men’s Swimming & Diving


Freshman

Deacon, Jeamie Elizabeth

Women’s Field Hockey

Civil Engineering

Junior

Diehl, Nancy Anne

Women’s Crew (Rowing Team)

Applied Engineering Sciences

Senior

Hacker, Rebecca Elizabeth

Women’s Track & Cross Country Indoor


Freshman

Hahn, Ridge Donovan

Men’s Track & Cross Country Indoor


Freshman

Hall, Kenneth Martin

Football


Sophomore

Herzog, Thomas Oliver

Men’s Basketball

Applied Engineering Sciences

Junior

Hessell, Gerald William


Biosystems Engineering

Senior

Hilk, Samantha Ann

Women’s Swimming & Diving


Freshman

Kalmbach, Kayla Michelle

Women’s Swimming & Diving

Chemical Engineering

Senior

Kebler, Michael Howard

Men’s Basketball


Sophomore

COURTESY OF KENDRA VIGILANTI

Brian Rockwell

Eric Tingwall

■ Brian Rockwell is pursuing a double major in mechanical engineering/ economics, and he holds a 4.0 GPA so far. In addition to all of his academic work, he is on MSU’s varsity swim team, a commitment of at least 20 hours per week, he says. Originally from Houston, Tex., Rockwell has earned academic and athletic honors, including a University Distinguished Scholarship. He is a four-year letterman

PHOTO BY MATT MITCHELL/MSU ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

in swimming and has been MVP and co-captain on the team. Rockwell wants to

22

pursue a career in the automotive industry after graduating. ■ Amanda Ruhno, who graduated spring semester 2009 with a degree in mechanical engineering, was a coxswain on the the women’s rowing team. She grew Amanda Ruhno

currents magazine

up in DeWitt, Mich., and never thought about women’s rowing until being recruited |

summer 2009

COURTESY OF JOHN MASSMAN

st udent

student

sport

ma jor

Kivisto, Kurt

Men’s Ice Hockey

Civil Engineering

Master’s

cla ss*

Koba, Sho


Materials Sci and Engineering

Junior

Kramer, Lauren Elizabeth

Women’s Softball


Freshman

Mahoney, Kathryn Theresa

Women’s Gymnastics


Sophomore

Martin, Robert Ryan

Baseball


Freshman

Mattison, Tyrone

Football

Civil Engineering

Freshman

Murphy, John J.

Men’s Wrestling

Electrical Engineering

Senior

Nuttall, Andrew Michael



Freshman

Rasmussen, Scott William

Men’s Tennis

Civil Engineering

Senior

Rockwell, Brian Martin



Senior

Rogers, Mark Anthony


Computer Engineering

Senior

Ruhno, Amanda Renee

Women’s Crew (Rowing Team)


Senior

Snow, Charles Bernard

Football

Civil Engineering

Freshman

Swartz, Ashley Elizabeth

Women’s Soccer


Junior

Tecca, Nicholas Pryor


Civil Engineering

Junior

Tuse, Jonathan Ross



Freshman

Weaver, Ross Allen

Football


Senior

Williams, Quentin Maurice

Football


Sophomore

Winter, Aaron James



Sophomore

* as of spring semester 2009

in her freshman year. Similarly, a high school calculus teacher introduced her to engineering, a path she had never considered. While at MSU, she was a member of the Honors College, and the recipient of a General Motors scholarship, an MSU President’s Award, and an MSU Office of Study Abroad Academic Excellence Award, among others. She secured a job with Whirlpool Corporation in St. Joseph, Mich., upon graduation. ■ Eric Tingwall, who double majored in mechanical engineering and journalism, graduated in spring 2009. He balanced his academic heavy lifting with an equally rigorous life as a member of MSU’s Triathlon team, a club sport that he says is “one of the largest, most active, and most successful teams both at MSU and in terms of collegiate triathlon teams.” While at MSU, he was a leader on the team as president, a role that often required him to develop relationships with corporate sponsors. He received a General Motors scholarship and wrote for automotive publications. A native of Novi, Mich., Tingwall carried a 4.0 GPA in engineering and a 3.92 in journalism. He hopes to obtain a design, research, or planning engineering position at a major corporation.

school career that placed him among the nation’s best players. Weaver especially enjoys hands-on engineering projects and internships wherever he can get them. He says his experience in class has taught him the value of “working with other people and learning new ideas and different approaches to solving problems.” When people ask him how he handles football and engineering at the same time, “I say it’s through the grace of God. I have wanted to quit at times because the work got hard, but I often pray about it and keep moving.”

e

Ross Weaver



■ Ross Weaver, of Southfield, Mich., is studying mechanical engineering. He plays cornerback for MSU’s football team, and arrived on campus from a high

23

Evangelyn C. Alocilja, associate professor of biosystems engineering (foreground, left) with two of her most recent star students. Michael Anderson (left), a PhD student in biosystems engineering, received a SMART — Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation Program — fellowship, which will cover full tuition, books, health insurance, and other fees and includes a stipend of $38,000 per year, for up to five years. Anderson is Alocilja’s third SMART fellow. Hanna Miller, a biosystems engineering sophomore and professorial student in Alocilja’s lab, received a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) scholarship, effective her junior year and renewable for her senior year. This scholarship pays for full tuition and books and includes a stipend of $1,000 a month. Miller also received an MSU DuVall Award for 2009, which includes a stipend of $1,500. Miller is Alocilja’s third DHS scholar. The two previous DHS scholars are Tracy Kamikawa, a PhD student currently doing her research in an FDA lab in Washington, DC; and Michael Wiederoder, a senior in biosystems engineering who continues to work in Alocilja’s lab.


Behind Extraordinary Students 24

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

M

any faculty members in the MSU College of Engineering mentor students and help them achieve more in their college careers. Sometimes these students

receive the highest national and international awards. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at two faculty members who have a track record of producing extraordinary students.

Unlocking Student Potential Passion — you can see it in her face and feel it in her words. “If I can impact one life, it is worth the time,” say Evangelyn C. Alocilja, associate professor of biosystems engineering. She has spurred on high schoolers and undergrads, as well as master’s and PhD students, to obtain scholarships, fellowships, and other awards. For example, Connie Shi, a senior at Okemos High School who worked in Alocilja’s Biosensor Lab during the summer of 2008, was a semifinalist for the 2008 Siemens Competition for MathScience-Technology and the 2009 Intel Science Talent Search. Others under her tutelage include John Zhou, who became a finalist in the 2006 Intel Science Talent Search and winner of the 2006 BioGENEius Challenge. John was eventually selected to the 2006 All-USA High School Academic First Team (one of 20 in the nation), and selected to the prestigious 2006 class of Presidential Scholars. Two PhD students, Michelle Packard and Shannon McGraw, work with Alocilja in her lab. They are each receiving SMART graduate fellowships from the Department of Defense. Tracy Kamikawa, another of Alocilja’s PhD students, is a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow and an Oak

are Great Mentors

>> Jane L. DePriest

Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Fellow. Brian Castro and Romali Ranasinghe, freshman professorial assistants, each received a second place award for their respective posters at MSU’s 2008 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). Michael Wiederoder, a senior professorial assistant in Alocilja’s lab, is a Department of Homeland Security Undergraduate Scholar. >> michigan state universit y college of engineering

25

Raymar Morgan during the MSU versus UConn game, wearing the custom facemask fabricated by MSU alumnus Kainnon Vilminot.

Alum Helps Keep Raymar Morgan

in the Game PHOTO COURTESY OF MSU ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

K

ainnon D. Vilminot helped MSU

with Hanger Orthopedic Group in

came down. Morgan played the remain-

advance in the NCAA basketball

Lansing, Mich., helped keep Raymar

der of the game with a broken nose.

championship tournament this

Morgan in the game.

spring — even though he

When Vilminot was at home watching the MSU-Louisville game,

wasn’t on the court. Vilminot, an

injured early in the second half of the

he noticed that Morgan was using

MSU alumnus who received his BS

game against Kansas after MSU team-

an off-the-shelf protective facemask;

in kinesiology in 2008 and is currently

mate Delvon Roe went up for a block,

but it appeared to be bothering him,

completing his residency in prosthetics

accidentally elbowing Morgan when he

so by halftime Morgan had taken the

What’s Alocilja’s secret? “I recruit

the country to work in MSU professors’

be the edge that is needed. Grades

good students to work in my lab,” says

labs during the summer. Alocilja always

alone do not make it.” Just applying

Alocilja. Grades are not her only criteria.

has at least one of these students in

for some of the awards or becoming a

She is looking for people who can initi-

her lab. Alocilja’s research concentrates

semifinalist shows commitment, initia-

ate action and, if problems occur, find

on the development of nanostructured

tive, writing and presentation skills, and

solutions. “I want them to be able to

biosensors for homeland security and

the ability to synthesize information.

read journal articles and interpret the

biodefense, food safety, environmental

This can have implications in applying

information to use in projects,” says

quality, and health care. She is affiliated

to universities for undergraduate and

Alocilja, who sees herself as a cheer-

with the National Center for Food

graduate degrees and when seeking

leader. “Every student has potential.

Protection and Defense, a Homeland

employment in industry. “I spend time

You just have to encourage them and

Security Center of Excellence.

with my students,” says Alocilja. “I even

bring out that potential. Sometimes

Her graduate students are required

I have to gently push them, remind

to write journal papers. “When you

them, and talk to them about why they

apply for fellowships and awards,

should apply for these awards.”

you are competing with the best and

She has been involved in MSU’s

26

Morgan, MSU’s junior forward, was

the brightest. You had better have

pray for them that they have wisdom and are successful.”

Looking for Initiative and Innovation

High School Honors Science/

an edge,” says Alocilja. “If you can

Mathematics/Engineering Program

show that you have written a paper,

(HSHSP) for more than 10 years. This

co-authored a journal article, or made a

Melissa Baumann looks for initiative in

program selects students from all over

presentation at a conference, that can

students. “I give a lot of presentations

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

mask off and was playing without it.

proper dispersion of forces kept our guy

That prompted Vilminot to send MSU

in the game,” says Vilminot. “And who

basketball’s certified athletic trainer Tom

better to help a Spartan than a fellow

Mackowiak an e-mail at 11:00 that night,

Spartan? It was awesome for me to be

inquiring whether he wanted a custom-

able to give back to MSU . . . thanks to

made mask for Raymar Morgan. By

what I learned from Dr. Baumann.” mann, associate professor of chemical

Kainnon on the phone to take him up

engineering and materials science,

on the offer. At 4:00 that afternoon,

and associate dean of MSU’s Honors

Kainnon arrived at the Breslin Center to

College. He completed two courses

begin the process.

taught by her — mse 250 (Introduction

Vilminot cast, custom fabricated, and custom fit Raymar Morgan’s facemask. First, a negative plaster mold was

to Materials) and mse 425 (Biomaterials “I am so glad that we have such a concrete link between teaching/learn-

to create a positive plaster model. The

ing and our graduates making the world

anatomical facial structure of the model

a better place,” says Baumann. “Or in

was sculpted to provide protection

this case, making it so that Raymar’s

without compromising vision or func-

face wouldn’t hurt — long enough for

tion. Thermoplastic was then heated

him to get us to the next NCAA cham-

and vacuum-formed over the model.

