College of Technology: Innovation Spring 2010 by Purdue University

COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2010

SUCCESSFUL GRANTS MORE THAN AN ASK

Message from the

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” — Thomas A. Edison, inventor

DEAN

he past few years have presented their share of challenges with our nation’s economy. Recent downturns in Indiana’s budget have resulted in cuts to higher education funding, forcing state institutions like Purdue to make some difficult decisions. The best way to approach such challenges is by looking for the opportunities that are hidden within. We used the phrase “Creating Opportunities” for our 2008–2009 College Year in Review, which was fitting for a year that saw the college make great strides in areas of applied research and industry engagement, continue its focus on providing a student-centered learning environment, and benefit from generous financial support from industry, alumni, friends, and foundations. But the opportunities I refer to here are those that arise when they are least expected and outside of one’s control. They require thoughtful ref lection, a reassessment of priorities and a strategic re-alignment of key resources. Inventor Thomas Edison may have said it best: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” I am here to assure you, the College of Technology isn’t afraid of a little hard work. You may know that the college launched a strategic plan last fall that will take us through 2014. Having our plan in place is providential, especially now. It has been said that success is when preparation and opportunity meet; this strategic plan is evidence of our preparation. The challenges we are facing today have allowed us to ref lect on our mission and focus on being wise stewards of what we have — through prudent spending, thoughtful allocation of resources, energy conservation, program development, and organizational processes. The strategic plan is the crux of preparation and opportunity. There are a number of examples of how our faculty and students are implementing key areas of learning, discovery, and engagement. The recent earthquakes provide evidence of all three in action. Our Department of Building and Construction Management created a student competition that helped develop prototypes of temporary housing for disaster relief efforts. Also, our annual Technology Week in April was a great chance to introduce the campus and community to the wonders of technology and show how our faculty and students are dedicated to inquiry and innovation. I hope you continue to be involved in the life of the college. If you are back on campus, please stop by familiar buildings, pay a visit to some former professors, take a seat in the labs or classrooms where you undoubtedly spent countless hours, and come by my office for a chat. We’d be more than happy to see you. Hail Purdue!

Dennis R. Depew, PhD Dean, College of Technology

COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2010

INSIDE

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1

Building better businesses

Technology faculty play an important role in Purdueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technical Assistance Program

In Every Issue 2 16 20 22

New Developments in Aviation

The Making of a Successful Grant

Connecting with Prospective Students

Aviation Technology is experiencing many changes

Long-term planning helps proposals stand out

New ambassador program gives current students higher profile in recruiting

News Briefs TechKnowledge Student Focus Class Notes

On the cover:

Thomas Hacker is a co-principal investigator for the largest grant in Purdueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. He is pictured in his high-performance computing lab, which will be used heavily to process information created by the new Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES).

Read more Innovation online at www.tech.purdue.edu/innovation

NEWS BRIEF

INNOVATION

Departments to offer combined BS/MS option

“I am very happy about how quickly I was set up with a graduate chair so I was able to get going on my master’s work sooner than a traditional student.” — Lauren Vala

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Two College of Technology academic departments have been approved to offer a five-year combined undergraduate and graduate degree program. The Department of Aviation Technology began enrolling students in their program in the fall of 2009, and the Department of Computer Graphics Technology will enroll their first students in the fall of 2010. The offering allows students to take up to nine credit hours that apply both to the undergraduate and graduate requirements. During their senior year, students have dual status as undergraduate and graduate students. “We recognized that many of our higher achieving students were already accelerating their undergraduate studies for early completion,” said Richard Fanjoy, associate department head and professor of aviation technology. “We wanted to provide those students with an opportunity to further their studies at the graduate level and enable them to be more competitive in the job market.” To be eligible for the program, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA in department courses, maintain a 3.2 overall GPA, and complete at least 93 credits by the end of their sixth semester. If accepted, students enter the program in their seventh semester. Program directors say students benefit because it saves them time and money, and students can get involved with research beginning as an undergraduate instead of waiting until graduate school. “The major selling point for me was the opportunity to perform research and learn on a cellular

level about the aviation industry,” said Morgan Hall, who began taking graduate courses last fall. “I have also been fortunate enough as a new graduate student to be involved in a NaTeF Alternative Fuels Research Project. This caliber of education and research opportunities are what make the program a uniquely worthwhile program.” In addition to the research, Lauren Vala, another student in the program, said the prospect of earning two degrees in a shorter timeframe was an attractive option. “My work in the program will be to further my education in airport management and airfield operations, making me more marketable in the industry,” Vala said. “I am very happy about how quickly I was set up with a graduate chair so I was able to get going on my master’s work sooner than a traditional student.” The University benefits from the arrangement, too, Fanjoy said. “More high quality students are attracted to our undergraduate programs and a high proportion of those students extend their studies through the graduate level,” he said. The Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology has a proposal under review to add this program option as well.

Accelerated degree for displaced workers The Purdue College of Technology at Kokomo has enrolled 27 students in its two-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program in organizational leadership and supervision. The special degree program was targeted toward displaced workers in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The program has exceeded expectations of organizers and students. “They’ve really bonded as a group. They’re helping each other and learning to work in teams,” said Christy Bozic, director of the Kokomo location. “In the process, we’re beginning to see natural leaders emerging.” The students should complete the program in the summer of 2011. They will earn a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision with a concentration in industrial technology. Bozic said that through the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act, part of the stimulus package that President Barack Obama signed into law in February 2009, all but two of the students have their tuition, fees, and books paid for. During a time of economic uncertainty, that peace of mind has been welcomed. “It makes it easier so I have less to worry about. I am able to focus on school work,” said Robert Lee, who worked at Chrysler before enrolling in the program. The program is structured so that students attend classes four or five days a week, for about five hours a day, mainly during the day. General education courses, such as math, speech, and English, are offered by Indiana University Kokomo faculty, and the organizational leadership and supervision and technical electives are provided by Purdue faculty. “We stressed that enrollees should treat this like their full-time job for

“It makes it easier so I have less to worry about. I am able to focus on school work.” the next two years. The end result will be a much more qualified, marketable worker,” Bozic said. That’s the main reason Rebecca Adams enrolled in the program. “I wanted to get away from the automotive industry and find something better, longer term,” she said. The transition from work to college has been difficult for her and her family, but she said she has seen her son excel at his own schoolwork because he has seen her studying diligently to succeed.

Help us make innovation even better Please complete the reader survey at www.tech.purdue.edu/survey to provide feedback about the College of Technology magazine and its contents.

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NEWS BRIEF

INNOVATION

Engineering technology degree

Approved for Statewide The College of Technology will begin offering a bachelor of science degree in engineering technology (BSET) at its Statewide Technology locations in Anderson, Kokomo, Richmond, and South Bend beginning in the Fall of 2010. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education approved the program in December. “It will allow Purdue to be more nimble and responsive to the higher educational technical needs of the communities and regions we serve,” said Duane Dunlap, associate dean for statewide technology. “This degree

Find out more from participating locations! South Bend Phone: (574) 520-4180 E-mail: techsouthbend@purdue.edu Kokomo Phone: (765) 455-9339 E-mail: techkokomo@purdue.edu Anderson Phone: (765) 648-2920 E-mail: techanderson@purdue.edu Richmond Phone: (765) 973-8228 E-mail: techrichmond@purdue.edu

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program solution is intended to be scalable in other regions of Indiana, such as Columbus, New Albany, and Vincennes.” The BSET program will offer a new pathway for undergraduate students to pursue their degrees close to home, while providing the state of Indiana with a more competent workforce with the ability to advance Indiana industries. It incorporates six of the core technical disciplines offered by the College of Technology. The new degree’s plan of study will allow students to gain technical knowledge, problem-solving techniques,

and applied engineering and technology skills in traditional and emerging areas. Graduates of the program will be able to seek entry-level jobs as industrial engineers, operations managers, production managers, quality assurance engineers, sales engineers, systems integrators, and more. A highlight of the program is an agreement that facilitates the transfer of students from three Ivy Tech associate’s degree programs (advanced manufacturing, design technology, or industrial technology) at nine Ivy Tech locations into the Purdue program. The four Statewide locations in the initial launch were chosen because of their proximity to Ivy Tech campuses, the specific economic needs of the region, and the potential reach to the state population. “With the new program in place, the college will be able to reach out to almost 30 percent of the Indiana population, in some of the most economically challenged areas of the state,” said Dunlap. The program of study allows 18 credit hours to be applied toward a specific technology concentration such as alternative and hybrid technology or nanotechology. The concentrations can vary by location because of different economic needs and employment needs in the region. Students who take courses in one region from Ivy Tech will be afforded the opportunity to take BSET courses or concentrations from another location. To help promote diversity, both the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Veterans’ Administration will participate on an external advisory board to provide input to the degree program plan.

