They will move on to San Diego, California, May 19-23 for the second stage of the competition. They will give final presentations from the technical, business and communications teams.

Fourteen Purdue students and three faculty are representing the EcoMakers team at the competition. Gary Bertoline, dean of the College of Technology, visited the team and watched some of the competition unfold late this week.

Purdue University is one of 15 North American schools participating in EcoCAR 2: Plugging in to the Future, a three-year competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors (GM), that offers students real-world experience in an effort to educate the next generation of automotive engineers. EcoCAR 2 challenges university students to reduce the environmental impact of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, donated by GM, without compromising performance, safety and consumer acceptability.

Purdue’s competitors include: California State University – Los Angeles, Colorado State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, University of Victoria, University of Washington, University of Waterloo, Virginia Tech and Wayne State University.

Keep up with the competition with updates from:

• Purdue ecoMakers Facebook page
• EcoCAR2 Green Garage blog
• EcoCAR 2 Twitter updates (#ecocar2)

The 2013 student leadership honors were awarded to Erika Healy and Jennifer Kirschner.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leadership award

Associate Dean Jamie Mohler congratulates Erika Healy on receiving the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leadership Award.

Erika Healy, a junior from Hammond, Ind., is majoring in manufacturing engineering technology. She has been a member of the CoT Ambassadors, vice president of the Minority Technology Association and a member of the Dean’s Undergraduate Advisory Council. She served as a tutor in the BEST program and was mentor chair for Women in Technology. Outside of Purdue, Erika volunteers at the YWCA.

Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership award

Associate Dean Jamie Mohler congratulates Jennifer Kirschner on receiving the Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award.

During her time as a Purdue graduate student in the Department of Aviation Technology, Jennifer Kirschner, from Windsor, Conn., has established herself as an effective teacher and researcher. She has produced high quality publications and presentations, taught classes that have received very favorable end of course critiques, and provided leadership for a wide variety of student, university and professional organizations. Jennifer is focused on a tenure-track academic career with an active research agenda.

by Joseph Fuehne, director, Purdue College of Technology at Columbus

May 20 is observed annually around the world as World Metrology Day and commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. This treaty provides the basis for a coherent measurement system worldwide. Because the Purdue College of Technology at Columbus has a well-equipped metrology lab that serves as a resource for students and local industry in our region and state, we will be celebrating World Metrology Day.

Most of us don’t recognize the importance that metrology plays in our lives. First of all, it has nothing to do with the weather. Metrology is the science of measurement, and most of us rely on measurement devices every day. We make decisions based on measurement results, such as pushing the brake pedal when the speed is over the limit or cutting down on sweet food if our blood sugar level is too high. The price of much of what we buy is calculated from measurements — electricity, water, food, fuel, to name a few.

When you buy gas, how do you know for sure that you’re actually receiving the volume of gas indicated on the pump? Each state has a division or bureau of weights and measures. In Indiana, the Weights and Measurements program is under the auspices of the Indiana State Department of Health. Every county in Indiana has a weights and measures inspector whose job is to ensure that when a gas pump indicates that it has pumped 12.4 gallons of gas that it actually has pumped that amount. Every gas pump in the state should have a sticker from the Indiana Weights and Measures division that indicates the last time it was calibrated and approved. These checks should occur on a regular basis, usually annually, but possibly more frequently especially if there are complaints. With the rising costs of gasoline, this service by the state is critical. Each country also has a National Measurement Institute (NMI) and in the USA that official organization is the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST).

However, there are other places where measurement impacts our daily lives. Grocery stores often sell vegetables, fruits, meats, and other produce by weight. All check out scanning stations have scales that weigh the bananas or apples you’re buying and then the store associate will code that information into the register to determine the overall price. Again, these balances must be calibrated frequently to ensure that they’re weighing objects accurately and consumers are being charged the proper amount.

Health services are another area of frequent measuring. Doctors, nurses and hospitals depend on devices that measure blood pressure, cholesterol, body temperature, blood sugar, and weight as well as many other more sophisticated measurements. These measurements are critical to the good health and well being of consumers. In the middle 1970s, a hospital in Ohio failed to calibrate an instrument that measured radiation being applied to cancer patients; over 400 patients received significantly more radiation than was necessary. This is just one example, albeit a tragic one, where measurement mistakes have been significant.

In the manufacturing industry, there’s a common saying that “If it can’t be measured, it can’t be built.” Manufacturing companies rely heavily on accurate and reliable measurement systems to design, inspect, and build their products. Many of these systems, however, are measuring distances at the nanometer level, smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Metrology is critical to our technological advancement but is seldom recognized by the general public.

The Purdue College of Technology at Columbus has begun to offer classes and provide services to local industry in metrology. The metrology lab at the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence is climate controlled (20°C ±0.5° and less than 35% humidity) and has a wide range of tools for dimensional and mass measurement. For more information about the lab,  contact Joe Fuehne at 812-348-2040 or jfuehne@purdue.edu.

