36. Brian Dutton and Tim Stutler Madisonville Community College Mentor: Jake Hildebrant A Mechatronic Bicycle A challenge facing today’s engineers is to create a viable solution for alternative energy. One of the simplest alternatives for vehicles that use oil to create energy is the bicycle. However, many people do not ride bicycles because of the physical strain. Research is described that is directed towards a solution. A Trek© model Lime bicycle was purchased to create a mechatronic bicycle. The term, “mechatronic,” is an engineering expression that defines a system that integrates principles in electricity, mechanics, fluid power, and computer programming. The Trek© bicycle has a computer that automatically shifts the bicycle for the rider, and mechanical gears that transmit the power from the pedals to the drive wheel. An electrical sensor was added to display the speed of the bicycle. A pneumatic system will be installed that will assist the rider up hills by reducing the physical strain. Research is described that determines the criteria, based on factors such as magnitude of pressure varying with incline, for the proper motor to be installed.
37. Emma Eksell, Clifton Hatfield, Ashley Morris, and Stephanie Sapcut Morehead State University Mentor(s): Steve Chen and Ann Andarolo A Glance on Gender Equity in Today’s Sports—Beyond the Scope of Title IX Since 1972, Title IX has been considered as the most powerful legislation to fight for the female athletes’ participatory opportunities and equal rights in intercollegiate and interscholastic sports. However, Title IX’s impact on fighting against gender discrimination in professional and international sports is very limited. In this presentation, the presenters introduced three specific case studies that illustrated the unfavorable treatment and discrimination toward the female athletes in today’s sports. These three cases revolved around the themes such as: (1) gender testing on certain female athletes, (2) reduction in financial resources and TV time for women’s bass fishing tournament, and (3) social pressure and discrimination experienced by the Muslim ladies who participated in sports. These cases remind the audiences that gender equity in today’s sports has not completely achieved yet. Female athletes are still confronted by the notion that their sports are not competitive, popular, and revenue-generating. Media also often trivializes the female sports by over emphasizing that notion. In conclusion, the presenters further discuss suggestions and concerns for promoting gender equity in a male-dominant profit-driven sport culture.
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