Local student wins international award

MILWAUKEE, WI (05/29/2013)(readMedia)-- Adam Van Handel, of Appleton, along with classmate Eric Pearson, was recognized at the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) Undergraduate Student Technical Paper Competition. The pair co-authored a paper entitled "Implementation of Quick Response Manufacturing on a Build-to-Order Product Line." Pearson traveled to the IIE annual conference in Puerto Rico to present their paper, and took third place. The competition consisted of the first place papers from each of nine regions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Pearson and Van Handel authored the paper based on their senior design project, which focused on a new product line called the DXN flow meter at Badger Meter Inc. The students used Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) tools and techniques to decrease the lead time from 14 days to a maximum of three days for the DXN meter, and allow for an increased production level.

The technical paper award is the second award Van Handel has received from IIE. Last year, he was a recipient of the Presidents Scholarship for $1,000 in recognition of his excellence in scholarly activities and leadership of the industrial engineering profession. Van Handel recently graduated from MSOE with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering.

"These students have the skills and behaviors needed to excel in business today through their high standards, focus, drive and ability to manage their time," said Dr. Charlene Yauch, MSOE associate professor and industrial engineering program director. "This award is a testament to the high caliber of students and professors at MSOE."

IIE is the world's largest professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity. Founded in 1948, IIE is an international, nonprofit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research and development of industrial engineering.

MSOE is an independent, non-profit university with about 2,500 students. MSOE offers 20 bachelor's degrees and nine master's degrees in engineering, business, mathematics and nursing. The university has a national academic reputation; longstanding ties to business and industry; dedicated professors with real-world experience; a 94% placement rate; and the highest average starting and mid-career salaries of any Wisconsin university according to PayScale Inc. MSOE graduates are well-rounded, technologically experienced and highly productive professionals and leaders.