PrEDiCTioNS - The University of Alabama College of Engineering

capstone
engineer
fall 06
predicting the
FUTURE
OF ENGINEERING
capstone
contents
Engineering society
1-800-333-8156
L. Lamar Faulkner
National Chair, Board of Directors
Charles L. Karr, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Engineering
Karen Meshad Baldwin
Director, External Affairs and Development
Mary Wymer
Editor
Cathy Butler
Managing Editor
capstone
engineer
4
Cover Story: Engineering Predictions
From alternative energy sources to cybersecurity, UA’s College
of Engineering responds to future engineering needs with forward
thinking and innovative research.
Issue No. 34
Capstone Engineer is published in
the spring and fall by the
Capstone Engineering Society.
Sharon Waites
UA Celebrates 175
2
engineering predictions
4
teaching engineering
7
Designer
Laura Shill, Mary Wymer,
Rickey Yanaura
Photography
Address correspondence
to the editor:
The University of Alabama,
Capstone Engineering Society,
College of Engineering, Box 870200,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0200.
Visit the College of Engineering
website at www.eng.ua.edu.
The University of Alabama is an
News
11
Surveying the College
16
Our Students. Our Future.
22
Events
23
In Memory
25
Alumni Notes
27
equal-opportunity educational institution/
employer. • MC7361
Vision for the University of Alabama College of Engineering
The University of Alabama College of Engineering first will be the preferred engineering
college in the state for students to obtain a world-class engineering education and to
develop into the leaders of tomorrow; second, our faculty will advance the boundaries of
knowledge through interdisciplinary research; and third, we will improve the lives of the
citizens of Alabama through research and service.
dean’s message
The University of Alabama campus is thriving with the return of students, new buildings
and residence halls opening, and the thrill of another season of Crimson Tide athletics.
In addition to all these exciting happenings, the Capstone is celebrating a significant milestone
– the 175th anniversary of its founding.
As the University recognizes our historic beginnings, we focus this issue of the Capstone
Engineer on our past, present and future. Our feature article looks ahead to where the
engineering profession is going and how UA’s College of Engineering is educating our
Charles L. Karr, Ph.D.
Dean
students to be forward thinkers as they become the leaders of the engineering profession.
Engineering is such a vital profession to the economy of the state of Alabama and the entire
Southeast region. Alabama is currently home to four automotive original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) and more than 300 automotive-related manufacturers. In addition,
some 300 aerospace companies account for over 73,000 jobs in Alabama. These companies
need skillful and creative leaders who not only understand the principles of engineering but
also have experience with foreign languages, fine arts and business ethics.
In this effort to support the economy of the state, the College of Engineering is exceeding
our goal for recruiting the best and brightest students. As of July, 509 high school students
and 117 transfer students have declared engineering as their major and attended Bama Bound
orientation sessions. This group of freshmen who attended our orientation sessions has an
average high school grade point average of 3.65 with an average ACT score of 26.5, including
29 percent that scored 30 and above on the ACT. Although we will not have official
enrollment numbers for another month, it appears we are on target to meet our goals
of 2,100 students by the year 2010 and increasing our average ACT score.
The College of Engineering is poised to reach the next milestone of excellence. Our vision and
goals are setting the direction that is making us the preferred engineering college in the state.
t h e
175
capstone
th
celebrates
anni v ersary
“The University of Alabama is a university in transition, and the end point of that transition will be our
recognition as one of the leading public universities in this country. Our transition is guided by a blueprint
that is a mosaic of the aspirations, goals, programs and plans of the many units that make up the academic
and administrative infrastructures of the University. Our blueprint, a blueprint for excellence, is organized
around the four building blocks of academic excellence – people, programs, facilities and resources.”
Dr. Robert E. Witt
President
The University of Alabama
By Cathy Andreen
and the Rotunda (one of the buildings later burned by
Union troops during the Civil War).
As The University of Alabama celebrates its 175
th
anniversary in 2006, it is indeed a university in
To quote from Suzanne Rau Wolfe’s The University of
transition, but it is also a university built on a strong
Alabama: A Pictorial History, “Expectations were high
foundation – a foundation steeped in tradition and
in 1831. A new school in a young state, a fine campus
built on the hopes, dreams and achievements of many
and promising professors – all suggested a bright
generations.
future for the University.”
It is a university rooted in academic excellence: The
Among key dates in that bright future:
1832
First graduate John Augustine Nooe earned his bachelor’s degree.
