ENGINEERING FALL 2014
A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP UAB Schools of Engineering and Medicine Create Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering
ENGINEERING AGENDA DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, As many of you may know, the university announced earlier this year that the Department of Biomedical Engineering is now a joint department in the Schools of Engineering and Medicine. The department will still be as much a part of the School of Engineering as ever, but with many new advantages. By aligning our BME Department in the same administrative structure with a world-class medical center, our researchers will be able to work more closely with clinicians to accelerate the pace of research. Additionally, our students will have increased opportunities to experience the many ways that biomedical science translates into more effective patient care. In the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Dr. Barry Andrews stepped down as chair earlier this year, retiring after 38 years at the school. It is difficult to part with someone with such deep roots at UAB, but the department has made a smooth transition with Dr. Uday Vaidya stepping in as chair. Under Vaidya’s leadership, the department is poised to increase collaborations across campus and with industry. Elsewhere in this issue, you may notice that same interdisciplinary theme in our other departments as well. Prestigious new appointments and partnerships with public and private entities highlight the school’s ability to complement other disciplines. This strategy adds value to the education we offer by giving students experiences that will prepare them for a wide range of careers. As engineers become more integrated with various disciplines, we can effect positive change by coming up with sustainable solutions—so that the answers to today’s problems also address the challenges of tomorrow. As you look through this issue, I hope you will check the dates of upcoming alumni events. Whether you’re in town or half a world away, we would love to see you on campus whenever you’re able so that you may continue to be a part of our school’s journey as we move forward into a new year. Cheers,
J. Iwan D. Alexander, Ph.D. Dean, UAB School of Engineering
1 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 014
On the cover: From left, School of Engineering Dean Iwan Alexander, Biomedical Engineering Chair Tim Wick, and School of Medicine Dean Selwyn Vickers.
PAGE 3
A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP UAB Schools of Engineering and Medicine Create Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering
CONTENTS Features Material Witness: Andrews Retires after 38 Years; Vaidya Named MSE Chair.............................................. 5-6
PAGE 5
Wallace R. Bunn Chair: Tanik Named to Prestigous Chair of Telecommunications............................................. 7 Smarter Cities Challenge: SSRC and Birmingham Win IBM Grant.............................. 8 Building the Car of Tomorrow: Mechatronics and the Future of the Auto Industry.... 12-13 Departments Facilities ....................................................................... 9-10 Alumni Profiles........................................................... 13-14 Giving Back....................................................................... 17
PAGE 10
UAB Engineering is published by the UAB School of Engineering in collaboration with the Office of Public Relations and Marketing. Executive Editors: Victoria Allen • Managing Editor: Grant Martin • Writers: Todd Dills, Grant Martin, Cindy Riley • Executive Art Director: Jessica Huffstutler • Photography: Steve Wood, Grant Martin • UAB Engineering Editorial Board: Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., Dean; Zoe Dwyer, Ph.D., Assistant Dean; Victoria Allen, Director of Development and External Relations; Grant Martin, Director of Communications; Leann Neal, Alumni Relations Officer; Tina Bryant, Administrative Support
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 014 2
A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP UAB Schools of Engineering and Medicine Create Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering The Department of Biomedical Engineering has long benefited from its proximity to UAB’s world-class health system. Today, the ties are stronger than ever after the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees voted earlier this year to establish Biomedical Engineering as a joint department between the Schools of Engineering and Medicine.
SINCE 1979, the Department of Biomedical Engineering
both schools—which will, in turn, allow them to develop
has resided wholly within the School of Engineering. By
closer relationships through joint research and education
integrating the department into the School of Medicine,
programs.”
administrators say they hope to capitalize on existing and
From the medical perspective, biomedical engineer-
emerging strengths in research, education, and patient
ing adds a dimension that will increase the scope of
care at UAB.
research and patient care, says Selwyn M. Vickers,
“Creating a joint department with the School of
M.D., senior vice president for medicine at UAB and
Medicine marks a natural progression for biomedical
dean of the School of Medicine. “Making Biomedical
engineering at UAB,” says Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., dean
Engineering a joint department combines the natural
of the School of Engineering. “The department has
strengths and talents of UAB,” Vickers says. “The new
long benefited from UAB’s reputation for world-class
structure will allow us to more easily recruit faculty and
research and education in medicine and health sciences.
execute strategically toward creating devices or biologi-
Making the department a part of both engineering and
cal systems that advance human healing.”
medicine will bring engineering faculty and students in
The joint department model is not unique to UAB, as
closer proximity to clinicians and medical research from
biomedical engineering departments in several elite universities have similar partnerships with medical schools. Timothy Wick, Ph.D., chair of the department since 2005, says such an arrangement is particularly fitting for UAB, where several key people in the university’s leadership have strong backgrounds in both engineering
“Making Biomedical Engineering a joint
department combines the natural strengths and talents of UAB.”
