As Kim Pastega settles on a hard chair in a Howe Hall classroom—a chair that is better suited for keeping students alert during class than for hosting a prestigious guest—she does not seem the least bit uncomfortable. Never mind that she has just walked downstairs from a ceremony that inducted her into the Department of …Continue reading “Boeing’s Pastega welcomes the lessons of a good challenge”
When Iowa State University participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 Solar Decathlon competition, the plan was to eventually monitor the long-term performance of the solar-powered Interlock House, which was designed and constructed by students. The Interlock House has been reassembled at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Honey Creek Resort State Park for …Continue reading “Researchers tracking performance of ISU Solar Decathlon House”
Chase Schuette prepared a gear shaft for another dose of heat treatment. Justin Upah attached plastic body panels to the metal chassis tubes. And Eric Schluttner huddled over a 10-horsepower, Briggs & Stratton engine, preparing to finish and attach a safety cover for the belt that connects the engine to the transmission. It was another …Continue reading “Iowa State’s Baja SAE Team optimistic about off-road racer”
On May 26, 1958, in western Pennsylvania, the first nuclear power plant began generating electricity in the United States, ushering in a new era in energy production that would fuel economic growth and eventually transform the industrial world. Yet more than a half-century later, even as nuclear power moves to the fore in helping to …Continue reading “Professor addresses big questions for nuclear power”
A devoted cadre of scientists bent on untangling information and explanations from the debris has toured Joplin, hoping to learn some lessons from the rubble about surviving tornadoes such as the one that hit May 22. Three researchers from Iowa — Bill Gallus, Partha Sarkar and Chris Karstens — focus on structural damage. They want …Continue reading “Teams of scientists looking for lessons in storm’s aftermath”
When Bill Gallus Jr. was 12, the budding weather junkie witnessed the 1977 Johnstown flood and its aftermath — a community rebuilding following a deadly natural disaster. Now an accomplished meteorologist and a professor at Iowa State University, Gallus spent last week in tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., studying the effects of 200-mph winds on homes and …Continue reading “Meteorologist looks for clues in tornado’s aftermath”
A few years ago, Iowa State studied “The Effectiveness of Iowa’s Automated Red Light Running Enforcement Programs.” And how effective are they, especially when it comes to reducing accidents? On Wednesday, the day the Des Moines Police Department called a news conference to say cameras would go live on designated city thoroughfares by the end …Continue reading “Stoplight cameras improve safety, ISU finds”
The Iowa State Steel Bridge Team attended the 2011 National Student Steel Bridge Competition (NSSBC) at Texas A&M University May 20-21. The team was awarded 12th place overall. NSSBC judging criteria is made up of six categories, and the team placed in all of them, taking 8th in lightness, 9th in display, 11th in efficiency, …Continue reading “Steel Bridge Team places in national competition”
The Anthelion, a solar car created by Iowa State’s PrISUm solar car team, finished fourth in the 2011 Formula Sun Grand Prix at at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The PrISUm team competed from May 2 to May 6. Evan Stumpges, PrISUm project director and senior in mechanical engineering, didn’t mind attending the Formula Sun Grand …Continue reading “Fourth place finish gives PrISUm team future inspiration”
Iowa State’s Lunabotics Mining team is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the 2nd Annual NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition. This morning, May 26, Team LunaCY gave its systems presentation at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center. At 1 p.m. EDT today, they will begin competing in challenges that continue through May 28. …Continue reading “Lunabotics Mining team competes at Kennedy Space Center”
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recently named Iowa State University a 2010 Outstanding University. The award is a credit to the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering and Iowa State’s ACI student chapter. Student members, assisted by Associate Professor and Iowa State ACI student chapter advisor Kejin Wang, applied for the award, which is …Continue reading “Iowa State named 2010 Outstanding University”
Brenna Fall is a civil engineer, so her career makes her a natural fit for Ankeny’s Board of Examiners and Appeals. But the volunteer aspect of the position means as much to her as any professional contribution she’ll make. Fall was appointed to the position March 7. She first became interested in the position after …Continue reading “CCEE alum volunteers her skills in Ankeny”