pionship game!” Vilminot also created a facemask

during the fitting process. Vilminot

for Kelly Confer, pitcher for MSU’s soft-

created three different masks using

ball team, after she broke her maxilla

different polymers, which the basketball

this spring.

player could use interchangeably, so

Vilminot earned an MS in prosthet-

he’d be assured of the most comfort-

ics from Northwestern University in

able fit and be able to give 100 percent

spring 2009 and will earn his MS

to the game.

in orthotics from Northwestern in

“Proper anatomical loading with total contact, total surface bearing,

Kainnon Vilminot (left) preparing to vacuum-form the polymer over a plaster facial model; assisting him is Warren Darling.

and Biocompatibility).

taken of Morgan’s face and was used

The shape and contours were finalized

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAINNON VILMINOT

Vilminot is referring to Melissa Bau-

consulted Tom Izzo and was calling

October 2010. — Laura Luptowski Seeley

PHOTO BY HARLEY J. SEELEY/MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

8:30 the next morning, Mackowiak had

MSU alumnus Kainnon Vilminot (right) and MSU associate professor Melissa Baumann discuss the techniques that were used to create Raymar Morgan’s protective facemask.

to students about getting involved in

be a desire, a passion, a love of what

is what MSU is about. Everyone has

research,” says Baumann, who is an

you are doing,” says Baumann.

a chance. Every student on campus

associate dean of the Honors College

Baumann served as a mentor for

has an opportunity. Every student can

and an associate professor in the

Stuart R. Kaltz and Robert J. Friederichs,

do research. It may be that research

Department of Chemical Engineering

both of whom received Goldwater

is ultimately not for them, but it is

and Materials Science. “Some students

Scholarships. Kaltz, now doing graduate

a good way to find out. Sometimes

will tell me after the presentation that

work at Northwestern University, is a

students with average grades will get

they want to work in my lab, but then

finalist for a National Science Founda-

involved in a lab and get turned on

there is no follow-up. It’s the students

tion grant. Friederichs was a Gates

to the research, and then their grades

who contact me again and often vol-

Cambridge Scholarship finalist and

improve.”

unteer to work in the lab who get my

graduated this spring with a bachelor’s

attention.” Baumann’s lab focuses on

degree in materials science engineer-

mentoring.” When students are apply-

bone tissue engineering and nano ce-

ing while dual enrolled in the depart-

ing for scholarships and other awards,

ramics for water filtration. “You can see

ment’s MS program. Others under

Baumann works with them on the

students progress in the lab and learn

Baumann’s tutelage who have gone on

application and gives feedback to the

more skills. They become better critical

to win national awards have included

students. “You have to approach it like

thinkers, and I see them become en-

Marita Shelton and Ellie Rahbar.

teaching a class. We give students the

gineers and scientists right before my

Baumann wants people to think

She calls her role “on-the-ground

tools as well as help and support, but

eyes.” While grades are important, it is

about these outstanding students

it’s the students who deserve the credit

not always about grades. “There has to

when they think about MSU. “This

for their accomplishments.”

e


27

■ EXTRAORDINARY STUDENTS / GREAT MENTORS

Students Progress and Grow

neering. In 2008 she received a SMART fellowship from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to pursue her graduate work. The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART)

Friederichs

McGraw

scholarships aims to increase the num-

R

obert J. Friederichs and Shannon

ber of civilian scientists and engineers

an article on this subject that has been

McGraw are students extraordi-

working at DOD laboratories. Her

submitted to the Journal of Biomedical

naire who deserve enormous

research focuses on designing a biosen-

Materials Research. “My main area of

sor to rapidly detect various pathogens

research now involves microcracking

in food and water samples.

ceramic tissue scaffolds with the goal

credit for realizing their potential

and still reaching out to do better. In the process, they give substantial credit to the mentors who helped them

pated in the professorial assistant pro-

become extraordinary students.

gram run by the MSU Honors College.

Friederichs, from West Branch,

of enhancing bone healing,” says Friederichs. McGraw also credits her mentor

“In my senior year of high school, Dr.

with helping her improve as a student

Mich., graduated this spring from MSU’s

Alocilja called me at home and offered

and scholar. “Dr. Alocilja never flinched

College of Engineering with a bachelor’s

me a spot working in her lab. I was very

at giving me my own projects as an

in materials science engineering. He

excited to accept,” says McGraw. At the

undergraduate or having me present

has also completed some work on

end of this year, she will have worked

the results of the project,” says McGraw.

a master’s degree. He was named a

in Alocilja’s lab for seven years. “From

Alocilja was the driving force behind

Goldwater Scholar in 2007 and most

the very beginning, when I was just this

McGraw applying for graduate school.

recently was a finalist in the Gates

18-year-old kid who didn’t know the

“She convinced me that I had what

Cambridge Scholarship. In the fall, he is

first thing about biosensors or lab work,

it takes to complete a PhD program

off to England where he has been ac-

she supported me and probably had

and to apply for the SMART program. I

cepted at the University of Cambridge.

more faith in my success than I had in

feel very fortunate to have an advising

He will attend Churchill College, which

myself. “

professor who gives me the freedom to

focuses on teaching and research in the

During his four years at MSU,

fields of science, engineering, and tech-

Friederichs has worked in Melissa

conduct it, but is also always available

nology. “My ambitions are to research

Baumann’s laboratory. “I met Dr.

if I need help.” McGraw has received

cutting-edge topics in biomaterials

Baumann through her involvement in a

numerous honors during her time at

science, such as targeted drug delivery

community organization. I then started

MSU, and has included extracurricular

from nanostructured microspheres,”

volunteering and eventually working for

activities in her schedule. As a graduate

says Friederichs, who hopes to obtain

her in the spring of my freshman year,”

student, McGraw volunteers on the

a master’s degree from Cambridge. His

says Friederichs. “Dr. Baumann has

Biosystems Engineering Curriculum

longer-term plan is to get a PhD and

held me to a very high standard and

Committee and is treasurer of the

end up in a leadership position either

has given me levels of responsibility

Council of Graduate Students, to name

in industry or at a research institution.

uncommon to most undergraduate

just a few of her activities.

McGraw, from Macomb Township,

28

As a freshman, McGraw partici-

students. This has encouraged me to

conduct my research the way I want to

While determination and analytical

Mich., graduated from MSU with honors

perform to the best of my ability, and

skills are important to Friederichs, his

in December 2006 with a BS in biosys-

has inspired me to pursue graduate

MSU experience has given him an

tems engineering. She also completed

study in biomaterials engineering.” He

even greater skill set. “I have learned to

the Honors College program and the

is most proud of his work on diamond-

convey my ideas confidently to others

Bailey Scholars program. McGraw is

like carbon wear coatings for use in

due to the thorough academic backing I

now pursuing a PhD in biosystems engi-

biomedical implants. He co-authored

have received.” — JLD

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

STUDENT NEWS ■


Graduate Students Win Fitch Beach Research Awards

S

ix doctoral students were the

The winners are: first place —

Zhang, biosystems engineering (Evan-

recipients of the 2009 Fitch

Monther Dwaikat, civil engineering

gelyn Alocilja, adviser); Chad Meiners,

Beach Outstanding Graduate

(Venkatesh Kodur, adviser); second

computer science (Alex Liu and Eric

Research Awards. The awards

place — Joseph Gredell, chemical en-

Torng, advisers); and Vikram Melapudi,

are determined based on the strength

gineering (Patrick Walton, adviser); and

electrical engineering (Shanker Balasub-

of the student’s research record, as

third place — Douglas Neal, mechanical

ramaniam, adviser).

well as a technical oral presentation.

engineering (John Foss, adviser).

Awardees are selected by the College

Winners received $3,000, $2,000, and

the College of Engineering Academic

of Engineering Research and Graduate

$1,000, respectively.

Awards and Service Recognition Recep-

Studies Committee.

Honorable mentions went to: Deng

The winners were honored during

tion on March 19.

left to right: Manoochehr Koochesfahani (associate dean for graduate studies and faculty development); Evangelyn Alocilja (front), Deng Zhang (back), Joseph Gredell, Shanker Balasubramaniam, Vikram Melapudi, Douglas Neal, John Foss, Venkatesh Kodur, Monther Dwaikat. not pictured: Chad Robert Meiners.

e

SU’s Formula Racing Team is

project manager for the MSU Formula

Going Clean. And they had

Racing Team. “Although using hybrid

a chance to promote their

vehicles to transport team members

campaign in January at one of the most

and converting to an ethanol-based

prestigious automotive events in the

power plant in the near future is one

M

world — the North American Interna-

step in our Go Clean campaign, they’re

tional Auto Show. Coinciding with the

not the only facets of the program. Just

show’s overwhelmingly “green” theme,

as important as reducing CO2 emissions

the MSU team’s display centered on its

are the use of recycled, organic, and

own Go Clean environmental program.

biobased materials throughout MSU’s

Central to the team’s display was a

Formula SAE cars.” From bio-paints to

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM ZEMKE

Formula SAE Team “Goes Clean”

large “green globe ” (provided through

recycled foams, organic fabrics, and

Implementing biobased and degrad-

the generosity of two communication

‘green’ resins, each component that the

able cleaners, using lean manufacturing

technology companies — EPJ Logistics

team can make from earth-friendly or

methods, recycling scrap material, and

and Tonic) that described in detail the

recycled materials reduces the team’s

reusing components all help the team

three steps to Going Clean. “When you

dependency on chemicals and products

to further reduce its contributions to the

hear the term ‘green’ in relation to the

that are harmful to our planet.

environmental equation. This and more

automotive industry, most people tend

A further step to Going Clean,

information about the team’s clean

to think solely about biofuel and hybrid-

says Zemke, is to reduce the impact

commitments can be found at www.

powered vehicles,” says Adam Zemke,

that manufacturing has on the Earth.

msuformularacing.com/goclean.

MSU’s Formula Racing Team spent two weeks in January exhibiting their past three Formula SAE cars and promoting their Go Clean environmental program at the North American International Auto Show. The “green globe” (at right) was equipped with several video screens that detailed the steps to Going Clean.

e


29

1 3

2 4

Freshman Seminars Abroad Provide Global Focus

M

SU’s freshman seminars do

large-group activities like taking

more than just introduce in-

involved in MSU’s study abroad

excursions, attending cultural events,

coming students to the MSU

programs,” says King. “I decided to get

or listening to guest speakers. The

campus — some of these

involved with the Freshman Seminars

seminars allow students to gain experi-

seminars take them around the world.

Abroad because I believe these

ence and insight into interesting topics,

Mid-summer, just prior to starting fall

programs really help incoming fresh-

which may help them make decisions

classes at MSU, the students embark

men transition from high school to the

about a possible major and career.

on this global experience, which

college experience at MSU.”