3 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
and medicine. UAB President Raymond Watts, M.D., received his undergraduate degree from the School of Engineering, while Provost Linda Lucas, Ph.D. also graduated from the school before going on to serve as chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and later as dean of the School of Engineering. “For an arrangement like this to be successful, you need strong leadership that is committed to the development of translational science and the kind of entrepreneurial research this department has historically been known for,” Wick says. “We have that kind of leadership at the university level, as well as in both the engineering and medical schools. By creating a joint department, we will be better able to compete for funding, as well as for top faculty and students.” Historically, biomedical engineers at UAB have collaborated with clinicians and medical researchers on a limited basis through various centers or individual research
“By creating a joing department, we will be better able to compete for funding, as well as for top
faculty and students.”
projects. By integrating the department into the medical school, Wick says he expects to see an increase of interdisciplinary research, as well as new interdisciplinary programs that will facilitate the transition from the laboratory to the clinic. “A focus on patient health has always been implicit in our mission as biomedical engineers,” says Wick. “Working more closely with research scientists and clinicians will allow us to accelerate understanding of
MILESTONES IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 1979 < The Department of Biomedical Engineering is created as one of four original departments in the School of Engineering, establishing the only master’s degree-granting BME program in the state.
disease processes and develop new treatments faster to
1983 < Linda Lucas receives the first doctoral degree
treat chronic and acute disease conditions.”
awarded by the School of Engineering with a Ph.D. in
For example, biomedical expertise in regenerative medicine, which includes the use of scaffolds and 3-D printing for organ development, illustrates the confluence of physical sciences and biological sciences. Another is the creation of therapeutic delivery devices for people with
Biomedical Engineering. 2001 < The bachelor’s degree program in biomedical engineering is established as the only accredited undergraduate BME program in the state.
diabetes or cardiovascular disease. “In order to make sig-
2005 < Timothy Wick, Ph.D., is hired as the chair of the
nificant advances in medicine we need the ability to bring
Department of Biomedical Engineering.
intellectual resources from multiple disciplines to bear on
2006 < The Richard and Annette Shelby Building for
research and patient care,” Vickers says. “Ultimately, the devices and products that are developed through biomedical engineering must find their way into the hospitals,” agrees Alexander. “This helps accelerate that process by integrating the biomedical engineers into the medical-school structure.”
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research is completed, increasing UAB’s research space by 25 percent. 2014 < The Department of Biomedical Engineering is recreated as a joint department between the School of Engineering and the UAB School of Medicine.
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 014 4
Material Witness BARRY ANDREWS RETIRES AF TER 38-YEARS AT UAB working on research with NASA at
UAB President’s Award in Teaching
Marshall Space Flight Center. It was
for the School of Engineering. He
a big advantage for me to come in
was also selected as the ASPE
as a new dean to have someone
Engineering Educator of the Year for
with the history and institutional
2003.
knowledge that he has.” A native of Birmingham, Andrews graduated from Woodlawn High
A Time to Lead Through his first 25 years in the
Barry Andrews came
School in 1966 and enrolled in engi-
department, Andrews served as
home to UAB 1976, and
neering classes in what was then
interim chair three different times.
the Division of Engineering. During
The third time, he was briefly interim
Andrews’ undergraduate years, the
before being named the permanent
he was content to stay
School of Engineering was created
chair in February 2003.
there; but just because
as part of UAB.
for the next 38 years
After being a part of the UAB
Under Andrews’ leadership, the department began to expand into
he was home, that’s not
School of Engineering’s first graduat-
composites research, and the school
to say he was idle.
ing class in 1970, Andrews earned
invested money to convert the 501
both a master’s degree and Ph.D.
building into what would become
from Florida before returning to his
the Materials Processing and
alma mater as a faculty member in
Applications Development (MPAD)
1976. He would go on to be named
Center.
WITH MORE THAN 40 total years as a student and faculty member in the School of Engineering, Andrews retired as chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the beginning of this month, capping a distinguished career that spans almost the entire history of UAB. “It is unusual for a school to keep a faculty member for that
the Ellen Gregg Ingalls/UAB National
“I saw a lot of changes at UAB,
Alumni Society Award for Lifetime
and the thing I am most proud of is
Achievement in Teaching in 2003.
how we were able, throughout all
In addition, he was awarded the
those changes, to continuously move
1989 Ingalls Award for Excellence in
the department in a positive direc-
Classroom Teaching and the 2000
tion,” Andrews says.
length of time, particularly when the faculty member is as accomplished and respected in his field as Barry Andrews,” says School of Engineering Dean Iwan Alexander, Ph.D. “I first met Barry when I was working in Huntsville and he was
5 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
In 1996 and 1997, Andrews sent experiments into space aboard the Space Shuttle to do pioneering research into immiscible alloys at zero gravity.
Endless Possibility New Chair Aims to Widen MSE’s Scope UDAY VAIDYA, PH.D., believes his
be similar to NASA in the United
department’s research should be
States,” Vaidya explains. “While
restricted to the areas of science that
working in that lab, I gained experi-
involve materials. In other words, the
ence working with composites and
possibilities are almost limitless.
aerospace-type applications.” Vaidya received his Ph.D. from
A native of Bangalore,
Department of Materials Science and
Auburn University and took faculty
India, Vaidya is a two-
Engineering earlier this year. Vaidya
positions at Tuskegee and North
joined the faculty as an associate pro-
Dakota State before returning to
fessor in 2004, and he has served as
Alabama to accept a position at UAB.
