News from Chemical Engineering

OSU Hosts the 2006 Regional AIChE Student Conference

After about 5 years of planning, the OSU ChE students hosted the 2006 Regional student chapter conference, in Stillwater, during April 6-8.  About 200 students, representing nine universities from a six-state region, participated in the 3-day conference.  Here are some photos of the events. 

OSU’s Chrome Dome placed first in the Chem-E-Car competition.  Missouri-Rolla’s UMR Team, placed second, and Iowa State’s team placed third overall.  Each of the three teams are eligible to compete in the national competition this fall in San Francisco, CA.

Chrome Dome Team Members Pose with Winning Car. Left to Right: Steve Keene, Megan Benyshek, Kelly Guss, Ogadinma Offor, and Jordan Loudermilk.  Back: Dr. Sundar Madihally, Student Chapter Advisor.

Here the Chrome Dome winning run is being measured, just inches over the target distance.  CO₂ pressure from an acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate reaction powered the car.  UMR’s car was powered by a lead-acid battery, and ISU’s by a hydrogen fuel cell.

In the paper presentation, OSU’s David Wiist placed First.  His topic was “Fabrication of 3D Tissue Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering.”  Marty Gran of Iowa State U. placed second with his presentation of “Novel Polyanhydrides for Release of Stable Proteins”.  And OSU’s Michael Gamble placed third with “Charge Distribution and Capture of Submicrometer Particles Generated in an Oxy-Fuel Coal Combustion Exhaust.”  Each of the students are undergraduates performing research with faculty members.  Michael Gamble performed his research as an intern at Washington University, St. Louis. David’s and Marty’s research were with professors at their home institution.  David will represent the Region in the national competition.

David Wiist places first in the technical paper presentation.

The Regional meeting included workshops on leadership and entrepreneurship.  And, of course, great fun with water balloons, tape, and a hypnotist.