MSU 23-24 Engineering & Computer Science Annual Report

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2023 - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

MESSAGE from the DEAN

On behalf of the College of Science, Engineering, and Math, its esteemed faculty, and its industry partners, I extend a warm welcome to our valued students. We invite you to our collaborative, innovative, and engaging learning spaces.

McNeese State University’s engineering and computer science faculty prioritizes both research and student mentorship, whether their focus is civil, computer, electrical, chemical, mechanical, or any of our many other specializations. Our small student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students can work closely with professors and seek their advice both inside and outside of class. Faculty also sponsor a variety of student organizations that help students network with peers and prospective employers.

Many faculty that are invested in mentoring students, leverage grant funding to offer paid undergraduate or graduate positions to promising future engineering and computer science leaders. Our faculty bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring our students graduate prepared to make real-world impacts.

Building upon this strong faculty foundation, the engineering and computer science department is fortunate to have the steadfast support of our valued industrial partners. Their generous contributions,whether through internships, scholarship, research funding, or equipment donations bolster our students’ transformations into next year’s professionals. Their partnership ensures students are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and honed skills needed to thrive in the everevolving sphere of industry.

MESSAGE from the DEPARTMENT HEAD

Our dedicated faculty and staff’s continuous efforts to provide an engaging and conducive learning environment have been the strength of the Department of Engineering and Computer Science (ENCS) at McNeese. The 2023-2024 academic year was filled with student engagement activities including hosting for the first time, IAB Engineering Fall Food Truck event, NSBE Hackathon and AIChE Southwest Regional Conference. Our students have participated in various regional, national and international conferences presenting their work through poster and paper presentations including winning various competitions and awards.

ENCS at McNeese has been blessed with strong industrial partners who not only support McNeese in terms of scholarships and endowments, but also participate as Industry Advisory Board members to continuously improve the curriculum and inform faculty of current and future expectations of McNeese ENCS graduates. As per US Energy & Employment Jobs Report a significant growth in new jobs is projected in both engineering and computer science fields for the next 10 years. Our engineering students have a major advantage of internship and co-op opportunities that are available in Southwest Louisiana, and our computer science students have been successful in obtaining internships across the nation in major high-tech companies. The experiential learning through internships, along with hands-on learning at McNeese, makes our graduates workforce ready.

Students also gain leadership experience by participating in student organizations across campus, including 10 active professional organizations within ENCS. This includes monthly meetings,workshops with industry speakers, panel discussions, industry visits and STEM outreach to local schools. Beginning in fall 2025, students will have new opportunities to choose from: BS Computer Science Concentration in Artificial Intelligence, BS Computer Science Concentration in Cyber Security, Minor in Environmental Engineering and Minor in Land Surveying.

We have major campus upgrades currently in progress, including a new Student Union and LNG Center of Excellence. We have also upgraded many of our labs and continue to upgrade the infrastructure to meet the growing demand. We have seen a growth in our Fall 2024 enrollment, and higher demand in industry will drive this growth further in coming years. We are looking forward to the 2024-2025 calendar year and are committed to continue our low teacher to student ratio (1:30) to match our motto, “Excellence with Personal Touch.”

Dr. Ahmet Manisali

Assistant Professor Chemical Engineering amanisali@mcneese.edu

Dr. Catherine Anderson

Assistant Professor Computer Science canderson@mcneese.edu

Dr. Farid Hosseinpour

Assistant Professor Civil Engineering fhosseinpour@mcneese.edu

Dr. Bei Xie Associate Professor Computer Engineering bxie@mcneese.edu

Dr. Cunzhi Zhao

Assistant Professor Electrical Engineering czhao@mcneese.edu

Dr. Firouz Rosti

Assistant Professor Civil Engineering frosti@mcneese.edu

Mr. Brent Garner

Associate Professor Electrical Engineering garner@mcneese.edu

Dr. Dimitrios Dermisis Professor Civil Engineering ddermisis@mcneese.edu

Dr. Jennifer Lavergne

Assistant Professor Computer Science jlavergne@mcneese.edu

Dr. Matthew Aghili

qliu@mcneese.edu

ACADEMIC PROFILE

Fall 2023

ENROLLMENT STATS

677

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

671

UNDERGRADUATE

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Continuing Students - 67% First-time Freshmen - 27% Transfer Students - 4% Re-entry Students - 1% Visiting Students - 1%

184 FIRST TIME FRESHMEN

6 GRADUATE

70.7% FALL TO FALL RETENTION RATIO

81% FEMALE 19%

23 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

150+ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

8 STATES REPRESENTED BY STUDENTS

109 Degrees Confirmed

DEGREE SPOTLIGHT

Diverse Disciplines

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A chemical engineering degree provides a robust foundation in both the principles of chemistry/engineering and the application of engineering techniques to solve problems. The curriculum covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, and many more, equipping students with professional and academic skills. Chemical engineers are pivotal in various industries, including plants, refineries, energy, pharmaceuticals, and food/ beverage, where they design processes, optimize production, and ensure safety and efficiency.

