News

UE, VU Offer Guaranteed Admission Agreement in Engineering

A direct admit transfer agreement is now in place guaranteeing Vincennes University (VU) graduates a spot in the University of Evansville’s School of Engineering and Computer Science with a scholarship worth at least $18,000. 

The agreement applies to the civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs at UE. VU students need to earn their associate's degree in one of these concentrations and maintain a 2.5 GPA. After graduating from VU, they can transfer to UE to earn a bachelor’s degree with an academic scholarship award of at least $18,000 per year. 

“We at VU look forward to expanding our relationship with UE. I also extend my gratitude to UE leadership and faculty for their exceptional work and for this partnership creating even more opportunities for the students we mutually serve,” says Curt Coffman, VU dean of science, engineering and mathematics. “With VU’s in-state tuition scholarship, the entire tri-state area could save thousands of dollars on a VU/UE engineering education,” Coffman added. 

Students will graduate from VU confident that they are well prepared to continue their academic journey and are sought after by top employers and top Universities. “We strive to ensure our students are set up for success. Direct admission agreements like this are one way VU offers our students pathways to high-quality educational experiences that aligns with their true goals and passion,” says Chuck Johnson, president of VU. “We expect to see many students taking advantage of the guaranteed admission to UE.” 

“We are thrilled to partner with VU and extend this opportunity to those pursuing a future in engineering,” says Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of UE. “Students who transfer to UE will receive a high-quality education in our School of Engineering and Computer Science from a talented and experienced faculty. The rigorous curriculum, senior design teams, and internships with local organizations will provide them with the skills and experience for a successful career many years after graduating.” 

VU’s affordable tuition rates allow students to save enough in their first two years to pay for a full year at a four-year college. The guaranteed transfer agreements and surefire scholarships make a VU degree highly attractive to those interested in engineering fields. 

“The students we have been getting from VU for our engineering programs are very well prepared and a perfect fit for our hands on, project-based curriculum.” says Suresh Immanuel, PhD, Associate Dean for the UE School of Engineering and Computer Science. “They are able to transition quickly and play an integral role in all our team-based projects. We look forward to having many more VU students through the guaranteed admission agreement.”  

Visit the School of Engineering and Computer Science to learn more and apply for any of the engineering or computer science programs.

UE Named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction

The University of Evansville has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students. UE has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and an Indiana College of Distinction, and it also received recognition for a multitude of academic programs and campus departments. 

Colleges of Distinction uses a selection process not only of in-depth research but also detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the “Four Distinctions.” This includes criteria of engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Combined, these principles ensure that students have a fulfilling and individualized college experience both inside and outside the classroom. 

“At our university, we are deeply committed to providing a well-rounded, transformative education that has a lasting impact on our students for years to come,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of UE. “This recognition from Colleges of Distinction speaks to our mission and the individual experiences of each of our students.” 

Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. UE earned recognition in the academic areas of business, education, engineering, and nursing. Colleges of Distinction also recognized the University’s career development, equity and inclusion, and military support

“The success of our academic programs and campus departments speaks to the endless efforts of our staff, faculty, and administration,” said Michael Austin, PhD, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “We are proud to deliver high-quality courses for our students while also providing academic quality, personal support, and career counseling  throughout their journey at this university.” 

About Colleges of Distinction 

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com

Congratulations to Roslyn Lampkins and Peter Schmidt

Congratulations to Roslyn Lampkins, assistant professor of chemistry, and Peter Schmidt, associate professor of mechanical engineering, on receiving the Class of 1961 Faculty Fellowship Award.

The award was established in May 2010 with gifts and pledges from members of the Class of 1961. It was created to provide support for pre-tenured faculty research projects. Thank you for your contribution to the University through your research endeavors.

Women Stepping Up Features Dr. Jessica Lofton

Women Stepping Up features Dr. Jessica Lofton in its WEDnesday Woman article. Dr. Lofton is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Stepping Up is a non-partisan, non-profit effort that celebrates women in the Tri-State of every race, class and ethnic background who have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of the Evansville community.

http://steppingupevv.com/dr-jessica-lofton/

David Unger publishes open access paper on fracture mechanics

David Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, published the article "Visualizing the Crack Driving Force through Fluid Analogy" in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials 2019; 28:89–94. A PDF of the article can be accessed online for free.

UE Offers Review Course for Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science has announced 2019-20 dates for the annual review and preparation course for those planning to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

All classes will be held Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Koch Center for Engineering and Science on the UE campus. Classes are divided into relevance per discipline. Fees are adjusted accordingly.

  • Candidates for civil engineering will attend from October 3 - January 23.
  • Candidates for mechanical engineering and other disciplines will attend from October 3 - November 21.
  • Electrical and computer engineering candidates will attend October 31-November 21.

Registration forms and payment must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Contact Kimberly Higgins at kh209@evansville.edu or at 812-488-2651 for more information on registration. Early registration is encouraged as space as limited.

UE to Offer UExplore Engineering Program

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Evansville is offering a UExplore Engineering Program for high school students. The program is designed to give participants a better understanding of the fields of civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering and computer science through activities, hands-on projects, and tours of local industry.

The sessions in the program are October 14, November 4, November 25, January 20, February 10, March 2, March 30, and April 20.  All sessions will be from 6:00-7:15 p.m. in the Koch Center for Engineering and Science on UE’s campus.

James Allen, UE associate professor of mechanical and civil engineering, is the advisor for the program. A registered professional engineer in the states of Indiana and Ohio, Allen has extensive work experience in industry. Allen will be assisted with the program by UE engineering students.

