UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE High-Tech Melon Thumper Developed by Student Designers by Ginger Pinholster reprinted with permission from The University of Delaware Messenger, Vol. 8 No. 4/1999 orget thumping watermelons to check for ripeness. Unripened watermelons—a Fserious economic threat to farmers and a disappointment for consumers—may be quickly and automatically rejected by a new machine invented by four former University of Delaware engineering students. mechanıcal The UD watermelon ripeness sensor was developed by Matt Behr of Towson, Md., Dave Bartoski of Camp Hill, Md., Allan Cohen of Wyckoff, N.J., and Jason Firko of Claymont, Del., as part of a senior design class focusing on real industry problems engıneerıng and customers. All are members of the class of ’99. Winter 2000 Managing Editor “But, the technology isn’t simply a student project,” says UD faculty member James Nathan Cloud NEWSCopy Editor & Glancey, who helps supervise student design teams, with colleague Michael Keefe Contributing Writer and class coordinator Dick Wilkins. Diane S. Kukich “These students have come up with a technology that’s absolutely viable,” says Glancey, an associate professor of bioresources engineering and mechanical engi- The Chair’s Corner neering at UD. “It would be very useful to growers.” by Dr. Tsu Wei-Chou The computer-controlled ripeness sensor ultimately could result in huge savings for the global watermelon industry, according to Ed Kee, a UD extension specialist, and t has been a very eventful year in the William J. Watson, executive director of the National Watermelon Association, based IMechanical Engineering Department in Orlando, Fla. as well as the College of Engineering. A prototype version of the UD device cranks out a ripeness reading in just 12 sec- First, Dr. Eric W. Kaler was appointed onds. It’s also durable, easy to use, weighs about 18 pounds and costs less than Dean of the College last August. For $1,100. the past four years, Eric was Chair of the Chemical Engineering Department. “This is the first generation of a very promising new machine,” Kee says. “Down the Dr. Andras Szeri, who served as the road, we envision a hand-held microprocessor to replace the laptop computer we’re Interim Dean for the past two years, has currently using with the device. Such a device could prove essential for farmers,” he returned to Mechanical Engineering. says, “and it might be handy for consumers, too.” We are all thankful for his service and “Watermelon growers need an automatic ripeness sensor,” Kee says, because “it’s not contribution to the College. After at all unusual for a 40,000-pound truckload of watermelons to be rejected at the mar- serving as Acting Chair for a year, I was ketplace. An entire load can be rejected if 10 melons are green,” he explains. recently appointed Chair of Mechanical Engineering. I appreciate very much How does the UD machine work? Its central feature is a platform where the water- the support of the faculty during the tions for the Department. Nate retired melon rests. Sandwiched between the platform and the melon, a piece of foam past year, and I am excited about the from DuPont Company two years ago rubber holds the fruit steady. A mallet attached to a metal arm protrudes from the opportunity to work with the faculty, and has been a very active contributor right side of the staff, and alumni to continue our effort to our Senior Design program. Nate machine, while a in building a strong department. will work closely with the departmental microphone sits close Alumni Relations Steering Committee to the melon, on the We are also very excited to welcome our left. new faculty member, John E. Novotny. and me and with Wanda Mock, the new Dr. Novotny received a bachelor of sci- College Development Officer. Nate has When Behr swings ence degree in mechanical engineering also taken over the responsibility of the metal arm, the from Yale University in 1989. He then Managing Editor of this Newsletter. mallet strikes the served as a research fellow for one year This fall semester we welcome the forty- melon. The micro- at the Wilhelm Schultess Klinik in six students of the class of 2004, which phone picks up the Zurich, Switzerland, performing studies include eleven women, and fifteen in sound and transfers it on the human spine. After moving to the Honors Program. Also, this fall we via electric signal to a the University of Vermont, he received a welcome sixteen new graduate students. laptop computer. The master of science degree in biomedical The department has fifty-three graduate voltage signal is then engineering in 1992 and a doctoral students, thirty-one of whom are converted into digital degree in mechanical engineering in pursing the Ph.D. degree. There are information, which is analyzed. 1997. Dr. Novotny also spent three also eight postdoctoral fellows, visiting Because the hollow thunk of a ripe melon echoes, it produces an acoustical signal years as a post-doctoral associate with scholars, and research associates. the Department of Orthopedics and that shows up as a peak on the computer screen, which dies down gradually. On Rehabilitation at the University of In last fall’s newsletter, I reported the melons tested thus far, the frequency of the signal, when normalized using volume, Vermont. Dr. Novotny’s research inter- visit by a team from the Accreditation has shown a promising correlation to the actual sugar content of the melon, ests include orthopedic and sports bio- Board of Engineering and Technology according to Kee. (The size of the watermelon influences the frequency of its signal mechanics of the shoulder, spine, and (ABET) to the College of Engineering and, therefore, is taken into knee. Other recent work has focused on and the evaluation of our undergraduate account during analysis, Behr both experimental and analytical Mechanical Engineering program. I notes.) methods to study tissue and cellular was very pleased to receive the ABET Melon characteristic frequen- mechanics within ligaments, tendons, evaluation report in September and the cies have ranged from 100 to and cartilage. The arrival of Dr. wonderful news that we have been 250 hertz, corresponding to Novotny further strengthens our bio- accredited for a full six-year term. The the desired sugar content of 8 medical engineering program. faculty are now preparing for a strategic to 12 percent. These findings planning meeting, to be held in the were put to the test this We have also