Every year, Engineering Expo attendees can explore the many senior capstone projects and then vote for their favorite one—earning one team the coveted People’s Choice Award. This year, however, two teams from Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) tied for the award. Sandra Woods, dean of the College of Engineering; and Peter Johnson (’55), grand marshal of the Expo, presented this year’s honors. Continue reading
Category Archives: Outreach
Coming Back from Kenya
Engineers Without Borders summarizes their July 2012 implementation trip for a water project in Lela, Kenya
In 2008, the small farming community of Lela, Kenya asked Engineers Without Borders USA, for help with the Lela Community
Water Project, an effort to address the community’s lack of access to potable water. In 2009, the Oregon State University chapter of EWB-USA adopted the project and sent their first travel team to Lela. A second team returned in 2011 to conduct a technical water source assessment. After three years of work, which included a health survey, GPS mapping, water quality testing, and an alternatives analysis, EWB-OSU determined the best solutions were to drill a community water well fitted with an Afridev hand pump, and to build a rainwater catchment at the Lela Primary School. Continue reading
Something for Everyone: First-time Attendee Observes the Diversity of Displays at the 2012 Engineering Expo
To many people, the Engineering Expo can seem extremely overwhelming. There are hundreds of people walking around and going to the various booths, looking at all of the exciting research. But first glances can be deceiving. After spending some time at the Expo, whether you are being forced to go for a class, choosing to go because you are truly interested, or simply a person passing by, there is something for everyone.
Engineering Sustainable Energy Solutions for Global Development
Many people are familiar with hydroelectric power, and we can thank large dams for a lot of the energy we enjoy in homes. An Oregon State associate professor in mechanical engineering, Kendra Sharp, has been working with a smaller and more sustainable form of hydro energy called micro or pico hydropower that can improve energy accessibility all over the world. Continue reading
Engineering Alumnus Uses Solar Power to Address Drought in Iraq
Cory Cunningham graduated from OSU with a degree in construction engineering management. While serving two tours of combat in Iraq with the United States Marines, Cory saw the devastation of the country’s infrastructure firsthand and correlating clean water problems plaguing the Iraqi people. In 2009, he combined his passion, drive, and determination to start a company that is helping millions of people gain access to much-needed resources. Continue reading