For example, the Ireland seminar had

may take them to Ireland, Scotland,

These seminars provide a way for

one track that was psychology-based,

Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa.

students to gain confidence and skills

where students learned through

These two-credit Freshman Seminars

related to the college transition, says

lecture, reading, and field experiences

Abroad, described as “short-term study

James Lucas, assistant to the dean for

about lifespan development from the

abroad programs,” typically run 10 to

undergraduate education charged with

perspective of those growing up and

18 days. They are designed to give

campus internationalization. “First-year

growing old in Ireland. In a second

first-year students international expo-

experiences are proven to shape the

track, students learned about issues

sure, an opportunity to improve their

way students engage during college,

associated with health care in the Irish

understanding of global issues, and

and they play an important role in

culture. Participants also develop a

the chance to find out what it’s like to

their academic success. Building on

meaningful relationship with peers,

live and learn in intercultural settings.

the first-year experience model, the

faculty, and staff, establishing a net-

Dan King, a specialist and aca-

Freshman Seminars Abroad program

work for support and mentoring that

demic adviser in the Department of

provides MSU faculty and staff with the

will serve them well during their first

Civil and Environmental Engineering,

opportunity to engage with a young

year of college.

served as staff assistant during the

person and shape the direction of

Freshman Seminar Abroad in Ireland

his or her academic career. I’ve been

Abroad team this year as a staff assis-

(Galway and Cork) last summer. Ma-

teaching for more than ten years, and

tant for the program in Bologna, Italy,

jors represented included engineering,

my time teaching on these programs

is Bob Chalou, teaching specialist for

business, English, psychology, and oth-

has been the most rewarding experi-

computer-aided design and product

ers. King said he is looking forward to

ence of my career.”

design courses in the College of

returning to Ireland this summer with a

30

“For several years, I have been

Each program varies, depending

Joining the Freshman Seminars

Engineering and lead instructor for egr

new group of freshmen. Each program

on the instructional team, but the

410, the applied engineering sciences

accommodates about 30 students.

programs typically include common

program capstone course. Chalou

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

FRESHMAN SEMINARS ■

6

8 7

5

9

>> Laura Luptowski Seeley

became interested in returning to Italy this summer after a trip there last June to participate as a faculty member in a program, which was sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

1 Dan King, a specialist and academic adviser in the Department

6 One of the group excursions included a tour of the ruins in the area

of Civil and Environmental Engineering, served as staff assistant during the Freshman Seminar Abroad in Ireland last summer. A staff assistant’s duties include set-up work for housing, field trips, and meals prior to departure from the United States, and administration of logistics and budget while abroad. The staff assistant also handles any non-academic issues that may arise during the trip so the faculty can continue to concentrate on the academic concerns of the program.

of Blarney Castle, near Cork, Ireland.

7 Bob Chalou, teaching specialist for computer-aided design and product design courses in MSU’s College of Engineering, became interested in returning to Italy this summer after he traveled there in June 2008 to participate in a program to study the machine tool industry. The trip was sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation. The group included (left to right) Chalou, MSU; Eric Stoner, student, Kettering University, Flint, Mich.; Adrian Teo, student, Arizona State University; and Trian Georgeou, Arizona State University faculty member.

2 Participants in the 2008 Freshman Seminar Abroad in Ireland included (left to right) Patricia Gordon, applied engineering sciences; Stephen Ragatzki, chemistry/chemical engineering; and Paul Blystone, engineering–no preference. Dan King, staff assistant, is at far right.

8 During the June 2008 trip to study the machine tool industry in

program has become a great living-

3 A street scene in Galway, Ireland.

Italy, the group toured the manufacturing facilities of the Lamborghini factory near Bologna.

learning experience for incoming freshman students,” says Chalou. “When

4 Located in Galway, The Kings Head, established in 1649, is claimed to be the oldest pub in Ireland.

they arrive on campus in the fall [after

5 Quaint buildings like this one line the streets of Cork, Ireland.

Education Foundation, to study the machine tool industry in Italy. “The Freshman Seminars Abroad

participating in that program] they have

9 Across the street from the group’s base hotel during the June 2008 trip was the former Dominican monastery church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper; the painting covers the back wall of the dining hall. PHOTOS 1–6 COURTESY OF DAN KING / PHOTOS 7–9 COURTESY OF BOB CHALOU

established a group of close friends that definitely helps the transition from high school to college. I chose Italy because of the rich and diverse design

Freshman Seminars Abroad At a Glance ■

The first Freshman Seminar Abroad (FSA) program

history and tradition. To be able to see

was offered in summer 2003 in Quebec City,

the works of the masters firsthand is an

Canada; 35 freshmen participated.

incredible opportunity.”

■

The impetus for starting such a program was

program, with the largest being 30 students. ■

the program. ■

to improve students’ exposure to international

The Freshman Seminars Abroad

Costs range from $1,800 to $4,200, depending on An Honors College scholarship and study abroad scholarships are available; additional scholarships

program aligns with MSU’s mission to

and global ideas, to get students interested in

move forward as a world-grant institu-

study abroad by providing short but intense initial

tion and it helps ensure that MSU’s

learning-abroad experiences, and to provide a

of MSU’s study abroad programs, sites for the

incoming freshmen have a good global

microcosm of the MSU international learning

Freshman Seminars Abroad are reviewed for

experience for incoming students.

safety/security/health issues and MSU will not

Most students who apply are accepted. They are

hesitate to cancel a program or bring students

screened in terms of their status; all participants

home from an ongoing program if local situations

must be traditionally aged, first-year students com-

change. Detailed information is available at http://

ing to MSU. The number of applications varies by

studyabroad.msu.edu/safety/index.html.

understanding when they set foot on campus for their first day of classes come fall semester.

e

note: Just as this issue was going to press, the 2009 Italy program was canceled.

■

are sometimes available, depending on funds. ■

Safety of the participants is a priority. As with all


31

Faculty Win NSF CAREER Awards ongeun Choi, assistant professor

J

in lakes, toxic contaminants in public

of mechanical engineering and

water systems, and pollutants in

of electrical and computer engi-

the air. “For instance, tracing and

neering, and Jian Ren, assistant

predicting harmful algal blooms in

professor of electrical and computer

a lake could be accomplished using

engineering, have each received a

proposed algorithms and a network

National Science Foundation (NSF)

of autonomous underwater vehicles

Faculty Early Career Development

(AUVs) with fluorescence-based

(CAREER) Award.

sensors,” Choi says.

Choi received the award for his

Jongeun Choi

Jian Ren

In other applications, a group

proposal, “Multi-Agent Systems and

of autonomous mobile robots,

communication system that is aware

the role of teacher-scholars through

Gaussian Processes: Applications

combined with chemical warfare

of its surrounding environment —

outstanding research, excellent

in Environmental Sciences.” Ren

sensors, could be used for detecting

can perceive a spectrum hole (or

education, and the integration of

received the award for his proposal,

a concentration field of chemical

lack of activity on a frequency within

education and research.

“Towards Cognitive Communications

warfare agents.

a portion of the radio spectrum)

in Wireless Networks.”

The project offers training

Each received a five-year

experiences for undergraduate and

$400,000 grant.

graduate students and provides

“These CAREER awards are

and then transmit on the unutilized

tangible expressions of validation

frequencies.

from Jongeun’s and Jian’s peers

However, he says, lack of user

concerning their research goals and

opportunities to foster collaborative

coordination and network control

plans,” says Satish Udpa, dean of

analyzing distributed learning and

research with MSU’s Department of

raises serious issues in efficiency,

MSU’s College of Engineering. “I am

cooperative control algorithms so

Civil and Environmental Engineering

security, and resource waste in wire-

delighted to see their peers confirm

that a network of mobile sensing

and Department of Fisheries and

less environments.

that they are on a very productive

vehicles can gather data and learn

Wildlife.

Choi’s work is in developing and

an unknown field of interest in

“My research is an effort to

During summer residential

develop an ideal human-technology

research trajectory.” Choi received a BS in mechani-

order to perform specific tasks. This

programs sponsored by the College

platform for e-commerce, national

cal design and production engineer-

research has applications in the

of Engineering’s Diversity Programs

security, environmental protection,

ing from Yonsei University at Seoul,

environmental sciences.

Office and the Office of Recruitment

health monitoring, and many future

Republic of Korea, in 1998. He

and k–12 Outreach, k–12 and under-

applications that could benefit

received his MS and PhD degrees

climate changes, it is necessary to

represented students will be able

from fast and reliable information

in mechanical engineering from the

monitor the changing ecosystems

to try out some of the biologically

exchange,” says Ren.

University of California at Berkeley in

over vast regions on land, in our

inspired mobile robots — robots that

oceans, and in our lakes, Choi

mimic flocking birds or swimming

resulting from this project will be

explains.

fish — that have been developed in

integrated into undergraduate

Shaanxi Normal University in China

Choi’s lab.

and graduate curricula, as well as

in 1988 and 1991, respectively. He

Due to recent drastic global

“Emerging technologies in

The technological advances

2002 and 2006, respectively. Ren earned his BA and MS from

into k–12 outreach activities. Thus,

received a PhD degree in electrical

prediction algorithms can offer great

improve the efficiency, security, and

Ren’s work will have a significant

and computer engineering from

potential to deal with such issues,”

interoperability of communications

impact on the training of a highly

Xidian University in 1994.

he says. “The main purpose of my

between versatile wireless devices.

skilled and diverse workforce in the

work is to develop control algorithms

His work introduces innovative

area of cybersecurity and wireless

and video interviews, go to www.

for a network of mobile sensing

methodologies in architecture devel-

networking.

egr.msu.edu/news/2009/02/19/two-

vehicles to explore and predict an

opment, system design, and secure

The CAREER award, one of

faculty-win-nsf-career-awards and

unknown field of interest.”

and efficient network management.

NSF’s most prestigious and competi-

click on the appropriate links near

tive awards for junior researchers,

the bottom of the page.

robotic sensor networks and field

Applications include prediction and tracing of harmful algal blooms 32

Ren’s research will significantly

Ren explains that today’s “cognitive radio” — an intelligent wireless

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

recognizes those who exemplify

To access NSF award abstracts

e


Faculty, Staff Honored at Engineering Awards Luncheon

T

he College of Engineering honored faculty and staff members for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service at the 19th annual En-

Front row, left to right: Jeffrey S. Sakamoto, Rong Jin, Gaile Griffore, Pam Cosner, George C. Stockman, Tonghun Lee. Back row, left to right: Timothy Hogan, Bradley P. Marks, Charles Titus Brown, Roger B. Wallace.

gineering Awards Luncheon on March 26, 2009, at the University Club. Recipients of the Withrow Teaching Excellence Awards were: Brad-

ley P. Marks, professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering (third-time

Distinguished Scholar–Senior Award; and Rong Jin, associate professor of

recipient); Jeffrey S. Sakamoto, assistant professor of chemical engineering

computer science and engineering, received the Distinguished Scholar–

and materials science; Roger B. Wallace, associate professor of civil and

Junior Award.

environmental engineering (second-time recipient); Charles Titus Brown,

George C. Stockman, professor of computer science and engineering,

assistant professor of computer science and engineering; Timothy Hogan,

received the Withrow Exceptional Service Award; and Gaile Griffore, academic

associate professor of electrical and computer engineering; and Tonghun Lee,

adviser, mechanical engineering, received the Withrow Student Service

assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

Award. Pam Cosner, executive staff assistant to the dean, was the recipient of

Harold J. Schock, professor of mechanical engineering, received the

the Gloria Stragier Award for Dedicated and Creative Service.

e

faculty & staff notes Craig J. Gunn, senior

through his presentations at annual meetings,

and the impact on the environment. He was

academic specialist and

his service on the CED’s board of directors, and

also recently appointed to the editorial board

director of the mechanical

his work as editor of the newsletter. Gunn has

of the Web-based Thermopedia, an electronic

engineering department’s

published essays in numerous journals and

encyclopedia of heat and mass transfer. He is

communication program,

textbooks, and created the MSU course “Techni-

team leader for environmental systems.

recently received the MSU

cal Communication for Engineers.”