initiated the search for two Winter Session. I hope to report to you new faculty members in the solid summer, as researchers inves- in the next issue of ME News our vision tigated more melons. mechanics and fluid mechanics areas. of the future of the department. These are positions vacated by Delaware’s watermelon har- Professors Anthony Wexler and John I would urge you to continue to be an vest for 1997 came to 64.6 Lambros, who left Delaware for the active member of the department’s Testing the tester million pounds, making it the University of California-Davis and alumni community. Please keep us nation’s 12th largest water- University of Illinois-Urbana, respec- apprised of your own activities (e-mail: melon-growing state, just behind Maryland, U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics tively. You may recall that Dr. Wexler [email protected]) and log on to show. initiated ME News six years ago and has http://www.udel.edu/alumni/alumad- made a wonderful effort in strength- dress.html to update your contact Other top watermelon states include California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, ening our tie with alumni. We wish information. Finally, on behalf of the Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Worldwide, the Drs. Wexler and Lambros all the best in students and faculty of Mechanical ranks fourth in global watermelon production, behind China, , their new jobs. It is our plan to conduct Engineering, I want to express our sin- and Iran. cere appreciation of the support and several faculty searches in the coming Editor’s Note: years in order to increase the total encouragement from our many alumni number of faculty from the current during the past year and wish you all the The seeds of this Senior Design project have helped fertilize a ripe future for the tech- 19 to 23 by 2004. best for the New Year! nology of automating the science of fruit and vegetable growing and harvesting. The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has budgeted funds for a two-year I am very pleased to report that Mr. project with the University of Delaware to develop a commercially viable version of Nathan Cloud (64EG, 70M/EG) has the ripeness sensor. If the project is approved, work would begin in January 2001. agreed to be coordinator of alumni rela- Class Notes

William H. Just 63BME of Atlanta, Lee Ahlstrom 89BME, 91MME of DOUBLE DELS NEW ADDITIONS CEO of Total Association Management , joined the consulting firm of Linda (Scarborough) Craven 72AS is Julia Nicole, born Dec. 6, 1998 to Pattie Services, Inc., has been appointed to the McKinsey & Co. there as an energy spe- president of Studio Graphics Inc., in and Lee Ahlsltrom 89BME, 91MME of international board of directors of the cialist on the upstream side of the petro- Lexington Park, Md. and Thomas E. Houston. Convention Liaison Council (CLC) for a leum practice. Craven 70BME, 83MME is a mechan- two-year term. He also is one of six pro- ical engineer working for the U.S. Navy. Alyssa Lauren, born Jan. 12, 1999, to fessionals to be recognized by the CLC Robert W. Hooley 94BME of They live in Port Republic, Md. Gina-Marie Jacobs Regan 92BME and for contributions to the meetings, con- Scottsdale, Ariz., is director of marketing James Regan of Washington, N.J. ventions, and trade show profession with and business development for Jim Dick 59BME of Houston, retired as a bronze head plaque at the Washington, LightLogic Inc. in Santa Clara, Calif. vice president of H&W Petroleum there. DEATHS D.C. Convention Center and He had retired earlier from Exxon Co., Wilmer K. Benson 37BME of McCormick Place in Chicago. Jessica Broderdorp 96BME of Exton, USA, where he was manager of mar- Gaithersburg, Md, July 19, 1999 Pa., is an energy engineer at Honeywell keting technical services. Louise Mark J. Donald 71BME of Lakeland, in Ft. Washington, PA. Lattomus Dick 59CHEP published a Robert J. Kee 41BME of Chadds Ford, Fla., has joined Rodda Construction Co., new book, Old College Reflections: A Pa., Sept. 15, 1999 there as director of project management. Larissa Nichelle Easom 96BME of Family Story, about her great-grandfa- Largo, MD, is an engineer at Bell ther, who was president of UD 100 years Joseph E. Thompson Jr. 51BME of John R. Lombardo 82BME of Chicago Atlantic in Washington, D.C. ago. Newark, Del., April 30, 1999 is procurement manager for BP Amoco Corp. there. Alexander T. Dee 98MME has been Tanya (Woloshin) DeLussey 97AG Alfred J. Lezenby 51 BME of Cherry named Manager of Engineering at works at the University of Pennsylvania Hill, N.J. September 18, 1999 Stephen Ellery 83BME of Gilbert, Fujikura in San Diego, Ca. The golf New Bolton Center in Philadelphia, as a Ariz., is a plant manager for Hexcel shafts that he has designed are now #1 research technician for the retinal dis- Garry W. Hoffman 57BME of Hershey, Satellite Products, an advanced structural in the Ladies Professional Golf ease studies facility, and Edmund J. Pa., August 2, 1998. materials company there. Association (LPGA) and are the fastest DeLussey 97BME is a consultant at growing in popularity in the Professional Anderson Consulting, They live in Henry L. Morris 70 BME of Rehoboth Alan W. Flenner 86BME of Camp Hill, Golf Association (PGA). He is currently Wilmington, DE. Beach, Del., Jan 4, 2000. PA received a degree from the Dickson designing all of the shafts for the Taylor School of Law at Pennsylvania State Made’s new line for 2001. MARRIAGES University in Carlisle. Michael Vari 86BME, 95MME to Elizabeth M. Haiss, May 6, 1999 Alumni Relations Coordinator Named

