Innovation matters

By Sathya Achia Abraham

Transistors, the Internet, CAT scans and light-emitting diodes are considered among the top engineering innovations of our time. That means it takes more than knowing how to work calculus problems and plug in the right equations to be an engineer. It takes an eye for design and a mind for innovation to create scientific devices or technologies and turn them into something that can truly impact people’s lives.

Just ask the seniors from the VCU School of Engineering who recently participated in the 2006 Senior Design Showcase to unveil their senior design projects, which included a human-powered submarine, an unmanned helicopter, a miniature Indy-style race car and an unmanned boat for lake-bottom profiling.

Nearly 50 student-teams participated in this year’s showcase on April 28. Engineering and computer-science students demonstrated and discussed their projects with advisors, classmates, family and friends.

“Through the senior design project, our students have the opportunity to work together, have fun together and create together. We salute the designs and creativity of our students,” said Robert J. Mattauch, Ph.D., dean and professor at the VCU School of Engineering. “Innovation matters – so keep innovating.”

The showcase provides an opportunity for students to participate in their chosen field of study by completing a high-caliber, hands-on design project. The annual event is the culmination of eight months of effort for students representing the school’s different departments of engineering: biomedical, chemical and life science, electrical and computer, mechanical engineering, as well as the Department of Computer Science.

“Our students never cease to amaze me with their drive, creativity and enthusiasm for their work and their education,” said Bart B. Cregger, associate dean of the VCU School of Engineering.

Several projects were deemed Best In Class:

PVC Production Plant, Vinyl Chloride Recovery System
Eric Daniel, Giancarlo di Fazio, Kevin Dofflemyer
Advisors: Gary Huvard, Ph.D., and Kenneth Wynne, Ph.D.

PocketDoc
William Calder, Joanne Cunningham, Brooks Hollar, Brandon Saunders
Advisors: David Primeaux, Ph.D., Jeff Babb

Voice Command In-Home Automation
Daniel Camp, Patrick Hawks, Adam Kunicki
Advisor: Esther Hughes, Ph.D.

Design of a Cyclic Fatigue Machine for Analysis of Blender Blade Design
Anthony Dollins, Jessica Pruden
Advisor: John Speich, Ph.D.

Additionally, Gabe Goldman, a mechanical-engineering student, was recognized at the reception for his dedication during the past several years to the FIRST Robotics competitions and the founding of the VCU Robotics Student Club.

This year's event was sponsored by The Verizon Foundation.