Distinguished Academic

In October 2008, at the 3rd International Conference on Heat and Mass Transfer in

Specialist Award. Gunn was recognized for

John R. Lloyd, University

Swirling Flows, which was held at the Moscow

his understanding of the challenges facing

Distinguished Professor of

Power Engineering Institute of the Russian

new students and for fostering engineering

mechanical engineering,

Academy of Sciences, Lloyd presented his

students’ improvement of oral and written com-

has been named chief

paper, “Ab-Initio Molecular Dynamic Study of

munication skills. Beyond the classroom, he has

editor of the International

Nano-scale Thermal Energy Transfer Across a

influenced his field through work on university-

Journal of Energy for a

Material Interface.” It was the first paper utilizing

wide committees and workshops, and through

Clean Environment, pub-

the ab-initio computational technique to study

his work with the Cooperative and Experiential

lished by Begell House Publishers. Under his

energy transfer. He was named Top Scientist

Education Division (CEED) of the American

leadership, the journal is expanding its scope to

at the conference and was made an honorary

Society for Engineering Education. He is widely

cover air-, water-, and earth-related studies of

member of the Department of Thermophysics

known and respected in the organization

the influence of alternative energy technology

of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute.


33

Six Engineering Faculty Named Fellows ix faculty members were recently named fellows in professional

S

■ Hayder Radha

the MSU Neuroscience Program. He

organizations. Leo Kempel, associate dean for research; Hayder

was elected a

received the College of Engineering

Radha, professor of electrical and computer engineering and ECE

fellow of the IEEE

Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award.

associate chair for research and graduate studies; and Juyang

“for contributions

He is editor in chief of the International

(John) Weng, professor of computer science and engineering, were

to visual coding,

Journal of Humanoid Robotics, a

named fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,

communications,

member of the executive board of the

Inc. (IEEE). The grade of fellow is one of the IEEE’s most prestigious

and networking”

international Neural Network Society,

honors. It recognizes unusual distinction in the profession and an

in November 2008. He serves on the

and associate editor of the new IEEE

extraordinary record of accomplishments in an IEEE field, bringing

editorial boards of IEEE Transactions on

Transactions on Autonomous Mental

significant value to society. Manoochehr Koochesfahani, associate

Multimedia and the journal Advances

Development.

dean for graduate studies and faculty development, was named a

in Multimedia. He is an elected mem-

fellow of the American Physical Society (APS); Neeraj Buch, professor

ber of the IEEE technical committees

intersection of computer science

of civil and environmental engineering, was elected a fellow of the

on Multimedia Signal Processing and

and engineering, brain science, and

American Concrete Institute (ACI); and Ranjan Mukherjee, professor of

Image and Multidimensional Signal

cognitive science, including the new

mechanical engineering, was elected a fellow of the American Society

Processing. He served as co-chair of the

multidisciplinary field of autonomous

of Mechanical Engineers.

ATM/LAN Video Coding Experts Group

mental development, with a goal

of the International Telecommunica-

of modeling how the human mind

tions Union.

develops and enabling machines and

■ Leo Kempel,

Radha is a professor of electrical

robots to develop autonomously. He

associate dean

and computer engineering and associate

is the author or coauthor of more than

for research, was

chair for research for his department.

two hundred research articles and book

elected a fellow

He holds 27 U.S. patents in the areas of

chapters on related subjects.

of the IEEE, effec-

wireless communications and network-

tive Jan. 1, 2009.

ing and image and video processing.

■ Manoochehr

He received this

He is a recipient of the Bell Labs Dis-

Koochesfahani,

prestigious honor in recognition of his

tinguished Member of Technical Staff

associate dean for

contributions to conformal antenna

Award, the MSU College of Engineering

graduate studies

design and electromagnetic composite

Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award,

and faculty devel-

materials. His research focuses on the

and the Microsoft Research Content and

opment, has been

general area of applied electromagnet-

Curriculum Award. He was appointed a

named a fellow of

ics with particular emphasis on confor-

Philips Research Fellow in 2000.

the American Physical Society (APS) for his “pioneering contributions to the de-

mal antennas, engineered materials, and measurement of electromagnetic

■ Juyang (John)

velopment of experimental techniques

properties of materials.

Weng, professor of

including laser induced fluorescence,

computer science

molecular tagging velocimetry and

member of the administrative com-

and engineering,

thermometry, and quantum dot imag-

mittee for the IEEE Antennas and

was named an

ing, and for his fundamental studies of

Propagation Society and the board of

IEEE fellow, effec-

turbulent mixing.”

Kempel has served as an elected

directors for the Applied Computational

34

His research interests lie in the

tive Jan. 1, 2009,

The APS, founded in 1899, is the

Electromagnetics Society. He was an as-

for his contributions to computer vision

largest organization of professional

sociate editor for the IEEE Transactions

and pattern recognition. Weng is a co-

physicists in the United States; it has

on Antennas and Propagation and is

founder of the Embodied Intelligence

46,000 members. Election to fellowship

an active reviewer for many scholarly

Laboratory and a member of the MSU

is limited to no more than one-half

publications.

Cognitive Science Program and of

of one percent of the membership.

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS ■

Sticklen Named New Director of Applied Engineering Sciences Program on Sticklen was appointed in December 2008 as the director of the Ap-

J

more effective. In 2003 he was one of the founding members

plied Engineering Sciences (AES) program. Sticklen has been an associate

of a study group on engineering erin ng education research. By

professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering,

2007 the group had received ed a grant to study the rela-

as well as a special assistant to the dean on instructional technology and

tionship between industriall ne needs eeds and college cur-

engineering education research, an assignment that will be formalized to

ricula on computational problem oble em solving. In 2008

“Coordinator for Engineering Education Research.”

the group was awarded a fivefive-year -year National

Sticklen originally wanted to be a high school mathematics teacher, but

Science Foundation grant aimed ime ed at increasing

instead pursued a bachelor’s degree in physics from The Ohio State University

retention in the MSU College ge of o Engineering

and completed a master’s degree in astrophysics at Columbia University. After

from its current value of roughly ugh hly 65 percent up to

employment in the areas of astronomy and physics, and a stint at his family’s

a value of 75 percent. “The new w grant is exciting,

farm in central Ohio, Sticklen returned to OSU where he received a master’s

and dovetails strongly with myy new duties as the

and PhD in computer science, specializing in artificial intelligence (AI).

director of the AES program.” m.” Sticklen admits his path h to o his current posi-

He came to MSU in 1987 as an assistant professor; much of his early work focused on AI. However, Sticklen says that one of his strongest lessons

tion is non-linear, but considers derrs his varied

from the research work was not on the technical side, but rather the people

background an asset: “I believe ieve that

side. “AI research is highly collaborative. Without strong collaborators, my

all that has gone before on myy

research paths during the ‘90s would not have been possible.”

life’s journey has prepared me e

By 1999 Sticklen had embarked on educational research aimed at learning more about what can be done to help early engineering education be

well to serve as the directorr of AES.”

Koochesfahani was recognized at the

national and international concrete

nonholonomic systems, space and

organization’s 61st Annual Division of

pavement committees and has held

mobile robots, haptic interfaces and

Fluid Dynamics Meeting in San Antonio,

leadership positions on ACI technical

robotic systems for tele-surgery and

Tex., in November 2008.

committees. A formal announcement

remote diagnostics, control of structural

of his election was made at the ACI

vibration, and control of rotors sup-

■ Neeraj Buch,

convention in March 2009 in San

ported by magnetic bearings.

professor of civil

Antonio, Tex.

Mukherjee has also educated and

and environmental

mentored many mechanical engineer-

engineering, was

■ Ranjan

ing students. These students are trained

elected a fellow

Mukherjee,

in a multidisciplinary field that allows

of the American

professor of me-

them to model, analyze, optimally

Concrete Institute

chanical engineer-

design, and implement mechanical sys-

in recognition of his contributions to the

ing, was elected

tems that utilize control and electronics.

work of ACI. The ACI citation praises

a fellow of the

Several of his doctoral and postdoctoral

American Society

students are faculty in universities in

Buch for “contributing to research and education in the field of concrete pave-

of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), effec-

ments.” His core research foci include

tive December 2008. Roughly 3 percent

analysis and design of innovative

of ASME’s members are elevated to

for the ASME Journal of Dynamic

pavement repair strategies, analysis and

fellow status. Mukherjee is recognized

Systems, Measurement, and Control

design of joints, performance modeling

for his significant contributions to

from 2001–07 and served on the IEEE

for distress prediction, and evaluation

advancements in the general area of

Control Systems Society Conference

of the impact of concrete material

mechatronic systems. His research has

Editorial Board from 2000–07. He was

properties on concrete pavement

covered both theory and applications

a recipient of the Fulbright Research

performance. He serves on numerous

to a wide range of problems, including

Scholarship in 2008.

the United States and other countries. He has been an associate editor

e


35

Percy Pierre Elected to National Academy of Engineering

P

ercy Pierre, vice president and

College of Engineering and Michigan

lege of Engineering at MSU, a program

professor emeritus of electrical

State University.”

that supports recruitment and retention

and computer engineering, has

Pierre is recognized as the first

of minority doctoral students. He has

African American to earn a doctorate in

counseled and helped support more

Academy of Engineering (NAE). Elec-

electrical engineering. After receiving his

than 30 individual minority students

tion to the academy is one of the high-

PhD from The Johns Hopkins University

pursuing doctoral degrees.

est professional distinctions accorded to

in 1967, he went on to hold a number

an engineer.

of administrative posts in government

been elected to the National

and higher education. He

Satish Udpa, dean of MSU’s College

served as a White House

of Engineering. “He has been at the

Fellow in the Executive Office

forefront in initiating and launching

of the President from 1969–70;

innovative programs for improving

as dean of the College of Engi-

access to higher education for students

neering at Howard University in

from underrepresented groups for a

Washington, DC, from 1971–77;

long time.”


and as assistant secretary of

Percy Pierre (far left) discusses class work with Leron Lightfoot, electrical engineering master’s student, and Solimar Reyes-Rodriguez (far right), electrical engineering doctoral student.

Pierre is among 65 new members

Pierre also recently received a

the Army for research, devel-

Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement

opment, and acquisition from

from the American Association for the

1977–81, where he had direct

Advancement of Science (AAAS), the

responsibility for the develop-

world’s largest general scientific society

ment of all Army weapons,

and publisher of the journal Science.

including the Abrams Tank,

The NAE is an independent,

the Patriot Air Defense Missile

nonprofit institution. Founded in 1964,

System, and the Apache

it operates under the congressional act

Attack Helicopter. In 1981, he

of incorporation that established the

was presented with the U.S.

National Academy of Sciences, which

Army’s Distinguished Service

was signed in 1863 by President Lincoln.