College introduces Strategic Plan teams begin implementation The College of Technology officially set its 2009–2014 Strategic Plan in motion December 4 during a college-wide gathering. Faculty, staff, and students had the opportunity to learn about the major goals and meet the teams that are helping make the plan a reality. “I am thankful for all the input from faculty and staff over the last one-anda-half years. Finding something that is ambitious but doable is not easy,” Melissa Dark, associate dean for research and strategic planning, told the gathered crowd. “And now I ask for your help moving forward. Our success is contingent on your involvement.” Dean Dennis Depew challenged the attendees to embrace the strategic plan to advance the mission of the University and of the college. “We are going to be challenged economically as we move forward,” he said. “We have set meaningful goals and strategies, and we can do good. We can use this opportunity to become even better.” The plan has entered the phase of implementation as the teams have been meeting regularly to discuss their areas of focus. These team meetings have involved developing action plans, outlining metrics for success, and finding ways to communicate their findings to the rest of the college throughout the process.

The collaboration that went into drafting the plan will be vital in its implementation and in reaching its stated goals, said Dark, who has encouraged each team to include representation from each department. “Our success will not be one individual achievement, by one person, team, or department. Our success will be the sum of all of these. It’s the work we all do,” she said. “It’s important to have broad participation. The more we can mobilize our faculty, staff, and students in this, the more we will accomplish.” In addition to the team meetings, the team leaders are planning to meet up to six times a year for progress reports and

provide avenues for cross-collaboration among the teams. Dark also anticipates another college-wide event later in the year. The teams and their initial discussion topics are: Recruitment and Retention Undergraduate Curriculum Undergraduate Research Graduate Education Research Areas and Funding Technology Transfer, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship  Partnerships      

Changing Today. Improving Tomorrow.

More information: The complete downloadable plan, progress updates, and a full list of the implementation team members can be found at the Strategic Plan Web site: www.tech.purdue.edu/strategicplan. Alumni interested in offering input or feedback on the strategic plan are encouraged to contact Melissa Dark at dark@purdue.edu.

www.tech.purdue.edu/strategicplan

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NEWS BRIEF

INNOVATION

Five honored as distinguished alumni The College of Technology honored five alumni during the eighth annual Distinguished Technology Alumni awards ceremony and banquet April 16. Thomas DeLong, James Elsner, Chuck Goodrich, Brad Morton, and Dan Post were honored for their professional and personal success across the spectrum of technology fields.

Thomas DeLong is the Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Management Practice in the Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School. He earned a PhD in organizational leadership and supervision from Purdue in 1979. His career has included research, teaching, and administrative activities at Brigham Young University and the Harvard Business School. He also served as managing director and chief development officer for Morgan Stanley Group and Company. DeLong is a co-author of two books including When Professionals Have to Lead: A New Model for High Performance.

READ MORE ON-LINE Read complete biographies of honorees at www.tech.purdue.edu/ techweek/DTA.

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James Elsner is a division vice president in charge of engineering for Butler America. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Purdue in 1977. Prior to joining Butler in 2006 as operations manager, Elsner spent 28 years with CTS Microelectroncis. While there he was awarded two patents in multi-layer ceramic packaging, and he has another one pending.

Brad Morton is president of Eaton Aerospace Group. He earned a bacelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue in 1977. Morton began his professional career at Rockford Products Corporation as a project engineering supervisor serving the automotive and industrial markets. He moved on to AlliedSignal/ Honeywell in 1981, and he joined Eaton in 2002. Today, he is responsible for leadership of four divisions worldwide.

Chuck Goodrich is vice president and branch manager of Gaylor Inc.’s Indianapolis operations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in building construction management from Purdue in 1993. Goodrich began his career at Gaylor in 1996 as an enigineering associate. His responsibilities include providing leadership, budgeting, training, reviewing team projects, and community relations.

Dan Post is business line infrastructure manager for ExxonMobil. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology from Purdue in 1986. He began at ExxonMobil 23 years ago and now manages and owns several global IT services for the company: Enterprise Storage, Scientific Computing, Midrange Computing, eBusiness Infrastructure, Retail Infrastructure, and the Facilities Security Service.

Lewis receives honorary doctorate Daniel C. Lewis was honored during Purdue University’s May 15 Commencement with an honorary Doctor of Technology degree. Recently retired as senior partner and president of Booz & Company Worldwide Commercial Business, Lewis’s distinguished career began in 1978 when he joined Booz Allen Hamilton. He led the firm’s management consulting business, which provides services in strategy, operations, and systems to the world’s major international corporations. In 2004,

Consulting Magazine named him to its list of “Top 25 Most Inf luential Consultants.” He received the Distinguished Technology Alumni award from Purdue in 2003, is a member of the college’s Dean’s Executive Council, and served on the Department of Aviation Technology’s Advancing Aviation Campaign steering committee, making a personal leadership gift. He and his wife, Martina, recently funded the Daniel C. and Martina Lewis Technology Scholarship endowment,

In November of 2008, the College of Technology started producing a quarterly e-mail newsletter to provide an additional avenue to keep alumni connected to the college. Here is a sampling of stories from the past few issues. They can be read in their entirety at www.tech.purdue.edu/ innovation.

AT alum Gottwald bikes across America With 31 years of cycling experience and 22 of f lying experience, Chris Gottwald identifies himself as a two-career individual. This past summer, Gottwald competed in the Race Across America, a 3,000-mile race across the country. His day-to-day job as an air space system inspection pilot for the Federal Aviation Administration keeps him f lying regularly. And his schedule is f lexible enough that he can maintain a training and racing regimen as an elite amateur cyclist. Turning disaster into a learning experience

EET students part of Darwin21 winning team A transatlantic team of electrical engineering technology students, including six from Purdue’s College of Technology, placed first in the university category of the Darwin21 competition. The competition took place during the summer of 2009.

Educational inspiration can come from a variety of sources. In January of this year, the devastating earthquake in Haiti inf luenced a challenge to Technology students to design longterm, temporary housing for those who have lost their shelter.

which is a Presidential and Trustees Scholarship based on academic merit. Lewis’s foresight and financial support have also enabled Fairleigh Dickinson University to establish its complete online undergraduate degree program. He serves on the International Advisory Council for the prestigious Salk Institute for Biological Research. Lewis earned an associate’s degree in aviation technology and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, both from Purdue. He earned his MBA from Fairleigh.

MET alumni attempt land speed record Father and son mechanical engineering technology alumni attempted to set a new motorcycle land speed record at the end of August. Gary Alexander (MET ’78) drove a motorcycle built by his son Tyler Alexander (MET ’02) during the 2009 Bub Motorcycle Speed Trials at Bonneville Salt Flats August 30–September 3.

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New developments in

aviation The expanded and renovated Niswonger Aviation Technology building opened for classes at the beginning of the Fall 2009 semester. The 75-year-old building now offers additional classroom and office space, new lecture halls and meeting rooms, a collaborative suite, and a significant technological update. It also has been soundproofed to eliminate airplane engine noise from the nearby airport. Changes for the Department of Aviation Technology went beyond the physical building as well. A new department head began his duties during the summer, and the University approved the purchase of a new fleet of airplanes, which will be delivered this summer. The Aviation Technology Center will serve as a hub that will have the capability to wirelessly collect data from every flight going into and out of the airport. It will display real-time, flight-data recorder-type information that will be archived for future study by students. The new technology will be in place after Purdue receives its new fleet of airplanes (see opposite page). “We’ve managed to honor the rich history of our aviation program while providing students with the newest innovations,” said professor and department head Brent Bowen.

Brent Bowen , PhD Position:

Department head and professor of aviation technology Previous position:

Professor and chairman of the Parks College Department of Aviation Science at St. Louis University Education:

PhD in aviation sciences from Oklahoma State University; MBA from Oklahoma City University Super study:

Founder of the national Airline Quality Rating (AQR), conducted in conjunction with Wichita State University, which will give research opportunities to Purdue students and additional media attention to Purdue’s aviation program.

SR-20G3  Classified as a piston engine composite monoplane  Seats four passengers  Features a parachute system to protect passengers in the event of an emergency.