ate Cloud, PE, (64EG, 70M/EG) activities by joining the Department’s gram is “creating a community environ- Other items being considered are plan- Nhas agreed to be coordinator of Senior Design Team Staff, focusing on ment where mutually beneficial relation- ning social events around Homecoming alumni relations for the Department, getting project sponsors for student ships can develop among alumni, and and other University activities and pro- filling a role teams. (As this issue of the newsletter with students, and the Department”. viding a mechanism for assistance in previously car- goes to press, nine projects, all sponsored alumni job hunting. Financial support of the department is an ried out by Dr by local industrial businesses, are essential ingredient for this theme to More information on alumni relations Tony Wexler. being completed under a new single- semester format). become a reality. “As I took the reins as will be forthcoming, so look for it in this Nate wrapped managing editor of the newsletter and newsletter and in other University up a 35-year When Nate initially wears his Alumni began to review articles for inclusion in publications. If you are interested in par- engineering Relations hat, he will focus on developing this issue,” Nate says, “I realized, with ticipating in ME Alumni activities, check career with the communication networks with and embarrassment, that my name wasn’t in on the Web page at and fill out the DuPont among alumni using traditional means among the list of 1999 contributors! information requested there on the sign-up Company in such as this newsletter, as well as the Fortunately, I will be able to see my form see (“Get Connected” below), or con- 1998 and Internet. (See signup request in this name on the list for 2000 and also have tact Nate Cloud by phone 302-778-7567; started an engineering and consulting issue). Plans to gain broader participa- the experience of helping to create an 302-831-1501 or e-mail business, Cirrus Engineering, Inc. In tion in the ME Alumni Association are environment where contributions can be [email protected]. early 1999, he extended his professional also being formulated. An underlying more effective!” theme of the new alumni relations pro-

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e would very much like to have alums, or if you have articles and this information to help build the com- Nate Cloud by “snail mail” at Wyour feedback. Please let us photos that you would like to share, munity of alumni. E-mail information 126 Spencer Lab, know what you would like to see in this send them to us for possible inclusion to Nate Cloud ([email protected]) University of Delaware newsletter; and please, if you have in the next newsletter. We will also be or to Diane Kukich Newark, DE 19716. information about yourself or fellow encouraging other means of sharing ([email protected]) or send it to

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ll Alumni are urged to “sign up” on Athe Mechanical Engineering Web Site. This is a great way to get in touch with each other and with the Department! Simply log on to the Word Wide Web at http://www.me.udel.edu/Home/, and follow the following “click” path: Alumni; Alumni Sign Up Form; Sign Up (at bottom of list)

A picture of the Alumni web page is shown – look for new and exciting improvements in the future! Back Creek Boys by Terry Conway Reprinted with permission from The University of Delaware Messenger, Vol. 9, No. 1/1999 uilt on a stretch of farmland once of the land. Today, the community consists Liddicoat made the most of the lightly more strategic than penal. The players hit Bowned by Joshua M. Clayton, the of more than 200 homes. The course wooded site. Its challenging “open air” around the hazards and weave their way first governor of Delaware, the Back weaves its way through the development layout features an illusion of many dra- to the hole. It provides a variety of shot Creek Golf Club is making a little history but, unlike many courses, gives no feeling matic elevation changes and landing areas, options due to the varying contour of of its own. of being hemmed in by the houses. from wavy fairways and contoured greens course. Our goal was to make it playable to an assortment of sculpted mounds and and fun.” Its creation on the outskirts of When it opened in fall 1997, the $2.4 mil- knolls and thickets of spongy wetlands. By Middletown, Del., is the work of Allen lion Back Creek was the first public golf diverting water, Liddicoat created rippling To complete the project, the builders Liddicoat 71BME, and co-designer David course built in New Castle County, Del., ponds that come into play on six holes and were required to move 350,000 yards of Horn. The Back Creek business mix also in 25 years. variable winds, along with 83 bunkers, dirt. The course is aesthetically pleasing includes three other alumni—limited with plenty of tall grass areas that cater Because of its location and reasonable that spice up the lay of the course. partners Bruce White, 55BME, and Rick to wildlife and aid the water quality green fees, Back Creek attracts players Woodlin 76BME as well as marketing Four sets of tees situated on enormous and quantity. not only from the booming southern New director Phil Hernandez, 91AS. tee areas allow for a variety of play posi- Castle County area, but also from tions for each round of golf. Up to 30,000 Liddicoat’s next venture is a second golf Liddicoat, a developer of custom homes Wilmington, , Philadelphia, and rounds are projected for Back Creek course in Middletown, The Legends at for nearly 20 years, tried his hand at trans- southern New Jersey. this year. Frog Hollow. Set to open in spring 2000, forming an old crop farm into a dazzling it will feature one of the premier playing When Liddicoat initially began costing out golf course in 1996. “Since there hadn’t been a golf course surfaces in the mid-Atlantic region, the design of the course, he came to the built in Delaware for so long, it was not an Liddicoat says. He succeeded. Big time. In a March 1999 conclusion that he was the most promi- easy approval process,” remembers issue of Golfweek, one of the nation’s pre- nent golf course designer he could afford. Liddicoat. “We worked with the county A golfer since age 14, Liddicoat, who mier golf publications, the Back Creek is currently overseeing three separate “I read every book on course architecture Department of Land Use to develop an Golf Course was tabbed as one of the golf courses (he’s an owner/business man- I could find and attended every seminar approval process, which ultimately “Top 100 Modern Golf Courses in ager of Chantilly Manor in North East, I could get into,” says Liddicoat, a lifelong included a turf management program and America.” Ranked No. 98, Back Creek Md.), says he’s lucky to get in one round Delaware resident. “Then I got together water quality and quantity standards.” was one of a handful of courses that were a month. with David Horn [an architect from highlighted in the article: “...the market is Initially, the pair didn’t have much luck Allentown, Pa.], and we came up with So, what’s the key to his success as a golf changing—or at least, making room for with the weather. The course project what we believed was both good and course designer? modestly scaled style and substance by started in the spring of ’96, which turned feasible.” lesser-known designers. Witness