The registration fee for the program is $50.

Register online or contact Kimberly Higgins for more information at 812-488-2661 or kh209@evansville.edu.

Faculty Honored at Celebration of Teaching Excellence

The First Annual Celebration of Teaching Excellence was held on Monday, May 6, and honored faculty teaching accomplishments and activities in pedagogical development during the academic year. This was the first year that the Eykamp Center for Teaching Excellence offered two certificates for faculty members who met requirements of engagement and participation in ECTE sponsored events.

Faculty members earning the 2018-2019 New Faculty Engagement Certificate were:
Alison Jones, Lecturer/Transition to Teaching Coordinator, School of Education
Julie Merkle, Assistant Professor of Biology, Department of Biology
Sara Petrosillo, Assistant Professor of English, Department of English

Faculty members earning the 2018-2019 Teaching Development Certificate were:
Heather Fenton, Assistant Professor of Management, Schroeder School of Business Administration
Lisa Marie Hale, Assistant Professor of Education, School of Education
Jessie Lofton, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Mary Lombardo-Graves, Assistant Professor of Special Education, School of Education
Diana Rodríguez Quevedo, Associate Professor of Spanish, Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures

Finally, the inaugural Leadership in Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Diana Rodríguez Quevedo, Associate Professor of Spanish, for her commitment to her personal teaching development, supporting the growth of others, and strengthening teaching excellence across the campus community.

Congratulations and thank you to all of our faculty colleagues for their commitment to teaching excellence at the University of Evansville!

The Celebration of Teaching Excellence was hosted by the Eykamp Center for Teaching Excellence and made possible with the generous support of Rita and Richard Eykamp.

Dean's Teaching Awards

The Academic Deans have awarded the Dean’s Teaching Awards for 2018-2019.

The faculty members being honored are:

  • Kate Schwartzkopf-Phifer, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy from the College of Education and Health Sciences
  • Jessica Lofton, Assistant Professor Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Rania Mousa, Associate Professor of Accounting from the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration
  • Derek Jones, Assistant Professor of Philosophy from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences
  • Thomas Josenhans, Professor of Music from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences

Congratulations to our deserving faculty members!

UE Announces New Graduate Program in Engineering

The University of Evansville has announced plans to implement a new Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) graduate program. Students will be able to enroll in the program beginning in the Fall of 2019. The professional degree program will offer three options: Master of Engineering - Electrical Engineering, Master of Engineering - Computer Engineering, and Master of Engineering - Computer Science. This 12-month graduate program is designed for those with a bachelor's degree in engineering who wish to gain advanced knowledge and experience in their field.

The program's one-year time frame is especially beneficial for undergraduate engineering students as they can extend their studies by one more year and obtain both a bachelor's and a M.Eng. degree.

"Earning a Master of Engineering degree enables students to begin their career at an advanced level," explained Ying Shang, UE dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. "Most engineers only have a bachelor's degree, so those who have a M.Eng. stand out in the job market and in their work place. In fact, the salary for an engineer with a M.Eng. degree is typically $20,000 higher than for an engineer who just has a bachelor's degree."

The curriculum of all three degree options in the program follow a similar format but differ in specific course requirements and content. Students take advanced courses in their engineering area option and in related fields.

Admission into the Master of Engineering degree program requires an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. The cost of the program is $525 per hour.

For more information, please contact Professor Dick Blandford at db64@evansville.edu.

UE Ranked Number 7 Best College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Evansville has been named seventh best college in the Midwest in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges rankings. UE has risen two spots in this year’s overall ranking, and was again named as one of the top 10 value colleges in the Midwest.

The University was also recognized as one of the Most Innovative Schools in the Midwest for the first time. Top college officials from across the country made nominations for this list, selecting institutions known for making the most innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, campus life, technology, or facilities.

In May 2018, UE was designated as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U for its role as a leader in social innovation and changemaking in higher education. UE is the first Changemaker Campus in Indiana.

The University was listed on several other U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges lists this year. UE’s Schroeder School of Business was named the number three best undergraduate business school in the nation among small private colleges, with its accounting and finance programs coming in at number one and number two respectively.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science was named the number 25 best undergraduate engineering school in the nation among small private colleges with no doctorate.  

The University was also recognized as the number six Best College for Veterans in the Midwest and a Top Midwest School for International Students and remains a Top 10 Best Value college.

Infographic. Details of graphic appear as text in the news article.

“To be recognized nationally on so many levels speaks volumes about the great programs, great people, and great qualities of this University,” said Shane Davidson, vice president for enrollment and marketing at UE. “We are especially proud of making the most innovative list—innovation and changemaking are at the heart of the UE experience.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families evaluate college choices. The Best Colleges rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2019 guidebook, on newsstands later this month.

David Unger publishes journal article

David J. Unger, University of Evansville professor of mechanical and civil engineering, recently published the technical article “Free Streamline Hydrodynamic Analogy for a Linear Elastic Antiplane Slot Problem with Perfectly Plastic Ligaments at its Ends,” in the Journal of Elasticity, Volume 132, pages 261-270 (2018).

UE professor and student have paper accepted for publication

UE associate professor/mechanical and civil engineering Peter L. Schmidt, PE, and his co-author Philip Lax, a UE student, have had their paper accepted for presentation at the 125th annual conference of the American Society for Engineering Education.

The paper is titled:  "Use of computer coding to teach design in a mechanics course, resulting in an implementation of a kinematic mechanism design tool using PYTHON."