Vaidya became chair of the
time recipient of the
director of the Materials Processing and Applications Development (MPAD) Center since 2008. Both the
for Teaching (2005 and
A Homecoming Soon after arriving in Birmingham,
center and the department have long
Vaidya began building the materials
been known for undertaking collabora-
department’s composites program,
tive projects with scientists from other
particularly focusing on thermoplas-
disciplines, and Vaidya says expanding
tics. Working on projects with strong
those projects will be a high priority.
ties to industry, Vaidya and other
“Almost any engineering field you
UAB President’s Award
MPAD personnel have worked on all
2013). Earlier this year, he was appointed as a distinguished professor of materials science and engineering.
look at has materials issues, whether
phases of product development, from
als research. “We have these core
in basic science or in industry,” Vaidya
initial design to prototyping, often test-
strengths that our faculty is centered
says. “So there are a lot of opportuni-
ing different materials to find ways
around,” he says. “We can extend
ties for our department and for the
to lower production and operational
that to very meaningful multi-disciplin-
MPAD to make valuable contributions
costs. “The nature of what we do
ary relationships across campus and
to these efforts. One of my main
leads to a very high amount of experi-
beyond, and it won’t be as if we’re
goals will be to expand our involve-
ential learning,” Vaidya says. “We’ve
starting from scratch.”
ment with the other departments in
had a core group of about 15 gradu-
the School of Engineering, as well as
ate students in any given semester
include, increasing experiential learn-
with with other groups across campus
over the past 10 years. Our graduates
ing opportunities, increasing both
and in outside industry.”
have a lot of skill sets they need to
undergraduate and graduate enroll-
immediately contribute in a career.”
ment, and enhancing the department’s online presence. “Recruitment,
Evolution of a Materials Engineer Applying his expertise to other disciplines is nothing new for Vaidya,
Other goals for the department
retention, and outreach will be a big
Solid Foundation With a track record of success
focus,” Vaidya says. “We want to be
who received an engineering mas-
already behind him, Vaidya says his
constantly aware of how we can use
ter’s degree with a specialization in
goal with both the department and
what we’re doing to impact those
mechanical design before taking a job
the MPAD is to leverage that suc-
areas in a positive way.”
at a national lab in India “that would
cess to expand the scope of materi-
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 014 6
Tanik Named Wallace R. Bunn Chair of Telecommunications Earlier this year, the University Of Alabama System Board Of Trustees appointed Murat M. Tanik, Ph.D., to the Wallace R. Bunn Chair of Telecommunications in the UAB School of Engineering. Tanik began his career doing telecommunications research before he moved into academia. As the Bunn Chair of Telecommunications, he aims to develop and strengthen the integrated systems that are at the heart of 21st-century technology.
TANIK JOINED the Department of
munications firm that designed and
Analytics Laboratory.” Additionally,
Electrical and Computer Engineering
produced both short-wave radio
the Continuous Collaboration STEM
in 1998 and was named chair of the
equipment as well as equipment for
Innovation (C²-STEM-I) Laboratory
department in 2013. He is the third
the AM radio industry.
will be supported by these labs.
person to hold the Bunn chair, which
Tanik says he plans to use the
“Through these laboratories, we
was established by a gift from
Bunn chair to promote the UAB
will be able to provide services to
BellSouth in 1988.
Center for Integrated Systems. “As
the community and to the univer-
we establish collaborations with
sity,” says Tanik. “I think that is an
this prestigious appointment,” says
different parts of the university and
important part of the Bunn chair
SOE Dean Iwan Alexander, Ph.D.
with outside industry, integrated
responsibility.”
“With his years of expertise in tele-
systems will be increasingly impor-
communications research and his
tant,” Tanik says. “This
leadership abilities, he will be able to
center will facilitate the
use this position to create opportuni-
development of bet-
WHO WAS WALLACE BUNN? Wallace
ties for collaboration within the uni-
ter integrated systems
Raikes Bunn (1922-2011) worked for the Bell
versity and with external partners.”
that will allow greater
System—which included the BellSouth
A native of Izmir, Turkey, Tanik
collaboration among
Corporation—for 43 years before he retired
received his B.S. degree in math-
disciplines, and UAB is
in 1984. During that time, he held 20 differ-
ematics and electrical engineering
one of the best places
ent jobs in 14 cities. He was inducted into
from the Middle East Technical
on earth to do it”
the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 1997
University before moving to the
Within the cen-
and the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame
“Murat Tanik is the perfect fit for
in 1998.