THE NEW FLEET Starting in fall 2010, aviation technology students will be trained on some of the best aircraft and simulators around. The new teaching tools include:  one Embraer Phenom 100 jet  16 Cirrus SR-20G3 single-engine aircraft  one Embraer Phenom 100 simulator  one Cirrus simulator  one regional jet simulator All are equipped with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit avionics system. The technology allows real-time monitoring of air traffic, weather conditions, navigation, terrain, and other data, giving pilots everything they need to fly the plane in one easy-to-read, high-definition display, replacing the multiple gauges pilots had to monitor.

PHENOM 100  Classified as a very light jet  Seats 4-7 passengers  Will enable students in the professional flight technology program to graduate with a jet flight rating as part of their undergraduate experience.

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Building Better Businesses

t in vemen s o r p m n ance i izat io er for m s and org an nd p s t r suppo compan ie t udent s, a a ,s e nt s Ind ian izes facu lt y ew ide. Cl i lth t l i a t t s , hea and u 10 of fices spita ls a l un it s o h , n s i t st a f f pan ie y ona l n me n per at i o de com , and gover CoT facu lt o u l d c e n i e t s n d t e t n l n n a i a b e t e, tm er v g a re a n ies th depar out the sta volved in s ompa g g u id ance rofessor s , in gh r in ep th rou en heav i ly or exa mple ege of ufact u se of Purdu istance n f e ll a , b o 9 m e C 0 ss or rti hav 20 08 – percent of ith at lea st n e ex pe Tech n ica l A in 1986, I h t . e 2 m s w u d e the a t el y 1 s i st ed t of th P). Founde ant benefit s rox i m facu lt y a s p a s pa r p c A a fi T i y ( ei r sig n am olo g CoT Prog r s prov ided na. With th ed Tech n P project. d eng aged i a l a i h p n A ,” TA P of I nd the ap one T e ta lented a ng th for us to e state r ience and facu lt y e h r g le t T s g “ t u a r for th g re lo g y ld s t ex pe u m, a l o u y s u n o i r c .” t h i s w y c r r e i nd u facu lt sa id. “We ithout them he the cu ol lege of T the f o t e z t r w o n nat u r s in the C Houn ur m ission esponses t h s set s i a t e r c n b o a a k t e l me m e n i m p or f u l fi l nsure qu ic ies ser ved e e b n e a c y e o p lt on T tan hav of com s 8 –10 facu int ment s. . s a s s i s a re s r m d e a f e r f r g o e pr o hund ng a g TA P e a pp o acu lt y e TA P TA P e uar ter-t im w ith TA P W h i le r m s, CoT f , e r r a h e t , y q s k ny fo t heav i ly in ce Project y ound, r s wor in ma ng year-r T professo ent: Rod ne os i tan s r i m u s t s d c e A o a v f l y m C u t o e l n r v o g in so an ac u Ma Tw pr o fe s a c u lt y d the h is a r r ams: F nder t r, a ssociate er sh ip and prog r areTA P, an ip ( M EP). F er m u -t h hc ad vee Hea lt on Par tner s ov ide shor t h ich Vande izat iona l le rk Jack son, r i w s n p , l a a s Ex ten e project s of org ion, and M mechan ica sinesse e. u b c a s n f i t n a o a s s i st I nd i a the sta ana’s s up e r v e p r o fe s s o r g y. at e nce to e d by i sociat ng tech nolo to par t icip l a ssista ar i ly f und vance Ind tz s a i d d r m n a i e r e u t r t e o o us ia lec a re p r g oa l i s t en g i n g y,” H e, and ere se tensive ind ci fic o l w o u h n t O h t “ x Bo d t e c e d er a l , st a e st i n spe heir e f my a n g s e of t d e x p e r t i s e u a c econo e leverage a ke the lar e b an W m ience says. “ f und ing to ex per e nce pr i v a t a re a s. o adva y, hea lth, t . s t i c a n p t im m issio n o s per i TA P’s onom ic pr org an izat io c e e h ’s a T Ind ian l it y of l ife. ua a nd q

by Steven Lincoln

Vandeveer has been part of TAP for seven years. Each project he undertakes has unique challenges that he and his graduate students strive to address. “Our work is customized to each client. To be successful, it has to be,” he says. Vandeveer is most often called upon to work with companies who are seeking assistance in creating a more cohesive and efficient work environment. He has conducted training programs for plant managers, helped create employee handbooks, and assisted with crosscultural communication. He was able to draw upon his 30 years of experience in the business sector and another 15 as a professor at Purdue. During his tenure with the program, Vandeveer has assisted over 100 companies across the state. Clients range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, and each presents different challenges, work environments, or philosophies. Vandeveer says that he doesn’t apply a boilerplate solution to his clients. “You have to be open to new paradigms. We do not do ‘best practices.’ We do something directly for the client. I take a lot of time to do research and figure out what will fit the company,” he says. “Once I’ve made my recommendations, they may come back and ask for assistance with implementation.” Recently, his proposals have included leadership training, which he is also qualified to offer. “It’s really what’s missing in a lot of companies,” he says. “Employees are hungry for leadership.” And then, transitioning to part of a classroom lecture he’s delivered many times, Vandeveer defines leadership: “It is the art and science of getting the job done through the willing efforts of others.”

“You have to be open to new paradigms. We do not do ‘best practices.’”

r e e v e d n a V y e n d o R

green training Through a WIRED grant funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, TAP developed a curriculum that would result in a Green Workforce Training Certificate. Rodney Handy, assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology, was instrumental in the creation of standards and outcomes for the program. He also helped create the curriculum that trainers will use to deliver the necessary knowledge. The Green Enterprise Development program is now being offered nationwide to help manufacturers and others apply sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in the workplace. Participants in the program can earn a Green Specialist Certificate that is accredited by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

M a r k Ja ck h is tenu son is in h is th ir re at P u rdue, Ja d year on the work fo TA P te ck son s r ce a s a pent 10 a m. mechan tech n ic y e ic ar s in th Pr ior to a l mana a l en g i n g e in e e e r r . , applie “Comp d eng in dust r ia l solve. If an ies approac eer, and hT it me,” he ha s to do w ith A P w ith prob le says. mechan ica l eng m s that they ca He ha s ineer in a s s is g, they n’t t e d c om bet t er o ca ll pan ies i r t h at d n de oe g r a du at e st uden sn’t wear out a veloping a too s qu ick ly l t h at c u t s have the resid a lso ts .H u flow of a l st ress in an a helped desig n e and h is tea m flu id s in lum inu a of crane, m c a st i n a 30 – 4 0 g , a nd a m e a s u r e project s n a lg ae reacto r. In a ll na lyzed a year. He is a ls , Jackso the o n a a v ssist s w a i lable t e nt r e pr ith o be a n eneur s. object iv “We’re e consu a s k ltant to e d look at t their de o cr it ique thei s r ig their id invent io n s a nd e a s a nd if it w i ll a sk if the scien ns,” he says. “W ce is the work.” re t o su e pp or t

“Companies approach TAP with problems that they can’t solve.”

M ar

k Ja cks on Eco a

cadnomi emic c a n ben d efit s

Companies that have utilized TAP’s services have reported great monetary and efficiency benefits. In addition, knowledge gained during each project is often translated into educational opportunities for each professor’s students. Both Jackson and Vandeveer say that many of their projects turn into case studies that can be used in the classroom as well as for research and conference presentations. Both have also created semester-long courses based on their experiences with TAP. Undergraduates are able to use these case studies to see theories played out in real-world examples. And graduate students, because they work alongside the professors, gain valuable experience in their chosen fields. “I guide the students on how to solve problems and I explain the relevant theories. Then, they apply this information to the project,” Jackson says. Vandeveer said the experience his graduate students gain is beneficial when they are looking for employment. 12

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“They do the research and meet with clients, they learn software and process mapping,” he says. “They learn the importance of learning manufacturing systems, leadership development, and a variety of human resource issues.” Networking is another benefit. Vandeveer has been able to pursue student internships and employment possibilities with his clients. There is also personal satisfaction that comes from a successful project. For example, the small crane that Jackson and his students designed helped create three jobs and generated more profit for the client. “It is nice, in this economic climate, that faculty can help create jobs. Our assistance impacts society directly,” he says. “The whole focus of TAP is to keep jobs in Indiana and to keep employees in Indiana,” Vandeveer says. “We make Indiana more competitive and keep jobs and knowledge here.“

In 2008–09  TAP worked with 703 organizations in 86 counties  74 of the projects involved CoT faculty or graduate students  17 CoT faculty and seven graduate students were involved in at least one project  CoT clients reported loss prevention worth $1.193 million  CoT clients reported 39 saved or added jobs