The conference will be held in Salt Lake City in June of this year. The paper documents the implementation of a new assignment structure in a mechanics’ course, highlighting an exemplary submission by the co-author. The peer reviewed paper will also be published in the conference proceedings.

David Unger publishes fracture mechanics paper

David J. Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, recently published a journal article titled, "A theoretical resistance-curve based on nonproportional plastic strain," in the International Journal of Fracture, Volume 210, pp. 207-211, (2018).

Registration for UE Engineering Summer Camps Now Open

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Evansville announces open registration for its annual engineering summer camps.

The Engineering OPTIONS for Middle School Boys summer career exploration program is a week-long day camp opportunity for middle school boys currently in grades 6, 7, or 8 and elementary school boys currently in grade 5. It will be held daily at UE from Monday, June 18-Friday, June 22. Registration deadline is April 1.

The Engineering OPTIONS for Middle School Girls summer career exploration program is a 3 ½ day residential opportunity at UE for middle school girls currently in grades 6, 7, or 8. The program begins on Sunday, June 10 and concludes Wednesday, June 13.  Registration deadline is April 1.

The Engineering OPTIONS for High School Girls Harlaxton Experience 2018 will be a 10-day program in London and nearby Harlaxton College, UE’s living learning center in Grantham, England. The program is for high school girls currently in grades 9, 10, or 11 who have completed geometry. The program begins Thursday, June 28, and concludes on Saturday, July 7. Registration deadline is February 12.

Participants in UE’s Engineering OPTIONS programs will have a better understanding of what types of opportunities are available in fields most closely related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Learn more and register on the UE Engineering OPTIONS webpage

Austin Kraus receives Williston Award at international conference

Austin Kraus recently received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Arthur L. Williston Award at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE). Kraus is a 2017 University of Evansville mechanical engineering and Honors Program graduate.

The event took place November 3-9 in Tampa, Florida.

The Williston Medal is awarded to the best paper in an area of engineering-related civic service in a national writing competition.

Austin becomes the fifth mechanical engineering student from UE to win the national award over the past 13 years.

Austin Kraus speaking at podium

Honors Program Undergraduate Research Grant Awarded

Philip Lax, mechanical engineering senior, has received the Fall 2017 Honors Program Undergraduate Research Grant. As a recipient of this award, Lax will receive funding support from the Honors Program to complete his honors project, entitled “Effects on Collector Efficiency of a Thermosiphon-Powered Solar Water Heater from Variations in Reservoir Tank Shape.”

Lax will present the results of his project, along with other Honors Program graduates, in April during the Honors Program Project Presentations.

Mechanical engineering alum noted in mechanical engineering magazine

Austin Kraus, a 2017 mechanical engineering alum, had his photo and short biography published in the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) national publication, Mechanical Engineering magazine, for winning the Arthur L. Williston Medal.

The Arthur L. Williston Medal is the top honor given to students that compete in the ASME national writing contest.

Austin Kraus speaking at podium

UE Professor to Make Official Attempt at Breaking World Record for Highest Stack of Tortillas at UE ChangeFest, September 15

On Friday, September 15, the University of Evansville will hold its first ever “ChangeFest” to support programs that are bringing positive change to the world—Mission Guatemala, Cuba Skate, the upcoming Habitat for Humanity build in Guatemala, and more.

Several events will happen simultaneously on UE’s East Terrace Lawn (listed below). The main attraction will be an official attempt to break the Guinness world record for the highest stack of tortillas. All 430+ tortillas used in the attempt were donated by Abraham Brown, owner of the popular and local La Campirana. Professor Mark Valenzuela will use a homemade smokeless stove (similar to the ones UE students will build and install in Guatemalan homes later this year) to fry tortillas before adding them to the stack. The final purple tortilla will be delivered by UE President Tom Kazee in an “epic” fashion. It is estimated to take approximately 30 minutes and 300 tortillas to break the record. 

A full list of UE ChangeFest Interactive Stations are as follows:

  • World-Recording Breaking Tortilla Stacking: Begins at approximately 4:30, see description above

All following events begin at 4:00 p.m.

  • Make Your Own an Adobe Brick: Create an adobe brick like the ones that will be used to build smokeless stoves for families in Guatemala later this year
  • Paper Making: Make your own paper from scratch
  • Race to Hammer a Nail: Who can hammer a nail into a board the fastest in preparation for the Habitat for Humanity build in Guatemala?
  • Skateboard Making Demonstration: A representative from Killer Skate Park will demonstrate skateboard making as a preview to the project that will happen in Cuba later this year.
  • Disc Golf—with tortillas! Throw tortillas into disc golf goals and see who can score the most!
  • Salsa Dancing: Learn salsa dancing from UE’s Erin Lewis, owner of Evansville Dancesport Academy.
  • Making Good Go Viral: This activity will be run by Scott Sherman, an expert on environmental regeneration and the most effective ways to create social progress and innovation. Scott will also be the featured speaker at Saturday’s session, Unleashing Creative Potential. This session is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, but seating is limited, so RSVP to creativity@evansville.edu to guarantee your seat! More info here: https://www.evansville.edu/globalenterprise/creativity.cfm.
  • Changemaker Photo Booth: Students will submit stories about the positive changes they’ve made on campus and/or in the world as well as the changes they’d like to see happen. 

UE Ranked Third Best Midwest Value University by U.S. News & World Report, Among Other Honors

Among other honors, the University of Evansville has been named a Best Midwest Value school in the annual Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. UE was ranked third, up 10 spots from last year. This ranking is based on the school’s academic quality and net cost of attendance for a student receiving the average need-based financial aid.