1837
UA became one of the first five colleges in the nation to offering engineering classes. College of Engineering established in 1909.
1865
Union troops spared only seven buildings on the campus, but UA rebounded and continued to grow.
1892
First football team assembled.
business leaders, governors, senators, doctors, lawyers,
1893
First women students enrolled.
engineers, educators, authors, artists and professionals
1919
School of Commerce founded; became College of Commerce and Business Administration in 1929; renamed Culverhouse College
of Commerce and Business Administration in 1997.
1948
First doctorates awarded.
1963
First successful enrollment of African-American students.
1986
University Honors Program established; became Honors College
in 2003.
2002
UA first named one of the top 50 public universities in the nation by
U.S. News & World Report.
2006
Enrollment reaches a record high 23,878.
state’s first chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was founded at
UA in 1850, the University boasts 15 Rhodes Scholars
among its alumni and, today, ranks among the top
h
its
ersary
10 percent of all universities in the enrollment of
National Merit Scholars.
And it is a university that produces leaders – for
the state of Alabama, for the nation and beyond:
in almost every area earned their degrees at The
University of Alabama, the state’s flagship university.
Founded in 1831, the University’s history actually
began more than 175 years ago when the federal
government authorized the Alabama Territory to set
aside a township for the establishment of a “seminary
of learning” in 1818. Alabama was admitted to the
Union on March 2, 1819, and a second township was
added to the grant. On Dec. 18, 1820, the seminary
was established officially and named the University
of the State of Alabama. Tuscaloosa, then the state’s
Today, The University of Alabama’s blueprint for the
capital, was chosen as the University’s home in 1827.
future calls for strong enrollment growth supported
by a comprehensive building plan, and a capital
Inaugural ceremonies were held on April 12, 1831
campaign aimed at providing the resources for a truly
and the University officially opened. The first students
great university. The Capstone is again in a period of
were enrolled on April 18, 1831, and by the end of
substantial growth – growth that will be built on
May, 52 students had enrolled. The campus consisted
the four cornerstones of people, programs, facilities
of just seven buildings: two faculty houses, two
and resources. y
dormitories, a laboratory, a hotel (now Gorgas House)
capstone
engineer engineering
predictions
The University of Alabama College of
With this change, engineering in the
be able to logically and creatively think
Engineering is the oldest engineering
United States has been migrating
about problems and develop new
college in our state and one of the five
to functions requiring higher levels
ideas and solutions that are truly
oldest in the nation. While we take great
of innovation. We’re moving to the
novel. For example, the College is
pride in our past, we are not satisfied
innovation economy, and the College
encouraging students to explore
with the status quo. We are ambitiously
of Engineering is preparing students to
additional coursework, such as foreign
stepping forward in our role of shaping
the future of the state of Alabama and
the nation – one young mind at a time.
As the College continues to educate
tomorrow’s engineering leaders, we
must stay ahead of how engineering is
changing. As educators, our focus is not
only to teach engineering principles, but
also to expand our students’ realm of
thinking into becoming innovators.
During the last decade, much of
engineering practice shifted its focus
from manufacturing-based industries
to more innovative technologies.
Traditionally, engineers manufactured
and maintained machinery. As education
standards developed throughout the
world and many foreign institutions
began offering more training in
engineering, these manufacturing-
languages and fine arts, to expand their
During the last decade,
much of engineering
practice shifted its focus
from manufacturingbased industries to more
innovative technologies.
Traditionally, engineers
manufactured and
maintained machinery.
As education standards
developed throughout
the world and many
foreign institutions began
offering more training
in engineering, these
manufacturing-based
operations moved to
international locations.
creative possibilities.
The College has major research groups
studying emerging topics of national and
global impact: automotive/transportation,
energy, biology, space and cybersecurity.
These multidisciplinary teams are
conducting work that is critical to
our economy.
Automotive/Transportation
The College’s automotive/transportation
researchers are investigating areas ranging
from combustion engines to hybrids and
highway safety to aging infrastructure.
These teams include faculty and students
from all eight disciplines in the College
as well as faculty and students from the
Colleges of Commerce and Business
Administration and Arts and Sciences.
based operations moved to
international locations.
t h e future ain ’ t w h at it used to be .
capstone
engineer
yogi berra
Energy
Space
Traditionally, energy areas would
Near space, outer space and the aging
encompass mechanical engineering with
infrastructure of space systems are just
power plants and chemical engineering
a few of the areas our space team is
focusing on oil. Energy research in the
researching, including how we get there,
College is expanding to include projects
how we go farther, and how we manage
working on hydrogen, coal, methane,
to transition from what we have into
natural gas, biodiesel and other forms
what we need.
of alternative energy. In addition, the
research team is exploring areas of usage,
Cybersecurity
conservation, reliability and efficiency.
