January 2013
Volume 2 - Issue 1

Senior Design Competition was a success 

 
Engineering and Computer Science students recently participated in the Fall 2012 Senior Design competition. This recent event included those majoring in computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and engineering chemistry. Students complete interdisciplinary projects to demonstrate their understanding of the material.
"The students designed, built and competed with robots that would autonomously slalom through a line of small orange cones (similar to those used for soccer practice) and return straight back to the starting line," explained Professor Michael Latcha. "The actual number of cones (4-6) and their locations (placed 2 – 4 meters apart) were determined just before the competition began. Significant time penalties would be assessed if the robots touched the cones."
Thirty-eight students, divided into six teams, competed in the December 10th competition.
"This was a difficult task, made more difficult, but more 'real-world,' by the uncertainty of the weather conditions on the competition day as well as the number and placement of the cones," Dr. Latcha said. "These uncertainties required both flexible and robust designs.
The seniors, as always, rose to the challenge and developed designs that attacked the challenge in different ways," he continued. "Some groups chose to begin with R/C car kits while others built their robots from the ground up. The focus throughout the semester was on speed, from processing the data obtained from various sensors to keeping the robot on track as it sped through the course."
Dr. Latcha added that they are grateful for the continuing financial support of the Senior Design Experience by the Office of the Provost.

OU INC partnership branches into the entertainment industry 

 
OU INC-based tracking software company, iTrack LLC, is taking the entertainment world by storm. In late 2011, Sight and Sound Theaters of Lancaster, Penn., and Branson, Mo. Purchased a TNS-400 Tracking and Navigation System from iTrack. The system is used by the theaters to track actors and sets while on location.
Jerry Atkinson, CEO of iTrack, is looking forward to seeing the impact that the TNS-400 and other engineering ventures will have on the world of entertainment.
"This is a great opportunity to adapt this technology and provide the entertainment industry with a solution that will enhance their production capabilities and help inspire the creative minds of our entertainment industry partners," Atkinson said.
iTrack is currently a tenant client at OU INC.
Amy Butler, Executive Director of OU INC, has only positive thoughts about iTrack and their success.
"This is a great example of how we create an environment that grows innovation. iTrack is using solutions developed for one industry to meet the needs of and create new possibly for other industry sectors," Butler said.
Besides increasing productivity during filming, the TNS-400 allows the theaters to reduce spending in areas that the technology improves.

School of Engineering and Computer Science looks back at prosperous 2012

 
The year 2012 was an exciting time for Oakland University's School of Engineering and Computer Science. At the start of 2013, we reflect on a year of incredible growth and accomplishment.

Ground broken amid increasing enrollment
Responding to increased demand for the world-class engineering instruction it offers, Oakland University broke ground in October on a $74.6 million engineering center scheduled to open in August 2014.
This 127,000-square-foot facility will house SECS, which this fall alone has seen a 20 percent jump in undergraduate enrollment and an 18 percent jump in graduate student enrollment.
The Engineering Center will include state-of-the-art instructional, research and development space designed to foster student learning and creativity that will ultimately boost U.S. global competitiveness in alternative energy, health care, biomedical, automotive, defense and other high-tech industries.

OU, Changchun University of Technology sign educational agreement
Recognizing a worldwide need for engineers with broad international experience, Oakland University and Changchun University of Technology (CCUT) in Changchun, Jilin, China, recently entered agreement to create a joint undergraduate program in mechanical engineering.
In the program, students will spend their first two years taking CCUT courses that mirror those taken in the first two years of study at OU. Students will then transfer to Oakland for their last two years to complete degree requirements. Graduates will receive two bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering – one from each of the partner universities.

Dr. Sayed Nassar named OU's 2012 Distinguished Professor
Sayed Nassar, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Fastening And Joining Research Institute (FAJRI), has been named Oakland University's 2012 Distinguished Professor.
Dr. Nassar is the principal investigator on 19 funded research grants and has brought more than $13 million to the institution from TARDEC, NSF, NASA, Chrysler, Cummins, General Dynamics and DTE. At the same time, he has published more than 110 peer-reviewed papers, one book, and holds three patents.

Outreach events promote OU, industry and SECS 
Throughout the year, professors participated in events designed to introduce elementary through high school students to the industry and OU.
Several professors visited area schools to meet with students. Over the past few months, they visited Oak Park High School, Utica Community Schools, and Troy Community Schools.
Other outreach events are held on campus, including Go For The Gold, Engineering and Computer Science Day. SECS also hosted summer camps on campus, which gives participating students a chance to explore the university and meet other students interested in engineering and computer science.

2012 brought bundles of joy to Engineering and Computer Science faculty and staff 

 
For some faculty and staff, 2012 is a year they will not forget. Many welcomed children and grandchildren into their growing families. Here's a look at some of the little ones who were born last year.

	Anka Tianqi Qu Born on May 18th 2012 to Mengbin Qi  and Dr. Guangzhi Qu, 8 pounds, 11 ounces, 21.5 inches long.
	Sophia Cortina Frick Born on May 26th 2012 at 5:30 p.m. to Carl and Katie Frick, 6 pounds, 2 ounces, 20 inches long. Granddaughter of Dr. Pieter Frick
	Evelyn Ming Gao Born on June 18th 2012 at 7:48 p.m. to Dr. Xia Wang and Gary Gao, 8 pounds, 6 ounces, 20.5 inches long.
	Lucille Lea Stevens Born on July 27th 2012 at 3:01 p.m. to Eric and Ritalee Stevens, 1 pound, 4 ounces,  11 inches long.
	Giada Kalani Born on August 22nd 2012 to John and Erin,  7 pounds, 13 ounces, 20 inches long.   Granddaughter of Terry and Cynthia Heinz
	Alia Daisy Kobus Born on August 26th 2012 to Dr. Chris and Jacquleine Kobus,  7 pounds, 6 ounces.
	Jacob Michael Stepanian-Bennett Born on September 10th 2012 at 11:03 a.m. to Chris and Emily Stepanian-Bennett, 8 pounds, 12 ounces 21 inches long. Grandson of Pat Bennett
	Brandon Matthew Born on October 6th 2012 at 11:27 p.m. to Heather, 7 pounds, 1 ounce 18 inches long. Grandson of Candy McLellan

William Conrad Sczygielski Born on November 5th 2012 at 10:11 a.m. 6 pounds 0 ounces, 19.5 inches long. Claire Aniela Sczygielski Born on November 5th 2012 at 10:13 a.m. 5 pounds, 14 ounces, 19 inches long.  Born to Dr. Megan Conrad  and Andy Sczygielski