United States, where he earned a
ter, Tanik says he
master’s degree in computer sci-
is developing two
ence and a Ph.D. in computer engi-
laboratories with
Foundation’s Board of Directors, which
neering, both from Texas A&M.
industry support: “the
was charged with overseeing a $35-mil-
He would go on to begin a
Signal Processing and
lion endowment dedicated to supporting
career in research with Arthur A.
Embedded Systems
education. From that endowment, the board
Collins, who founded Collins Radio
Laboratory” and “the
donated $600,000 toward the School of
Company—an innovative telecom-
Big Data Research and
Engineering’s first endowed chair.
7 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
In 1988, Bunn served on the BellSouth
Local Symposium Draws International Expertise More than 300 people attended the third annual Sustainable Smart Cities Symposium last spring, hearing from a wide range of speakers about the latest in urban sustainability and development. This year’s symposium, presented by the UAB Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center, featured an international panel of speakers, including keynote speaker
SSCRC Helps Birmingham Land IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Grant BIRMINGHAM, in collaboration with
Barbara McCann, director of the Office of Safety, Energy & Environment for the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. In her address on “Complete Streets: The Transition to Safe and Inclusive
Years of declining population
the UAB Sustainable Smart Cities
and neglect have resulted in some
Research Center, is one of 16 cities
Birmingham neighborhoods being
selected to receive an IBM Smarter
isolated from healthy food choices,
Cities Challenge grant.
while abandoned houses and run
Transportation Networks,” McCann explained how a sustained commitment can lead to safer neighborhoods and improved opportunities for economic development. “It is a simple commitment in the beginning, but
The Smarter Cities Challenge
down properties decrease property
contributes the skills and expertise
values and hinder business growth.
of IBM’s top talent to address criti-
By addressing the problems of der-
cal issues facing cities around the
elict properties and food deserts,
world. Over the past three years,
the IBM team will contribute toward
100 cities have been selected to
that core goal of making Birmingham
receive grants, with the contribu-
more livable—a broad term that
tions valued at more than $50 mil-
could have far-reaching implications.
lion and counting. “In Birmingham, the team worked
it can be much harder to actually implement those plans and sustain progress,” McCann said. “But when you get that broad commitment on various levels, these communities will begin to transform, and they will begin to measure success in different ways.” The symposium began with welcomes from UAB Provost Linda Lucas, Ph.D. and
“A city striving for higher quality
Birmingham Mayor William Bell. “I am proud
living conditions that are affordable
of the fact that the city of Birmingham is
closely with city leaders and the
across a wide range of incomes will
UAB Sustainable Smarter Cities
create business and job opportunities
Research Center (SSCRC) to devel-
for a diverse, balanced community,”
op strategies to reverse problems
says SOE Dean Iwan Alexander.
with abandoned or deteriorating
“We’ve learned through the years
properties and food deserts,” said
that that is a healthy environment
Fouad Fouad, Ph.D., director of
for long-term growth. But how do
the SSCRC and chair of the UAB
you keep it that way? It is a question
Department of Civil, Construction,
of balancing resource consumption
and Environmental Engineering. “By
with our ability to create or supply
focusing on those two areas, we
those resources necessary to build
can lay the groundwork for change
and sustain a healthy city. That’s
cities in the United States to receive
that will help stabilize neighborhoods
why sustainability is so important.
the IBM grant for 2014, joining Dallas,
and lead to sustainable, healthy
You have to satisfy the needs of the
Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
growth for decades to come.”
present without sacrificing the future
Suffolk County, New York.
taking an active role in this process to work with you to come up with best practices to improve our quality of life,” said Bell. “It is my responsibility to integrate the research into the city’s planning so that we will have sustainable projects going on every day.”
health of the community.” Birmingham is one of only three
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014 8
facilities
Tools of the Trade: Scanning Electron Microscope In his short time at UAB, William Monroe has seen some things no one else can see. Millions of them, in fact. AS DIRECTOR of the School of Engineering’s Scanning Electron
A Versatile Resource
and give an image this precise.”
Because of the extraordinary level
Microscope (SEM) Laboratory ,
of detail it can achieve, the SEM
Monroe spends much of his time
microscope is useful for a wide vari-
making images of things too small
ety of applications. It also has the
seen things no one else can see, he
to be visible to the eye, and in many
ability to scan dry or wet samples,
has no interest in keeping them to
cases, too small to be visible by the
such as tissue or other biomaterials.
himself. In recent months, Monroe
most powerful of traditional micro-
Although the SEM Lab is housed
scopes.
