March Break
Open House
By Katherine
Mills
Even a snowstorm was not enough to
stop prospective students from attending Western’s March Break
Open House.
The Spencer Engineering Building
opened its doors March 12 at 9:00 am to aspiring engineers and their
parents. Students, faculty, and staff provided visitors with an
in-depth look at Western Engineering.
The day started with a welcome
message from Dean Berruti and a visit from Western President Paul
Davenport. Bill Smolders, incoming UES President, gave an amusing
and very informative presentation on the many programs available to
prospective students. A
panel of undergraduate students from each department took the stage
to answer student-specific questions. Topics ranged from life in
residence, to tutoring, to extra-curricular activities. The
visitors then had the opportunity to tour Western Engineering and
participate in various demonstrations led by Western Engineering
faculty.
Chemical Engineering professor,
Lauren Briens conducted a hands-on demonstration on “What is
Fluidization,” while Civil Engineering professor, Sean Hinchberger
discussed the natural frequency of tall buildings. Professor Jim
Lacefield from Electrical and Computer Engineering demonstrated the
“Robotic Maze Navigator,” while Mechanical Engineering Professor,
Cynthia Dunning supplied an in-depth look into robotics. Ralph
Buchal, Director, Integrated Engineering also participated in the
day, providing visitors with some insight into
the unique Integrated Engineering program here at Western.
Current students also joined in on
the day, introducing guests to the many extracurricular activities
Western Engineering has to offer. Some of the student displays
included:
the Green
Building, a robotic drum,
robots playing soccer, Mini-Baja, Sunstang,
Formula SAE, Women
in Engineering, and Aero Design.
Overall, the day was a major
success. One parent passed along the following comments
regarding his daughter's enthusiasm to join Western Engineering next
year.
“After
attending your Open House on the weekend, my daughter is about to
accept the offer of admission to Western Engineering. She was
particularly impressed with the community atmosphere and the Women
In Engineering program.”
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President Davenport welcomed prospective students and their parents to Western Engineering. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nina Lowes was on hand to answer questions from the visitors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Engineering students lent a hand during Dr. Lauren Briens' “What is Fluidization” demonstration. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Professor Sean Hinchberger from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering discusses “What Will Your Impact Be?” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A display was set up recognizing Hana Zalzal, Founder of Cargo Cosmetics and a graduate of Civil Engineering. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Students displayed their projects, including soccer playing robots. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rob Jelenic, Mini Baja Project Manager, shows off this year's vehicle. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Students display their work for the visitors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Engineering students pose beside their robotic drum. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Formula SAE team fielded questions from the visitors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
