OSU MECHANICAL ENGINEERING E-BULLETIN for the week of October 3rd, 2005

 

This is issue #2 of the new ME Department weekly e-bulletin. The ME Bulletin is a one-stop source of information about department events, announcements, scholarships, job postings, student club updates, and other department-related items. Each issue will also be posted on the ME web site.

 

To submit information: Information to be included in upcoming e-bulletins should be sent to ME Communications Coordinator Tracy Ann Robinson (tracy.ann.robinson@oregonstate.edu). Items received by Wednesday of any given week will appear in the next week's issue. 

 

Engineering thought for the week…. 

To the optimist, the glass is half full.
To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.
To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be :)

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

This Week...

 

Tuesday, October 4th: Pi Tau Sigma Chapter meeting, 6 pm, Rogers 228. All current PTS members are encouraged to attend. Free pizza!

 

Tuesday, October 4th, SAE General Meeting, 6:30 pm, Rogers 132. All interested students welcome. Free pizza!

 

Thursday, October 6th: “Introduction to Entrepreneurship”—Fireside Chat with Business Owner/Serial Entrepreneur Dale Duskin. 7 pm, Weatherford Hall Trysting Tree Conference Room (in the opposite wing from Bing’s Cafe). 

**Every fall, winter and spring terms the Austin Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) hosts approximately two dozen Visiting Fellows who stay in the Weatherford Hall executive suites, visiting with students and sharing their experiences with up and coming entrepreneurs. Part of their visit consists of presenting informal evening information sessions called Fireside Chats. These sessions are open to all students (you do not need to be an AEP member to participate.)  No pre-registration required, just show up and take advantage of a great opportunity to visit with some amazing visiting executives!

 

 

Plan Ahead...

 

Tuesday, October 18th: ME Senior Dinner. Details will be included in next week’s bulletin.

 

Tuesday, October 18th: Chevron Info Night. Representatives from Chevron Energy Technology Company will be presenting an information session about company internships and job opportunities. ME students welcome. Location TBA. Note: Students interested in interviewing with Chevron on Thursday, October 20, can sign up online for an interview now. (To do so, however, you first need to register with Career Services. Registration must be done in person in the Career Center offices, located in the lower level of Kerr Administration Building.) 

 

Wednesday, October 19th: Engineering Career Fair. For an updated listing of companies attending, visit http://oregonstate.edu/career/fair/engineering.php.

 

The Center for Teaching and Learning is holding two Faculty/GTA Workshops on Oct. 12 and 14. Participants must pre-register:  ctl@oregonstate.edu or 737-2809.

  • October 12: “Teaching Large Classes – Advice from the Trenches,” a video presentation from Prof. Allen Getalof from the University of Western Ontario. Peter Saunders, director of the center, will lead a discussion following the video. It is from 3 to 5 p.m. in MU 213.
  • October 14: “Survival Skills for Faculty and GTAs New to Teaching,” which Saunders will discuss and answer questions on some of the most critical aspects of teaching in higher learning. It is from noon to 1:30 p.m. in MU 206.

 Thursday, October 27: Faculty Orientation Session presented by Moira Dempsey (Director, Academic Success Center) and Peter Saunders (Director, Center for Teaching and Learning).  Topic: TEACHING AND ADVISING-- Philosophy and Techniques, Support Service for Student Success,  IT Services for Teaching and  Distance Education. 11:30 am-1 pm, MU 208. Both new and returning faculty are welcome!!

 

**A full schedule of the 2005 - 2006 faculty orientation series can be found at http://oregonstate.edu/admin/aa/2002/Faculty%20Orientation%20Series%2005-06.doc. Questions regarding the series can be directed to Sara Eklund at 7.0732 or sara.eklund@oregonstate.edu.

 

 

FACULTY/GRADUATE SEMINAR SERIES

 

ME faculty and graduate students: Please reserve 3:30 – 5 PM every Friday as ME Seminar time. New this year is a 25-minute social time (starting at 3:30 PM ) preceding the seminar presentation. Coffee, tea, and cookies provided! Seminar presentations will begin at 4 PM sharp.

 

Friday, 7 October, 3:30-5, Weniger Hall 116 (note change from normal venue):  

Michael J. Quinn, Professor of Computer Science, speaking on "Effective Presentation Techniques" 

Dr. Quinn will use a series of examples to demonstrate effective and ineffective oral–visual presentation techniques. Topics to be covered: Optimal amount of information per slide, how slides should related to one another, subliminal messages slides may convey, when to be silent, the use of gestures, question-answering strategies, and more.