Electron Evangelist Although it’s true that Monroe has
has begun posting SEM images
in the Department of Materials
online, revealing some of the more
Science and Engineering, Monroe
bizarre and more beautiful images
nify an image to hundreds or thou-
works with researchers all over cam-
that come under his scope.
sands of times its size,” Monroe
pus to scan a wide variety of materi-
says. “But what happens if what
als, from cells and slices of bone to
interesting looking or pretty, but I’m
you want to see is smaller than the
dust mites and spider abdomens.
also trying to get the word out about
“A microscope uses light to mag-
wavelength of light? With the SEM,
“This probably is the most ver-
“I post images that I think are
this resource that we have here,”
we are scanning electrons instead
satile scope we have on campus,”
Monroe says. “Because of the ver-
of light, so it picks up the millions of
says Monroe. “Others, such as the
satility of the microscope, I try to
electrons that make up the surface of
transmission electron microscope,
meet with researchers and see if
materials and shows a level of detail
allow you to look through materials
there are ways the SEM can be of
you can’t see with light, regardless of
to see what lies beneath in layers,
use to their projects.”
how much it is magnified.”
but nothing else can scan a surface
9 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
With his bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in electrical engineering,
use an algorithm to help figure out
Monroe is no stranger to research,
the grain or texture of an image—
and even if he has never had to
to look at the scan and determine
measure bone density or determine
what’s similar and what’s different.
why a machine part failed, he says
Because even though a researcher
his EE training has been useful in
may know a lot about the material
a lab with such a broad range of
they give to the lab to be scanned,
subjects. “Not knowing all there is
they haven’t necessarily seen what
to know about a particular material
I’m seeing. That’s the value of this
or sample, I have to approach every
lab, that we can show them the
image as a pattern recognition prob-
things that they don’t know are
lem,” he says. “Sometimes I will
there.”
Beam Deceleration ---
Has Your Research Hit a Snag? Ask an Engineer
In order to obtain high-contrast images at low landing voltages, the SEM lab is equipped with beam deceleration, allowing the user to bias the stage and lower the voltage at the sample while improving the signal returning to the detectors. For a full description and many other images, visit the SEM blog at http://labs.uab.edu/wsmonroe.
Design Lab Offers Potential Solutions for a Variety of Applications er part of campus. For example, many researchers have ideas on developing a novel product that could help them perform a task better or solve a particular problem, but they don’t know how to turn that idea into a prototype and subsequently a product. In those
to know that our engineers and the
EVERY engineering student
situations, our engineering exper-
design lab might be a possible solu-
knows about the Design Lab, a
tise may be useful.”
tion.”
2,000-square foot space on the
With specialized equipment and,
If you are a UAB researcher who
ground floor of the BEC that is
more important, a deep pool of
is interested in engineering assis-
used for everything from Intro
engineering know-how, Pillay says
tance, contact Pillay at (205) 996-
to Engineering projects to senior
he hopes other will recognize the
5797 or pillay@uab.edu, or contact
design.
resource they have on campus and
Design Lab supervisor Justin Koch
will take advantage.
at (205)
As valuable as the workspace is to students, however, lab director
“We are not a machine shop
Brian Pillay, Ph.D., says it may be
where you can bring any broken
an overlooked asset by others at
piece of equipment to
the university. “We are trying to
be repaired,” says Pillay.
get the word out that this facility
“But if someone has an
exists, and there may be times
engineering problem that
where engineering expertise could
is outside their expertise,
be of use to someone from anoth-
we would like for them
934-8463 or jkoch@uab.
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014 10
Building the Car of Tomorrow Mechatronics and the Future of the Auto Industry BY TODD DIL L S
Alabama has become an unlikely leader in the automotive industry, with manufacturing plants from Mercedes, Honda, and Hyundai producing the latest SUVs, minivans, and sedans. Meanwhile, at the UAB School of Engineering, Vladimir Vantsevich, Ph.D., Sc.D., and his students are working on the next generation of vehicles.
VANTSEVICH is the leading specialist worldwide in
provide fuel savings. In the future, embedded sensors
the dynamics, energy efficiency, and mobility of both
in tires will communicate with the rest of the vehicle’s
conventional and unmanned multi-wheel drive vehicles.
components and systems, further improving efficiency
His work is based in an engineering discipline called
and mobility, Vantsevich says.
mechatronics, a combination of electronic and mechani-
UAB students get hands-on instruction in mecha-
cal systems that he describes as “a technology, a
tronics in the new Vehicle and Robotics Engineering
philosophy, and a science” all rolled into one. The auto-
Laboratory, which Vantsevich founded after joining
motive industry is a primary adopter of mechatronic sys-
UAB in June 2012 from Michigan’s Lawrence Technical
tems, Vantsevich explains. Electronically controlled brak-
University. The lab “fosters multidisciplinary learning
ing systems are one example; another is adaptive cruise
through postgraduate, graduate, and undergraduate stu-
control, which deploys radar and electronic controls to
dent research, and through work on contract projects
automatically adjust vehicle speed in order to maintain a
with industry,” Vantsevich says. He has also launched
safe following distance.
new undergraduate and graduate academic tracks in the
But these high-tech devices come at a cost. “The
Department of Mechanical Engineering for the study
average car today has about two kilometers of wires”
and research of mechatronics and its vehicle and robot-
inside and may have up to five computers, Vantsevich
ics applications, including an undergraduate course in
says. That adds more than 60 pounds, “and you have to
Design of Hybrid Electric Vehicles as a partnership with
burn more fuel to carry that weight.”
Southern Company. Vantsevich’s goal is “to build a world-class mechatronics program at UAB,” he says.