Award, the highest honor presented

The NAE provides leadership and guid-

and nine foreign associates honored for

to a civilian. Pierre also served as

ance to government on the application

outstanding contributions to engineer-

president of Prairie View A&M University

of engineering resources to social,

ing research, practice, or education. He

from 1983–89 and as vice president of

economic, and security problems.

is recognized for his service as assistant

research and graduate studies at Michi-

secretary of the Army for research

gan State University from 1990–95.

and development, contributions to

Beginning in the early 1970s, Pierre

NAE members are the nation’s premier engineers, elected by their peers for seminal contributions to

engineering education, and leadership

established many programs across the

engineering. Total U.S. membership is

in creating the national minority engi-

country, including Howard University’s

now 2,246 and the number of foreign

neering effort.

first doctoral programs in electrical

associates is 197.

“We are very pleased to see Percy

36

“For those of us who have known Percy, this award is not surprising,” says

and mechanical engineering, the

For more information about the

Pierre honored for his pioneering work

National Action Council on Minorities in

NAE, visit www.nae.edu/nae/naehome.

in engineering education, specifically

Engineering (NACME), and GEM — the

nsf. To learn more about Pierre’s work,

with underrepresented groups,” says

National Consortium for Graduate

go to www.egr.msu.edu/~pierre/. View

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon.

Degrees for Minorities in Engineering

a video interview at http://news.msu.

“This well-deserved honor brings dis-

and Science, Inc. In 1998, he started the

edu/story/5928/#.

tinction not only to Dr. Pierre, but to the

Sloan Engineering Program in the Col-

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

e — Laura Luptowski Seeley

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS ■

Venkatesh Kodur Named Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering

V

enkatesh Kodur, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the MSU Structural Fire Testing Facility,

has been elected a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE). This prestigious academy includes many of Canada’s most accomplished engineers, who have expressed their dedication to the application of science and engineering principles in the interests of the country and its enterprises. Being a fellow of the CAE is the highest honor for engineers in Canada. Kodur is one of the world’s leading experts on the effects of fire on has more than 18 years of experience in structural and fire engineering and spent 12 years at the National Research Council Canada just prior to coming to MSU. He was part of the FEMA/ASCE Building Performance Assessment team that investigated the collapse of the World Trade Center in 2001.


materials and structural systems. He

Members of the CAE are nominated and elected by their peers to

American Concrete Institute (ACI), has

honorary fellowships, in view of their

won many awards and was the only

self-governing, nonprofit organization

distinguished achievements and

non-American invited to be part of

that was established in 1987 to serve

career-long service to the engineering

the ASCE/FEMA expert’s team for the

Canada in matters of engineering

profession. Kodur’s citation reads: “Dr.

World Trade Center building investiga-

concern. It is an active member of the

Kodur has made significant contribu-

tion. He has transferred — through

International Council of Academies

tions and earned recognition for his

media interviews, keynote presenta-

of Engineering and Technological

research and development activities

tions, and blue ribbon panels — WTC

Sciences (CAETS), which involves 25

in structural, material, and fire areas.

investigation findings to the public, has

other leading countries. Total member-

He has published more than 200

raised the awareness of the engineer-

ship in CAE stands at 304; there are 112

technical papers, developed unique

ing profession, and has showcased

emeritus and 3 honorary members.

research programs in structural fire

the world-class research in Canada’s

safety at NRC Canada, trained graduate

institutions.”

students, and developed fire design

The CAE is an independent,

Venkatesh Kodur, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the MSU Structural Fire Testing Facility, stands atop the fire test furnace housed at the Civil Infrastructure Laboratory. The furnace is capable of testing loaded structural assemblies (such as columns, beams, and floor systems) under extreme fire conditions. The natural gas–fueled test furnace is capable of reaching temperatures in excess of 2,200°f.

For more about CAE, visit www. acad-eng-gen.ca/e/home.cfm. To learn

Kodur’s election will be formally

more about the Structural Fire Testing

guidelines that have been incorporated

announced at the academy’s 2009

Facility, go to www.egr.msu.edu/cee/

in many codes and standards. Dr.

Annual General Meeting and awards

research/fire_center.pdf. To view a

Kodur, a fellow of the American Society

ceremony to be held on Monday, July

video interview with Kodur, visit http://

of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the

13, 2009, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

spartanpodcast.com/?p=271.

e


37

■ FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

New Faculty Sixteen new faculty joined the College of Engi-

Lixin Dong has joined the

neering in 2008–09. The three most recent hires

Department of Electrical and

are listed here.

Computer Engineering as an assistant professor. His main

Chahal

Dong

Li

Prem Chahal has joined the Department of Elec-

research interests include nanorobotics, nanoelec-

serves as associate editor of the IEEE Transactions

trical and Computer Engineering as an assistant

tromechanical systems (NEMS), mechatronics,

on Nanotechnology and the IEEE Transactions on

professor. He received his PhD (1999) in electrical

mechnochemistry, and nanobiomedical devices.

Automation Science and Engineering.

engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology,

Prior to joining MSU in December 2008, Dong

and his MS (1994) and BS (1991), also in electrical

held a senior research scientist position at Swiss

Wen Li has joined the Department of Electrical

engineering, from Iowa State University. From

Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich,

and Computer Engineering as assistant professor.

2006 to 2008 Chahal held a senior research posi-

where he led the NanoRobotics Group in the

She received her PhD (2008) and MS (2004) in

tion at Abbott Laboratories, leading research in the

Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS).

electrical engineering from California Institute of

area of BioMEMS. Prior to that, Chahal served as

He became research associate in 1992, lecturer

Technology. Prior to that, Li studied at Tsinghua

a principal engineer at Raytheon, Dallas, leading

in 1995, and associate professor in 1998 at Xi’an

University and received an MS degree in micro-

research in the areas of Tearahertz (THz) tech-

University of Technology; assistant professor at

electronics (2003) and a BS degree in material

nologies, microsystems packaging, RF MEMS, and

Nagoya University in 2003; and research scientist

science and engineering (2001). Her research

nanoelectronics. In addition, he has held summer

in 2004 at ETH Zurich. He received the IEEE T-ASE

interests include MEMS/NEMS technologies and

internship positions at Motorola and BFGoodrich.

Googol Best New Application Paper Award in

systems, microsensors and actuators, biomimetic

Chahal’s current research interests include THz

2007, Best Conference Paper Award at the Inter-

devices and systems, microfluidic and lab-on-chip

technologies, microwave circuits, infrared sensors,

national Conference on Control Science and Engi-

systems, and microsystem integration and packag-

microsystems packaging, flex electronics, RF

neering (ICCSE2003), and has been a co-winner

ing technologies.

MEMS, and BioMEMS.

in the 2008 Nano Today Cover Competition. He

e

Goodman Named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year rik Goodman, professor in the Department

has mentored Rhodes Scholarship and Churchill

to its success and pro-

of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has

Scholarship recipients, as well as a National Sci-

duce well-prepared

received a Michigan Distinguished Professor

ence Foundation graduate fellowship recipient.

and intelligent gradu-

of the Year Award from the Presidents Council,

Goodman is the academic adviser for half of the

ates of Michigan’s 15 public universities. These

State Universities of Michigan. He is among three

honors students in the computer engineering

outstanding professors are actively involved in

recipients.

major. He also teaches the senior capstone design

developing the minds of Michigan’s future, and

course in electrical and computer engineering

they deserve recognition for their work.”

E

The award recognizes the outstanding contri-

The other two awardees are Eddie Cheng,

butions made by the faculty of Michigan’s public

(ECE), where he introduced industrial-sponsored

universities to the education of undergraduate

projects and public presentations at ECE Design

Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Oak-

students. Each of Michigan’s 15 public universities

Day. He places emphasis on guiding students

land University; and Steven Wright, Department of

was invited by the Presidents Council to nominate

into undergraduate research experiences, study

Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of

a faculty member who has had a significant

abroad, and enrollment in graduate classes.

Michigan–Ann Arbor.

“Higher education is one of the few good

impact on student learning through various mediums, including work in the classroom and

investments in these hard economic times,” said

student advising.

Michael Boulus, executive director of the Presi-

Goodman is recognized for helping to establish MSU as a leader in ecological modeling. He

38

currents magazine

This is the third year the awards have been presented. The Presidents Council hosted an awards

dents Council, State Universities of Michigan. “We

luncheon on May 14, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel

need to honor those who continue to contribute

in Lansing, Mich.

|

summer 2009

GOING GLOBAL ■

GOING GLOBAL

I

t’s no secret that globalization is having a major impact on the engineering profession. It’s “an ancient process that is speeding up and intensifying

in the 21st century,” according to Ron Rosenberg, College of Engineering associate dean for special initiatives. “Due to increased economic development and the growing ‘push-back’ of our environment, our professional practice is changing. This provides exciting systems for communication, energy, food, manufacturing, security, transportation, and water resources.” MSU’s College of Engineering wants to make sure it continues to


challenges in building sustainable global

produce successful engineering professionals and well-informed citizens who are able to meet these new challenges. In response, the college is offering a new course — egr 291, “Going Global” — which examines the intertwined

Urban Science is a global company that takes a scientific approach to helping companies identify where they should allocate resources in order to increase their market share and profitability in the most effective and efficient manner. Urban Science was on campus for the Engineering Expo, held in the Engineering Building on February 19, 2009. Suzanne DuBois (left), corporate recruiter, and Ellen Ellis, project manager, met with some of the nearly 1,000 students who attended to gain career information and explore opportunities for internships, co-ops, or full-time positions with the 75-plus companies that participated.

roles of economics, engineering, and student said, “This class has made me

ing ’78) and vice president of retail

Rosenberg, instructor for the new

interested in exploring more areas of

channel solutions for Urban Science.

course, which was piloted in fall 2008,

knowledge.” Another student thinks it

“In order to be competitive, companies

tells his class, “Globalization is econom-

should be a required course. Another

need to be able to conduct business in-

ically driven, engineering-enabled, and

says, “This course reached its goals of

ternationally. Even if your business oper-

environmentally constrained.” During

scientific literacy . . . I feel much more

ates in a single country, defending your

the semester, more than a dozen guest

confident in my presentation abilities

territory necessitates an appreciation

speakers increase the awareness of

and understand globalization to a great

of how the rest of the world operates,”

students about key globalization issues.

extent.”

says Frith. “Understanding how other

the environment.

The course also helps the students

According to Urban Science, a

develop useful working knowledge,

retail consulting firm headquartered in

spond to them will be critical to anyone

or literacy, in a professional learning

Detroit, Mich., which currently serves

who wants to contribute to the solution

environment. Students build two

clients in over 70 countries from its 13

of global problems. Based upon my

critical skill sets: systems thinking — a

global offices, it is critical that today’s

experience in Europe and Asia, people

framework for understanding complex

engineering students understand

without an international viewpoint soon

issues; and communication — active

globalization.

get left behind. In my opinion, any cur-

listening, presenting, teaming, and

”Just as environmental issues go

parts of the world view issues and re-

riculum without a globalization course,

networking. These are lifelong tools for

beyond country boundaries, the busi-

or at least specific content, cannot be

global professionals and citizens.

ness world is global as well,” says John

considered world class.”