CIVIL ENGINEERING

A civil engineering degree provides the expertise to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects that are essential to modern society. The curriculum includes structural engineering, dynamics, prestressed concrete, transportation engineering and many more. Civil engineers play a crucial role in developing buildings, bridges, roads, and water supply systems. The demand for civil engineers is driven by ongoing urbanization, and the need to upgrade aging infrastructure.

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

A computer engineering degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to design and develop computer systems and hardware. The curriculum covers digital circuits design, microcontroller system design, computer networking and many more. Students can also get professional certifications in ethical hacking, network routing and switching and many more. Computer engineers are integral to numerous industries, including technology, telecommunications, healthcare, and automotive, where they create and optimize hardware, software, and networking systems.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

An electrical engineering degree provides students with the expertise to design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. The curriculum covers electric circuits, digital systems design, signals and systems, power systems and many more, fostering skills in professional and technical proficiency. Electrical engineers play vital roles in energy/power, power systems, electronics, and automotive. An electrical engineering degree offers opportunities to innovate and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that power modern society.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

A mechanical engineering degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices. The curriculum includes thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, machine design and others, fostering expertise in problem-solving, creativity, and technical precision. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in automotive, aerospace, product design, robotics, energy systems, aerospace engineering and manufacturing, where they work on developing and improving products, machinery, and systems.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

A computer science degree provides a deep understanding of the principles and practices of computing and security. The curriculum covers data structures and algorithm, programming languages, computer organization, operation system administration, software engineering, cyber defense, and artificial intelligence. Computer scientists are essential in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment where they develop games, software, manage databases, create algorithms, and ensure cybersecurity.

ENCS MINORS

Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Science

Graduates in all degrees can pursue diverse careers in both public and private sectors or specialize further through advanced studies. All Engineering and Computer Science degrees are ABET accredited.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE)

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BS):

Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Graduate

Master of Engineering (ME)

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS):

Applied Computer Science

General Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Minors

Cybersecurity

Automation Engineering

Power Engineering

Computer Science

Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Business

Fine Art

Mathematics

Statistics

Biology

Chemistry

My application process to McNeese State University for the engineering graduate program started with a conversation between my advisor, Dr. Srinivasan Ambatipati, and I. We explored thesis and non-thesis based programs, and I opted for the thesisbased route to enhance my technical writing and research skills, and steering me towards a future doctoral program. This program has deepened my engineering knowledge through tailored learning with core courses and electives. While challenging, the program’s exceptional quality has made me a more proficient engineer. To future graduate students, I’d say the work is hard, but extremely valuable and worth your time.

Joshua Harper

M.E. Student Chemical Engineering

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

CREDIT HOURS

Thesis - 30 | Non-thesis - 36

DISCIPLINES

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT as applicable

GPA > 2.75

GRE >275 (Quantitative + Verbal)

International Students

TOEFL >550 (paper-based) or > (Internet-based)

IELTS >6.5

PTE >48

DUOLINGO English Test >100

Certificate of completion for ELS Intensive English Level 112; or Baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an USDOE-approved institutional accreditor.

M.E. Graduate Spring 2024

Civil Engineering

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Zhang has worked with and mentored engineering students on many undergraduate research and capstone projects.

His most recent research focused on using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate and predict flooding damages, hurricane wind impacts on industrial facilities, and pollutant transport and assessments. Seven mechanical and civil engineering students were directly involved in these research projects. The projects resulted in multiple research papers published and presented at The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) international conferences, the 2023 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the 2024 ASME Fluids Engineering Summer Conference in Anaheim, California.

Dr. Zhang is also involved with National ASME. He currently serves on the ASME Fluids Engineering Division Executive Committee as Secretary for 2023-24, and will move to Vice Chair for 2024-25. He is also the ASME academic advisor for McNeese State University.