The making of a

by Kim Medaris Del ker

At a university, where ideas are the main product, how does a faculty member make his or her ideas attractive to funding agencies? What sets one proposal apart from another? During the last several years, the College of Technology has made it a priority to find out, and as a result has experienced great success. Melissa Dark, associate dean for research and strategic planning, said that the college has made a concerted effort in the past several years to encourage faculty to submit more grant proposals, even if those proposals don’t result in funding. “Research is a means to an end, the end being growing the knowledge base,” she said. “The more proposals that faculty submit, the more they learn about the process and the better chance they have of creating a winning proposal the next time.” In the last fiscal year, one winning proposal provided the college $17 million of a $105 million National Science Foundation grant, for which Thomas Hacker, assistant professor of computer and information technology, is a co-principal investigator. The Purdue-led team is spearheading a center that will serve as headquarters for the operations of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, or NEES. Submitted through the Cyber Center in Purdue’s Discovery Park, the grant spans five years and is the largest in the university’s history. Leading the team are faculty from civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and engineering education. Barbara Fossum, former managing director of Purdue’s Cyber Center, serves as the center’s deputy director, and Dawn Weisman, former managing director of Purdue’s National Nuclear Security Administration Center for Prediction of Reliability, Integrity and Survivability of Microsystems, serves as information technology director. Two researchers from San Jose State University are coleading the center’s education, outreach and training initiatives.

Fuel facility funded

Hacker is co-leader for information technology and a member of the strategic council, which defines strategies and oversees all operational aspects of the network. He is working to transition NEES data, software, and information technology from the San Diego Supercomputer Center to Purdue, and to develop and deploy the NEEShub — a cyberinfrastructure based on HUBzero technology. Hacker’s involvement in the multidiscipline and multi-institutional effort is a big success not just for Purdue, but for Hacker, the Department of Computer and Information Technology, and the College of Technology.

From ideas to reality Hacker, who joined Purdue in fall 2006, first began working on the idea for this project in summer 2008. Through conversations with colleagues, they agreed that while Purdue had the expertise to lead this project, so did many other universities. However, they felt

David Stanley, an associate professor of aeronautical engineering technology, and Denver Lopp, a professor of aviation technology, are co-principal investigators for a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Air Force for a National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion to be housed in the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building. The facility, expected to open in late 2010 or early 2011, will test aerospace hardware in engines and aircraft and provide data related to fuel sustainability and emissions goals and for economic assessments. Work will focus on jet engines but will include some testing related to piston engines. The other co-principal investigator is J. Mark Thom, a professor of aviation technology, and the project also involves faculty members in the colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science. Professor David Stanley discusses a Honeywell F-109 turbofan with Ryne LaRowe and Tom Speca, graduate research assistants for the fuel testing facility.

that the IT capabilities of Purdue set it apart. A key part of this was the highperformance computer lab that Hacker helped to create in summer 2008. Hacker said the lab, located in Knoy Hall, was not a primary factor in the NSF decision to fund the grant, but it played an important role, serving to establish Purdue as a national leader in cyberinfrastructure. He said there were other factors that were just as important, if not more so. “We had great support from the college and the University as a whole,” Hacker said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone working together.” For instance, he said, the Office of the Vice President for Research offered professional writers who managed the fine details for the preproposal and proposal process so the researchers could be free to concentrate on the substance of the proposal. “From the reviewers’ comments, it was clear that the Purdue approach really made a positive impression,” Hacker said. He said the success of the proposal came down to four main factors: the wide range of experience of the team, the excellent quality of Purdue’s IT infrastructure (including Nanohub and Teragrid), the strong support of the Purdue president and senior

administrative members, and the support of the college and the Department of Computer and Information Technology. “The team collaborated really well, and the fact that we could bring together such a good team really made a difference,” he said.

A departmental vision Lonnie Bentley, department head of computer and information technology, said successes like Hacker’s are a result of a clear effort to develop a strong research program in the department. Bentley said research in the department a decade ago was nearly nonexistent. To change that, there were many discussions with staff about identifying existing areas of expertise, where they wanted to build research, and what it would take to get them there. “There has to be a belief and a vision,” he said. “You have to believe that you know the areas you can excel in, then be willing to make the investment needed.” One area the department focused on was high-performance computing, the area that Hacker was hired to lead. It is that kind of strategic hiring — choosing faculty based on their expertise and potential for research — that has proved fruitful. Developing research also takes more than people — it takes facilities. Recognizing that a new laboratory was needed to develop a specialty in highperformance computing, Hacker and others began seeking support to make it a reality. The funding came from a variety of sources: the college, the department, the Northwest Indiana Computational Grid, IBM, the Office of the Provost, and a U.S. Department of Energy grant. When Bentley found out that the NSF grant that Hacker was a part of was funded, “it was confirmation that we had made the right decision in investing in resources in the department,” he said.

The support to make it happen Dark said the college is providing support in several areas to help increase faculty success in the grant and research process. Examples include a monthly mentoring meeting with Dark and new faculty, sending faculty to Purdue grant-writing workshops, holding mock peer reviews

of grant proposals, and sending faculty regularly to meet with funding agency program officers. Faculty can also actively seek to improve their grant-writing skills through requesting copies of funded proposals and serving as panel reviewers. Each activity helps one learn a little more about grantsmanship, she said. She said the two most important tactics that faculty should keep in mind when it comes to research are idea development and prospecting. “Idea development is a constantly evolving process and something that most faculty are very good at,” she said. “However, there are lots of good ideas in the world, and not all of them get funded. That’s where prospecting comes in.” Dark defined prospecting as the ongoing process of understanding trends in your research area, who is doing research in the area, and who is funding it. Dark said there are no magic bullets when it comes to being successful in research and grant proposals. She said the most successful faculty have failed from time to time but learn from those mistakes.

Tom Hacker leads his team in a discussion about the IT needs of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation.

The key is creating a rich network of ideas and colleagues to draw upon and not being discouraged by departmental silos or barriers. “Research is a continually moving target,” she said. “Ideas are out there, and funding agencies don’t care what university or department they are attached to.”

Hacker receives CAREER Award Thomas Hacker has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the first Technology professor to be so honored. Read more about his honor online at www.tech.purdue. edu/innovation.

TECHKNOWLEDGE INNOVATION

New Faces Introducing the College of Technology’s newest faculty members

Brad L. Benhart, MBA Clinical assistant professor Area: Building Construction Management

Area: Aviation Technology

Teaching and/or research interests: strategic planning and management in commercial construction, project delivery methods, industry training programs, healthcare construction, field supervision, sustainable construction, and project management tools Why choose Purdue? Purdue’s BCM department is wellrespected, practical, and utilizes staff who have real-world experience.

Raymond P. Hassan, MS Clinical assistant professor Area: Computer Graphics Technology Teaching and/or research interests: fine arts and 3D modeling, rendering, and animation Why choose Purdue? Purdue is my alma mater and it is the greatest university in the world. Purdue chose me, and I’m thankful for that every day.

Brent Bowen, PhD Department head and professor

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Jenny Daugherty, PhD Assistant professor

Hazar Dib, PhD Assistant professor

Teaching and/or research interests: aviation applications of public productivity enhancement and marketing channels, specifically in the areas of service quality evaluation, benchmarking, and safety

Area: Organizational Leadership and Supervision

Area: Computer Graphics Technology and Building Construction Management

Teaching and/or research interests: human resource education, instructional design, problem solving, interpersonal skills, and professionalism

Teaching and/or research interests: application of the latest technology to the field of construction management

Why choose Purdue? Purdue’s Aviation Technology department has an international reputation as the preeminent, scholarly based, collegiate aviation program.

Why choose Purdue? Because of the University’s dynamic environment and sense of community that enables researchers and educators to engage in innovative work.

Andrew C. Hurt, MS Assistant professor Area: Organizational Leadership and Supervision Teaching and/or research interests: human resource development, organizational development, and training and development Why choose Purdue? I chose Purdue because of its strong reputation for research, teaching, service, and caliber of faculty. I see Purdue as a place that will allow me to flourish. Hail Purdue!

Nathan Mentzer, PhD Assistant professor (STEM) Area: Industrial Technology Teaching and/or research interests: employing engineering design in the secondary technology education classroom as a catalyst to integrate the STEM fields Why choose Purdue? Purdue is unique in that the College of Technology has both a strong undergraduate teacher education program and a strong graduate research program. This synergistic combination facilitates Discovery with Delivery.