the out to be one of the wettest years on “Some of it came from building homes for appearance of a real-estate-related, daily Given that it was essentially a flat, run-of- record. The following two years were people and listening to what they really fee course in Middletown, Del. The the-mill piece of land, Liddicoat and Horn unseasonably dry, which hindered the wanted,” he explains. “I learned an enor- routing of Back Creek allows plenty of worked wonders to create a 7,003-yard, developers’ ability “to grow the course in.” mous amount from reading the books of home frontage, but the holes also hew to par-72, links-style layout loosely modeled A good player knowledgeable about the old-time architects. It also comes down to the native contours, circumvent wetlands after The Royal & Ancient Gold Club game, Liddicoat did much of the design a feel for the landscape. You need a keen without imposing awkward forced carries of St. Andrews, the legendary Scottish work himself, as well as supervising con- eye and the ability to blend a stiff chal- and are walkable rather than requiring a course that has hosted many British struction of the course and making all lenge for even the best golfers with an cross-country highway to get from green Open championships. field changes. overall harmony of the land.” to next tee.” “I went on trips to Ireland and Great “The shapes of the greens, as well as the It was sweet praise for a first-time ama- Britain to analyze those courses,” recalls putting and chipping areas, are unique to teur course designer. Liddicoat. “What I found was gently that part of the county,” Liddicoat rolling terrain, sandy soil and plenty of explains. “They complement each other The Back Creek project is a golf commu- wind. It really gave me an idea of what the and offer a lot of shot options. It’s built nity that began in 1989 with the purchase game was like when it first started.” more like a course from the 1920s. It’s

W.L. Gore: More Than 40 ME Alums Can’t Be Wrong by Diane Kukich ew graduates are faced with lots of work in areas ranging from machine and took the opportunity to pitch the ME Alton P. Smith, Jr. Nchoices about a career path, including process design to fabrics to prototyping. senior design program. Run like a con- whether to sign on with a large company The ME contingent at Gore is contributing sulting firm with real customer problems Alumni with W. L. Gore or a small one. In the case of more than to the development of better fuel cells, for the students to solve, the program is Dr. Mark Cirino 40 ME alumni, their choice — W. L. Gore running shoes, and portable phones. always in search of project sponsors. “For Kevin J. Cresswell & Associates—represents the best of those who have already completed senior Years after graduation, education continues J. Anthony Del Negro both worlds. design projects as students, it’s a valuable to be an important theme with these experience to be on the other side of the Darlene Gorton “Gore is a big company with lots of little alums. Darlene Gorton 96BME, a process process,” says Wilkins. Mutza M. Haddadin ‘pockets,’” says Tony DelNegro. “We can engineer, has spent the past four years Mrs. Terri L. Kelly move from plant to plant, which keeps us working in a number of business units at Gore has repeatedly been named among Kevin M. Purdue from getting bored with what we’re doing.” Gore on a variety of products, including the “100 Best Companies to Work for in EMI gaskets for cell phones. She is also America.” Based on their comments at the DelNegro was one of eight ME alumni taking courses toward a master’s degree in dinner, the ME alumni who have chosen University of Delaware now working at Gore who attended a materials science. DelNegro teaches Gore as their workplace would agree. Dr. Tsu-Wei Chou reunion dinner at the Blue & Gold Club in machine design at Delaware Technical & Dr. Michael D. Greenberg May. The dinner was also attended by sev- Community College, and Cirino is active in Editor’s Note: The following attended the Dr. Andras Z. Szeri eral faculty members and other ME’s active a community group working to establish a alumni dinner: Dr. Jack R. Vinson in alumni affairs (see sidebar). charter school in nearby Kemblesville, PA. Dr. Anthony S. Wexler ME Alumni Organization Dr. Dick J. Wilkins Mark Cirino, a footwear product specialist Cirino credits his education at Delaware William R. Chambers Jr. with laying a strong foundation for his cur- Kevin O’Brien, Esq. at Gore, echoes DelNegro’s feelings when Nathan Cloud Diane Kukich he says, “Gore is a large company with a rent position. Kenneth S. Grier small spirit.” The company’s 14 local sites With the dinner’s captive audience of Mark W. Hopkins provide employees with the opportunity to potential “customers,” Prof. Dick J. Wilkins Robert J. Shoemaker A Marathon Investment By Nicole Pensiero, reprinted with permission from The University of Delaware Messenger, Vol. 9, No. 1/1999 rom the time they first met business than we are now,” says Mike The big move west occurred 10 months fact, that both Mike and Joanne were F30 years ago in line in Kent Dining Boyle. “But, one of the things we learned after Mike took part in the U.S. Marine looking for a challenge that “would be a Hall, Michael Boyle, EG ’69, and well at Delaware was how to set goals Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., in good fit for the second half of our lives.” Joanne Monaghan Boyle, CHEP ’69, and go for them.” 1996, finishing the race in a respectable 4 Once settled in San Francisco, the two clicked immediately. On the surface, the manner in which the hours and 23 minutes. “Taking part in a decided to create a career niche that marathon is about going for the long would mesh their personal and profes- Today, their partnership is still going Boyles started their business—moving haul, making it to the finish line,” he sional goals. strong—both on a personal and now, pro- cross-country from Florida to San says. “It seemed natural that we would fessional level. Mike who for years Francisco without jobs in place—might “We wanted to be our own bosses and use that word ‘marathon’ for the name of worked as an attorney, and Joanne who seem risky to others. work together,” Mike says. “We knew, our mutual fund.” ran a successful retail art and framing “We had a lifetime goal to live in the city when we moved out here, we could business, launched a successful San that we most loved and be our own Though not professional investors, the