After completing the course, one

Frith, MSU alumnus (BS civil engineer-

e



39

CLASS NOTES in memoriam

member of the Emmanuel Episcopal

■ Robert Shedd

Church in Petoskey, Mich.; Trinity-by-

(BS Mech Egr ’43)

the-Cove Episcopal Church in Naples;

of Grand Rapids,

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity; the

Mich., died August

American Society of Civil Engineers;

15, 2007. Robert

The Elks; Petoskey-Bay View Country

was active in the

Club; and Bear’s Paw Country Club of

■ Donald Hodg-

Naples.

kiss (BS Civ Egr

Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. The Shedd fam-

Don is survived by his wife of 53

ily was quite unique in its connections

’49) of Naples, Fla.,

years, Nancy; son Dan (Helen) of

with MSU: Robert’s father, Ward Shedd,

died November 12,

Saratoga, Wy.; daughter Laurie Egeland

graduated in 1902 and taught mechani-

2008, at the age

(John) of Grapevine, Tex.; son Tom

cal engineering in 1905; Robert’s brother

of 81. He was born

(Karen) of Madison, Wisc.; grandchil-

John graduated in 1941 and his brother

June 1927 in Evan-

dren Olivia Hodgkiss, T. J. Egeland,

Wilfred graduated in 1950 — both with

ston, Ill., to A. W. and Marian Hodgkiss.

and Natalie Hodgkiss; and several

bachelor’s degrees in mechanical

In 1938, the family moved to Petoskey

step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews,

engineering.

and his father, along with Bill Douma,

extended family, and friends. Don

started Hodgkiss & Douma, Inc., a

was preceded in death by his parents,

■ Robert Douglas (Doug) Trezise

paving and construction business. Don

brothers William and David, and daugh-

(BS Elec Egr ’49) of Owosso, Mich., died

graduated from Petoskey High School

ter Julie. A celebration of life is planned

November 26, 2008, at age 83. Born in

in 1945, entered the Army Air Corps,

for the summer of 2009 in Petoskey.

Wakefield, Mich., Trezise enrolled at MSU in 1942, enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal

and was discharged in late 1946. After graduating from MSU, he began work-

■ Robert N.

Corp in 1943, and returned to MSU after

ing for Hodgkiss & Douma in 1950; he

Rosso (BS Civ Egr

serving in the military and Civilian Corps

retired in 1986.

’44) of Traverse

in Germany. At MSU, Trezise was presi-

City, Mich., died

dent of his fraternity (Phi Kappa Tau),

Lansing, Mich., in 1955. He was involved

December 15,

president of Excalibur men’s honorary

with the Emmet County Planning

2008, at the age

society, president of the Interfraternity

Commission for many years. He was a

of 86.

Council, and national vice commander

Don married Nancy Kennedy in

of Pi Tau Pi Sigma. Doug worked as the Owosso district manager for Union Telephone

A Special Request from Julie M. Goss

Company from 1950–56, and as central division manager for General Telephone Company until 1970. He served

(Art) Goss, Jr. (BS Mech Egr ’50), who died on August 10, 1976, in

as councilman (1964–68) and mayor

Hartford, Conn. Julie, the youngest of his four children, writes: “I barely

(1968–70) of Owosso, and was elected

knew my father; he passed away when I was only seven years old.” Art married Jeannette A. Frankenstein after they met each other on the MSU campus. Upon graduation, he obtained a position at Combustion Engineering, a Chicago firm. Eventually, he was promoted/ transferred to the Windsor Locks, Conn., office. “I believe that he briefly served as an officer for the U.S. Army in Alaska in an engineering capacity

to the State House of Representatives

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE M. GOSS

J

ulie M. Goss is seeking information about her late father, Hugh Arthur

78th District in 1970 and 1972. From 1975 until his retirement in 1990, Doug was the deputy state treasurer for Michigan under Republican and DemoJeannette and Hugh Arthur (Art) Goss, Jr.

crat administrations. In the late 1970s

(literally keeping vehicles running and preventing them from freezing),”

he also served on the Engineering

Julie says. He loved golf and was known to be playing 18 holes while two of his children were born! He is survived

Alumni Association Board for the MSU

by four children and six grandchildren; a great-grandson is due September 12.

College of Engineering.

If you knew Art, Julie would like to hear from you. What was he like as a classmate/study partner/friend?

He was preceded in death by his

What hobbies/interests did he have? Did any other ’50s alumni work with him at Combustion Engineering or

wife of 57 years, Barbara, in 2007; and

serve with him during his brief time in the military? Did any gals recall dating him prior to his meeting Jeannette?

daughter Sara in 2005. Doug is survived

Does anyone remember Jeannette A. Frankenstein from Evanston, Ill. (she died April 8, 1990)? You may contact

by 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and

Julie at (971) 322-8575 or [email protected].

1 great-grandchild, including 6 MSU graduates and 3 current MSU students.

40

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

CLASS NOTES ■

class notes 1960s

■ Michael S.

the Illinois Section

Sacks (BS ’81, MS

of the American

’83, Egr Mechanics),

Society of Civil

the John A. Swan-

Engineers (ASCE),

son Endowed Chair

effective Novem-

in the Departments

ber 2008 through November 2009.

of Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering/Materials

The section covers all of Northern

Science, and Civil Engineering at

Illinois and consists of more than 3,500

the University of Pittsburgh, recently

members. In addition, he has been

received the Van C. Mow Medal from

named to the ASCE National Transpor-

the American Society of Mechanical

tation Policy Committee.

Engineers (ASME) Bioengineering Divi-

Gorski is a registered professional

sion. He is recognized “for contributions

engineer in Illinois, Michigan, and

in advancing biomechanics of native

Pennsylvania, and has more than 14

and engineered heart valve tissues; and

years of experience that ranges from

leadership in the development of the

preliminary engineering; to develop-

bioengineering profession, service to

ment of plans, specifications, and

■ Constantine Demos (BS Civ Egr

its community, and inspired guidance

estimates for transportation, water, and

’66) of Houston, Tex., recently co-wrote

of young bioengineers.” In 2008, Sacks

solid waste projects; to construction.

and published a book with his brother,

was the recipient of the Chancellor’s

He has been involved with the Illinois

Steven S. Demos, MD, titled The Tradi-

Distinguished Research Award from the

Section of ASCE for nine years. In

tion Continues—Spartan Football. For

University of Pittsburgh. An ASME fellow,

October 2006 he was named Young

more information about the book or to

he is considered a world-class leader in

Engineer of the Year, and in April 2008

purchase it, visit www.msufpatraditions-

heart valve tissue mechanics. Scientific

was elected to the Local School Coun-

book.com. All proceeds from the sale

American named him as one of its top

cil for Newton Bateman Elementary in

of the book are being donated to MSU

50 researchers of 2006 for his seminal

Chicago.

for its football program.

work on the biomechanics of biological scaffolds for cardiac regeneration.

1980s

2000s

1990s

Krug (BS Civ Egr

Richards (BS

■ Steven Debban, PE, LEED AP (BS

’06 ), a staff engi-

Systems Sci ’80)

Civ Egr ’96) returned to work for RW

neer in the Kalama-

recently moved

Armstrong in Chantilly, Va., in February

zoo, Mich., office of

to a new position

2008. The company had previously

Soil and Materials

with Monsanto in

hired him immediately after graduation.

St. Louis, Mo., as

He is now a senior project manager

was elected to the board of directors of

vice president of Enterprise Information

working on civil engineering projects.

the American Society of Civil Engineers

Technology (IT). Previously he was with

While the emphasis of his experience

(ASCE) Southwest Michigan Branch.

Ford Motor Company as a director of IT,

is in domestic airport design, his recent

Krug has approximately three years of

and before that was with IBM Corpora-

experiences are as diverse as a U.S.

experience and specializes in geotech-

tion, which he joined immediately after

Navy dock renovation in Panama City,

nical and materials engineering ser-

graduation from MSU. He was married

Fla., and runway pavement rehabilita-

vices, including subgrade evaluations,

in Oslo, Norway, to his wife, Annele,

tion in Abu Dhabi. At his previous job,

foundation design recommendations,

and has four children and three dogs.

Debban worked on the new fourth run-

vibro-compaction, retaining walls, and

He is an active motorcyclist. He also

way at Washington Dulles International

chemical and permeation grouting. He

serves as an adviser to a nonprofit

Airport, which was commissioned in

is also experienced in construction ma-

initiative with MIT to provide accessible

November 2008.

terials services related to building enve-

■ Michael

■ Charlie D.

simulations of climate dynamics that

Engineers, Inc.,

lopes, coatings, roofing, waterproofing,

foster understanding and action to

■ Robert Gorski, PE (BS Civ Egr

reinforcing steel, concrete foundations,

improve environmental health.

’94) has been named president of

and asphalt pavements.

e


41

■ ALUMNI NEWS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NASA

Materials Science Alum’s Experiments on International Space Station

K

im K. de Groh (van den Ende) (BS BS ’85, aterials MS ’87 Materials Sci) is a senior materials n Center research engineer with NASA Glenn in Cleveland, Ohio, conducting research

on the durability of spacecraft materials. She currently has three experiments, including the Stressed PEACE Polymers experiment, up on the

International Space Station (ISS), to be retrieved during shuttle mission STS-128 (August 2009), and four experiments to be taken to ISS during STS-129, manifested for this November. Her experiments are part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE), a series of flight experiments attached to the exterior of ISS. 42

e

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) 6A & 6B; deployed March 22, 2008 (STS-123). A close-up of MISSE 6A & 6B on-orbit, shortly after deployment, with the Stressed PEACE Polymers experiment highlighted; additional close-up photo of the sample trays added to show detail.

ALUMNI NEWS ■

PHOTOS BY HARLEY J. SEELEY / MSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

left to right: William C. Taylor, professor emeritus, civil and environmental engineering; Kin Keung Lai (PhD civil engineering ’77), Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award recipient; Jeffrey Riedinger, JD, PhD, dean of International Studies and Programs; Claire Brender, director of international alumni relations; and Stephen Wong (BA marketing ’96), president of the MSU Alumni Club of Hong Kong.

Two Alumni Receive MSU International Awards

K

in Keung Lai (PhD civil engineering ’77) and Mamud Dako (BS chemical engineering ’08) were among 13 individuals honored at the 2009 International Awards Ceremony for their contributions to international studies at MSU. The awards, presented each year by MSU’s International Studies and

Programs, recognize individuals who have had a significant impact on the advancement of international scholarship, teaching, public service, outreach, or education throughout their careers. The awards ceremony and reception were held on April 1. Lai received the Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award in recognition of his compassion, determination, enthusiasm, and empathy for the underprivileged. After earning his degree at MSU, Lai returned to Hong Kong where he spent six years in private industry before joining the faculty of the City University of Hong Kong, where he is presently a chaired professor and acting head of the department of management science. Lai was an organizer of the Caring for Children Foundation — a successful charitable foundation serving poor and disadvantaged children in China — and has served as its deputy chairman since 1995. Instrumental in raising $4 million for relief from the 2008 earthquake, Lai continues to raise funds for the reconstruction of schools. Dako received one of six Homer Higbee International Education Awards, cited for his “amazing record as an engaged student leader” and his “impressive success in the classroom.” He is a first-year graduate student in MSU’s Department of Packaging and president of the International Students Association (ISA). Under his leadership, the ISA has continued its trajectory as a powerfully influential student organization. Dako is also an assistant residence hall director, a graduate research assistant, and a regular volunteer with international student orientations.

e

left to right: Peter Briggs, director of the Office for International Students and Scholars; Mamud Dako (BS chemical engineering ’08), Homer Higbee International Education Award recipient; and Amber Arashiro, program coordinator for the Office for International Students and Scholars.


