Engineering seniors show skills at Expo

Tenth annual Expo featured student projects in form of disease cures, telerobotic arms

By: Caitlin Cagle

Posted: 5/18/09

Seniors from the College of Engineering got the chance to show off their skills at the 10th annual Engineering Expo on Friday. The expo, which took place in Kelley Engineering Center, featured many different projects and designs.

Over 100 student-built projects were displayed, ranging from malaria treatments to telerobotic arms.

Students, staff, and citizens crowded the floors of Kelley, exploring the various different ideas and concepts built by COE students. Seniors put in months of time, dedication, and hard work utilizing their engineering studies and skills.

"Our project focused on the development of large scale Artemisinic acid," said Keely Heintz a senior majoring in chemical engineering. "There's a huge need for malaria treatment."

"The expo is a chance for us to showcase our work," said Joseph Crop, a senior specializing in electrical and computer engineering.

Crop was part of a team that built a human-powered bicycle light and computer system. The bicycle was an effort to increase safety for cyclists.

"As the tire spins it charges the battery, providing access to the lights and computer system," Crop explained to onlookers.

The Engineering Expo also hosted the Robo Palooza, an event that involved the TekBot Triathlon, FIRST robots from local high schools, and the latest cutting-edge technology.

A telerobotic arm, built by the OSU robotic club, entranced many students and staff.

"We wanted to create something with haptic feedback, meaning that you could pick up something weighing two pounds [with the arm] and it will feel like one pound to the user," said senior Peter Hoffman who is majoring in electrical and computer engineering.

The Expo also offered tours of the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research laboratory, a lab that explores the mitigation of tsunamis and coastal hazards, and the official Grand Opening of Kearney Hall, the newest addition to the school of Civil and Construction Engineering.

"As a person interested in robotics and futuristic technology, this expo is a great place to see all the new and upcoming innovations," said James Baker, an attendee who traveled from Portland to see the showcase.

Caitlin Cagle, staff writer

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