Why choose Purdue? The joint appointment provides an ideal opportunity to focus on the application of technology in the field of construction management.

Vahid Motevalli, PhD Department head and professor Area: Mechanical Engineering Technology Teaching and/or research interests: hybrid electric vehicle system analysis, safety and design, aviation safety and security including safety and security systems and technologies, gas turbine combustion and fire dynamics Why choose Purdue? It’s a great institution to be a part of, and I was interested in the academic leadership role.

Chad Laux, PhD Assistant professor Area: Industrial Technology Teaching and/or research interests: lean manufacturing and Six Sigma quality Why choose Purdue? I chose Purdue because of the great reputation and a wonderful place to raise a family.

Dawn Laux, MS Clinical assistant professor

Suranjan Panigrahi, PhD Professor

Darrel L. Sandall, PhD Assistant professor, Anderson

Area: Computer and Information Technology

Area: Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Area: Organizational Leadership and Supervision

Teaching and/or research interests: computing technology, database fundamentals

Teaching and/or research interests: development and adaptation of intelligent sensors and sensing systems for safety, sustainability, and health-related applications

Teaching and/or research interests: collaboration, leadership, management and problem-solving

Why choose Purdue? Purdue’s world-class reputation, talented colleagues, and a terrific quality of life for my family.

Why choose Purdue? We have a great cadre of faculty and staff with a wide variety of expertise, and our students are from all over the world.

Why choose Purdue? Excellent university with tremendous opportunities for scholarship in the areas of research, teaching, and engagement.

Steve cooper, PhD (not featured) Assistant professor Area: Computer Graphics Technology

Visiting Professors assistant professors:

Abram Walton, PhD Assistant professor Area: Industrial Technology Teaching and/or research interests: develop students’ analytical and systemsthinking skills regarding processes that create competitive advantages Why choose Purdue? Purdue is a leader in developing synergies and collaborative efforts between researchers and practitioners. The opportunities the College of Technology provides through its relationships with industry partners are exciting.

Mihaela Vorvoreanu, PhD Assistant professor Area: Computer Graphics Technology and Organizational Leadership and Supervision Teaching and/or research interests: socio-cultural impacts of new communication technologies; uses and impacts of social media; qualitative research methods Why choose Purdue? It is the only place in the world that feels like home right now, and as a workplace, it allows me to pursue my passion.

David Whittinghill, PhD Assistant professor Area: Computer Graphics Technology and Computer and Information Technology Teaching and/or research interests: introductory programming, simulation and visualization, enterprise application development, modeling, games Why Purdue? Purdue’s good name in engineering, technology, and the sciences was the primary reason I chose Purdue. The high quality schools and cultural diversity make it an attractive place in which to raise a family.

Erin E. Block Industrial Technology William Hicks Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, New Albany Andrew McCart Organizational Leadership and Supervision, New Albany associate professors: Stewart Schrekengast Aviation Technology visiting scholar:

Heinz Schmiedel Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology n SPRING 2010

TECHKNOWLEDGE

Joint faculty appointments foster collaboration As certain technology disciplines continue to evolve and cross boundaries, and as interdisciplinary partnerships become more important for research projects, academic departments have become open to addressing these needs in nontraditional ways. The College of Technology has found that hiring professors with joint appointments has benefits for the professors, the students, and the college. These professors divide their time between more than one department. While this is not a new concept to the college, it has enjoyed renewed interest in recent years. Eleven Technology faculty members, not counting administrators, have appointments in at least two departments. The idea is to balance the core needs of the department (usually with disciplinespecific hires) with new synergies between departments (with joint appointments).

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Mary Johnson, associate professor, was hired in 2007 to fill needs in the departments of Aviation Technology and Industrial Technology. She came from an environment that had several disciplines under one umbrella. That experience helped her transition to her joint appointment. It also gave her insight about the value to students of multiple perspectives. The graduate class she teaches in industrial technology, for example, attracts students from that major as well as aviation, mechanical engineering technology, and engineering. “In this class, student experiences are much more rich. Students from different disciplines approach problems in different ways; they see different parts of the puzzle,” Johnson says. That breadth of experience translates to the research realm as well. By having a broader academic footprint to draw from, it becomes easier to identify ways to collaborate between departments and between colleges. “I’ve been working with faculty from agriculture, science, engineering, and technology on a problem that needs to be addressed from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint,” she says. “I like collaboration.” Collaboration is one reason three of this year’s new faculty members have joint appointments in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology. These same faculty members also have responsibilities in the departments of Building Construction Management (BCM), Computer and Information Technology (CIT), and Organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS). “In CGT, we all use graphics, but not for graphics sake,” said Marvin Sarapin, department head and professor. “For us to be successful in having research funded, our graphic work must be applied to something.” In addition, the talents of the individual must help out both departments. Hazar Dib, for example, was hired to teach graphic representation and geometric

modeling in CGT and to help infuse this same concept — known as building information modeling — into more BCM courses. A joint appointment is not something that simply happens. A lot of planning is needed to make sure the faculty member can succeed. “I think the key feature of our appointments is that we have a home department,” Johnson said. “Maintaining a home department is critical to the success of joint appointments.” Sarapin agrees. “Joint hires need a lot of strong support from the department heads who are willing to help them manage their careers,” Sarapin said. “In academia, they need to worry about tenure and research and how those are managed between departments.” When these professors earn tenure, it will be through the home department.

outstanding accomplishment in teaching, research, or service that has had or will have a major impact

FACULTY ACCOLADES

on the fluid power community. It is named for Otto H. Maha, who bequeathed a gift to Purdue for teaching fluid power technology. “Joseph has played a key role in developing the Columbus location’s bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering technology and the College of Technology’s developing field of mechatronics,” said Dean

Three College of Technology faculty members

Dennis Depew.

have been named Faculty Scholars: Nicoletta

Todd Kelley, assistant professor of industrial

Adamo-Villani, associate professor of computer

technology, received the Silvius Wolansky

graphics technology, Yi Jiang, associate professor

Outstanding Publication award at the 2009

of building construction management, and

International Technology Education Association

Michael Kane, associate professor of computer

(ITEA) Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. During

and information technology. Recipients of this honor

the conference, he also delivered the Epsilon

have been tenured within the last five years and

Pi Tau International Breakfast address. At the

are named in recognition of their scholarship.

same ITEA conference, George Rogers, professor

Faculty scholars are nominated by their academic

of industrial technology, was designated a

areas, reviewed by a committee of professors in

Distinguished Technology Educator by ITEA, and

the College of Technology, and approved by the

he received the Distinguished Service Citation

provost. They receive funding to support their

from Epsilon Pi Tau.

research. The program was created in 1998. The

Purdue University’s Center for Education and

assistance to local, state, and federal law

terms in the fall of 2009.

Research in Information Assurance and Security

enforcement officers. “Our nation’s ability

(CERIAS) is partnering with Northrop Grumman Corp.

to fight computer crime has been positively

Mark French, associate professor of mechanical

and two other universities to advance research

enhanced by the significant contribution

engineering technology, will receive the 2010

and address the nation’s most pressing cyber threats.

Dr. Marcus Rogers has made through

Brewer Award from the Society for Experimental

Rick Mislan, assistant professor of computer

his development of programs, teachings,

Mechanics (SEM). The award presentation will

and information technology, is one of four Purdue

and continuous personal involvement in

be made at the 2010 SEM annual meeting in

researchers who will conduct research on behalf

multiple investigative processes,” says

Indianapolis. The criteria for the award stipulates

of CERIAS.

MaLisa McOmber, executive director

that it be given to “an outstanding practicing

Karl Perusich, associate professor of electrical

of the foundation. Rogers is one of six

and computer engineering technology at the College

individuals and organizations who were

of Technology in South Bend, has been elected

honored. The honor comes with a $10,000

new named Faculty Scholars began their five-year

experimental stress analyst” chosen by the SEM’s Honors Committee. The award is intended as a recognition of skill in the practical application of

Marcus Rogers, professor of computer and information technology who specializes in cyber forensics, has been named a Paul H. Chapman Award winner by the Foundation for Improvement of Justice Inc. The foundation honored Rogers “for the numerous contributions he has made toward enabling federal, state, and local law enforcement to better address today’s challenges with the use of cyberforensics.” Rogers has designed and led training programs for and continuously provides

president of the Society for Social Implications

award. The Foundation for Improvement

experimental mechanics techniques.

of Technology (SSIT) of the IEEE. As a society

of Justice Inc. is a private, not-for-profit

Joseph Fuehne, PhD, an associate professor of

president, he is a voting member of the Technical

institution founded in 1985 for the purpose

mechanical engineering technology at Purdue’s

Activities Board of IEEE, the world’s largest

of improving local, state, and federal

College of Technology at Columbus, has been

professional association for the advancement of

systems of justice within the United States.

appointed Maha Associate Professor. The

technology. Among other volunteer duties, he has

The foundation encourages improvement

five-year appointment provides support for the

served a treasurer of SSIT, a member of the IEEE/UN

by recognizing and rewarding on an annual

advancement of fluid power education within

Foundation Humanitarian Technology Challenge

basis either individuals or organizations

the College of Technology. The professorship is

Steering Committee, and chair of its Society

who have accomplished works in one or

awarded to individuals who have demonstrated

Partnership Group.

more of 10 specific judicial arenas.