 

  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Congratulations to Materials Science PhD candidate Manish Bothara, recipient of a 2005-06 Materials Modification Nanotechnology Graduate Fellowship from the OSU Foundation! 

 

Applications for the Engineering Professional Program are now available online at http://engr.oregonstate.edu/students/apps/index.html . Applications for Winter 2006 are due by November 1st, Midnight.

 

COE Computer Support is happy to announce the new location of the Wireless Helpdesk.  It is now in Dearborn 107, right across from the Dearborn 119 computer lab. The helpdesk is open Mon - Fri.  Hours will be 8:00 am - 4:00 pm for the first two or three weeks of Fall term and then go to 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The current hours are always posted on the door. Services provided include: Wireless Network Assistance, Windows Updates, Virus Updates, Spyware-related issues, Class software installs, OSUWare CDs, and Resetting forgotten ONID and ENGR passwords.

 

 

 

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

 

Pi Tau Sigma

Last week’s PTS football/frisbee night was a success, with a good turnout of students from sophomores to grads! This week, the first Pi Tau Sigma Chapter meeting of the year will be held at 6 pm on Tuesday, October 4th, in Rogers 228. All current PTS members are welcome. Over pizza and soda, we’ll be talking about what PTS will be doing this year and how you can get involved.

 

SAE

The year’s first SAE General Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 4th, in Rogers 132. All interested students are welcome. Free pizza!

Fall term Mini Baja Senior Design meetings will be held on Tuesdays @ 4 pm in Rogers 230.

 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS and FELLOWSHIPS

 

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) offers a number of scholarships to undergraduate engineering students. Application deadlines are December  1, 2005, and May 1, 2006. For more information on ASHRAE scholarships, go to http://www.ashrae.org/template/AssetDetail/assetid/23628.  A paper copy of the scholarship brochure is available in the ME undergraduate office (Dearborn 202)

 

NSF Graduate Fellowship applications are due November 8th, 2005. Graduating seniors and first-year graduate students are eligible: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05601/nsf05601.htm.

 

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship applications are due January 6th, 2006.  Graduating seniors and first-year graduate students are eligible: http://www.asee.org/resources/fellowships/ndseg/preface.cfm.

 

Questions on either of these graduate fellowships? Check with Dave Cann, Materials Science, cann@engr.orst.edu, 737-9623.

 

 

JOB and INTERNSHIP POSTINGS

 

BAE SYSTEMS is seeking applications for a full-time Structural Analyst.

About BAE: BAE Systems is a major defense contractor at the forefront of design, construction, and support of combat-vehicle and naval equipment and systems for the Armed Forces of the United States and allied nations. The Minneapolis-based facility of BAE Systems is the headquarters and central engineering site of Armament Systems Division (ASD). Our integrated products and services provide a wide range of gun weaponry and missile delivery systems for shipboard and vehicle applications. ASD is leading the development of the U.S. Navy’s 155mm AGS for the DD(X) Land Attack Destroyer. We’re also managing the concept and technology demonstration for the Army’s Future Combat System-Cannon, and the Multi-Role Resupply system. Both are variants of the Manned Combat Vehicle.

 

Position Description:  This is a full-time, permanent position with BAE. The structural analysis engineer will perform hand calculations and generate finite-element models for structural analysis of mechanisms and structures for weapon systems. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with classical and FEA solutions for stress concentration, plastic strain, large deflection, dynamic systems, and laminated composites, and have an aptitude for visualizing complex three-dimensional geometry. The engineer may generate or import the geometry, select the analysis method, perform the analysis, and provide oral and written interpretation of the results. FEA models are built typically using SDRC IDEAS, PATRAN, or Hyperworks, and solved with NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or ANSYS. This position requires a B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanics, Mechanical, or Structural/Civil Engineering, with an advanced degree preferred.  Exposure to PRO-E is a plus. U. S. citizenship is required. For more information, contact: Ed Dyer, Manager, Structural Dynamics, BAE Systems, 4800 East River Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55421-1498. Phone: 763.572.4729. Email: edward.dyer@baesystems.com.

 

DCI INTERNATIONAL (dental industry components design and manufacture) is currently taking resumes for an open Mechanical Engineering position. The successful application will have a STRONG understanding of implementing lean manufacturing concepts such as Zero Defects and Poka-Yoke into mechanical designs.  For more information about the position, contact David McGiverin at 803.493.5105 or davidmc@dcionline.com. Or visit the company's web site at www.dcionline.com.

