Illinois students to show projects at Trine University, Indiana

ANGOLA, IN (04/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Visitors can step into the world of the future during Trine University's annual Engineering Design Expo on Friday, April 26.

Senior students in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology will show or demonstrate their projects from 1 to 3 p.m. April 26 in Fawick Hall on the first and second floors. Projects range from new or improved designs for existing items to robots to a hands-free shower system.

The hands-free shower system was developed for an amputee, and would be helpful for any individual with disabilities, the team said.

"Many of the student teams tackled projects to fill a need or void, such as the hands-free shower system," said VK Sharma, dean of the Allen School. "Students paired their intellect with what they have learned to generate engineering solutions to challenging problems or situations. A look at their efforts makes it exciting to think about what the future holds for these talented seniors.

"This event is made possible by the faculty and staff who work with our students, the dedicated sponsors for the team projects and the industrial partners and exhibitors," Sharma said. "I hope people from the area and future engineers will get a chance to check out the expo."

McKetta Department of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering

Component Design for a Local Cider Company -- Hatham Aldrees, Saudi Arabia; Michael Beck, Griffith; Nicholas Bohlander, Milton; Tyler Boscoe, Gouverneur , N.Y. ; Matthew Burgess, Valparaiso ; Jacob Honkomp, Richmond ; Ethan Lundquist, Rockford , Ill.; Robert Mauck, Elkhart; Emily Sidwell, Fremont; Elizabeth Wentz, Berkey, Ohio; Patrick Wolcott, East Lansing, Mich.; and Mitchell Wyss, New Haven. 

The team tackled four projects that dealt with the retrofit and operation of a reverse-osmosis (RO) , product pasteurization; simulation of the brewing process and chemical analysis and product quality assurance.

Reiners Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition -- Kelly Canter of Angola ; Zach Dean, Portage; Ben Lengerich, Sheridan; Andrew Stein, Lindenhurst, Ill.;  and Cody Watkins, Belleville, Mich.

Students designed a concrete canoe for competition at the annual ASCE Great Lakes Conference.

ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition -- Kelly Canter of Angola ; Zach Dean, Portage; Ben Lengerich, Sheridan; Andrew Stein, Lindenhurst, Ill.;  and Cody Watkins, Belleville, Mich.

Students designed a concrete canoe for competition at the annual ASCE Great Lakes Conference.

Wade Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Supercharging a Race Car -- Matthew De Jong of Fort Wayne;  Kyle Etchen, Hicksville, Ohio; Elias Larson, Orland Park , Ill.; and Sean Wagoner, Woodburn.

The team developed a cost-effective improvement to the performance of a race car's engine.

Department of Design Engineering Technology

RV Windshield Scrubber -- Christopher Fieldhouse of Auburn; Marcus Grazen, East Amherst , N.Y.; and Chris Malacina, Homer Glen , Ill.

The design team has developed a motorized scrubber to expedite the cleaning process of recreational vehicle windshields with downward strokes instead of scrubbing.

Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in programs to students in engineering, mathematics, science, informatics, business, teacher education, communication, criminal justice, golf management, social sciences, and various other fields of study. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 21 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Ind., and education resource centers throughout Indiana, Arizona and Michigan.

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