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STUDENT FOCUS INNOVATION

Ambassadors connect with prospective students Wading the rough waters of the college search process can be an intimidating experience for prospective students and their families. The laundry list of questions is as endless as the stream of recruiting brochures that fill their mailboxes. And while some of these questions can be answered through a quick visit to a Web site, there are others that are best addressed by talking with someone who has been there before. Enter the College of Technology Student Ambassadors. This group of current students is trained and at the ready to make the process as painless as possible for the students and their families. Now in its fourth year, the program was the brainchild of Jacqueline Brown, academic excellence coordinator, who had seen firsthand the successes of a similar program at the College of Education. “I thought it would fit well here,” says Brown. “When we did recruiting events the families really enjoyed hearing from the students.” The program has grown from six students in its first year to 26 this year.

Brown and other recruitment staff select students each spring, train them on all aspects of the college, and get them involved in a variety of student recruitment activities. Once on board, ambassadors assist with staffing campus events and college fairs, conducting college tours, calling admitted students, and just talking with families. “It gives a face to what could be a very intimidating subject,” said Patrick Schiess, a senior computer and information technology major from Noblesville, Indiana. “Instead of being a huge building, it’s people who can answer your questions and you can interact with. We are just a few years older than they are. We can be a buffer.” While they are trained to answer the most frequently asked questions about the college, the Student Ambassadors don’t have all the answers. “It would be impossible to know everything about the whole college,” Brown says. “It’s about creating a genuine connection with the families. The one-on-one interaction really makes a difference.”

Scott Renick, a senior computer graphics technology major from Indianapolis, agrees with Brown. He has been an ambassador for three years, and he’s enjoyed the opportunities for interaction. “My role is to provide information and to share my experiences. My hope is that it resonates with them and they’re able to take something from it,” he says. “I like helping students find their passion.” Brown has seen the program as a growth opportunity for the current students as well. “The Student Ambassadors gain confidence. You really see a maturity in some students,” Brown says. “They become more comfortable in their own skins.” The program has also played a role in student retention, as the ambassadors find a better connection with each other and the college. Current ambassadors serve as mentors to the new recruits and occasional parties help forge a bond among the students. “The more you get involved, the more you feel a part of the program,” says Brown.

scott renick “My role is to provide information and to share my experiences. My hope is that it resonates with them and they’re able to take something from it.”

n SPRING 2010

Students rise to the green challenge Purdue University’s student Cluster Challenge team at the SC09 supercomputing conference in Portland, Oregon, was fast and green. And two Technology students were instrumental in the team’s success. David King, a senior in electrical and computer engineering technology, and Max Hapner, a senior in computer and information technology, were part of a seven-member team at the Cluster Challenge. The event pushes teams to run a set battery of benchmarking programs and working scientif ic applications as efficiently as possible. For the second consecutive year, the Purdue team won the award for getting the most done on the least amount of power. The team spent a lot of time during the setup phase of the event testing different configurations to see how they affected power consumption, Hapner said.

In part, that was to make sure the Purdue entry stayed under surprise power limits imposed by the competition’s organizers. But the students also were conscious of the issue of data-center power consumption, which has become a major concern and was one focus of the SC09 conference. King wrote a special program to monitor the power consumption of Purdue’s Cluster Challenge machine while teammate Charles Timko, a junior in computer science, visualized the data on a large-screen monitor. Purdue competed against teams from the University of Colorado, Arizona State University, and State University of New York at Stony Brook. Purdue’s team finished second to Stony Brook in the overall competition. Most members of the Purdue team were students in Jeff Evans’s high-performance computing class in the College of Technology. In addition, they spent up to 20 hours a week on the effort to prepare for the competition.

Meanwhile King, who will graduate this may, took advantage of another Cluster Challenge benefit: the SC09 jobs fair. “Take lots of resumes, you may have a job offer before you leave,” Evans advised the students. “That’s how highly Cluster Challenge team members are regarded.” Hapner believes a key part of his career advancement will be knowing at least something about how most things in a data center work. He said the Cluster Challenge was a good opportunity to expand his knowledge. The other Purdue team members were: Alex Miller, earth and atmospheric sciences; Michael Niksa, computer engineering; Michael Wleklinski, chemistry and statistics; and Alex Younts, computer science. ITaP and its research computing arm, the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, help sponsor the Purdue team.

Purdue Cluster Challenge team members Max Hapner, David King, Alex Younts, and Michael Niksa adjust Purdue’s entry in the supercomputing competition near the deadline for completing the processing of the simulated science data.

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CL ASS NOTES

Aviation Technology Kirk Forbes BS ’74, MS ’74, Noblesville, IN, published a book about his daughter, Kristen Forbes, and her battle with cervical cancer. Kirk also is establishing a foundation in honor of Kristen:www.kristeneve.org.

Frank Belcher BS ’82 and Darby Wolf (OLS ’90), Brownsburg, IN, were married on August 16, 2009. Kenneth Born BS ’89 was elected mayor of Madeira, OH. He was sworn in December 1, 2009, alongside his wife, Catherine (Schrader) Born (Purdue ’90) and twin children Nathan and Lexi.

Tom Estabrook BS ’95 married Monika Gallego March 21, 2009, in Gilbert, AZ. He has lived in Arizona for 10 years and is a quality inspector for an aerospace engineering company. Alicia Gieleghem BS ’97 married Jorge Munoz September 19, 2008, in Mendoza, Argentina. They live in Chicago.

Lucy Capadona BS ’03, MS IT ’06 married Paul Czupryn (Purdue ’02) June 7, 2008, in a Purdue-themed wedding in Milwaukee, WI. She is a pilot for Shuttle America, and they live in Valparaiso, IN.

Shaun Perrill BS ‘02 and Brandy Wethington BS ‘02, Clayton, IN, met while attending Purdue and were married on October 25, 2008. Carol Saunders BS ’02, Aurora, CO, married James Hallock on April 18, 2009. She works for Jeppesen in the Enroute Charting Department. Travis Cash BS ’03 and his wife, Amy, have a daughter, Choloe Ashlyn, born November 5, 2008. Travis is the power plant engineering manager at Republic Airways.

EET grad performs ‘technical heavy lifting’ Even though he is not in the operating room, Donald Malackowski’s work makes him an important member of many surgical teams. As vice president of advanced technology development for Stryker Corporation’s Instruments division, Malackowksi has been heavily involved in the invention of new medical instruments that can make certain procedures easier and more effective. While he has helped develop numerous products that are in use today, he is not one to stop when a problem is solved; he continues to focus on the next innovation. His team is constantly evaluating new and previously untested technologies for their usability. “We call it technical heavy lifting,” Malackowski says. “Our goal is to figure out how to improve patient outcomes and at the same time reduce costs. There are plenty of opportunities to advance medical science in what we do.” Two of Malackowski’s recent projects help enhance brain tumor and knee replacement operations. For both projects, Malackowski led the architecture and implementation phases of the new smart instruments used during these procedures. For patients with a brain tumor, Stryker’s new technology allows surgeons to use a 3D model of an MRI scan in conjunction with the GPS-like features of the surgical instrument to guide them to the tumor. This advancement is helpful because it is difficult for the human eye to discern the difference between the good and bad tissue that can easily be seen in an MRI.

n SPRING 2010

For knee-replacement candidates, the surgical navigation system is able to observe and track the unique movements of the patient’s knee before the surgery. Based on this input, the computer can recommend the best placement and alignment for an implant and guide the surgeon through the procedure. Because they are not surgeons, Malackowski and his colleagues must rely on doctor input and surgery observations to understand and address medical issues. “A lot of what we do is observing in the operating rooms. We apply technology to what we see to help medical professionals do things better,” he says. Since he began his professional career in 1988, Malackowski’s work has been part of 15 patents with another 26 pending approval from the U.S. Patent Office. He believes the educational foundation he received in Purdue’s electrical engineering technology program was a great source of hands-on knowledge and practical problem-solving at a system level that still influences his work today. The breadth of challenges and promise of new technologies keeps Malackowski excited about his job. “One of the best parts about working with technology in a growth industry is that I can’t always tell my engineers what’s next, because it’s that fast paced. But I can guarantee them it will be challenging, it will be interesting, and it will be new,” he says. “It is always exciting to see and work with the latest and greatest technologies.”