Power Tools Vantsevich, who holds 30 certified inventions, believes there is great opportunity for engineers
Car Talk In September 2013, Vantsevich organized the first
who can find new ways to redesign vehicles for the
Agile Ground Vehicle Dynamics, Energy Efficiency,
mechatronics era. He is particularly interested in using
and Performance in Severe Environments International
mechatronics to enhance the safety and efficiency of
Engineering Symposium at UAB. The symposium
vehicles, from cars to construction equipment and farm
attracted 15 world-class experts to discuss novel direc-
machinery. He also actively works on “green tires” that
tions in ground vehicle dynamics; the 106 attendees
electronically control power distribution to the wheels to
represented eight countries, 18 universities, and 17
11 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
companies, including Honda, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Volvo, and John Deere. This brought students a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” by giving them access to academic and industrial leaders from around the world, Vantsevich says. “Alabama is becoming very well known as an automotive state,” he adds. “We need more events here related to vehicle engineering. This is the very first international forum to bring experts here to discuss emerging technologies in vehicle dynamics. It’s a good sign for local companies that we have the background and capabilities at UAB. It will also attract more people from all around the world to work with local companies.”
BME Capstone Course Wins at da Vinci Special Awards Gala The winning team included BME
that they are being recognized for
students Ryan Densmore, Daniel
Elana Prizlow Sullivan of the National MS Society Presents the da Vinci Award to Alan Eberhardt of the School of Engineering.
their hard work.”
McFalls, Shelby May, and Stephen
Developed in 2001 by the National
Mehi. Their project, the Toyrota, is
Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Michigan
a powered wheelchair that toddlers
Chapter, the da Vinci Awards pro-
control with a joystick.
gram aims to recognize current
The project was was chosen
achievements and spur future inno-
from a group of finalists represent-
vations to benefit all people chal-
ing the United States, France, Italy,
lenged with physical limitations.
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The Toyrota was one of two UAB
The Toyrota, which was developed
projects that were finalists for the
through a partnership between the
awards. The other was the Scale-
A PROJECT designed as part of the
School of Engineering and the Collat
Metrix Wheelchair Scale, designed
BME Capstone Design Course was
School of Business, is currently
by Jarrod Collins, Josh Haynes,
awarded the Student da Vinci Award
in use at the Bell Center for Early
Austin Johnson, and Brandon
at the 2014 da Vinci Special Awards
Intervention Programs.
Sherrod, which has been in use at
Gala at the Ford Conference and
Associate Dean Alan Eberhardt,
the Lakeshore Foundation, also in
Event Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
Ph.D., accepted the award. “These
The international awards program
projects showcase our students’
recognized UAB students for their
abilities to solve a real-world engi-
action, check out the feature on the
achievement and innovation in assis-
neering problem,” said Eberhardt.
UAB News Vimeo page at
tive and adaptive technology helping
“The Capstone Design Course
http://vimeo.com/73786946.
individuals overcome physical limita-
allows them to put their knowledge
tions.
to task, and we are extremely proud
Homewood. To watch a video of the Toyrota in
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014 12
alumni profiles BME Graduate Kimberly Greene Inducted into Alabama Engineering HoF
KIMBERLY GREENE, president
executive vice president and Chief
science, and business disciplines
and chief executive officer of
Operating Officer of Southern
and has risen to a position of consid-
Southern Company Services, was
Company, where she will oversee
erable responsibility,” says School of
inducted into the State of Alabama
generation, transmission, engineer-
Engineering Dean Iwan Alexander,
Engineering Hall of Fame on
ing and construction services,
Ph.D. “Her accomplishments are
February 15, 2014. The induction is
system planning and research, and
an inspiration to our students and
the latest of a long line of honors
environmental affairs.
her service to our school through
for Greene, who earned a master’s
“Kimberly Greene is an example
advisory board membership for our
degree in biomedical engineering
of an engineering graduate who has
ASEM program has been of tremen-
from UAB prior to beginning her
creatively applied her training as an
dous value and is much appreciated
career in the utility industry.
engineer to meet challenges in an
by our faculty.”
Greene was recently named
industry that spans the engineering,
Greene received her bachelor’s
SOE Graduate Raymond Thompson named ECOB Engineer of the Year RAYMOND THOMPSON, PH.D., was named the Engineering Council
design and application. “Ray Thompson is an excellent
of Birmingham’s Engineer of the
example of the convergence of sci-
Year at the organization’s 55th annual
entific knowledge, engineering know-
awards banquet.
how, business acumen and a can-do
Thompson earned his bach-
attitude, all adding up to a UAB engi-
elor’s and master’s degrees from
neer,” says School of Engineering
the School of Engineering, went
Dean Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., who
to Vanderbilt for his Ph.D., then
was on hand at the event to present
returned to UAB where he taught
student awards to SOE graduates
engineering for nearly 20 years. In
and undergraduates.
