May, 2015
VU’s more specific drought-measuring tool could help shape policy
May. 26, 2015—A more specific drought-measuring formula created by a group of Vanderbilt University environmental engineers could have implications for emergency planning, federal relief payouts and drought mitigation efforts. With California’s record drought sending the state and farmers to the bargaining table over water, officials there and in other drought-stricken states are calling for more specific city- and...
How long will Nashville’s boom last? VUSE symposium seeks answer
May. 21, 2015—The CEO of one of the nation’s largest construction management consulting firms said Thursday he’s bullish on the nation’s building boom lasting another 3-5 years, but probably not 10. Hank Harris with FMI Corporation and Seth Butler, senior vice president and head of commercial real estate for Nashville-based Avenue Bank, were charged with answering the...
Q&A: Top Boeing engineer, Vandy alum lauds aerospace club for wins
May. 15, 2015—Paul Turczynski graduated Vanderbilt University in 1990 with dual undergraduate degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering and a plan to go to medical school. Today, he’s the director for The Boeing Company’s Solution Architectures Group with the Electronics & Information Solutions unit. That path wasn’t as winding as one might think. The cross-disciplinary problem-solving skills...
Aerospace Club wins NASA’s Student Launch Challenge for third year in row
May. 13, 2015—(L-R standing) Chris Lyne, Dexter Watkins, Fred Folz, Cameron Ridgewell, Ben Gasser, Robin Midgett, Andrew Voss, Brian Lawson, Alex Goodman (L-R sitting) Jacob Moore, Pranav Kumar, Mitchell Masia, William Emfinger and Conner Caldwell. (Courtesy of the Aerospace Club) For the third year in a row, the Vanderbilt Aerospace Club has won NASA’s eight-month long rocketry...
Dean presents 2015 engineering faculty, staff awards
May. 5, 2015—The School of Engineering recognized faculty and staff members for their exemplary research, teaching, and professional service during the 2014-2015 academic year. At the final faculty meeting of the year Dean Philippe Fauchet announced faculty promotions, recognized emeritus professors, and he presented four annual awards during a reception following the May 5 meeting. David Merryman...
Merryman’s heart research spans new valves for kids, better surgery for elders
May. 4, 2015—Walk down a long hallway packed with rows of sample-chilling refrigerators, open the door to a bustling, sunshine-filled laboratory, and examine a larger-than-life model of David Merryman’s inspiration, sitting on the counter nearest the door. It’s the human heart. The organ has filled Merryman’s days – and those of his graduate students – since he...
Pick 3: Modules give first-year students closer look engineering majors
May. 4, 2015— Some engineering students arrive with a clear idea of their paths through college to future careers. Others know their strengths lie in math and science, but they’re not sure of the best engineering major to fit their interests. ES 140 is a course for both. In the first case, it reinforces a decision the...
School to bestow honors on 2015 graduating seniors
May. 1, 2015—Awards and honors will be presented by Dean Philippe Fauchet to seniors at the School of Engineering’s annual Commencement Reception at the University Club May 7. Akash Umakantha, from West Chester, Ohio, is the recipient of the 2015 Founder’s Medal for the School of Engineering. He graduated with a bachelor of engineering in electrical engineering...