Winter 2022 News Recap

Utah State University recently joined the highest level of research institutions in the country by earning an R1 classification from the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. This would not have been possible without our incredible students and faculty throughout the College of Engineering.

More specifically, the Mechanical and Aerospace Department has made incredible headway in research of our own. From nuclear research to building rockets, our faculty have earned over five million in grant funding. Associate Professor Dr. Ryan Berke is USU’s new Goldwater Scholarship mentor. In his new role, Berke will focus on increasing the number of engineering students who participate in the scholarship program.

Our students have earned scholarships and awards, such as Cory Goates and his mentor Associate Professor Dr. Douglas Hunsaker who received the 2022 Applied Aerodynamics Best Paper Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech Forum.

Following several years of social distancing and virtual conferences, students finally could return to in-person events and present their research to even wider audiences. Five students were able to attend the annual meeting of the society for experimental mechanics in Pittsburgh to share their research on digital image correspondence.

In response to an ever-increasing competitive job market, the composite materials and structures master of science program will now be offered at USU. Dr. Greg Anderson, a leader in the field of composite materials who recently retired from his role as a chief scientist at Northrop Grumman, will lead the program. He will also serve as inaugural director of USU’s new Center for the Design and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials.

Finally, our students are once again able to showcase their incredible capstone projects during Senior Design Night. Some current projects include the University Rover Challenge, additive manufacturing, and the creation of a deployable shade and energy device.

We are thankful for your continuous support and look forward to working with you in the future.

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