Dr. Xie joined McNeese State University in 2017 and her research areas include wireless communication, wireless networks, software engineering and algorithm design and analysis.

Dr. Xie is active in enhancing the university’s infrastructure. She established the Network and Security Lab with a $91,000 Board of Regents enhancement fund awarded in 2019. Additionally, she secured a $105,000 Board of Regents Cybersecurity fund in 2023, which she is currently utilizing to upgrade the Network and Security Lab and Computer Lab. She also mentors NASA LaSPACE senior design and the NASA LaACES Balloon undergraduate research projects.

Dr. Xie’s commitment to service is exemplary. She served as a co-chair for 2023 E-Week and as the 2024 E-Week chair. Moreover, she has been an active member of various university committees including Faculty Senate, Academic Affairs Committee, Community Partnership and Town Hall Committee and Academic Advising Committee.

All her endeavors were recognized by the Industry Advisory Board with the Outstanding Faculty 2023-2024 award.

FACULTY RESEARCH

OPTIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Dr. Qi Guo’s research interest lies in conducting comprehensive energy audits in oil refining plants, manufacturing sectors, or multi-zone buildings. This involves analyzing various energy systems within the plant or building, including the energy supply system, lighting system, motor system, pumping and fan system, compressed air system, process heating system, process cooling system, HVAC system, and co-generation system. By examining these energy systems, the project aims to identify specific opportunities for energy savings and reductions in the environmental impact.

The project timeline is structured to encompass a comprehensive plant energy baseline analysis, an on-site visit for data collection, the identification and quantification of energy-saving opportunities, and the development of tailored energy-saving recommendations. The expected project outcomes include the identification of cost-effective energy saving measures and the promotion of improved sustainability practices within the chemical processing and oil refining plant.

Qi Guo, Ph.D, Mechanical Engineering

ADVANCING SOIL MECHANICS & GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Dr. Firouz Rosti’s research in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering focuses on soil-structure interactions, pile capacity, and soil properties such as setup and thixotropy in deep foundation systems. His work examines the behavior of various soil types under different loading conditions and environmental factors, aiming to improve construction stability through innovative soil stabilization techniques. By using materials like nanomaterials, biopolymers, and industrial by-products, Dr. Rosti enhances soil strength while promoting environmental sustainability through recycling.

At McNeese State University, Dr. Rosti leads a state-ofthe- art soils lab, conducting comprehensive soil testing, material characterization, and model simulations. He evaluates pile capacity in clay soils and studies how it increases over time after installation, providing valuable insights for foundation design in complex environments. Committed to understanding the impact of climate change on soil properties and geotechnical systems, Dr. Rosti’s research aims to mitigate risks such as landslides, soil erosion, and infrastructure failures, advancing geotechnical engineering and sustainable practices.

Firouz Rosti Ph.D, Civil Engineering

INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD Engineering

COMPANY

NAME

Ryan Vining

Brent Fetzer

Richard Marcantel

Hank Weber

Brett Pennington

Greg Gray

Travis Griffin

Gerry Obluda

Michael Nodier

Eric LeDoux

Terrell Latchison

Candace Stracner

Glen Boaz

Jeff Cherp

Jordon Lyons

Gary Keers

Thomas Tyree

Charlie Watson

Marvin Williams

Darren Lucas

Jeff Brightwell

Todd Honneycut

Joe Anderpont

Rusty Owens

Ryan Gradney

Company

Name

Byron Racca

Chuck Stutes

Kris Kelly

Jessica Pousson

David Nixon (V)

Doug Mayo

Michael Pierce

Tyler Pedersen

Courtney Counter

Jacob Guillory

Dinesh Sachdeva

James Crowl

Nathan Delino

Donavon Anderson

Shannon Cloud

Bonnie Brawer

Drew Bebee

Brett D

Raimee Marque

Aaron Soileau

Thad Gaspard

INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD

Computer Science

COMPANY NAME

AOP

CITGO

Brett Dering

Logan Fontenot

CLevel Analytics Matthew Foreman

Global Data System Joshua Tannehill

Lake Charles City Court Tim Leger

Liatro Ethan Jones

SASOL Chad Cronce

SOWELA

Brandon Kelley

The Response Group Justin Robertson

Brandon Cooksey

Westlake Chemical

Brian Jordan

McNEESE FOUNDATION

The McNeese Foundation has been changing lives since 1965. The Foundation annually awards more than 585 scholarships totaling over $1.9 million to approximately 800 students.