Fifteen years ago, the computer age and
Internet started growing faster than our
Biology
traditional economy could manage.
A leading and growing area in engineering
Today, that growth has continued and
is the biological sector, and the College
it is becoming harder to secure our
is at the forefront of biochemical
personal and business information.
engineering through our work at the
The infrastructure of our information
interface between nanotechnology and
system has not kept up with demand. To
pharmaceutical engineering. Much of
address these concerns, the College has
this work is in collaboration with The
substantial research activity in the area
University of Alabama at Birmingham
of security informatics. In addition, the
School of Medicine.
College is focusing on wireless sensor
technologies and micro-electromechanical
systems (MEMS). y
our imagination is t h e only
limit to w h at we can
h ope to h a v e in t h e future .
c h arles f . kettering
capstone
engineer yesterday
teaching engineering at the capstone
yesterday , today
and tomorrow . . .
Since The University of Alabama began
So, has teaching engineering changed?
offering engineering classes in 1837, the
Let’s quickly review where we have been
overall nature of teaching engineering
and where we are going …
has not changed – engineers must be
able to define problems, develop possible
During the early years of teaching
answers, and implement successful
engineering, laboratories were theoretical,
solutions. Knowledge, analysis, design,
not practical. In the 1840s, British cotton
experimentation and evaluation are the
investors withdrew their money and
skills that must be taught.
Alabama went into a depression. UA lost
funding and engineering professors did not
However, the methods of how these
have budgets to buy lab equipment.
skills are developed and practiced have
changed throughout the years. From chalk
In 1909, the College of Engineering was
boards to white boards and computers to
organized as a separate division of the
lab equipment, including the infamous
University with the opening of B. B.
slide rules, professors have used the
Comer Hall. At the time, Comer Hall was
latest technologies to prepare engineering
called one of the largest and best equipped
graduates from the Capstone.
engineering buildings in the United States.
The knowledge base needed by today’s
During the 1940s, the University was
engineers is much larger than at any other
greatly affected by World War II. The
time in history. Engineers must be skilled
College’s greatest contribution to the war
in modeling, experimenting and analyzing
efforts was in teaching military personnel
solutions rooted not only in science and
through the flight instruction program.
engineering, but also consider sociological,
environmental, cultural, global and
The 1960s were an era of great change
economical factors.
in teaching engineering. The College’s
budget increased dramatically and
capstone
engineer enrollment grew. The College awarded
engineering classes increased.
one of the few colleges nationwide
its first doctorate in 1964.
Teaching styles changed with the
considered to be on the cutting edge
demographic shifts.
of computing.
other engineering students walking
In addition to demographic changes,
“In my mind there have been
across campus because we all had
technological advances were prevalent
substantial and wonderful upgrades to
slide rules hanging from our belts and
as the College created a Department
College equipment and labs, but the
were carrying 13 books and 20 pounds
of Computer Science with equipment
major change has been the teaching
of class notes,” said Dr. Dan Turner,
such as an IBM, a UNIVAC, and an
styles of faculty members. When I was
professor of civil and environmental
RCA 110-A.
a student here, it seemed like every
“I remember that it was easy to spot
engineering, about his days at the
Capstone in the 1960s.
professor had 600 pounds of notes
During the 1980s, the College faculty
for each course. Students were
debated how to acquire desktop
supposed to copy them faithfully
The 1970s were the beginning of
computers for faculty members
and to study them to master the
demographic changes in the College.
and student computer labs. College
course material. Teaching methods
The number of women, minorities
leaders’ decision to provide computers
have improved radically through
and international students attending
for faculty and student labs made us
emphasis by the College, the use
capstone
engineer
of technology in the classroom, and
better communication tools outside the
classroom,” explained Turner.
Dr. Gary April, University Research
Professor and Head of Chemical and
Biological Engineering, agrees that
teaching methods have changed for
the better. “What needs to be covered
in courses is not always contained in
the classic textbooks. So, instructional
methods have been revolutionized
to provide materials from a variety
of sources, including textbooks, the
Internet and interactive conferencing
with labs and industry,” said April.