continue investing on our own or let Francisco Bay area mutual fund in 1998 bosses,” says Joanne, who majored in Boyles have been buying and selling other people join us and do just as well as called the Boyle Marathon Fund. physical education at UD. “It was just a stocks for more than 20 years and found we are.” themselves doing quite well. So well in “We couldn’t be in a more competitive question of when we’d get to that point.” Setting up the Boyle Marathon Fund took As for their professional partnership, the about fiscal fitness, taking care of your the focus of a lengthy feature in a July about six months, starting with just Boyles say they’re having a blast. future financially.” issue of Mutual Funds magazine which $100,000 and four stocks. Today, the “Our work styles mesh well together,” Mike, who earned his undergraduate says their fund, “has the big professional Boyles track between 30 and 40 stocks in Joanne says. “We each bring something to degree in engineering, says as major share- competition eating dust.” The Contra their $3.7 million fund. Their top holdings the table in terms of running the business.” holders in the fund, he and Joanne work Costa Sunday Times, meanwhile, praised include Cisco Systems, Dell Computer, the fund’s “stellar performance.” Emphasizing companies based in the San “shoulder-to-shoulder with the other Microsoft, Merck, Gap, and Schwab and stockholders.” The Wall Street Journal noted that the the funds rank at or near the top in rate of Francisco Bay area, the Boyles have focused on four sectors where consumer The Boyle Marathon Fund requires a min- Boyle Marathon Fund has registered a return in the categories for large cap one-year return of 48.20 percent, com- growth funds. trends and demographics promise strong imum investment of only $500. “The goal long-term growth—health care, tech- is to make it easy for anyone to invest,” pared with 25.59 percent for the average Joanne handles marketing, Mike does nology, retailing and financial services. says Joanne, adding that the word-of- growth and income fund. Lipper administrative duties and together they Analytical Services, meanwhile, rated the From the start, Joanne says there, “seemed mouth fund has more than 200 share- select the stocks for the fund. “We select holders, many of them friends of the Boyle Marathon Fund as fifth best among stocks using fundamental analysis, by to be a natural link,” between the couple’s 846 growth and income funds for the 12- management style and the mutual fund couple. “The word’s really starting to get relying on our own personal knowledge of out now and we’re growing quickly.” month period that ended August 26. companies and markets,” Mike says. “We industry. “In college, I learned about teaching others how to be physically fit,” Despite its small size the Boyle Marathon The Boyle Marathon Website is select large, medium or small capitaliza- http://www.boylefund.com. tion companies wherever we see the Joanne says. “Now, I teach them how to Fund has garnered plenty of attention, greatest potential for capital appreciation.” be financially fit. This mutual fund is especially in the media. The Boyles were

Hot Wheels by Jerry Rhodes, with permission from The University of Delaware Messenger, Vol. 9, No. 3/2000 hink of it as an engineering lab on represents a continuing love affair Such a team effort is vital in assembling expertise and explain their creative deci- wheels—a mechanical engineering between car and driver. the various subsystems that include the sions. UD-SAE placed well in both T nd class with an attitude. It’s UD car No. 51, I got involved with this through the engi- chassis, drive train, steering and suspen- events, finishing 22 in the cost event rd a one-half scale formula race car built neering outreach program,” graduate stu- sion, wheels, shock absorbers, tires, and 23 in the design event, but did not by UD-SAE, the University chapter of dent Dan Skilkitus says. “My dad always brakes, and electrical systems. place in the driving category. the National Society of Automotive followed car racing, so it was just sort of “We have a wide variety of talent in our While team members recognize the Engineers. passed on to me.” club,” treasurer Alexis Cox, EG 2001, importance of these competitions, all UD-SAE was established in 1996 through Although he claims not to have known says. “In building the car, every person agree that nothing is quite like the thrill of the efforts of a handful of car enthusiasts much about cars, club secretary Wilson lends a hand where it is needed.” Cox fab- driving against the clock and their fellow and John Lambros, assistant professor of Steele, EG 2002, says he appreciates the ricated the car’s fiberglass body through competitors. mechanical engineering, who agreed to chance to learn about the world of race the use of vacuum-assisted resin transi- “The car is really quick, and you just can’t serve as the group’s faculty adviser after car driving through his involvement with tional molding. compare driving it to anything else,” Cox seeing how serious the club members UD-SAE. The contributions made by individual says. “The car handles nicely, and the were about putting a race car together. “My brother and my dad have been members are put to the test during the acceleration is incredible.” “I got involved through the efforts of involved with cars all through the years,” championships, where more than 100 Plans for next year include the use of a Suhas Malghan, EG ’99, the person Steele says. “I just wanted an opportunity clubs from the United States, the fuel-injected FZR 600 Yamaha engine who started the club,” Lambros says. to do this for myself.” United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, and and the shedding of about 100 pounds in “I like cars, and I was impressed with Japan gather to showcase their auto engi- Before student members get to sit behind car weight through the use of a carbon- what he showed me, so I agreed to neering expertise. the wheel, much work has to be done, fiber body. become faculty adviser.” from coming up with an initial race car The competition consists of technical “Each year, we build a whole new car,” Last summer, club members began design to getting the car ready to pass the inspections complete with a thorough Hawley says. “And, with different design working on a vehicle to enter in national preliminary safety checks at the Michigan safety check followed by static events and factors and new rules due out in competition