UE was also a top-ten institution in the region -- ranked ninth among 165 institutions in the Best Regional Universities: Midwest category -- based on measures of academic excellence, faculty resources, student selectivity, and class sizes.

The University was listed in other Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report rankings, as follows:

UE’s Schroeder School of Business was ranked as the number four Small Private Business School in the nation, moving up from the number 10 spot in last year’s list. Additionally, the Schroeder School of Business is the fastest mover among all business schools, moving up 35 places to number 183 nationally.

In addition, UE was ranked at number 24 on the list of small private universities with the Best Undergraduate Engineering programs accredited by ABET. This ranking was based solely on the judgments of deans and senior faculty at peer institutions. The engineering program ranked 103 overall.

“Ranking as we did in these categories is just one of the many indicators confirming our success in maintaining the highest academic quality at the University of Evansville,” said UE President Thomas A. Kazee.

The University of Evansville was also ranked seventh on the Nation’s Most Military Friendly Schools list and as a Top Midwest School for International Students.

Additionally, UE was named one of the Best Schools for Study Abroad. To be considered, the study abroad program had to involve substantial academic work - a year or a semester, or an intensive experience equal to a course - and considerable interaction between the student and the culture. College presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students, and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools nominated up to 10 institutions with stellar examples of study abroad programs. The colleges and universities that were mentioned most often made the Best School for Study Abroad list.

“Study abroad is engrained in our culture here at the University of Evansville,” said Kazee. “From our intensive program at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, to the many service trips we consistently take to places like Guatemala and China, UE students have ample opportunities to contribute on a global level.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families evaluate college choices. The Best Colleges rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2018 guidebook, on newsstands later this month.

Rankings infographic. Details appar in new article.

Peter Schmidt has research paper accepted for publication

University of Evansville associate professor of mechanical engineering Peter Schmidt has had - along with his research group - an original research article accepted to the International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

The work, entitled "Noncontact measurements of acoustic emissions from the single-point turning process," is an investigation of the ultrasonic emission characteristics of metals undergoing a common manufacturing process. This work was conducted in support of non-proliferation efforts at DOE Y-12 National Security Complex.

Mechanical Engineering Students Win Rookie of the Year at NASA Student Launch Competition

UE's Project Ace, a team of mechanical engineering students led by seven seniors, was awarded Rookie of the Year for their performance in the NASA Student Launch competition. 

The team built and tested a rocket that was designed to reach an altitude of exactly one mile and protect fragile material throughout the flight. Students competed at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in April against other colleges and universities from across the US.

Scoring for the award included various aspects of the 9-month project, such as reporting, presentations, design analysis, actual flight performance, and safety.

The rocket will be on display on the 2nd floor of Koch Center later this summer. 

Mechanical Engineering Students standing in front of UE's main front sign

Mechanical Engineering Major Austin Kraus wins ASME Arthur L. Williston Medal

Mechanical engineering senior Austin Kraus was selected as the most recent winner of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Arthur L. Williston Medal national writing competition.

Austin Kraus Senior Photo

ASME presents the award “annually to the student engineer or recent graduate who authors the best paper in the area of civic service.” Austin’s paper was titled “Safe Growth of Autonomous Systems through International Regulations.” 

In the past 16 years, 9 UE mechanical engineering students have placed: 5 winners, 3 placed second, and 1 placed third. Austin will receive a bronze medal in November at the 2017 ASME Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in Tampa, FL along with a certificate and a $1000 honorarium.

Schmidt elected to American Society for Engineering Education board of directors

Peter Schmidt, University of Evansville associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been elected chair of professional interest council II and member of the American Society for Engineering Education board of directors.

Schmidt will serve in this capacity for two years.

The membership elected seven officers to its board of directors in April. The board members will begin their terms at the society’s annual conference in June in Columbus, Ohio.

UE’s Project Ace Team of Engineering Students Successfully Complete Rocket Test Flights

The University of Evansville's Project Ace team of engineering students successfully completed three test flights of their high-powered rocket recently in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The team will compete nationally this April, in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of NASA's University Student Launch Initiative.

The rocket is designed to reach an altitude of exactly one mile and return safely to the ground while protecting a fragile material. Project Ace's test flight data show the rocket reaching within 15 feet of the targeted 5,280 foot altitude. The team also successfully carried an egg on board, bringing it back to ground safely.

Seven seniors in mechanical engineering are leading the team, which also includes freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Videos of the launch will be available soon on the UE mechanical engineering rocket team web page.

UE Mourns the Passing of Dean of Engineering and Computer Science, Philip Gerhart, PhD, PE.

Philip Gerhart, PhD, PE, of Evansville passed away Friday, January 27, at Deaconess Hospital, at the age of 70. He was dean of engineering and computer science and professor of mechanical and civil engineering at the University of Evansville.

Philip was born August 5, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of the late Otis Gerhart and Edith Gerhart Marquand.

He earned his BSME degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1968 and his MS and PhD. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1969 and 1971. Before becoming chair of mechanical and civil engineering at the University of Evansville, he was on the mechanical engineering faculty at the University of Akron from 1971 to 1984. He also served as interim vice president of academic affairs at UE from 2001-2002.

Gerhart taught a variety of courses in thermo-fluid sciences. He has consulted widely in the power generation and process industries and has authored or coauthored three books on fluid mechanics and fluid machinery.

Since 1975, he was deeply involved in the development of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Performance Test Codes. He served as ASME vice president for performance test codes, and was a member and vice-chair of the Committee on Fans, chair of the Committee on Fired Steam Generators, and a member of the Standing Committee on Performance Test Codes.