 

GEORGIA-PACIFIC CORPORATION is recruiting for Project Engineers this Fall. The position provides engineering advice to operations and maintenance, implements changes to mill operations and equipment, and assists in the design or modification of construction and installation of new equipment/facilities to directly effect operations. Position requires extensive interpersonal and group communication.  Minimum requirements include a BA in ME or EE, 2.8 or higher GPA, relevant co-op or internship experience, and the ability and desire to follow detailed safety precautions. For more information, see http://www.gp.com/careers/collegerel/

 

For immediate consideration please submit resume online by October 6, 2005, through OSU Beaver Recruiting.  Information session: October 10, 2005 @ 6 pm in the Career Services Classroom. On campus Interviews: October 12-13, 2005. For more information about the GP recruiting process, see http://www.gp.com/careers/collegerel/

 

MCCAIN FOODS (world’s largest producer of frozen french fries and the manufacturer of other quality food products with over 55 processing facilities around the world) has an entry-level opening for a Technical Services Supervisor at our Othello, Washington processing facility. Qualified candidates will be graduates with a food science or engineering degree.  The position offers growth into more senior Technical Services assignments, operations management, or Plant Engineering depending on abilities and proven results. 

 

Job Responsibilities: Reporting to the Director, Operations Planning, the Technical Services Supervisor is accountable for efficient plant processing through the implementation & optimization of process line technologies.  Working with the operations team, the Supervisor will assist in maximizing quality, while minimizing cost.  Specific responsibilities include: Optimization of factory processing equipment, and operator instruction/training on process theory, practice, and operating procedure; Supervise and direct line study personnel and monitor operator process testing for accuracy through SPC (Statistical Process Control); Provide technical input & financial justifications for process technology improvements through capital investment; Work in conjunction with our global Technical Services & engineering group to ensure state of the art practices/technologies are used locally. The Technical Services Supervisor will also train and work in various areas of the plant to broaden his/her knowledge of the business, with special emphasis given to engineering, processing, and packaging. Other areas may include quality control, production planning, McCain Quality Performance, SPC, and safety. Relocation to complete training & development at another McCain location may be required after two years.

 

Experience Required: Candidates must have a 4-year degree in Food Science or Engineering. - Must be fluent in English. Verbal competency in Spanish is preferred. -Previous supervisory experience is preferred along with demonstrated success in dealing effectively with people. - Characteristics of a successful candidate: -Resilient and confident - Displays a keen business awareness -Team player-Communicates effectively - Results-oriented - Open-minded.   Other qualifications include: The ability to quickly grasp technical and abstract concepts; Aptitude for or proven experience in training; Proficiency on computers and SPC knowledge a must, and knowledge of PLC programming, CAD, plant control systems is a plus; Leadership qualities (candidate will be directing the plant management group on “best practices” in the operation of plant equipment); Moderate to advanced knowledge of processing equipment, processing methods, manufacturing philosophies, and basic manufacturing SOPs.

 

For more information, please contact: Varon Blackburn, Human Resource Manager, 509.331.7727, varon.blackburn@mccain.com, 100 Lee St., Othello, WA  99344

 

THE TRANE COMPANY is seeking applications for Technical Sales Engineers. Engineers with backgrounds in a wide variety of engineering curricula are employed in the Trane sales engineering program.  Before working in their field sales office, Trane sales engineers undergo the industry's best and most comprehensive training program.  It is a five-month graduate-level technical training program in La Crosse, Wisconsin, followed by a six-month on-the-job, mentor training program in your assigned sales district (50+ offices nationwide). This training covers technical product and systems information along with sales and marketing strategies. Qualified candidates will have a BS in Engineering, be a team player and have exceptional communication skills. They must be aggressive, competitive, goal oriented,  and  possess a strong desire to sell. They must be legally eligible to work full-time in the USA without sponsorship, hold a valid Driver’s License and be able to provide proof of insurance. All candidates will also be required to pass a background check at the time of offer. For additional information, please check out: http://www.trane.com/AboutTrane/Employment/SalesEngineer.asp

 

Trane currently has positions both locally in Portland and nationwide.  These positions start January 30th, 2006, or July 31st, 2006 (we have two training classes each and every year). Applicants should send their resume and an email of interest to Brittany Tibbits at  btibbits@trane.com.  You are also welcome to contact Brittany with questions about the position.

 

 

COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS? 

This e-bulletin is a work-in-progress, and your feedback and suggestions are welcome. Please send your comments to ME Communications Coordinator Tracy Ann Robinson (tracy.ann.robinson@oregonstate.edu).