against other SAE clubs, national championships. actual driving contests. September, you need to start on the pro- held each May at the Silverdome, in “The basic plans are sketched on paper,” Among the static events are the presenta- ject during the summer.” Pontiac, Mich. Mike Hawley, EG 2001, club vice presi- tion, where team mem- The car that recently made the trip to dent, says. “After this, the design is modi- bers try to attract Michigan is a sleek, dark blue formula fied on the computer through the use of a investments from busi- style vehicle, complete with UD logo. computer-aided drafting program.” ness representatives, Powered by a 610 cc, 0.6 liter engine that and the cost event, in From the drawing board to the driveway, cranks out 65 horsepower, the car is which the judges are each step of the assembly process is per- capable of going from zero to 60 mph in given full details formed by individual members united in a about 4 seconds. involving the cost for team effort. each item used in “Driving this car is like no other car you “You plan as much as possible, then you building the car. have ever driven,” club president Andy start to put things together,” Parke says. Parke, EG 2000, says. “When people get In the design event, “You work out from the center, and you out of the car after driving it, their hands team members sit down are constantly changing things as you are usually trembling.” with industry experts to go along.” demonstrate their For most club members, joining UD-SAE Burlington Couple Opens Home and Heart by Sharon Huss Roat, AS ’87 with permission from The University of Delaware Messenger, Vol. 9, No. 1/1999 our years ago, Roxane and Jonathan for one night, but ended up staying six Health Care Communications, a London- they can offer the time and love that is FLeopold were talked into a life- months. Other children were placed with based publisher of health-care magazines needed. “They can call us any time, and changing decision by their 17-year-old the family for lengths of time as short as that is preparing to launch a major, closed- we can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ any time. We’re not daughter, Sarah. After watching an Oprah one night and as long as three months. circuit satellite broadcasting system. He inclined to do it unless it’s going to be a Winfrey show about bad foster parents, “Three have been infants,” says Roxane. also runs his own Leopold Financial good experience for the child,” says Sarah came to the dinner table and sug- “They came to us because, by Vermont Group, which will soon break ground on Roxane. gested they open their home to foster statute, there is a 21-day waiting period for an international health-care training “Every child has an unlimited capacity to children. “She always wanted us to have a birth mother to change her mind before facility, conference center and wildlife absorb love,” Jonathan adds, “and foster more children and was able to convince us an adoption can be processed.” sanctuary in the Bahamas. children have an even more overwhelming that this was something we should do,” Sharing their lives with these children— If that isn’t enough, the two volunteer for need. It can be complicated sometimes, so says Jonathan. many of whom have been abused or numerous civic, political, social service, you really have to be ready and able to Along with son, Jesse, EG 2002, now a neglected in some way—seems to be an and cultural organizations in their open your home.” sophomore at the University, the family even greater commitment when you con- community as well. In their spare time, The Leopolds have encouraged others to decided to become a part of Vermont’s sider the busy careers that the Leopolds they also study T’ai Chi, the Chinese mar- become foster parents as well, including foster parenting program. In the four years juggle as well. tial art of moving meditation. “It gives us neighbors and friends. In the civic-minded since then, they have welcomed eight Since 1975, Roxane has served as execu- 30 to 50 minutes of quiet time together,” community of Burlington, it hasn’t been foster children. The experience has been tive director of the King Street Youth Roxane notes. difficult to find people who are willing to “challenging in many ways, but wonder- Center, which provides a range of services How then do they find time for foster chil- give back, says Jonathan. fully rewarding,” Jonathan explains. “For to children from Burlington’s poorest dren? Roxane explains that they usually people who have room in their lives and “Vermont is such a wonderful place neighborhoods. Most of the children she take children only during the summer their hearts, it is a tremendous opportunity because there is such a tradition of being works with come from single-parent fami- months, when Sarah and Jesse are home to to make a difference.” involved in the community,” he notes. lies dealing with drug or alcohol abuse, be a part of their “parenting team.” It also “If you have an experience like foster The first children cared for by the unemployment, physical abuse and neglect helps that Jonathan works out of a home children, you just make it part of your Leopolds were siblings, a 6-year-old girl and other social problems. office. The Leopolds are careful to take life. There’s not a question of how to and 4-year-old boy. With their family in Jonathan is chief financial officer of Global children only when they are certain that find time.” crisis, the two were sent to the Leopolds Engineering Junior Receives Goldwater Scholarship reprinted from The University of Delaware Messenger, Vol. 9, No. 3/1999 “Heard on the Mall” ennifer M. Buckley of Wilmington, willing to endure. able to get everything done and still JDel., a junior at the University, Buckley has conducted research on maintain my sanity because of my family. has been awarded a prestigious the fracture of nonhomogeneous mate- They give me a lot of support. I’d be a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. rials, which are found in plant and real mess without them!” More than 1,700 college students applied animal tissue as well as adhesive layers Those family members, all with UD ties, nationwide for the 309 scholarships and matrix regions of fiber-reinforced include Buckley’s father, James J. (Jack) awarded this year. The awards support composites. Buckley, AS70; her mother, Gemma careers in mathematics, the natural An athlete who rows on the UD crew Marsilii Buckley, CHEP71; and her sciences and engineering. team and participates on Team Delaware brother Matthew, currently a sophomore A mechanical engineering student with a Cycling, Buckley says she hopes to com- at UD, majoring in civil engineering. 