Gerhart was a Life Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His honors and awards include the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Faculty Senate of the United Methodist Church, the ASME Dedicated Service Award, the ASME Performance Test Codes Gold Medal, ASME Student Section Outstanding Teacher, the Cummins Engine Co. Award, and Hemmingway Gold Medal from Rose-Hulman Institute.

He served in many volunteer leadership roles, including teacher and elder at Northwest Avenue Church of Christ in Tallmadge, Ohio, and Cullen Avenue/Crossroads Christian Church. Gerhart served in the Boy Scouts as scoutmaster, as well as a variety of other roles. He was elected to the Buffalo Trace Council Executive Board in 2005. Eighty-six scouts earned Eagle under his leadership. In 2001, he was awarded the Silver Beaver, recognizing exceptional character for distinguished service. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed spending time with his family and dogs.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary Lou (Huffer) Gerhart of Evansville; daughter, Ann Bauer (John) of Florissant, Missouri; son, Andy Gerhart (Amy) of Farmington, Michigan; grandchildren, Bryan and Mark Bauer of Florissant, Isabelle, Eli, and Adrianna Gerhart of Farmington; brother-in-law, Dale Huffer (JoAnn); nieces, Suzi Huffer and Karen Roberson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 31, at Crossroads Christian Church, located at 10800 Lincoln Avenue, Newburgh, Indiana. Pastor Jack Arney and Mark Whited will officiate. Burial will be in Burlington Cemetery, Burlington, Indiana.

Friends may visit from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, January 30, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel-A Family Tradition Funeral Home, located at 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, and again from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday at Crossroads Christian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science in memory of Phil Gerhart, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net.

Philip Gerhart sitting at desk

David Unger Publishes Paper on Fracture Mechanics

David J. Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, has published an article titled "Path-dependent J-integral evaluations around an elliptical hole for large deformation theory in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials," vol. 25, 77-81 (2016).

UE College of Engineering and Computer Science Receives Gift of $1 Million

The University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will soon purchase some new equipment thanks to a recent gift of $1 million. The generous donation comes from Paul and Patricia Jones, longtime supporters of UE.  

The Joneses have a strong connection to the University of Evansville, and as a couple have contributed immensely to the institution’s success.

They met as students at the University and later married in the school’s Neu Chapel. Patricia pursued a major in medical technology, while Paul earned his degree in engineering. Paul is currently a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and is the retired chair and CEO of A.O. Smith Corporation.

“We truly appreciate the Jones’s generosity to our engineering programs,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “Their support has been instrumental in transforming much of campus. This particular gift represents the perfect marriage of our shared vision for how state-of-the art engineering education – grounded on the solid foundation of the liberal arts and sciences - can help the region build the workforce of the future.” 

Items that will be bought with the Jones’s gift have long been on the wish lists of UE’s engineering programs. Equipment to be purchased includes a 3D scanner, multiple 3D printers, thermal imaging scanner, a 5-axis milling machine, and a project realization laboratory.

 

Philip Gerhart, dean of UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, noted that “equipment and facilities obtained with Paul and Pat Jones’s magnificent gift will play a key role in continuing the University’s commitment to excellence through both rigorous academics and hands-on experiences.”

UE’s engineering programs are designed to meet local, national and global needs. Students have the opportunity to study civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. UE also offers a biomedical option in both electrical and mechanical engineering and a certificate program in energy engineering that prepares current students and graduate engineers for opportunities in alternative and traditional energy technologies; an area believed to be key to developing the economy of the region.

UE Recognized a Best Regional University by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Evansville has again been named one of the Best Regional Universities: Midwest in the annual Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. UE was eighth in this year’s ranking, which is based on measures of academic excellence such as student graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and class sizes. The list includes approximately 200 schools, and rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families evaluate college choices.

UE was also named on the Best Value – Regional Universities (Midwest) list. This ranking is based on the school’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student receiving the average need-based financial aid.

UE was listed in other Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report rankings as well, including: Best Colleges for Veterans, a top 10 Best Undergraduate Business Program among small private colleges, and a Best Undergraduate Engineering Program.

“We are pleased to again be recognized as a Best Value in the Midwest and as one of the Midwest’s top universities,” said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “The recognitions in this report reflect our continued commitment to providing students with a high quality, affordable education.”

The Best Colleges rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2017 guidebook on newsstands later this month.

Infographic. Details appear in the news article.

Peter Schmidt has article published in Materials Science and Technology

University of Evansville associate professor of mechanical engineering Peter Schmidt has an article titled "Residual surface stress: comparing traditional and modulated tool path machining processes" in the journal Materials Science and Technology.

The article documents a study of the effect of modulated tool path machining on residual stresses found in metal parts fabricated using single point turning.

Unger presents paper at international symposium on mechanics

On August 23, David Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering, presented a technical paper at the XXIV International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in Montreal, Canada. This symposium is the premier conference in his field and is held only once every four years in a different country around the world. His talk was on stress concentrations due to the presence of a slot cut in a structural plate.

Grant Obtained for Participation in NASA University Student Launch Initiative

David Unger, University of Evansville professor of mechanical and civil engineering, has received a $5000 grant from the Indiana Space Grant Consortium to support a UE student team that will design, build, launch, and recover a high powered rocket at a competition sponsored by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This competition, which takes place in April 2017, requires the rocket to reach an altitude of one mile while conducting two scientific experiments on board.

Gerhart Publishes textbook on Fluid Mechanics

Philip Gerhart, Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, has co-authored the eighth edition of Munson, Young and Okiishi’s Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This text was co-authored by Andrew L. Gerhart, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University (Dr. Gerhart’s son and UE alumnus) and John I. Hochstein, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Memphis.

Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics is intended to help undergraduate engineering students learn the fundamentals of fluid mechanics. It was developed for use in a first course on fluid mechanics, either one or two semesters/terms.

With the eighth edition, the new team of authors continue the distinguished tradition of this text. As it has throughout the past seven editions, the original core prepared by Munson, Young and Okiishi remains. The authors have augmented this fine text, drawing on their many years of teaching experience and based on experience and suggestions from colleagues and students.

Heritage Federal Credit Union Awards Scholarships

Heritage Federal Credit Union honored soccer players Bronwyn Boswell and Kevin Schafer with its annual scholarship at last week's Student-Athlete Academic Honors Breakfast.

Given out each year, the scholarship is given to a male and female who meet four specific criteria.  They must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 while participating in at least 20 hours of community service for three or more non-profit service organizations.
 
The recipients must hold a campus leadership position and also assume a leadership role on their team, which is based on a letter of recommendation from their head coach.
 
Bronwyn Boswell of the women's soccer team has earned a 3.952 GPA as a direct admit into the Physical Therapy Program.  She has accumulated 40 community service hours while helping out 10 different organizations.
 
Mechanical Engineering major Kevin Schafer has worked hard to achieving a 3.9 GPA in his first three years.  In the community, Schafer has worked 20.5 hours across eight different organizations.

Mechanical Engineering Students' Research Featured on Cover of National Publication

The research work of mechanical engineering students Brandon Causey, Efoise Eigbobo, and Kevin Schafer was recently featured on the cover of the national quarterly CURQ on the Web, a digital publication of the Council for Undergraduate Research. Other mechanical engineering students, including Ajanwachuku Okike, Nick Ueblehor, Kyle Schwinghamer, and Alex Miller, were involved in the research to improve the performance of a solar-powered thermosiphon.

UE Engineering Students Invite the Public to First “Fast Friday”

The first University of Evansville Fast Friday is set for Friday, April 25 from 1:00-5:30 p.m. on UE's Memorial Plaza. Vehicles designed and built by UE engineering student teams will be on display, including the Baja Buggy, Formula Car, Super Mileage Car and Solar Car.

The student team members will also be on hand to explain their process for designing and building the vehicles.

The public is invited to this free event which will also include tours of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

For more information, contact UE student Rory Moran at rm177@evansville.edu or 260-499-1783

UE’s 17th Annual Engineer's Week Banquet Planned for February 19

The 17th annual Engineer’s Week Banquet, sponsored by the Dean’s Advisory Council of the University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science, will be held February 19 at 6 p.m. in Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center. The community is invited to attend.

The $20 ticket price includes a buffet meal. To make reservations and purchase tickets, call Tina Newman at 812-488-2651.

Hosted by the student chapter of IEEE, the banquet celebrates National Engineer’s Week.
The guest speaker this year is Sam Giesting, associate and member of the Intellectual Property Department in the Indianapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Giesting received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from UE in 2005. He earned his J.D. cum laude from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, where he was president of the Intellectual Property Association. While at UE, he was selected to the Pi Tau Sigma mechanical engineering honor society and served as ombudsman for the student government association. As an engineering student, Giesting co-invented a wheelchair design for which he holds a patent.

Giesting’s current practice focuses on patent preparation and patent prosecution. He also counsels clients on foreign patent protection, patent infringement and invalidity, and various other intellectual property matters.

 

UE Students Win Innovative Design Competition

For the second year in a row, an interdisciplinary team of five UE students brought home first-place honors in the Lawrence Technological University Innovation Encounter competition, held October 18-19 in Southfield, Michigan. The UE team included students from engineering, business, and physical therapy.

Students representing UE were Vaughn Ahlf (mechanical engineering), Laura Best (mechanical engineering), Andrey Biryuchinskiy (finance and economics), Jawad AlDhalemi (computer engineering), and Annie Wooten (physical therapy). Immanuel Selvaraj, UE assistant professor of civil engineering, coached the team.

The competition challenged teams to create a business-level solution for a real-world client’s (Reverie) problem statement in a two-day event. The event engaged students from eight universities in both competition and the appreciation of the skills learned during their academic careers. The competition included educational components, networking opportunities, and valuable feedback. The LTU “Innovation Encounter” provided students the opportunity to work on a real-world problem that required teamwork, business planning, critical thinking, and innovation.

In addition to UE, the universities that competed were Gonzaga University, Ohio Northern University, Lawrence Technological University, Villanova University, Saint Louis University, Kettering University, and Widener University.

UE Students holding award at the Lawrence Technological University Innovation Encounter

UE to Host Webelos Scouts Engineering Pin Day

The University of Evansville's College of Engineering and Computer Science will host an engineering pin day for local Webelos Scouts and their leaders. From 7:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Saturday, October 26, Webelos Scouts will rotate through hands-on activity stations led by UE engineering and computer science students. The activities can be applied toward earning the Webelos Scout engineering pin.

Advance registration with payment of $6 per scout is required. Webelos Scout leaders may obtain forms and information from Tina Newman in UE's College of Engineering and Computer Science, 812-488-2651, or Jennifer Whitaker with the Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council, 812-423-5246.

UE to Offer Review Course for Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

This fall, the University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will offer a review course for students and community members preparing to take the 2014 Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

The eight-hour FE exam, which will be offered at computer testing centers nationwide beginning in January, is designed for students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree. It is typically the first step in the process to becoming a licensed professional engineer.

