May / June, 2004

2004 BE Showcase

The 2004 Biosystem Engineering Showcase was a huge success. BE Showcase was attended by 18 industry representatives from companies such as Kellogg, FMS, Tropicana; agencies such as MDEQ, MDNR; and environmental consulting firms such as NTH, DLZ and many others.

The luncheon highlight was the Distinguished Alumni Awards award. The awards went to the late Mr. Allison Blanshine, formerly with New Holland, Dr. Carl Hall, formerly Deputy Director NSF, and Dr. Arthur Gold, University of Rhode Island. Many family and friend were on hand to honor the award recipients. This was the first year the awards were given.

During the Industry Panel segment,the 18 industry representative fielded questions from graduating seniors as well as other students in the program. The panel gave valuable advise including how to prepare for an interview and expectations beyond graduation. This session was followed by mock one-on-one interviews where students had a chance to hone their interviewing skills and learn more about the companies that were represented.

Seven student groups presented their capstone design projects, an event that was attended by over 150 people including many parents. The student projects included:

• design, fabrication and testing of a bovine bio-filter for treating water from milking parlours before discharging into constructed wetlands;
• evaluating pre-treatment options to reduce ammonia levels in leachate from landfills;
• detection of bacterial contaminants (E. Coli) in drinking water supply;
• design of an educational aquaponics system that combines the practices of aquaculture with hydroponics;
• development of a high-protein and low-carb pasta using chicken protein, called CHICASTA;
• redesign of football helmet to reduce injuries caused by oblique impacts;
• design of a quarter-scale tractor for entry in the national competition.

Student presentations were in-depth and highly polished. The members of the Industry Advisory Board completed BE program outcome assessment forms after the presentations.

The day concluded with an awards banquet where both graduate and undergraduate students received scholarship awards from the various department endowments. The event was attended by over 120 people. As a gift, each graduating senior received a limited edition print of Farrall Hall. The students reflected on their experiences as students and took some shots at faculty. We were honored by the presence of the College of Engineering's Associate Dean Tom Wolff and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Associate Deans Eunice Foster and Tom Coon.

Overall it was an excellent day.

Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
Michigan State University
A.W. Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1323
(517) 355-4720

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June 7, 2004