Paul Torchia BS ’03 married Hillary New in January 2004. They welcomed their daughter, Karmen Julia, in December of 2007, and moved to Las Vegas in July 2008 for Paul’s dream job in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) maintenance. Sarah Contreras BS ’05 married Igor Kirin (ECET ’05) August 31, 2008, in Chicago. They live in Des Plaines, IL. Michael Witt BS ’05, Mountlake Terrace, WA, works for Boeing Commercial Airplane as an industrial engineer. Grant Brusky BS ’06 married Racheal Thompson July 5, 2008, in Avon Lake, OH. They reside in Corpus Christi, TX. William L. Flory BS ’06, Delphi, IN, recently returned from a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Operation. Anthony Del Giudice BS ’06, Addison, IL, recently received his commission as an officer in the Marine Corps after completing Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Michael Jennings BS ’06, Camby, IN, was recently designated a naval aviator while serving with Training Squadron 22, Naval Station, in Kingsville, TX. He was presented with the coveted “Wings of Gold,” marking the culmination of months of flight training.

Adam Stahl BS ’06 married Stephanie Tieken (Purdue ’06) May 30, 2009, in Evansville, IN. They now live in Indianapolis, IN.

Andy Hylton BS ’96, Antioch, TN, is the senior project manager with Turner Construction currently managing the Music City Center. David Hart BS ’98 and his wife, Eugenia (Purdue ’96), cheered on Purdue basketball at the 2009 NCAA tournament with their son. Brandon Bortoli BS ’00, and his wife, Julie, were married August 2, 2008, in Negril, Jamaica. They now reside in Shorewood, IL, with their two children. Keith Sitzman BS ’01, San Antonio, TX, teamed with Purdue alumni working for Skanska USA Building to complete Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. Keith is a project manager.

Bobby Pflum BS ’07 and Caroline Anderson (Purdue ’07), Bowling Green, OH, were married on January 24, 2009, in Indianapolis.

Building Construction Management Daniel Gross BS ’84, Downers Grove, IL, was promoted to Chicago division construction group manager by the board of directors of Alfred Benesch & Company. Christopher Barton BS ’88, Granada Hills, CA, is the executive vice president of Sunset Gower Studios, a 20-acre lot that films shows such as Heroes and Dexter. Brad Lakner BS ’88, Springfield, IL, reports that he has a six-year-old daughter who loves the Boilermakers and recently visited all the princesses at Disney World. Chris Chapel BS ’89 married Mary Beth Lameka (Purdue ’01) in December 2007 in Chicago. He is a senior project manager overseeing largescale construction, and they live in Lincoln Park. Bradley Lawson BS ’89 and his wife, Gina, St. Charles, IL, welcomed their son, Max, on August 4, 2008. Robert Pinchot BS ’95 and his wife, Pamela (Purdue ’95), welcomed a daughter on May 1, 2009.

Travis Daugherty BS ’07, Clarksville, TN, recently graduated from the basic Naval Flight Officer Program. Rudi Eidam BS ’07, San Antonio, TX, teamed up with Purdue alumni working for Skanska USA Building to complete Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. Rudi is an assistant project engineer.

Ryan Church BS ’07, Carmel, IN, married Lauren Huskins (Purdue ’07) on September 19, 2009, in Eugene, OR. Aaron Rozzi BS ’09 married Rachel Em (Purdue ’08) June 13, 2009, in Glenview, IL.

Computer and Information Technology D. Andy Guffey BS ’90 and his wife, Kelly, San Francisco, CA, welcomed their daughter, Hazel Gail, on October 13, 2008. Their first daughter, Clara Jean, was born in July 2006. Shawn Brooks BS ’99 and his wife, Halle (Purdue ’02), welcomed their son Evan Ewbank, on April 18, 2009. They live in Aurora, IL.

Jim Peterson BS ‘82 is an electrical engineer at Griffin Analytical Instruments in the Purdue Research Park, West Lafayette, IN.

Kevin Bryant BS ’99 and his wife, Emily, were married April 6, 2009. They now reside in Frederick, MD.

Marvin Dunbar BS ’89, Monroe, GA, and his wife, Dawn, welcomed their son, Gavin Phillip, on October 16, 2008.

Vanessa Naglich BS ’01 married Nicholas Dister on May 24, 2009, in Tampa, FL, where they now reside.

Jeffrey W. Rogers BS ’96 and his wife, Susan, Houston, TX, welcomed their daughter, Tabitha Mackenzie, on April 8, 2009. Deral Danis BS ’05 works for Constellation Energy Commodities Group in Baltimore, MD. He completed his master’s in electrical and computer engineering through the Kansas State University Distance Education Program in December 2008.

Computer Graphics Technology

Melissa Boss BS ’01 married Robert Smalley on August 7, 2008, at Aventura Spa Palace Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. She works for The Boeing Co. in St. Louis, MO. Matt Ruby BS ’01 and his wife, Kelly (Purdue ’03), welcomed their son, Asher Henry, born March 26, 2009. They live in St. Louis Park, MN. Karen Bellville BS ’04 and Christopher Beaman (CIT ’06) were married in July 2009 in Indianapolis. She is a graphic artist at the Orlando, FL, Sentinel, specializing in 3D modeling. She received three Society of News Design awards in 2008.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Juan Vidal Campos BS ’82 and his wife, Julie, Lompoc, CA, have completed marathons on all seven continents. In three and a half years, they ran in Virginia Beach, VA; Dublin, Ireland; King George Island, Antarctica; Ushuaia, Argentina; Tokyo, Japan; Marrakesh, Morocco; and Auckland, New Zealand.

Peter McDonald BS ’07 married Julie Wagner June 24, 2008, in Delafield, WI. They also welcomed their daughter, Emma Grace, on August 28, 2008.

Ryan Newton BS ’00 and his wife, Marisa (Purdue ’01), Washington, IL, welcomed their daughter, Highlyn Aleece, on March 15, 2009.

Ingram London BS ’07 married Jeremi Hayes (Purdue ’08) on May 17, 2009, in St. Louis, MO.

Micah Quick BS ’08 married Sarah Griggs (Purdue ’09) on December 27, 2008. They reside in Fort Wayne. Melissa White BS ’01 and Aaron White BS ‘01, welcomed their daughter, Brooke Elzabeth, on April 3, 2009. They live in Memphis, TN. Michael Vallaly BS ’03, Chicago, IL, and his wife, Kristin (Purdue ’04) welcomed their daughter, Sarah Catherine, on May 24, 2009. Matt Fontaine BS ’06 married Whitney Heavrin (Purdue ’07) on June 27, 2008, and they live in Louisville, KY.

Robert Murphy BS ’09 is an applications engineer with Cypress Corp. in Lynnwood, WA. Casi Snellenberger BS ’08 married Danny Shelton on September 27, 2009, in Greenfield, IN. They now reside in Indianapolis, IN. Christopher Rausch BS ’09 married Lindsay Emerson (Purdue ’09) on June 6, 2009. They now reside in Rochester, IN.

Tyler Parsons BS ’06 and Kari Lottes (Purdue ’06), Chicago, IL, married in Castries, St. Lucia, on August 28, 2009. Tyler is the director of IT security for CashNet USA. n SPRING 2010

CL ASS NOTES

Industrial Technology John Geyer BS ‘48 has received the Arizona High Twelvian of the year award for a second time. He has been active in the Arizona Association of High Twelve Clubs since his retirement from General Motors in 1990. He was the state president in 1997. Lewis Jerome “Jerry” Mollman BS ’58 and his wife, V. Kay, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Columbus, OH, on March 28, 2009, with their two children and six grandchildren. Jason McLaughlin BS ’98 and his wife, Emily (Purdue ’97, A’03), McCordsville, IN, welcomed their son, Hayden, on September 5. Jason also earned his MBA in April 2009. Ryan Myers BS ’05 and his wife, Nicole, report that their son, Jack Allen, is a future Boilermaker. Greta Suzanne Pipkin MS ’06 married William Frederick Vaughan March 31, 2009, in Waimanalo, HI. They now reside in Kernersville, NC.