The review class is taught by University of Evansville faculty members and offered only once a year. Classes will take place on Thursday nights from 6:30-9 p.m. in UE’s Koch Center for Engineering and Science.

This year, classes will be divided based on specific majors: civil engineering (classes run September 26-January 23), electrical and computer engineering (classes run October 31-November 21), and mechanical engineering and other disciplines (September 26-December 5). 

The deadline to register for the review course is September 25. For more information or to register, please contact the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 812-488-2651.

UE Students to Help Nonprofit Organization Launch Medical Facility in Dominican Republic

As part of an intensive summer course in applied process development – and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a developing country – 15 University of Evansville students will spend the next two weeks in the Dominican Republic.

From July 23-August 6, UE business, communication, engineering, and nursing students will work with the nonprofit organization G.O. Ministries to develop plans for the organization’s new medical facility, currently under construction in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

UE’s interdisciplinary, faculty-led team is tasked with creating process developments (such as determining efficient patient flow, how to secure medications and archive patient medical records, and more), business plans, and equipment and supply recommendations consistent with accepted United States practices.

The two-week course, for which students will receive three hours of academic credit, includes a classroom portion taught by UE professors, as well as fieldwork and observation at the existing G.O. Ministries medical clinic and other relevant sites in the Dominican Republic. The students will receive instruction in health administration, process development, and business plan development.

At the conclusion of the course, students will present their findings to G.O. Ministries for implementation in the new medical facility, scheduled for completion in Summer 2014.

“I think I’ll grow as a result of this opportunity through the application of what I’ve learned in class, but I’ll also have my eyes opened to another culture,” said Jacquelyn Ballard, a business administration and international studies student from St. Louis, Missouri, United States. “I hope that this changes my perspective in how I view the world and my own values. On a professional level, I believe this will expose me to many different aspects of business in a very hands-on way, helping me understand exactly where I would like to focus or specialize.”

“Working with a multidisciplinary team provides me with new thought processes and chances to see the world through the eyes of other people,” said Brenna Siscoe, a nursing student from Dugger, Indiana, United States. “With new ways to view the world and all we have, I am able to be a more well-rounded worker and human being.”

"I decided to take part in this opportunity because I felt that I had a lot to offer this organization and that it would be a life-changing experience for me personally," said Vaughn Ahlf, a mechanical engineering major from Evansville. "Through the University, I participated on a team that took first place at the Lawerence Tech Innovation Encounter competition, where I learned problem-solving techniques and gained experience working with a multidisciplinary team. I also feel that my experience working as a mechanical engineering intern at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center would help me with the medical aspect of this project."

UE faculty members accompanying the group are Amy Hall, White Family Endowed Professor and chair of the Dunigan Family Department of Nursing and Health Sciences; Richard Deer, director of UE’s Center for Intensive Experiential Education; and Jill Griffin, director of the Global Assistance Program in UE’s Institute for Global Enterprise. John Layer, associate professor of mechanical engineering, will deliver online course components.

Layer facilitated the relationship between UE and G.O. Ministries after he traveled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic with the organization. He saw opportunities for UE students to be involved in the design and planning phase of the organization’s projects.

Since then, University of Evansville students have assisted G.O. Ministries on projects in the Dominican Republic (assessing a 40-acre potential building site and designing a three-story building in 2008 and developing a solar water heater in 2010) and Mongolia (designing two new buildings and creating business plans for craft businesses in 2012).

“Over the last five years, the relationship with G.O. Ministries has led to transformational experiences for many of our students,” said Layer. “When students travel to developing countries, they often return home with a new sense of purpose and desire to make an impact. In addition, they benefit from working with an interdisciplinary team to address real-world problems and create solutions.” 

UE students traveling to the Dominican Republic are Vaughn Ahlf, Jacquelyn Ballard, Ryan Bassemier, Laura Best, Brandi Blosl, Abby Browder, Mathew Brown, Heather Browning, Renee Croce, Gaby Fifer, Rachel Mendoza-Santiago, Shannon Osiecki, Breianna Simpson, Brenna Siscoe, and Brynne Thompson.

The University of Evansville wishes to thank the Institute for Global Enterprise, the Center for Intensive Experiential Education, and the Lilly Endowment for their generous support of this educational experience.

Past OPTIONS Participant to Serve as Mentor-in-Residence for High School Girls

Kelsey Smith, a 2006 OPTIONS for High School Girls summer camp participant, will serve as mentor-in-residence for girls attending this year’s OPTIONS experience, which explores the vast career possibilities in engineering and computer science.

Smith, a resident of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, will provide guidance and advice to this year’s OPTIONS for High School Girls attendees as well as teaching.

Smith, a Montana native, learned about OPTIONS through the Internet and attended the program before her junior year of high school. She credits the experience for deepening her understanding and interest in the diverse career opportunities in engineering.

“OPTIONS gave me incredible exposure to the different fields of engineering and the roles that women play in them. Being in an all-girls camp gave me the confidence to ask questions and explore more about the ‘how,’” Smith said. “There were so many opportunities offered – we were able to visit a wide range of plants and factories, and really see the in-depth functioning of different systems. In addition, I met some amazing women mentors.”

Smith graduated from high school in Bigfork, Montana, in 2008. There, she received varsity letters in soccer, track, and cheerleading; held leadership positions as speech and debate team captain, student council vice president, and newspaper editor-in-chief; and played first-chair flute.

Smith graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2012, where she majored in behavioral science with minors in Arabic and Spanish. Upon graduation from the Academy, Smith was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. She currently attends the Air Force Institute of Technology and is studying engineering management – human factors engineering. After graduation in 2014, Smith plans to work as a researcher in the Air Force.

