Villanova University Mechanical Engineering Senior Russell Rioux Recognized as Falvey Scholar Award Winner

VILLANOVA, PA (05/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Villanova University senior Russell Rioux, a mechanical engineering major, received the 2013 Falvey Scholar award for the College of Engineering. This annual program recognizes outstanding undergraduate research and is a collaborative initiative of Villanova's Falvey Memorial Library, the Honors Program and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Russell's research mentor was Calvin Li, PhD, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Rioux's research focuses on nanoscale surface modifications for increased heat transfer in pool boiling. The research can be applied anywhere from consumer electronics to nuclear power plants. Rioux, from Abington, Mass., will be continuing his research this fall as a graduate student at Villanova.

Falvey Scholars are recognized at an awards ceremony in Falvey Memorial Library that will include presentations by the award recipients on the content and findings of the research involved in the writing of the thesis or creation of the project report.

The Falvey Scholars Award was established in 2002 by Joseph Lucia, University librarian and library director. Lucia collaborated with the honors program and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to establish the award. Student presentations also highlight the use of the Library resources. There are five discipline-related awards in the competition: Liberal Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, and Business.

Senior students must be nominated by their faculty advisor and submit a completed application to be considered for the Falvey Scholars Award. Awardees are selected by the Falvey Scholars Selection Committee, comprised of representatives from Falvey Memorial Library and each of the Colleges.