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.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to register online for the three-day camp.

General Motors is the lead sponsor for the event.

Find out more and see video on the WDNU Web site.

Visit the Electric Go-Kart Summer Camp Web page for information about dates and registration.

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.

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

• 45 years: Robert Grundman, assistant professor of aviation technology
• 35 years: Loretta Lonz, academic advisor in Building Construction Management; Mike Jacob, professor of electrical and computer engineering technology; Kay Solomon, academic advisor in Mechanical Engineering Technology; and Linda Young, academic advisor, in Computer and Information Technology
• 30 years: Bradley Harriger, professor of mechanical engineering technology; James Lane, lab supervisor in Mechanical Engineering Technology; Dennis Short, professor of computer graphics technology; and Steven Widmer, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology.
• 25 years: Thomas Brelage, lab supervisor in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology; Robert Bruce, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology; and Richard Allen, maintenance technician in Aviation Technology.
• 20 years: Maria Drake, data manager; Jeffrey Honchell, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology; Denver Lopp, professor of aviation technology; Kathryne Newton, professor of technology leadership and innovation; Phillip Rawles, associate professor of computer and information technology; and David Stanley, associate professor of aviation technology.
• 15 years: Beverly Davis, associate professor of technology leadership and innovation (Lafayette); Brian Dillman, associate professor of aviation technology; James Jenkins, associate professor of building construction management; Nghia Le, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology (New Albany); Jan Lugowski, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology; Kyle Lutes, associate professor of computer and information technology; Carlos Morales, associate professor of computer graphics technology; Mathias Sutton, associate professor of technology leadership and innovation; Nancy Tucker, department head secretary in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology.
• 10 years: Rene Bailey, Project Lead The Way program assistant; Jacqueline Brown, academic excellence coordinator; Julia Carson, student services secretary, Columbus; Joseph Dues, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology (New Albany); Jeffrey Evans, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology; Debbie Frantz, account clerk; Gene Harding, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology (South Bend); Nathan Hartman, associate professor of computer graphics technology; Douglas Keith, clinical assistant professor of building construction management; Marcus Rogers, professor of computer and information technology; Anthony Smith, associate professor, computer and information technology; Jennifer White, academic advisor in 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.

This year is its first in Madison County. It is a partnership between the Madison County Chamber, Purdue University College of Technology-Anderson and local business leaders, who will work one-on-one with the students to develop their business plans, pitch to a team of investors and present the finished product in a trade show.

Read more in the Anderson Herald-Bulletin.

The Engineering Technology Pathways: Food and Foodstuff Supply Chain project is the first engineering technology program in which a community college and major land grant research university offer articulated degrees with a concentration in the food and foodstuff supply chain.

“Our explicit goal is to help educate an advanced, technical workforce in the area of food and food security,” said Chad Laux, assistant professor of technology leadership & innovation, and one of the organizers of the summit. The summit is part of a larger initiative led by Laux at Purdue, in partnership with Ivy Tech, to create an academic concentration in food supply chain technology. The concentration is part of the engineering technology programs at both institutions.

During the daylong summit, Laux discussed the importance of Indiana’s bioeconomy, which includes companies and organizations who attended the summit, such as Brock Grain Systems, Indiana Packers Corporation, Indiana Department of Agriculture and Wabash National.

The summit included an industry panel, a poster session, time for networking and a special student roundtable on finding employment. The poster session focused on the academic side, showcasing curriculum development in food supply chain management systems and food security technology. Organizers also highlighted the program’s virtual learning community, among the first in the country, which has brought together 200 students from Purdue and Ivy Tech with their mentors to form an online community and support group for the program.

Representatives of the National Science Foundation, which is funding the first three years of the project, attended the event and assisted in the programming.

All sessions were recorded and will be available on Purdue ePubs and the BSET website.

Purdue offers the bachelor of science degree in engineering technology at its College of Technology locations in Anderson, Kokomo, Richmond and South Bend.

Read the full story from the Anderson Herald-Bulletin.