1998 he founded Vista Engineering,
Thompson himself is a former stu-
a research, development, and con-
dent of the year winner, winning the
sulting firm specializing in materials
undergraduate award in 1973 and the
13 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
degree in engineering science and
“Working independently, producing
mechanics from the University of
and defending a thesis, and collaborat-
Tennessee before going on to earn an
ing with professional engineers and
M.B.A. from Samford and a master’s
doctors prepared me well for the vari-
degree from UAB. Her original plan
ous challenges I’ve faced throughout
involved putting her biomedical train-
my career.”
ing to use designing artificial orthope-
After her start at Southern Company
dic implants in Indiana, but she took
Services, Greene spent eight years
a job at Southern Company as a tem-
at Southern Company subsidiary
porary measure while her husband
Southern Energy Inc., now NRG. In
realized his goal of becoming an airline
2007, she joined the Tennessee Valley
pilot.
Authority (TVA) as chief financial offi-
It wasn’t long before she found that
cer and chief risk officer.
expect great things from her as she
the skills she had developed as a bio-
“We are obviously very proud
medical engineer could be applied to
of Kim and the way she continues
role as executive vice president and
a wide variety of disciplines. “I never
to represent UAB and the School
Chief Operating Officer of Southern
intended to work for an electric utility,
of Engineering,” says UAB pro-
Company.”
but it turns out that the experience I
vost and former SOE Dean Linda
gained in graduate school was invalu-
C. Lucas, Ph.D. “She has built an
able in this industry,” says Greene.
amazing career, and we continue to
graduate award in 1974. Incidentally, Thompson, his wife Pam, and UAB
returns to Birmingham in her new
dance, respectively. “I had never been much outside of
Thompson is one of a long line of ECOB Engineer of the Year Award winners with strong connections to the School of Engineering—either having graduated, served on the faculty, or served as adjunct faculty to the school.
President Raymond Watts, M.D., were
Birmingham as a kid, so UAB seemed
undergraduate student engineer of the
like a natural opportunity,” Raymond
1978—Edwin M. Hardin
year winners in consecutive years.
Thompson recalled in a 2005 UAB
1982—William F. Edmonds
Magazine article. “Turned out, it was
1984—Edwin M. Hardin
the opportunity for all of us.”
1985—David A. Conner
Thompson’s connection to UAB goes beyond his and his wife’s experience. The son of a machinist
In addition to managing Vista
1986—Charles E. Hickman
who spent just one year in college,
Engineering, Raymond Thompson also
Raymond Thompson was one of five
works as a consultant in materials sci-
siblings all of whom earned degrees
ence and engineering. He is a licensed
from UAB. Raymond and Neal
professional engineering in four
2000—Gary J. Grimes
Thompson earned degrees from the
states, and is a fellow of the National
2003—Gregg L. Vaughn
School of Engineering; Joe Thompson
Academy of Forensic Engineers, the
2004—Martha Warren Bidez
earned a degree in medical physics
American Society of Materials, and
2005—Thomas Fletcher Talbot
and a master’s in materials science;
the American Welding Society.
2009—Fouad Fouad
and sisters Lynn and Janine earned degrees in nursing and modern
He holds three patents, is the author of numerous papers, and one book.
1992—Jay Goldman 1997—Ed Segner
2011—Linda Lucas
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014 14
alumni profiles James Dunlea AFTER WORKING nearly 40 years
starving college student, and I just
in the construction industry, James
kept working. I never made it back.”
Dunlea knows better than to leave
Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and
a job unfinished. With that in mind,
90s, Dunlea worked at job sites in
Dunlea walked across the stage at
Birmingham and Cleveland, Ohio,
Bartow Arena in December to accept
specializing in sewer inspection and
a bachelor’s degree in civil, construc-
rehabilitation. In 1999, he took a job
tion, and environmental engineer-
as a project manager for Nichols
ing—putting the finishing touches on
Contracting Company in Birmingham,
a job that was several decades in the
and he was in that role when he
making.
began to consider adding a degree to
“I started college in 1971 studying nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech,”
his already lengthy resume. “Around 2007, I drove through
Dunlea says. “I left the program for
campus every day to drop off my
to go to work full time. I had every
girlfriend, Jean Price, who worked
intention of going back, but I enjoyed
at UAB Hospital,” Dunlea says.
making money more than being a
“Through her, I got to know a lot
Juan Serrano
program as a research
of Massachusetts and a master’s
assistant.”
degree in materials from UAB. “The
An architect’s son
exposure I had as a graduate student
who’d been exposed
in the composite materials laboratory
WHEN JUAN SERRANO arrived
at a young age to construction sites
gave me a breadth of knowledge
in the United States from Bogota,
and drawings, Serrano earned a
and experience very few other pro-
Colombia, in 2002, he was quickly
degree in mechanical engineering
grams in the nation have.”
drawn to the research he discovered
from the University of Los Andes.
