College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

Developing new batteries for space exploration

Batteries have become such a modern day convenience that many times we don’t think about them until they need recharged or replaced. Even in space, batteries make life easier by advancing exploration when they are used in land rovers, astronaut equipment and energy storage devices. But creating a battery for space exploration requires some interesting …Continue reading “Developing new batteries for space exploration”

Guest post: Orientation sets new students up for success, helps transition to college

Orientation is an exciting time on campus—new students are thrilled to be here, and their energy is contagious. The overall experience of orientation has changed since I was a student in college. We had to register for classes in person with a pencil and note card and stand in line to sign up. Then, if …Continue reading “Guest post: Orientation sets new students up for success, helps transition to college”

Dickerson named to Biotechnology Council

Julie Dickerson, professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been selected to serve a three-year term on Iowa State University’s Biotechnology Council. She joins Cathy Miller, associate professor of veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine, and Edward Yu, professor of chemistry and of physics and astronomy as the newest members of the council, which is responsible for making …Continue reading “Dickerson named to Biotechnology Council”

Evaluating how information is perceived in automated systems

As automated systems are evolving, they are becoming more capable of making substantial decisions. Michael Dorneich says allowing the systems to have more responsibility and authority can improve safety and performance because actions are tailored to the particulars of a current situation. Because of that enormous potential, Dorneich, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, studies …Continue reading “Evaluating how information is perceived in automated systems”

Guest post: Two new engineering programs accredited, 10 reaccredited

Part of continually improving the educational opportunities offered by the College of Engineering is to have an external review of our degree programs. This review, performed by ABET, gives us insight into the quality of our programs that we can use as a benchmark moving forward. In preparation for this process, a number of faculty …Continue reading “Guest post: Two new engineering programs accredited, 10 reaccredited”

Osteoceramics: A new medical industry for the state of Iowa

When Thomas McGee became an as assistant scoutmaster for his son’s Boy Scout troop in 1963, he had no idea a casual conversation about bone implants would inspire 50 years of research. Not to mention a new type of implant he would eventually develop that helps guide bone regeneration. “It’s really an exciting project that …Continue reading “Osteoceramics: A new medical industry for the state of Iowa”

ME postdoc creates networking group

When Handan Acar came to Iowa State from Bilkent University in Turkey, she didn’t have much time to transition from student to doctor. Just two weeks after finishing her Ph.D. in materials science, Acar came from the UNAM Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology to work with Reza Montazami, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, on …Continue reading “ME postdoc creates networking group”

Guest post: Team LunaCY’s recipe for success: Dedication and fun

Guest post by Katie Goebel, project director for Iowa State’s Team LunaCY It’s always worth the drive. Twenty some hours in one of two vans full of goofy college kids and an even goofier advisor on a trip to Florida already sounds like the beginning to an interesting story. The story gets even better when one …Continue reading “Guest post: Team LunaCY’s recipe for success: Dedication and fun”

Iowa State photobioreactor research could speed biofuels development

Photobioreactors, the production systems used to grow algae, seem to operate on a simple concept: place photosynthetic microorganisms in a liquid growth medium and add light. But Dennis Vigil, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at Iowa State, and his research partner, Michael Olsen, professor of mechanical engineering, know that photobioreactors are much more …Continue reading “Iowa State photobioreactor research could speed biofuels development”

ISU alum’s career a lifetime of contributions to microchip design

Iowa State alumnus Robert Brayton says his engineering education laid a foundation for a “dream job” as a mathematics researcher at IBM when the computer industry was in its infancy. Brayton graduated from Ames High School in 1951, and it was clear to him then that he would be attending Iowa State’s engineering college. It …Continue reading “ISU alum’s career a lifetime of contributions to microchip design”

Renovations, upgrades address growth and advancement in CBE

Sweeney Hall, home to the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has been undergoing some significant renovations over the past couple of years. From upgrades in research and computer laboratories to a new multimedia classroom, each update will help the department facilitate enrollment growth as well as make new discoveries. Progress over time Focused on …Continue reading “Renovations, upgrades address growth and advancement in CBE”

Arun Somani named associate dean for research at Iowa State University’s College of Engineering

Arun Somani has been named associate dean for research at Iowa State University’s College of Engineering. His appointment will begin July 1. Somani is currently an Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in the college’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he also previously served as department chair. Somani joined the Iowa State faculty in 1997 …Continue reading “Arun Somani named associate dean for research at Iowa State University’s College of Engineering”

Andrew Hillier named chair of Iowa State’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Andrew Hillier has been named chair and Wilkinson Professor of Interdisciplinary Engineering of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University. The appointment began June 1. Previously, Hillier had been a professor and associate chair in the department. Hillier joined the Iowa State faculty in 2003 after being on the faculty at …Continue reading “Andrew Hillier named chair of Iowa State’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering”

Iowa State receives two Grand Challenges Explorations grants to improve global health and development

By Annette Hacker News Service Director Iowa State University Iowa State researchers have received two, $100,000 grants from Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grants provide funding for individuals worldwide to explore ideas toward solving persistent global health and development challenges. Initial grants of $100,000 are awarded …Continue reading “Iowa State receives two Grand Challenges Explorations grants to improve global health and development”

Mechanical engineering grad student wins 2013 Zaffarano Prize

Joseph Miller, a recent Ph.D. graduate in mechanical engineering, was awarded the 2013 Zaffarano Prize, which recognizes superior performance in publishable research by a graduate student. A check for $1,500 and a plaque was presented to Miller by the Iowa State University chapter of Sigma Xi, an international honor society for research scientists and engineers, …Continue reading “Mechanical engineering grad student wins 2013 Zaffarano Prize”

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