4.0 grade point average, Buckley grew up pete in a triathlon or biathlon this A self-described homebody, Buckley says in her parents’ Ninth Street Bookstore. summer. she wants to stay in the area for graduate As the first scientist in a family of English “I think my athletics complement my school and is considering the University majors, she has an irreverent sense of academics,” she says. “Balance is impor- of Pennsylvania. For the summer, she humor and says she has endured a lot of tant. I’d be even more of a psychopath will be working for the DuPont Co. in its teasing from her politically liberal rela- about my schoolwork if I didn’t have ath- engineering consulting division, possibly tives over the “Republican” nature of the letics to bring me down a notch. I’m doing troubleshooting at nylon plants. scholarship—something she is very

Student Turns Down $50,000 Modeling Contract to Study Engineering at UD by Diane Kukich

hen high school senior Aladrian take on too much during my first semester like to work on prosthetic development, WCrowder of Owings Mills, Md., here,” she said. “I want to get a strong but she admitted that could change at any entered a contest to be an “Essence” cover foundation in school.” time. “I originally wanted to be a forensic model last January, she never dreamed Crowder is modest about her accomplish- scientist. Then I considered epidemiology, that she would be selected out of the more ments, but word about her cover modeling but after I did an internship and didn’t like than 7,000 candidates to actually appear assignment has gotten out through her it, I crossed that off my list.” on the magazine cover and be offered a friends, who show none of Crowder’s Crowder had to be more than just tall, $50,000 modeling contract. reluctance to brag. slim, and attractive to win the “Essence” As it turns out, Crowder accepted the “People come up to me now and ask me if contest—along with the other finalists, cover assignment, which ran in August, I’m going to pursue a career as a model,” she had to answer some tough questions but turned down the modeling contract–to she said. “I tell them I’m going to be an from a panel of judges. “They were major in engineering at the University of engineer. Modeling is just another hobby I looking for more than just outer beauty,” Delaware. have, along with playing the piano, she says. “They wanted someone who was also articulate. “It would have demanded too much of me painting and writing poetry.” as a student,” she said, “especially an Originally enrolled in the Department of engineering student.” As a freshman Chemical Engineering, Crowder changed mechanical engineering major at UD, her major when she realized that she was Crowder does do some modeling through more interested in the mechanical side of a small Baltimore-based agency, but only her intended career—biomedical engi- on weekends. neering—than in the chemical aspects. “I’m trying to be especially careful not to Right now, she said she thinks she would

Honors Day Awards

SENIOR YEAR AWARDS Third Place: Radiographic Array Support student in recognition of outstanding David M. Chandlee Matthew Beecy, John King, Chad Stover academic achievement. Robert T. Bosworth Scholarship W. Francis Lindell Mechanical Pat Downey To a student majoring in Mechanical Engineering Award to the MEEG 101 UNDERGRADUATE Engineering with both outstanding acad- Distinguished Senior TEACHING ASSISTANT AWARD SOPHOMORE YEAR AWARDS emic achievement and financial need. For the extraordinary senior Mechanical In recognition of selected Senior ME Gilbert P. Ledebur Engineering student who has demon- students, who developed their leader- W. J. Renton Award for Outstanding strated creativity, academic accomplish- ship, communication and teaching skills Sophomore Redden Scholarship ment and achievement as determined by by providing support to new ME stu- A monetary award for outstanding To a student majoring in Mechanical the faculty of the department. dents in the Introduction to Mechanical sophomore Engineering with both outstanding acad- Krishan K. Bhatia Engineering class. Dawn M. Cintavey emic achievement and financial need. Jeffrey R. Focht David G. Henderson Michael F. Puchtler Jason P. Landry John G. Mercurio American Society of Heating, Eric J. Morrison Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Motiva Enterprise Scholarship Mary and George Nowinski Award Dorrie A. Pistor Engineers (ASHRAE) Delaware To a student majoring in Mechanical for Excellence in Undergraduate Chapter Scholarship Engineering with outstanding academic Research JUNIOR YEAR AWARDS For a Mechanical Engineering student achievement. For demonstration of originality in a who has demonstrated an interest in the Gilbert P. Ledebur stimulating senior research project as W. Francis Lindell Mechanical thermal sciences and/or environmental judged by the Mechanical Engineering Engineering Award to the academic course work as judged by the GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS faculty. Distinguished Junior Delaware Chapter of the American Jeffrey R. Focht Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air The Helwig Mechanical Engineering For the extraordinary junior Mechanical Conditioning Engineering. Graduate Fellowship Delaware Section of the American Engineering student who has demon- ????? Glenn C. Gardner Society of Mechanical Engineers strated creativity, academic accomplish- Bryan M. Connell Senior Design Project ment and achievement as determined by OTHER DEPARTMENT AWARDS For achievements in the senior design the faculty of the department. COLLEGE AWARDS project based upon the final design pre- Jennifer M. Buckley Delaware Section of The American sentation as judged by members of the Society of Mechanical Engineers Liston Houston Scholarship Delaware Section of the ASME with the W. Francis Lindell Mechanical Outstanding Student Gilbert P. Ledebur and concurrence of the faculty. Engineering Achievement Award To the outstanding student in the Michael F. Puchtler For the junior Mechanical Engineering Delaware section of the ASME. First Place: Flight Demonstrator: student in recognition of scholarship and Eric J. Morrison Boeing Scholarship Jeffrey R. Focht, Peter Peno, Jeffrey creativity in engineering as recom- Jennifer