Read more from the Kokomo Tribune.

Hank Kraebber, professor of mechanical engineering technology, was honored by the Indiana Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) during its statewide conference in April for his service as a mentor to students at Purdue and Ivy Tech and for facilitating LSAMP workshops.

Toni Munguia, adviser to Women in Technology and Minority Technology Association, has been named one of two Outstanding Advisers of the Year for Purdue University. She shared the honor with Robert Proctor, a professor of psychological sciences.

Matt Turner, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering technology (New Albany) presented “Building a Smart Grid Roadmap for the Commonwealth of Kentucky through Stakeholder Engagement” at the System and Optimization Aspects of Smart Grid Challenges 2013 Conference at the University of Arizona.

Faculty in the news:

• Bedrich Benes, associate professor of computer graphics technology, talked with the Purdue Exponent about the increased popularity and use of 3-D printing.
• Gary Bertoline, dean of the college, delivered an address titled “The Fatal Flaw in Engineering Higher Education in the U.S.” at The Automation Conference May 15, which was covered by Automation World.
• Brent Bowen, professor of aviation technology, was all over the media in April with the release of the annual Airline Quality Rating in conjunction with Wichita State University.
• Bill Hutzel, professor of mechanical engineering technology, talked with the Indianapolis Star about solar farms in Indianapolis.
• Sam Liles, associate professor of computer and information technology, talked with Fox 59 News about the Associated Press Twitter account being hacked in April.

The letter garnered him a meeting and photo opp with President Daniels as well as a presidential tweet (posted below Jebran’s letter).

—–

Dear President Daniels,

This is George Jebran, a Fulbright student from Syria. I am graduating this semester with a master’s degree in aviation and aerospace management from Purdue University. I did not meet you in person, an honor that I am hopeful of one day, but I would like to take the opportunity of my graduation to share with you my deepest gratitude for Purdue University and its wonderful faculty and staff.

I am now moving into a new chapter of my life to start working as an analyst at American Airlines. However, I will never forget to acknowledge that Purdue and what Purdue had to offer were the main reason for me getting this far. While the institution had plentiful resources to provide, I am especially grateful to Purdue’s community including faculty, staff and students. My special thanks go to my professors and friends in the Aviation Technology Department who always strove to be welcoming, generous and supportive. Altogether they built a very open and inclusive environment of learning, encouragement and growth. Even though I came from a country being daily torn by war, they never failed to understand me and assist me in my transition into this new culture and equip me with what it takes to make the most of my experience.

I am really thankful, especially to my adviser Dr. Mary Johnson, my professors (including Dr. Dick Fanjoy, Dr. Chien-tsung Lu, Prof. Denver Lopp and Prof. Mike Suckow), and to all my friends in the Aviation Graduate Council.

Again Mr. President, I am so grateful. While going on with a sad part of my heart for leaving Purdue, I am cherishing a greater part of gratitude and hope.

Thanks, Purdue, for making a difference.

Hail Purdue!

Sincerely,
George Jebran

Meet George ’13, Fulbright scholar from Syria, my nation of heritage. Good luck G and prayers for your troubled land twitter.com/purduemitch/st…

— Mitch Daniels (@purduemitch) May 9, 2013

Five College of Technology faculty were recognized for awards and honors.

• Marcus Rogers, professor of computer and information technology, was recognized for his American Association of Forensic Sciences Outstanding Research Award.
• Thomas Hacker, associate professor of computer and information technology, and Nathan Hartman, associate professor of computer graphics technology, were recognized as participants in the University Faculty Scholars Program. The program recognizes outstanding faculty members at the West Lafayette campus who are on an accelerated path for academic distinction. Eligible faculty must hold the rank of tenured associate or full professor and have been in that rank for no more than five years. Faculty Scholars are appointed for a nonrenewable five year term and receive an annual $10,000 discretionary allocation.
• Eric Dietz, professor of computer and information technology, and Duane Dunlap, professor of technology leadership and innovation and interim senior associate dean, were honored as 2012-13 Provost Fellows.

Award recipients included:

• Academic Advisor Award: Linda Young, Computer and Information Technology
• Customer Service Award: Michelle Arthur, systems engineer for ECN; Beth Helton, administrative assistant for the Office of Advancement
• Leadership Award: Jeff Holewinski, system technologist for Mechanical Engineering Technoogy
• Statewide Excellence Award: Christy Snip, student services coordinator, College of Technology, New Albany
• Staff Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy Award: Fran Misch, administrative assistant for Building Construction Management
• Faculty Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy Award: Brandeis Marshall, assistant professor of computer and information technology
• Outstanding Faculty in Learning: Nathan Mentzer, assistant professor of technology leadership and innovation (other nominees: John Davis, Aviation Technology; Brad Benhart, Building Construction Management; Ray Hassan, Computer Graphics Technology; Ray Hansen, Computer and Information Technology; John Denton, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology; Nancy Denton, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Dwyer Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching: Nathan Mentzer, assistant professor of technology leadership and innovation (other nominees: Tim Ropp, Aviation Technology; James Benkins, Building Construction Management; David Whittinghill, Computer Graphics Technology; Eric Matson, Computer and Information Technology; John Denter, Electrical and Computer Engineering Tehcnology; Mark French, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Outstanding Faculty in Discovery: Eric Matson, assistant professor of computer and information technology (other nominees: Mary Johnson, Aviation Technology; Yi Jiang, Building Construction Managmement; Mihaela Vorvoreanu, Computer Graphics Technology; Athula Kulatunga, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology; Qingyou Han, Mechanical Engineering Technology; Jenny Daugherty, Technology Leadership and Innovation)
• John P. Lisack Early-Career Engagement Award: Jeffrey Richardson, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering technology
• Outstanding Faculty in Engagement: Daphene Koch, associate professor of building construction management (other nominees: Chien-tsung Lu, Aviation Technology; Clark Cory, Computer Graphics Technology; William Hutzel, Mechanical Engineering Technology; Rodney Vandeveer, Technology Leadership and Innovation)

Faculty promotions:

• To clinical associate professor: Tim Ropp, Aviation Technology
• To associate professor: Bryan Hubbard, Building Construction Management; Todd Kelley, Technology Leadership and Innovation; Eric Matson, Computer and Information Technology; Henry Zhang, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Faculty research poster awards:

• Research category: “Smart Mammogram:  A Smart App for a Second Opinion of the Mammogram”, Raji Sundararajan, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
• Learning category: “Curriculum Development:  Food Supply Chain Management Systems”, Chad Laux, Technology Leadership and Innovation

The institute will be hosted by the Purdue University College of Technology, Richmond at the Quaker Hill Conference Center. The three-day program targets high school students entering grades 10-12 who are leaders or want to hold leadership positions such as student government representative, class officer, sports team captain, club or service organization officer, editor, or performance (music, band, or theater) leader. The program will be run by Purdue University faculty and staff with additional guest speakers.

“The program’s goal is to create more confident, competent, and well-prepared student leaders so they can positively influence their peers,” said Michael Swain, director of Purdue University College of Technology, Richmond. “This will be a fun but challenging experience. The skills they learn can be immediately applied in any leadership setting and serve as a foundation for a lifetime of leading.”

Jim Maley, clinical assistant professor of technology leadership & innovation, is coordinating the institute sessions. Topics will include managing peers, communication, meeting management, training and orientation, teamwork, conflict resolution, creativity and change, diversity and ethics.

Registration for the free program is limited to 25 Wayne County High School students. Sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Lunch will be provided, including an etiquette luncheon as part of the training.

“We will consider expanding the program next year, based on what we experience this year,” said Swain.

Students must be nominated by a school counselor, administrator, teacher, coach, or club sponsor by May 24, 2013.  To nominate a student or to find out more information, contact the Purdue University College of Technology, Richmond at 765-973-8228.

Five sustainability ideas were honored this week by the College of Technology’s Project [Re]Green initiative.

From 123 submissions, a panel of judges chose winners in four categories and one honorable mention. The winning ideas, and several other submissions, will be implemented as part of a new class during Fall 2013: TECH 19900 (Applied Sustainability Principles).

Kirti Chintalapudi and Holly Chan have spearheaded several sustainability projects in the College of Technology as part of Project [Re]Green. Photo by Peter Chen.

Award winners included:

• Easiest Idea to Implement: Be as green as you can be, submitted by Angie Schutz, administrative assistant in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology. This idea reminds purchasers to look for more sustainable options when ordering supplies.
• Most Self-Sustaining Idea: Powering down the computer labs when not in use, submitted by a TECH12000 student group composed of Matt Shanks, Westley Vohar, Minglun Li, Chad Cole, and Alec Saare.
• Most Cost-Effective Idea: Motion sensor lights for the entire building, submitted by student Trent Nagel.
• Most Innovative Idea: Separating compostable paper towels from the trash stream in restrooms, submitted by Sundeep Rao, senior site manager for ECN.
• Most Innovative Idea, honorable mention: Carbon neutral airport, submitted by Mary Johnson, associate professor of aviation technology.

Chan said Project [Re]Green will continue to accept suggestions for ways to improve the College of Technology’s sustainability practices.

(Top photo: Sundeep Rao accepts his Most Innovative Idea award from Holly Chan, co-founder of Project [Re]Green in the College of Technology. Photo by Peter Chen.)

Winners and organizers who attended the Project [Re]Green banquet April 22 (Earth Day) were, from left: Trent Nagel, Mary Johnson, Kirti Chintalapudi, Holly Chan, Angie Schutz and Sundeep Rao. Photo by Peter Chen.