Adrian Gutierrez BS ’96 has worked for Parker Hannifin for 13 years and is now back in the United States. He is the marketing manager for hydraulic valves. He and his wife welcomed a daughter, Lucy Laine, Feb. 28, 2009. They live in Fort Wayne. Robert Greynolds BS ’02 and his wife, Jennie, Libertyville, IL, welcomed their son, Gavin, on February 7, 2009. Nicholas Iverson BS’02 married Tricia Venderly (Purdue ’02) July 26, 2009, in Danville, IN. Crystal Yazvac BS ’03, Henrico, VA, is a design engineer at Hill Phoenix. Richard Pierce BS ’07 is a design engineer with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., in New Orleans, LA. He has been working on the Orion Crew Module for NASA’s Constellation Program, designing the forward bulkhead and forward tunnel of the crew cabin structure.

Abe Walton MS ’06, PhD ’09, and his wife Dustie (OLS ’08) welcomed their second daughter, Briley, April 17, 2009. Abe is a professor at the Purdue College of Technology location in Anderson, IN.

Susan Fenske BS ’08 married Matthew Ricci (Purdue ’06) January 17, 2009, in Milwaukee, WI. They live in Fate, Texas.

Mark Komosinski BS ’07 and Christen Stroot (Purdue ’08) were married September 13, 2009. They now reside in Rochester, IN.

Organizational Leadership and Supervision

Brian Petraits BS ’08 married Laura Knueven (Purdue ’07) July 11, 2009, in Brownsburg, IN.

Mechanical Engineering Technology Harry Kantz BS ’70 retired from The Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, OH, on July 1, 2008, after 38 years of service. James E. Huguenard BS ’86, Indianapolis, IN, started a concierge service business in April 2007.

Bob Paden BS ’90 is the president and primary consultant for NewRiverz Inc., a consulting services company specializing in power systems supply chain activities. He lives in Zionsville, IN.

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Beth Oas BS ’84, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, is studying Christian counseling and is a board member for a local art association. Matt Bannon BS ’90, and Lisa Bannon, Parsippany, NJ, welcomed their son, Ryan, on February 24. Larry Kilgorge BS ’97, Lafayette, IN, retired as an evening custodial supervisor from Purdue University on August 1, 2009.

Nikki Cameron BS ‘98 married Josh Diggs in Monticello, IN, April 26, 2008. She worked for Delphi Electronics and Safety in Kokomo, IN, for 11 years and is now a quality engineer for Marian Inc./Polymer Science Inc. in Monticello. Gary Hensley Sr. AS ’99, Aurora, IN, is an appraiser and county assessor for Dearborn County. Natasha Smith-Brockhaus BS ’99 and her husband, John, welcomed a daughter, Madeline Rose, May 15, 2009. They live in Mount Juliet, TN. Julie Simon BS ’00 married Hossein Fatemi on June 6, 2009. Craig Yoder BS ’00 and his wife, Pam, welcomed their second daughter, Sophia Lynn, on May 1, 2009, in Sheboygan, WI. Craig is a sanitation coordinator for Johnsonville Sausage.

Brittany (Dudchenko) Brees and her husband, Drew (Purdue ’01), welcomed their first child, Baylen Robert, on January 15, 2009. Joseph Gregoline BS ’02 and his wife, Jennifer (Purdue ’02), Carmel, IN, welcomed their daughter, Katelyn Marie, on March 6, 2009. Sarah (Fleming) Appleton BS ’02 and her husband, Brian, welcomed their son, Mason William, on April 24, 2009. She is an account manager for MBAH Insurance, and they reside in Lafayette. David Stanesa BS ’02, Hebron, KY, has been working for Toyota Motor Manufacturing for six years. He is in the Operations and Management Development Division, where he helps implement TPS and facilitates lean training at Toyota plants in the United States.

Ols alumna promotes dubai When Manal AlBayat accepted her newest position, she knew she would be part of an important global endeavor. She has been the chief operating officer for Dubai-based Falcon and Associates since October 2009. The company was established by law in June 2009, among other goals, “to help to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the vision for Dubai both nationally and internationally.” One of the company’s first tasks will be to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of Dubai hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics and World Expo. “It is very exciting to be at this level from the beginning,” AlBayat says. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s interesting. The experience is not something one gets a chance to do often.” Even without the possibility of Olympic glory, AlBayat would be helping position a world-class city to become even more influential. “Dubai went from being unknown internationally to being

on the map in a relatively short time,” she says, pointing out The Metro, planned to be the world’s largest train network of its kind, and the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building. The city also hosts major sporting events, concerts, expos, and recently, the World Economic Forum summit. “When I think of Dubai, it’s a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities. It covers a variety of different interests,” she says. AlBayat is able to draw from her personal international experiences and education as she works for Falcon and Associates. A native of Bahrain, she arrived at Purdue in the early 1990s, looking for her version of a study abroad experience. She also received the experience of her organizational leadership and supervision degree. “My OLS degree helped me build a good framework for my career,” she says. “There needs to be proper emphasis on people and workflow. Our goal is to maximize efficiency, not just to get the work done.”

Domonic Wilkerson (BS ‘02) has received his MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He is a Manufacturing Engineer/ Project Manager for Alcoa, Inc.

Aaron Brown AS ’08 married Lynn Shearer (Purdue ’08) June 7, 2008, in Nashville, IN. They now reside in Lafayette, IN.

Technology

Cara (Hussey) Kellerman BS ’03 and John Kellerman BS ‘01, welcomed their daughter, Birelle Lea, October 2, 2007. They live in Tipton, IN. Mike Martin BS ’03 and his wife, Holly (Purdue ’03), had a daughter, Hannah Marie, on October, 29, 2007. Brent Touloukian BS ’04 and Kylene R. Kramer welcomed a son, Bryler Allen, on October 27, 2009. Erin (Stickley) Baker BS ’05 and her husband, Michael (Purdue ’05), were married on April 5, 2009. They now reside in Fishers, IN.

Brian Bixler BS ’84 concluded a 25-year career at Boeing in Seattle, WA, in June 2009, which included assignments in Flight Deck-Flight Crew Operations, Airplane Safety, and Flight Test. He has accepted a new position at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, as a Lead Aerospace Engineer- Airspace Traffic Operations Simulation- Crew Systems and Aviation Operations branch. Shannen Priser ’92 and his wife, Jennifer (Purdue ’93), Indianapolis, IN, welcomed their son, Kael Owen, on March 16, 2009.

WHERE ARE YOU? We want to hear from you. To report your news, visit purduealum.org and click on “Tell Us Your Story” or send an e-mail to technews@purdue.edu. Be sure to include your major, graduation year, and maiden name, if applicable.

Innovation Magazine

We Want Your Feedback

Volume 5, Issue 1, Spring 2010

The staff at Innovation wants to know what you think of the magazine and its content. Send your comments, questions, or suggestions to:

Published annually by the College of Technology for alumni and friends, Innovation magazine is produced by the college’s marketing and communications office in collaboration with Purdue Marketing and Media (PMM).

Editorial Staff Steven Lincoln, editor Julie Sadler, designer (PMM) Mark Simons, photographer (PMM) Kim Medaris Delker, marketing consultant (PMM) Jason Mucher, College of Technology director of communications

technews@purdue.edu or: Innovation Magazine Purdue University College of Technology 401 N. Grant Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 or: Complete our readership survey at www.tech.purdue.edu/survey

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Katie Baloun BS ’06, MS ’08, is planning a Fall 2010 wedding to Bradley Jones BS ’05, MS IT ’07. They became engaged during a vacation in Venice, Italy. Kyle Rhodes BS ’06 and his wife, Jill (Purdue ’05), welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth June, on June 14, 2009.

Visit www.purdue.edu/tech/alumniand-friends for information specific to being a College of Technology graduate.

Giving to the college Visit www.purdue.edu/tech/giving for information about the ways you can support the college financially.

© 2010 Purdue College of Technology. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication at the time of printing, the publisher shall not be liable for damages from errors or omissions. An equal access/equal opportunity university Produced by Purdue Marketing and Media 09.COT.2.009

Bryce Sexton BS ’07 and Laura Lachmund (Purdue ’08) were married June 21, 2008, and they live in West Lafayette, IN.

n SPRING 2010

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