There are many ways to establish a scholarship. The Foundation invests in properties surrounding the main campus in order to advance both the university and the community. You can support the Foundation or an oncampus organization with a gift as little as $10 per month. Visit mcneesefoundation.org to learn more.

DONATE TO THE DEPARTMENT

Donate online at mcneesefoundation.org/giving-form/ or scan the QR Code below

You can donate any amount beginning at $10

Select Engineering and Computer Science

Fill the rest of the form & submit

Check donations are also accepted. Payable to McNeese Foundation, Account #148

FOUNDATION STANDING

The Foundation annually awards over $4 million in funding for student scholarships, faculty development, campus improvement, state-of-the-art technology, and other academic enhancements. Requests for endowed funds originate with the Foundation Board of Directors, a volunteer entity that governs all allocations.

$120M

Current Assets

21 Board of Directors

1.4 M Annual Scholarships

7 Foundation Staff

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

McNeese values its students and works diligently to ensure that funding is available to attract both talented and diverse individuals. Many students may not have access to higher education opportunities without the benefit of a scholarship. The award can help a student to minimize their financial burden so they can instead focus their attention on academic studies. An endowed scholarship can be started with an investment as little as $500.

If you would like to establish an endowed scholarship, visit mcneesefoundation.org/give/endowments/or scan the QR Code below

SPONSORSHIPS & DONATIONS

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

• Contractor’s Educational Trust Professorship

• Contractor’s Educational Trust Professorship in Mechanical Engineering

• Contractor’s Educational Trust Professorship in Engineering #3

• Contractor’s Educational Trust Professorship in Engineering #4

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #1

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #2

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #3

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #4

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #5

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #6

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #7

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #8

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #9

• CITGO Petroleum Professorship in Engineering #10

• Cheniere Professorship in Engineering

• Dr. O.C. Karkalits Professorship in Engineering and Technology

• Oliver G. Richard, III Innovative Engineering Professorship

• Southwest Louisiana Industries Professorship in Engineering and Technology

McNeese provides excellence in education in all aspects, but particularly in its efforts to recruit and retain qualified faculty. One way to ensure the continuity of quality instruction is through an endowed professorship.

GRANTS RECEIVED

PROJECT AWARD AMOUNT

Enhancement of Cybersecurity Education $105,773

Enhancement of Education in Engineering $76,050 Measurements

Enhancement of Civil Engineering Labs at MSU $73,766

Enhancing Concrete Durability using Eco-Friendly $30,000 Farm Waste Materials

Exploratory Study on Improving Concrete Durability $30,000

Development of Radiation Detection Payloads $20,000 for the 2024 Solar Eclipse Events