Today, Serrano is a global business
in the UAB Department of Materials
But he credits his studies at UAB
development manager with respon-
Engineering. “When I met Dr. Uday
with helping him secure his current
sibility for the transportation markets
Vaidya and saw the projects he had
job at PPG Industries in Charlotte,
in PPG Fiber Glass. This includes the
in transportation and infrastructures,
North Carolina.
automotive and heavy truck market
I decided to apply,” he says. “Given
“Working as a graduate student for
and, to some extent, the aerospace
my academic credentials and my
Dr. Vaidya, an expert in the field of
industry. His main task is to use
undergraduate experience in com-
composites, certainly opens up a
company’s innovative fiberglass
puter-aided engineering, he gave me
lot of doors,” explains Serrano, who
product portfolio to maintain and
an opportunity to join the graduate
holds an MBA from the University
grow participation in transportation
15 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
National Alumni Society | Schedule of Events about UAB. It’s such a dynamic
OCTOBER 14 Montgomery, AL Location: Capital City Club 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
place—an amazing university and hospital system—and I started thinking about being a part of that. I had all
OCTOBER 28 Central Alabama (Sylacauga, Childersburg, Alex City) Location: Sylacauga Country Club 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
this experience in construction, plus
OCTOBER 21 Auburn, AL Location: Grand National Golf Club 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
my earlier interest in engineering, so the Department of Civil, Construction Environmental Engineering seemed like a natural fit.” Although the curriculum may have
NOVEMBER 13 Tuscaloosa, AL Location: The Cypress Inn Loft 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
seemed familiar, Dunlea says it was immediately apparent that college life had changed since his earlier undergraduate days. “A couple of the faculty members assisted me to make sure
ance school and career, often applying
I was able to register online,” Dunlea
bits of newfound knowledge almost
says. “The last time I registered, I
immediately on the job. engineering
had to pull computer punch cards. But
curriculum as a 55-year-old freshman,
even though it was unfamiliar, there
Dunlea says his uneasiness disap-
was never a moment where I felt
peared at orientation. “I can’t imagine
uncomfortable or out of place.”
a school being more supportive of the
Through no small effort on his part,
non-traditional student,” he says.
Dunlea was able to successfully bal-
markets.
challenging process. It involves stake-
Serrano interfaces directly with
holders from all regions of the world.”
research and development teams from
A father of two who enjoys golf and
different auto OEMs (original equip-
watching soccer in his spare time,
ment manufacturers) and Tier I sup-
Serrano says he is excited about his
pliers, and also provides market and
future with the company. “I hope to
technology trends feedback to science
develop my current role at PPG, so
and technology researchers and busi-
that my division is positioned to con-
ness leaders.
tinue to grow in a profitable manner
“The majority of my projects involve
in the transportation segment. Long-
the development of new composite
term, I would like to continue with
applications in automobile parts where
PPG in other managerial responsibili-
considerable weight savings against
ties.”
DECEMBER 2 Pensacola, FL Location: Jackson’s Steakhouse 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. DECEMBER 9 Dothan, AL Location: Dothan Country Club 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Check the School of Engineering Web site for the most up-to-date schedule of events at www.uab.edu/engineering/home/alumni-friends
traditional engineering materials can be achieved in a cost-effective manner. Introducing new materials into the automotive industry is a lengthy and UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014 16
Giving Back
As a result of the enormous success and unparalleled growth of UAB’s undergraduate program in biomedical engineering, we have reached the capacity for equipment and space in our main undergraduate teaching lab, the Multipurpose Undergraduate, or “MUG,” Lab. The MUG lab has served as the primary teaching laboratory for many of communications and design courses in the BME curriculum. With BME class sizes now ranging from 20-25 (and projected to grow to 50), and with the amount of classroom space being extremely limited across campus, the MUG Lab needs immediate renovation. This renovation will help accommodate both an increased number of students and the need for a flexible and reconfigurable space for instructors and students using the space for a variety of BME courses and assignments.
THE POWER OF 50 The total cost of the renovation is $101,000. If just 50 alumni invest $1,000 each, then
BME Alumni and Friends Campaign 2014 To show our appreciation for your generous gift, we will proudly display your name on an installation outside of the lab space. This sign will serve as a permanent reminder to all who enter the space that giving something really does change everything at UAB.
about half of the renovation costs will be covered. THE POWER OF INVESTMENT Your investment in the BME program will help energize this effort and will ensure that current and future biomedical engineering students have access to state-of-the-art educational and training facilities. THE POWER OF ADVANCEMENT • Advantages to BME Hoehn Lab Renovation: • Support the growth of the BME Department over the next several years • Accommodate an increased number of BME students • Multi-purpose design allows for increased capital savings • Reconstruction of all interior and exterior doorways will meet ADA accessibility guidelines • Updated facility will include moveable tables and ergonomic chairs
17 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 014
If you would like to learn more about the “Power of 50” campaign or other giving opportunities in the school of engineering, contact Victoria Allen in the Dean’s Office at (205) 934-8481 or vallen@ uab.edu. You may also click on the icon below wherever it appears on the School of Engineering Web site.
IT’S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. No matter who you are, or where you are in life, you have the power to make life better for everyone. Because when you support the work of UAB, giving something changes everything. GIVE NOW | uab.edu/give
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 18