M. Buckley Roby mended by the students and faculty of American Society of Mechanical the department. Engineers Student Section Panel of Distinguished Seniors Second Place: On-The-Go Shifter Alex Kelly A certificate to an outstanding member Jeffrey R. Focht William Boyle, Jason P. Landry, of the ASME Student Section for good Ryan Meers, Andrew Smith Cordant Technologies Scholarship academic standing and valuable contri- For the junior Mechanical Engineering butions to the chapter. Donors Development: Campaign for Delaware Mrs. Polina M. Harik, 1995 Motiva Enterprise Individuals $1,001 - $10,000: by Neil Thomas Dr. Donald R. McCoy, 1975 Dr. Vasyl M. Harik, 1993 New Holland North America, Inc. Mr. Thomas K. Hersh, 1973 The Air Products Foundation The Campaign for Delaware has been alumni and friends as possible in the Individuals $101 - $1000: Mrs. Thomas K. Hersh, 1973 a great success, having reached 86 spirit and excitement of this fund- Mr. Arthur J. Holveck, 1955 Mr. James T. Bueche, 1955 Corporations/ percent of its $225 million goal less raising effort, which is designed to Mr. Bruce A. Campbell, 1991 Mrs. Beatrice M. Horrobin, 1955 Mrs. Doris E. Johnson, 1958 Corporate Foundations than 18 months after the announce- position the University as a national Dr. Tsu-Wei Chou st Mr. Donald L. Crouch, 1958 Mrs. Jamie H. Linton, 1990 $50.00 - $1000: ment of the public phase of the most leader in higher education in the 21 AlliedSignal Foundation, Inc. Dr. Christian F. Davis, 1960 Mr. Frederick G. Ludman, 1969 ambitious fund-raising effort in the century. Amoco Foundation, Inc. Dr. Richard S. Feltman, 1996 Mrs. Lois V. Ludman, 1965 history of the University of Delaware. Anholt Technologies, Inc Mr. Robert E. Haley, 1954 Mr. Safwat S. Makar, 1965 According to Robert R. Davis, Vice Ford Motor Company Fund Mrs. Constance A. Helwig, 1973 Mr. Jon P. Martin, 1982 As of mid-February, the Campaign President for Development and Hewlett-Packard Company Mr. David R. Helwig, 1973 Mr. John McCandless, 1954 Kirkland Cleaners for Delaware had raised $193 million Alumni Relations, “The Campaign for Mr. Robert U. Johnson, 1951 Mr. Dennis E. McClure, 1954 Lockheed Martin Corporation for scholarships, endowed professor- Delaware is about more than just Mr. Steven R. Kiss, 1973 Mrs. Frances A. McClure, 1954 Foundation Frederick H. Kohloss, 1951 Mr. Matthew M. McGovern, 1996 ships, academic improvements, and raising the money. It is about Lucent Technologies Foundation Mrs. Margaret G. Kohloss, 1951 Mr. John S. McWilliams, 1990 capital projects. In the College of engaging alumni in the support of the The Cordant Technologies Dr. Herman R. Leep, 1967 Mr. Dale D. Murray, 1972 Engineering, nearly 54 percent of the University at whatever level is appro- Foundation Mr. Jon P. Martin, 1982 Mr. Mayank S. Patel, 1985 United Technologies Corporation $45 million goal had been met, with priate for them given their personal Mr. William T. Morris, 1961 Mr. D. Thomas Peterson, 1969 Vulcan Materials Company gifts and commitments totaling more circumstances. Our goal is to get Dr. William J. Renton, 1974 Mr. Jerome C. Posatko, Jr., 1997 Mr. Richard C. Rhodes, Jr., 1950 Mr. William D. C. Richards, 1963 than $24 million. more people involved in the philan- Mrs. Barbara A. Rhodes, 1974 Private Foundations thropic life of the University.” Dr. Andras Z. Szeri The College will be a major benefi- Mr. Linwood C. Robinson, 1951 $100,000 - $200.00: Dr. Leonard W. Schwartz, 1951 ciary of the Campaign through con- Davis said alumni support has a direct Individuals $1.00 - $100: Unidel Foundation, Inc. Dr. M. Cengiz Altan, 1989 Mrs. Theresa Schwartz, 1951 struction of an addition to its flagship impact on the national standing of the Mr. Charles App, 1989 Ms. Laura P. Smith, 1991 building, P. S. du Pont Hall. The institution because many rating sys- Mrs. Paulette App, 1989 Mr. John D. Spargo, 1959 Ms. Ellen A. Stallings, 1959 architect for the project is Allan tems consider alumni giving as a mea- Mrs. Susan F. Barr, 1989 Greenberg, who also designed nearby sure of alumni satisfaction. The Mr. and Mrs. Robert Behr, 1989 Mr. Arthur D. Starr, 1959 Mrs. Ellen Fletcher Benedict, 1975 Mrs. Lyn Book Starr, 1959 Gore Hall. The project will expand higher the percentage of alumni who Mr. Watson S. Bullock, 1967 Mr. George F. Starzmann, 1959 the west side of the building, bringing give, the better chance the University Dr. Joonhyung Byun, 1991 Dr. Swaminathan Subbiah, 1989 its entrance in line with the front of has of maintaining and improving its Mr. Domenick Cannatelli, 1949 Mrs. Mary J. Szeri Mr. John S. Thackrah, Jr., 1979 neighboring Wolf Hall and providing national standing. Mr. Edward Hughes Carey, 1949 a complement to Gore Hall, which it Mrs. Pamela H. Carey, 1949 Mrs. Julia R. Thackrah, 1978 For information on how you can Mr. Rene J. Van Caneghem, 1959 will face. Mr. Timothy P. Clark, 1998 become part of the Campaign for Mr. Mark L. Cording, 1983 Dr. Albert S. D. Wang, 1967 Mr. Edward Darlington, Jr., 1966 Dr. James N. Zaiser, 1957 The University has received several Delaware, contact the Office of Mr. Richard E. Fisher, 1953 Mrs. Marilyn S. Zaiser, 1956 major gifts—the largest being $10 University Development at Mrs. Rosa I. Flickinger, 1987 Mr. Howard J. Zwick, 1988 million from the Longwood (302) 831-2104 or go to the University Mrs. Christine M. Foster, 1992 Mrs. Robin L. Zwick, 1996 Foundation—to fund the $20 million of Delaware home page at Mr. Sean M. Foster, 1991 project. www.udel.edu and push the Mr. Marvin L. Gingrich, 1971 Corporations/ Mrs. Katherine Ries Haley, 1971 Campaign button found in the bottom Corporate Foundations However, while major gifts are left portion of the page. There you Mrs. James S. Hanna, 1954 helping make such construction pos- Captain James S. Hanna, 1954 $1,001 - $10,000: can learn more about the fund-raising E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. sible, a key objective of the Campaign effort or make a gift online. for Delaware is to involve as many

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER—The University of Delaware is committed to assuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or disability in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment prac- 100 tices as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, other applic- 100

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEWARK, DE mechanıcal PERMIT NO. 26 NEWSengıneerıng Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716-3140