Openings are still available in both OPTIONS for High School Girls, June 9-14, and OPTIONS for Middle School Girls, June 16-20. Thanks to the Alcoa Foundation, a limited number of scholarships are available for girls from Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. Attendees are welcome from all states and counties.

For more information, please contact Tina Newman, OPTIONS program coordinator in the University of Evansville’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, at 812-488-2651.

Kelsey Smith headshot

Mechanical Engineering Students Design Aquatic Wheelchair for Easter Seals

This year, a group of University of Evansville mechanical engineering students infused their senior design project with a spirit of giving: They designed, built, and donated an aquatic wheelchair for local children and adults with disabilities.

Three senior members of the team, along with faculty advisor Doug Stamps, UE professor of mechanical engineering, presented the chair to Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center therapists and clients this morning at the Evansville center’s therapeutic pool.

The presentation marks the completion of a senior design project that began last fall, when a 10-person team of mechanical engineering students accepted a unique challenge: Design and fabricate an aquatic wheelchair to enable individuals with disabilities to safely enter and exit the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center’s therapeutic pool, using an existing wheelchair-accessible ramp.

The UE students obtained donations of funding, products, and services for the project, and spent months researching, designing, fabricating, building, testing, and refining the chair.

Compared to commercially available chairs and one built eight years ago by a different team UE students, this chair features redesigned brakes, a new retractable footrest mechanism, armrests that fold up, and a different wheel placement to add stability. All of the improvements, developed in consultation with Easter Seals therapists and rehabilitation engineer, contributed to the students’ goal of making the chair as safe and user-friendly as possible.

According to Easter Seals pool manager Molly Mackey, up to two or three Easter Seals clients per day will use the chair in their aquatic therapy sessions.

“This service-learning project truly brings engineering design to life, and the team’s dedication to serving the community was key to helping them overcome the challenges that naturally arise during a design project,” said Stamps. “I’m very proud to see them emerge with a high-quality product that will make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.”

UE students involved in the project include seniors Kenneth Kaufmann (team leader), Kelly Esser, Clint Hoskins, and Sam Mires; and underclass students Melissa Thompson, Luke Zarnoth, Gaby Fifer, Nolan Eliason, Ian Kendrick, and Jessa Ward.

UE Engineering Students with Aquatic Wheelchair

UE Students Win Inventive Problem Solving Competition

A UE inter-disciplinary team of five students brought home first place honors in the Lawrence Technological University (LTU) “Innovation Encounter” competition held on October 19-20, 2012 in Southfield, Michigan.   The UE team included students from engineering, nursing and business.  

In the competition, teams were challenged with creating a business level solution for a real-world client (MASCO Bath) problem statement in a two day event.  The event engaged innovative students from seven universities in both competition and the appreciation of the skills learned during their academic careers.  The competition included educational components, networking opportunities, and valuable feedback.  The LTU “Innovation Encounter” provided students the opportunity to work on a real-world problem that required teamwork, business planning, critical thinking, and innovation.

The seven universities competing included Gonzaga, Ohio Northern, Lawrence Tech, Villanova, Saint Louis University, Kettering, and UE.  

Students on the UE team included Lan Do (Accounting), Andrea Cadavid (Global Business), Brenna Siscoe (Nursing), Vaughn Ahlf (Mechanical Engineering), and Justin Jackman (Mechanical Engineering). 

The UE team was coached by Dr. Jerrilee Lamar, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Mr. Rick Deer, Director of the UE Center for Intensive Experiential Education.

UE Students and faculty standing in front of Innovation Encounter sign

OPTIONS Program Receives $30,000 Grant from Alcoa Foundation

The University of Evansville is proud to announce that it has received a $30,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation in support of OPTIONS, a summer program that introduces middle and high school students to the vast career possibilities in engineering and computer science.

The grant will provide scholarships for middle and high school girls to attend OPTIONS in 2013 and 2014, opening up STEM opportunities (science, technology, engineering, and math) to a population that is underrepresented in these career fields. Scholarships will also be available to OPTIONS graduates who enroll in a four-year degree program at UE.

During OPTIONS programs, students stay on UE’s campus in a residence hall, complete hands-on projects, take classes taught by UE faculty members, and meet local professional women in the engineering and computer science fields.

“We started OPTIONS for High School Girls in 1992 — and OPTIONS for Middle School Girls in 2004 — as residential summer programs to help young women with an aptitude for math and science learn about the exciting career opportunities in engineering and computer science,” said Phil Gerhart, dean of UE’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Today, we’re very grateful to the Alcoa Foundation for providing scholarship support to this program, which will allow a greater number of talented, motivated young women to experience OPTIONS.”

“Alcoa Warrick Operations is excited to be able to help support this program through the plant’s annual allocation from the Alcoa Foundation,” said Royce Haws, the location manager for the Primary Metals Division at Warrick Operations. “Most of our community investments from the Foundation are focused on education, recognizing that changes in the economy require upgraded skills that will help keep Warrick Operations globally competitive — investments in science, technology, engineering, and math are a key community and business need.”

The University of Evansville wishes to thank the Alcoa Foundation for its generous support of OPTIONS, in addition to other programs and projects at UE. Past Alcoa Foundation grants to the University of Evansville have supported the development of the LEED-certified Ridgway University Center, development of TWICE (the Tri-State Women in Computing and Engineering professional network), student scholarships, and the community-wide RecycleMania initiative.

For more information on OPTIONS, please visit options.evansville.edu or contact the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 812-488-2651.