43

MSU’s LinkedIn . . . Now What?

I

>> John Hill, Alumni Career Services Director, MSU Alumni Association

pose the ques-

comfort of their computers.

tion often, “You

(including thousands of engineering

The power of LinkedIn is in

alumni). That’s a small slice of the

have a profile

connectivity and its huge capacity for

nearly 460,000 MSU alumni nationally.

on LinkedIn,

networking. Imagine having a database

However, the growth of the site in the

you’re using

with 40 million users, the vast majority

last year (it has tripled in size since

LinkedIn, but are

of which are college-educated in white

summer of 2007) portends even

you really utilizing

collar professions, with which you can

greater numbers.

it to further your career?”

slice and dice data in any number of

MSU Alumni Career Services has

Invariably, the answer is no.

ways. Want to see the number of jobs

incorporated the site into its one-to-one

LinkedIn.com, an online profes-

available in Chicago (75,802 on May

career counseling with alumni; we show

sional network with over 40 million

19, 2009), number of MSU alumni in

them how to look for jobs on LinkedIn.

users, is fast becoming one of the most

C-Level positions in Tempe, Arizona

Through this service, we are able to

important career development tools

(333), or the percentage of TechSmith

show alumni who’s connected to those

ever invented. Human resource depart-

employees who graduated from MSU

jobs (by searching profiles by company

ments vet candidates. Sales profession-

(42 percent)? LinkedIn.com affords you

name); connect them to affiliations

als uncover qualified leads. Business

the opportunity to do so.

(by searching profiles by company

owners compare and contrast vendors. All of this is accomplished from the

Currently, there are roughly 85,000 MSU alumni with a profile on LinkedIn

name and keywords like Michigan State University); and then walk them through

How Are You Connected?

T

he College of Engineering has embraced

news items. The Center for Spartan Engineer-

social media to help you stay connected.

ing manages and distributes information

ence on YouTube with 25 videos on interview-

Wherever you are, we hope to be there

through this network.

ing, work life, and other tips.

with you. Choose one or choose them all; we

■

■

YouTube. Spartan Career Services has a pres-

Blogs. Two engineering students are also

hope you’ll choose to stay connected to MSU

Alumni and keep track of upcoming events

blogging — one is blogging about her experi-

Engineering.

and news articles about engineering, or

ence looking for her first job after graduation

interact with fellow alumni, students, and

and moving to a new area, and the other is

LinkedIn. In addition to the LinkedIn group

college faculty and staff. If you are a CSE

detailing his experience on an international

— MSU Engineering Alumni — there are also

grad, you might also want to be a fan of the

assignment.

LinkedIn groups for our Career Peers and for

Michigan State University Computer Science

students (and employers) who participate in

and Engineering page.

■

Interested in connecting? Visit the College of

Alum-Net. The college maintains its own net-

Engineering home page at www.egr.msu.edu for

Twitter. Follow SpartanEngineer on Twitter

work, Alum-Net, offering yet another means

links to all these sites and get connected to your

and receive job notices, tips for your job

to connect and reconnect with friends and

College of Engineering.

search, information on upcoming events, and

colleagues.

the MSU Corporate Spring Break program. ■

44

Facebook. Be a fan of MSU Engineering

■

currents magazine

■

|

summer 2009

— Mary Mertz-Smith

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI NEWS ■

Davison Gift Supports Agnes McCann Legacy the first contact with those affiliations

Essentially we’ve employed a “Spartan

T

helping Spartan” model that if done

only provided general support and motherly advice when students questioned

correctly ends in an MSU-related job

whether they could survive the rigorous curriculum, but also offered advice on

seeker being internally referred within

which classes to take when. “I owe her a big thanks,” Davison said.

through informational interviewing (i.e., playing into the intrinsic value of giving back to another MSU alumnus to gain insight into a desired job or company).

their desired career destination by an

he impetus for giving often comes from early experiences. For or Sam n MSU staff Davison (BS mechanical engineering ’53), Agnes McCann, an

member, provided the motivation to support Michigan State University. 917 to 1962, As secretary to the dean of the College of Engineering from 1917

McCann worked with literally thousands of students over the years. She not

Like many college students, Davison took a while to choose a major. It

MSU-related employee working at said

chanical wasn’t until the beginning of his junior year that he decided on mechanical

company.

orker for Mcengineering. He was fortunate to also be employed as a student worker

This is just one of the many ways

Cann at that time. “I had a lot of credits, but not enough in engineering. When

to utilize this online presence. Many

I was at MSU, we could pre-register. She (McCann) gave me the optimum

alumni just want to reconnect with

classes,” Davison said.

friends and colleagues and, fortunately,

Because of McCann’s help, and Davison’s hard work, he became a main-

LinkedIn.com provides that opportunity

tenance test pilot in the Air Force and went on to become a chief engineer at

as well. Through a “Groups” function,

General Electric, designing many different types of engines for 37 years. His

people with like interests can connect

accomplishments earned him a place in the Propulsion Hall of Fame for his

their profiles together. As of May 19,

design work on the CFM 56 while at GE.

2009, there were 146 LinkedIn.com

Upon exploring the idea of supporting Michigan State University, Davison

groups associated with Michigan State

was pleased to learn of the existing Agnes McCann Memorial Student Endow-

University, including the MSU Alumni

ment, which pays tribute to her legacy. The endowment provides critical

Association (with 11,000 members),

support for undergraduate activities in the College of Engineering, including

regional groups like MSU Alumni Club

academic initiatives, student programs, and tuition support. As with all endow-

of Metro Chicago (814 members), or

ments, the principal of the gift is continually preserved and a percentage of the

college-affiliated groups like Michigan

interest income is spent annually.

State University Engineering (470 members).

The College of Engineering was delighted to learn of another graduate’s appreciation for Agnes McCann with a gift to the endowment that honors her.

And all of this is free!

Dean Satish Udpa remarked, “Agnes McCann was unforgettable to the students

So if you have a dormant profile or

and staff who were privileged to have known her. She touched many lives and

have never registered, these are some

we are pleased that Sam Davison chose to pay tribute to her dedicated service

helpful approaches to motivate you to

with his gift.”

utilize and engage the MSU networks

To read more reminiscences about Agnes McCann, see pages 46–49 in

and relationships waiting for you on

this issue of Currents Magazine. For more information on the Agnes McCann

LinkedIn.com.

Memorial Student Endowment or to support the MSU College of Engineering,

John Hill may be reached at www. msualum.com or by phone at (517) 355-7698.

e

contact Senior Director of Development Stephen Bates at (517) 355-8339.

e

— From the spring 2009 issue of Developments, a newsletter produced by University Development, highlighting recent gifts to MSU.


45

RESPONSES TO ■ Richard L. Herrick (BS Mech Egr ’56) of Holt, Mich., writes: “The ‘woman in control’ sure looks like Miss Agnes ‘Aggie’ McCann. I worked for her at Olds Hall when I was a sophomore.” ■ Bill Cleary (BS Mech Egr ’52) of East Lansing, Mich., writes: “It was really great to see Agnes McCann’s picture on the back cover of your magazine. The way she is holding the tiller is symbolic editor’s note: When we ran this photo on the back cover of the previous issue of Currents (Vol. 8, No. 2, Winter 2008/09), we had scanned the image from a photocopy because we did not have the original print. When we brought the scanned image up on the computer screen to rerun it here, we discovered that the original photo must have been flipped — because in the distant background of the photo we noticed a piece of equipment that contains the old Shell logo, and the word “SHELL” was backwards. So the image above is the correct orientation of the photo. This revelation confirms what Doug Harvey (BS ’49, MS ’51, PhD ’55 Mech Egr) writes in his response on page 49 — that “all early automobiles were driven from the right side.” This, indeed, makes Aggie McCann the “woman in control”!

of the way she kept the College of Engineering on an even keel during the forties, fifties, and beyond. She was truly an angel to all engineers and I never knew of any problem she would not let me use it digit number. Now I hear they are up to seven digits. I worked for USDA Agricultural Research Service doing mechanical harvesting of

■ Ron Flinn (BS Civ Egr ’60), currently assistant vice president for MSU’s physical plant, writes: “I believe the ‘woman in control’ is Aggie McCann, aka the ‘engineer’s friend.’ She was

■ Dale Marshall (BS ’60, MS ’75,

fruits and vegetables research in Farrall

officially the secretary to the engineer-

Agric Egr) of Holt, Mich., was the first

Hall from 1969 to 1997, when USDA

ing dean, but functioned at least at the

to respond. He writes: “You asked for

transferred me to Georgia. During 28

level of an assistant dean.”

the identity of the ‘woman in control’

years at MSU, I hired 85 students. The

of the (Olds?) car on the back cover of

experience they gained proved valuable

■ Don F. Schimmel (BS Mech Egr

the winter 2008/09 Currents Magazine.

when they went into the work force.”

’52) of West Bloomfield, Mich., writes:

She looks to me like the secretary of

The American Society of Agricultural

“How about that. Agnes McCann is in

the ME department of the fifties. She

and Biological Society recently awarded

the driver’s seat and is in control of

handled our course registration, etc.

Marshall a 50-year certificate of mem-

the engineering school. Along for the

For me, that was 1956–1960. Her name

bership.

ride is Dean Lorin G. Miller. I had a few

might have been Agnes McCann . . .

editor’s note: Dale Marshall also

sessions with Ms. McCann (never call

poses this teaser: “Does anyone know

her Aggie or Agnes) to discuss what I

short course in agricultural engineering.

the story behind Agriculture Hall and

would have to do to graduate; it prob-

I lived in B-32 Wells Hall (the second

the east section of the building that

ably would have been easier to talk to

Wells Hall). The first Wells Hall was de-

currently extends into the parking lot

the dean!

stroyed by fire earlier; so all six building

area? Do you know who occupied it in

sections of the second Wells Hall were

the ’30s and ’40s, and why it was torn

taken in the two-story lab, which

separated with a firewall. You had to go

down and rebuilt?” If anyone knows

was attached to and directly behind

outdoors to go into another section.

anything about this, please contact us

Olds Hall. This building had a lot of

at [email protected] or call us at

machinery on the main floor and had

(517) 432-1303.

a balcony that ran around the second

I started in 1953 with an eight-week

In 1953 I had a five-digit student number. When I returned in 1956 they 46

couldn’t resolve!”

and gave me a new six-

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

This picture appears to have been

“LOOKING BACK” level. Students learned to run tests

Tire (now Continental Tire) before

on various machines, such as steam

retiring in 2002.

engines and air compressors.” of Denver, Colo., writes: “The woman

Civ Egr), a consulting engineer from

in the ‘Looking Back’ picture looks to

Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: “I enjoyed

me as if it could be Aggie McCann!

the recent issue of Currents. I noticed

She was the ‘leader’ of the engineer-

on the back page you asked who the

ing department when I came back

woman in the picture was. To me the

from WWII in 1943. She was quite the

name Agnes McCann came to mind

gal!” Stephens worked 33 years for

right away. As I recall, she was the

Commonwealth Associates, Inc. (and

secretary to the dean of engineering

subsequent companies) in Jackson,

when I was there in 1951.”