Development of LaACES Balloon Payloads $12,000 for Solar Eclipse Events

Design of Planetary Rovers with a Control Center $4,000

Optimization of Collaborating Planetary Rovers $ 4,000

ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

• Alfred Cochran Civil Engineering Scholarship

• Allen P. August, Jr. African Americans in Engineering

• Brask Inc Engineering Scholarship

• C. Gayle Zembower Athletic Scholarship

• Cameron LNG Scholarship

• CB&I Lake Charles Scholarship

• Chandra “Peace” Memorial Engineering Scholarship

• Cheniere Energy Scholarship

• Chevron Texaco Engineering Scholarship

• CITGO Chemical Engineering Scholarship

• CITGO In/Out

• College of Engineering Scholarship

• Conoco, Dupont, Lundy & Davis Scholarship

• Dr. Carroll Karkalits Memorial Engineering Scholarship

• Dr. Edwin Eisen Memorial Scholarship

• Dr. Thomas S. Leary, Past President - Engineering Scholarship

• Edith and Adam Ledoux Memorial Scholarship

• Edward and Florence Taussig Memorial Scholarship

• Engineering Industrial Advisory Board #1

• Engineering Industrial Advisory Board #2

• Engineering Memorial

• Frank M. Rolufs Memorial Scholarship

• George Mutai Memorial ScholarshipElectrical Engineer

• Gordon and Mary Cain Scholarship

• Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation Graduate

• H.R. Smith Engineering Scholarship

• James E. and Karen A. Taussig

• John Weldon Boddie STEM Scholarship Fund

• Johnny Joseph Abraham Scholarship in Business or Engineering

• Kathleen and Ernest Levingston Engineering Scholarship

• Kiritsis-Saenz Memorial Scholarship

• Lasater Engineering Student Award

• Levingston Engineers, Inc. Scholarship

• Louie D. Barbe, Jr. Scholarship

• Lyondell Basell Engineering Scholarship

• Nikos Kiritsis Engineering Scholarship

• Northrop Grumman Scholarship

• Oxy Outstanding Engineering Scholarship

• Ralph Henry Womack Scholarship

• Roy and Leeova Broussard Memorial Scholarship

• Russell A. Ham Scholarship

• Sasol Engineering Excellence Scholarship

• Sasol Engineering Sophomore Scholarship

• Sasol Imperial Calcasieu Scholarship

• Sasol MSU CoE&CS Scholarship

• Southwest Beverage Company, Inc. Scholarship

• Uppot Engineering Scholarship

• Vibration Institute Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering

• William James Flavin Memorial Scholarship in Business or Engineering

Total Scholarships allocated to 2023-2024 Engineering & Computer Science students

McNeese Scholarships - 398 Honors College - 13

TOPS - 243

ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

Jessica Pousson

Class of 2015, Civil Engineering

Meyer & Associates, Inc.

Project Engineer

Class of 2016, Mechanical Engineering

Cameron LNG Senior Project Engineer

One of my most significant memories from my time at McNeese is my involvement with the engineering student chapters, particularly the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

It has been truly rewarding to witness how the relationships I cultivated as a student have evolved into strong professional connections. My engagement with ASCE provided invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals, which led to internships and a full-time employment offer upon graduation.

I attribute much of my professional success to the work ethic I learned and demonstrated during my studies, and I continue to feel the positive effects of these relationships within the community today nearly a decade later.

Four years at McNeese gave me the personal and academic development I needed to be confident in Engineering. McNeese improved my knowledge, skills and abilities allowing me to become a successful engineer working across many different industries.

I gained my exposure to engineering from faculty, staff, local industries and very supportive alumni. They also put in efforts to getting the right companies for the right candidates. Coincidentally, I have had the opportunities to work with current students and faculty to keep our local engineering talent in our local industries.

A major highlight for me during my time at McNeese was the ability to build some life-long friendships. I have had the privilege to now work with a lot of my former classmates as colleagues and we all take pride in continuing to support McNeese!

UNDERGRADUATE PROJECTS

CHEM-E-CAR

LaSPACE Rover Auto Move & Application

Wood Glider
LaACES Student Balloon
Concrete Canoe

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

• Association of Computing Machinery (ACM)

• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

• Robotics Club (RC)

• Automotive Engineers Club (AEC)

• Cowboy Energy Club (CEC)

• Louisiana Engineering Society (LES)

• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

2024 SOUTHWEST REGIONAL AIChE CONFERENCE

2024 McHACKS NSBE HACKATHON

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS

OUTSTANDING SENIORS

OUTSTANDING JUNIORS

Zarin Manita Computer Engineering
Emily Fontenot Electrical Engineering
Madison Bebee Chemical Engineering
Adam Courville Mechanical Engineering
Bishwash Khadka Computer Science
Victor Enoch Electrical Engineering
Kallie Broussard Civil Engineering
Caitlyn Dionne Computer Engineering

CAPSTONE PROJECTS

McNeese ENCS takes pride in its Senior Design projects where graduating senior students work across disciplines to design and create an applicable solution to a real life problem. They are paired with companies and professors who will guide them throughout the project and also grade the feasibility of the proposed solution. This solution is implemented by the projects’ sponsor companies after the students’ presentation.

SPONSOR COMPANIES

• Sasol

• Cameron LNG

• CITGO

• Phillips 66

• Westlake

• Biolab

• Firestone

• Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

PROJECTS

• Inter-galagriculture video game

• Gesture game

• Trashformer robot

• Flood modeling

• Rover and user application

• Fetch Robot

TRASHFORMER

In collaboration with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Pick It Up Calcasieu campaign, students from the Department of Engineering and Computer Science designed, built, and programmed a robot named Trashformer, constructed from a trashcan.

The project team consisted of Josemaria Ezejelue and Hafsah Khan, both graduates of Computer Science; David Okpo, a graduate of Electrical Engineering; Alfred Okorocha, a senior in Computer Science; and Chiamaka Onwude, a senior in Computer Engineering. These students worked under the professional guidance of Mr. Mitch Morgan and Dr. Catherine Anderson.

Trashformer is a robot designed to be used during the Pick It Up Calcasieu campaign. Its purpose is to educate and encourage children to keep their environment clean and avoid littering.

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