MechE News - October 2019

Thirty-two alumni and industry partners – seasoned and recently graduated – spoke on panels, presented about their careers and got to know students during the fourth annual Careers in ME Symposium. Over 250 second-year students attended.
Alumni Spotlight
Protein reimagined: Two ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ engineering alumni found Emergy Foods
There’s a new entry on the growing menu of tasty meat alternatives, brought to you by ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ engineering alumni Tyler Huggins and Justin Whiteley. Emergy foods aims to launch this fast-growing, sustainable protein in Colorado restaurants.
Alumni Volunteer Spotlight: Katie Simon, MechEng'18
Katie Simon has volunteered her time to network with students at a variety of events. She has shared about her experiences at CU, the importance of internships and has given advice to students about chasing their dream jobs.
Research Spotlight
Burning up: CU researchers use unique tunnel to study wildfires
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ researchers Peter Hamlington and Greg Rieker are using experiments and computations in a new sloping wind tunnel to study how wildfires form and move across different landscapes, applying cutting edge research tools.
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ underground drone competes in first of three DARPA subterranean challenges
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ researcher Sean Humbert and collaborators engaged in the first of three DARPA subterranean challenges. They sent drones on a mock search and rescue operation down miles of NIOSH Coal Mine steam tunnels in Pittsburgh.
Soft material study could improve medical devices, other applications
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ researchers Rong Long and Mark Rentschler have developed a new technique to study friction between soft materials like those inside the body, paving the way for improvements to medical devices used by millions each year.
Creating the internet of living things
ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ researchers in the Multifunctional Materials Interdisciplinary Research Theme are using printable electronics to create the internet of living things. Gregory Whiting is using printed sensors that can be readily integrated into soils or plants.
A bright future for combustion research, Rieker receives Hiroshi Tsuji Early Career Researcher Award
Associate Professor Greg Rieker has been awarded two top international awards: the Peter Werle Early Career Scientist Award and the Hiroshi Tsuji Early Career Researcher Award.
Student Spotlight
CU SAE Baja takes on new four-wheel drive challenge
CU SAE Baja aims to leave a legacy for future CU Baja teams by designing a single-seat, off-road vehicle with four-wheel drive. They will compete in 2020 with teams from up to 110 universities and are requesting your support.
Capstone design, from student to engineer
Senior Design serves to transition 256 engineering students to entry-level engineers through their capstone projects. Get the inside scoop from Senior Design Program Assistant Gabe Rodriguez.
ShineOn prepares for mass production of advanced bike light
A year and a half after starting the company, ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ startup ShineOn has grown to five employees and is preparing to launch its first product, a light that shines on cyclists and provides increased safety and visibility.
Education & Outreach Spotlight
Kotys-Schwartz elevated to Teaching Professor, highest appointment for instructional faculty
Newly appointed Teaching Professor Daria Kotys-Schwartz joins four other teaching professors across the college. She operates at a level of teaching, research and service that makes ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ a better place to learn and work.Ìý
College launches new research effort, global course in Ecuador
The College of Engineering and Applied Science is establishing new research collaborations and launching an international engineering course in Ecuador, continuing the college’s efforts to expand its global reach and impact.
Mechanical engineering faculty and staff receive recognition and awards
Congratulations to nine mechanical engineering faculty and staff who were selected to receive awards based on service to the department, positive engagement with students and contributions to theÌýscientificÌýcommunity at large.
First 40 Western Colorado University students enroll in CU Engineering partnership program
Twenty-eight mechanical engineering students are beginning their engineering education in Gunnison, Colorado, part of a new partnership program between ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ and Western Colorado University.