Mich., before retiring in 1980.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLETON H. MUSSON

■ Bill Stephens (BS Elec Egr ’48) ■ Loyd E. Winer, PE (BS ’52, MS ’57

■ Keith Hunt (BS Chem Egr;

■ Mel Dean (BS Civ Egr ’43) of Grand

originally class of 1944, but graduated

Rapids, Mich., writes: “The gal at the

upon returning from WWII in 1947) of

wheel looks an awful lot like ‘Dean’

Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: “I am quite

Aggie!” He provides the following

ably Dean Miller and Aggie McCann.

sure that the woman is Agnes McCann,

caption: “How the heck did they get

Since I retired to Florida, I am keeping

administrative assistant in the school of

that contraption started without a

busy constructing scenery for the local

engineering. I worked for her part-time

computer?”

Venice theater.”

as a student in 1942–43. I think the man ■ Vern Nelson (BS Elec Egr ’52), CEO

■ Harry W. Rapp (BS Chem Egr

of Nelson Publishing, Inc., in Nokomis,

’43) of Bradenton, Fla., writes: “It has

■ Paul Shoemaker (BS Mech Egr ’60;

Fla., writes: “The ‘woman in control’ is

been a long time since I graduated,

MS Applied Mech ’61) of Akron, Ohio,

Agnes McCann and her passenger is

but my guess is the lady at the controls

writes: “I think the picture on the back

Lorin G. Miller, dean of engineering.

is a wonderful friend of engineering

cover is Aggie McCann and Dean Ryder.

I worked in the engineering office

students and to us the ‘Mother’ of all

while a student and had the privilege

engineers — Aggie McCann. It looks like

you really outdid yourself this time! I

of knowing Agnes McCann. She was

she’s in one of the engineering labs in

got a huge kick out of the GOLD Club

an incredible professional with a very

her ‘Merry Oldsmobile.’”

article, especially Dick McCormick’s

caring nature for MSU Engineering and

Diff EQ class and Gerald Skellenger’s

its students. Thanks for including this

■ Carleton H. Musson, PE (BS Elec

Tau Beta Pi initiation. Our Pi Tau Sigma

photo from the past.” Nelson says that

Egr ’50) of Tabernacle, N.J., writes: “The

initiation problem was to calculate

his company publishes magazines for

photo is of Agnes McCann at the tiller,

the time a Carnot cycle engine would

those in the manufacturing, electronics

and I believe Dean Miller is passenger.”

power the street lamps on Grand River

engineering, information technology,

His suggested caption: “Let’s take a spin

Avenue using the steam generated

and healthcare industries.

around Circle Drive!” Musson submitted

is Dean Lorin Miller.”

“This was a great issue of Currents;

this 1952 photo (above) of Dean Miller

from a water reservoir the size of the ■ Marvin M. Schumann (BS Chem

(center) with L. P. Towsley, the first chief

Egr ’44) of Venice, Fla., writes: “The two

engineer of WKAR-TV, and Musson (far

dustry for most of his career — 15 years

people in the ‘Looking Back’ photo in

right, peering into the camera), the

for Uniroyal and 22 years with General

the latest Currents Magazine are prob-

first technical supervisor of WKAR-TV. >>

Capitol’s dome.” Shoemaker worked in the tire in-


47

Musson was director of engineering of

touch while I was at the Seabee em-

writes: “This lovely lady helped me ar-

RCA Broadcast Equipment Division in

barkation base at Port Hueneme and

range all my classes to fit my schedule.

Camden, New Jersey, before retiring.

also while I was stationed on Amchitka

I would title this photo: ‘You won’t

in the Aleutian Islands. She sent me

find anyone better to give you precise

■ James R. Carr, PE (BS Civ Egr ‘50)

copies of the engineering publica-

directions to reach your lifetime goals.’”

of Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: “The

tions — including Spartan Engineer

picture on the back of the magazine

— along with copies of cartoons about

■ Carl W. Hall (PhD Agric Egr ’52),

is Aggie McCann, with Dean Loren

engineers. Sure helped the days and

of Arlington, Va., writes: “As a person

G. Miller, PE. It is fitting that Aggie is

months pass by.

who knew and worked (as a graduate

the ‘woman in control’ as she steered

Thanks for the opportunity to

the direction of the engineering

respond to your fine magazine.”

1951–70) with both individuals pictured on the back of the winter 2008/09

school for so many years. Aggie was a great help to me from 1946 to 1950,

■ Bill Harring (BS Mech Egr ’51) of

issue of Currents Magazine, and to

when I was an undergraduate in civil

Madison, Wisc., says that he worked in

let you know that I read the magazine

engineering. What a joy to fight our

the girls’ dorm serving three meals a

cover to cover, I submit the following:

way through registration with a slip

day, worked in a Lansing car wash on

Agnes McCann, secretary to the dean,

prepared by Aggie that was accepted

Saturday mornings, split an evening

is the woman in control; Lorin Miller,

by all as the gold standard of class

shift (four hours) at REO Motors in

then dean of engineering, is her pas-

assignments.

Lansing, and still found time to go

senger. As for a humorous caption?

out for football his freshman year. He

‘Eyes forward with satisfaction,’ or ‘Lady

called me back in service due to the

transferred from chemistry to mechani-

with her hand on the tiller looking to

Korean ‘conflict’ and Aggie kept in

cal engineering after his first year. He

the future.’”

After graduation, the Seabees

Let

student and faculty member — from

us hear from you!

name (including maiden name)

The College of Engineering and your former classmates are interested in you. Please keep everyone informed. Fill out this form (please type or print clearly) and return it along with any photos, news clips, or press releases to: Currents Magazine, Office of Publications and Public Relations, 3412 Engineering Building, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1226; or contact us at [email protected].

update

street address

city / state / zip

is this a new address?

e-mail address *

telephone

class

degree

■ yes

■ no

occupation / job title

employer

business street address * business city / state / zip

48

*

currents magazine

|

summer 2009

■ yes. publish my e-mail address so classmates can get in touch with me. ■ no. do not publish my e-mail address.

RESPONSES TO “LOOKING BACK” ■

■ Doug Harvey (BS ’49, MS ’51, PhD

■ Paul Fair (BS Elec Egr ’50) of

ger seat. Miss Agnes McCann was the

’55, Mech Egr) of Sterling Heights, Mich.,

Traverse City, Mich., correctly identified

power behind the throne in the office

writes: “The driver is, of course, Dean

the woman in the photo as Aggie Mc-

of the dean of engineering at that time

Miller and the passenger is Agnes Mc-

Cann, and says that he worked for her

and for many years before and after.

Cann. All early automobiles were driven

for a couple of years. He believes the

In 1947 the college was being

from the right side. R. E. Olds gave the

setting is the Power Lab in Olds Hall.

overwhelmed by the returning wave of

car — a 1901 Oldsmobile —

He says about the most recent issue

veterans enrolling under the GI Bill. In

to the school of engineering in 1948

of Currents Magazine: “Great issue,

that year L. G. Miller was head of the

or 1949. A group of students from

nice publication, well put together; our

mechanical engineering department.

mechanical engineering got it running

compliments.”

He so sorely needed teachers that he

and drove it around campus. It would

hired me as an instructor without so

run a few hundred yards then stop. We

■ John T. McCall (MS Civ Egr ’51),

much as a personal interview. I served

would clean out the sediment from the

of Hanover, N.H., writes: “Who else

on the faculty from 1947 until 1959,

fuel line, crank it back to life, and drive

but Dean Miller and Miss (Agnes)

approximately half the time in the

it farther. When my turn came to drive,

McCann.” His caption: “Beam me up,

mechanical engineering department

the fuel line was clear, allowing me to

Aggie. MSU Engineering is taking off!”

and the latter half of the time in the

drive perhaps three or four miles. It

McCall was a faculty member from

applied mechanics department. At the

was later driven to Lansing and back,

1947–59.

time I left to take the position of head

perhaps in a parade. There was a story

of mechanical engineering at Drexel,

about the car, which may or may not be

■ Herb Mitson (BS Mech Egr ’51)

the dean of engineering at MSU was

correct. As I remember, the car was as-

of Bedford, Ohio, writes: “I think that

John Ryder.

sembled from parts in 1904 when Olds

the ‘woman in control’ is Agnes Mc-

realized he did not have a 1901 model.

Cann, the dedicated person in charge

exciting one to be at Michigan State

Olds was not sure that it would even

of keeping the grading records for

in terms of growth — academically

run and was surprised when it did. The

engineering students. Her passenger

and athletically. The college achieved

fact that there was sediment in the gas

is Lorin G. Miller. They are seated in an

university status, became a member

tank does not support this account.

R. E. Olds early model gas buggy.”

of the Big Ten, and had a national

The period 1947 to 1959 was an

championship football team coached

Engineering Power Lab (as seen in the

■ Winfield Himman (BS Egr–No Pref

by ‘Biggie’ Munn. I feel very fortunate

picture) and was covered with a cloth

’35) of Mesa, Az., correctly identified

to have participated in, and to have

when Olds came to see it. He was

Aggie McCann and Dean Miller. He says

contributed to, that growth.”

allegedly outraged and complained to

he remembers the car well.

The car was in the Mechanical

■ Mindy Swartz of Laingsburg,

someone in administration. He asked that it be placed in a glass enclosure in

■ Jack B. Ridenour (BS Mech Egr

Mich., provided the following caption:

the museum. It was there when I last

’48) of Lansing, Mich., writes: “I believe

“When you told me to work on my golf

saw it. Where is it now?”

the picture is of Miss Aggie McCann

grip, that you had a surprise for me,

and Dean Miller, our beloved head

I never guessed . . . !” While Mindy is

anything about what happened to this

of the engineering school in the ’40s.

not an MSU alum, her husband, Paul,

car, please contact us at editor@egr.

Aggie McCann was always ‘steering the

is (BS forestry ’74), and her daughter,

msu.edu or call us at (517) 432-1303.

boat.’” Ridenour retired from Oldsmo-

Ashley, will be in 2011 (she is currently

bile Div., GMC.

an MSU undergraduate in mechanical

editor’s note: If anyone knows

■ Robert S. Rowland (BS Mech

engineering, specializing in biome-

Egr ‘50) of Augusta, Ga., writes: “You

■ Samuel Mercer, Jr. (MS Mech

chanical engineering). Paul is currently

asked who the woman is in the photo;

Egr ’50) of Media, Pa., writes: “The

the MSU campus arborist in Landscape

I presume you have several answers

photograph shown dates back to what

Services; Ashley is a Von Ehr Scholar

by now. I’d say it’s Aggie McCann, ME

I believe to be the early 1950s. Miss

and a soccer player. “I read Currents

department secretary for many years,

Agnes McCann is in the driver’s seat

Magazine to stay on top of what is

including ’46–’50, when I was there.

of one of the earliest Oldsmobiles and

going on in the College of Engineer-

She was loved by all and very helpful.”

Dean Loren G. Miller is in the passen-

ing,” says Mindy.

e


49

Office of the Dean College of Engineering 3410 Engineering Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1226

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID East Lansing, MI Permit No. 21

■ L00KING BACK

This photo of Herman K. Vedder appeared in the 1911 yearbook (which was called The Wolverine at the time). Can anyone tell us more about this photo? Contact us at [email protected].