So, where is teaching engineering
going? Engineering students will have
access to information instantaneously
with wireless networked classrooms.
Labs will become more virtual. For
example, instead of aerospace students
operating a small wind tunnel on their
own campus, they will be able to
work it through the Internet provided
by industries throughout the country.
Curriculums will change with basic
engineering courses becoming part
of the university general studies and
engineering students will have to
take more liberal arts classes, such as
languages, for the global marketplace. y
capstone
engineer you know Coach Bryant’s stats just like you know pi to the 100th decimal.
you average the gymnastics scores before the computer finishes.
you set your watch by Denny Chimes.
you measure land in relation to the size of the Quad.
you know where MIB is.
you calculate the height, arc and length of time the ball was in the air
after every free throw in Coleman Coliseum.
n you know how to cast an iron elephant.
n your closest food source for four years was the Ferg.
n
n
n
n
n
n
But you know you are a UA engineer when . . .
n you help shape the future of UA Engineering by supporting your College financially.
There are many ways to help—become a member of the Capstone Engineering Society, or donate gifts of
cash, appreciated property or equipment for labs.
Take pride in the knowledge that your contributions make UA’s College of Engineering stand out in the eyes
of the nation. For more information, call us at 1-800-333-8156.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Box 870200 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0200
1-800-333-8156 • (205) 348-6400 • www.eng.ua.edu
news
Delahay Receives Outstanding Alumni
Volunteer Award
for Advanced Vehicle
Technologies. Dr. Clark
Midkiff, director of CAVT
In 1995, the College of
and associate professor of
Engineering began a yearly
mechanical engineering, said
the workshop provided a
tradition of recognizing an
alumnus who has provided
Robert J. Farrauto from Engelhard Corp.
discusses the hydrogen economy
outstanding volunteer assistance
to the College as the Outstanding
forum where UA and regional
research faculty could collaborate
and receive insight into future automotive research trends.
Alumni Volunteer. The 2006
Outstanding Alumni Volunteer
Award was given posthumously
Linda Delahay (left) accepting the
Outstanding Alumni Volunteer
Award for the Delahay family
from Dean Chuck Karr (right)
to James Delahay.
Delahay contributed to the
BellSouth Establishes Endowed Support
Fund for UA College of Engineering
BellSouth has pledged $200,000 to promote the education of
overall enhancement of the senior design course in civil
students in the University of Alabama College of Engineering’s
engineering. According to the nominator, “With the assistance,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. BellSouth’s
guidance and oversight of Jim, the senior design course and
gift will create a state-of-the-art Capstone Design Laboratory for
student experience were completely re-engineered, making it
use by all electrical and computer engineering students and
more applicable to practice and, in effect, better preparing our
will support priority needs of the electrical and computer
students for a successful career.”
engineering department.
Delahay served on the College’s Leadership Board, was named a
To express their gratitude for BellSouth’s generous support, UA
Distinguished Engineering Fellow in 2003, and assisted with the
President Robert E. Witt and Dean Chuck Karr hosted a luncheon
fundraising efforts for the College. In 2005, Delahay’s wife, Linda,
at the President’s Mansion for Tom Hamby, president of
established the James M. Delahay Endowed Scholarship to support
BellSouth Alabama.
students in civil engineering.
In appreciation for his years of dedicated service to his alma
mater, we honored James Delahay as the 2006 Outstanding
Alumni Volunteer at the College’s Distinguished Engineering
Fellows banquet in March. Linda Delahay accepted the award
for the family.
UA Hosts Engineering Automotive Workshop
The University of Alabama hosted a regional workshop titled,
“Engineering the Automotive Future,” on Jan. 24-25 at the Bryant
Conference Center. Topics included fuel cells, the hydrogen
economy, hybrid electric vehicles and advanced internal
combustion engines. The event was co-sponsored by UA’s Center
Tom Hamby (left), president of BellSouth Alabama, and UA President
Robert E. Witt (right)
capstone
engineer 11
news
UA Honors Five Distinguished
Engineering Fellows
A select group of five alumni of the University of Alabama
College of Engineering were honored in March as Distinguished
Engineering Fellows. Recognition as a Fellow is the highest
commendation given to graduates and other supporters who have
strengthened the reputation of the College through their efforts
and achievements.
David G. Courington
David G. Courington, operations manager, is responsible for all
aspects of manufacturing at the 3M Decatur Material Resources
plant. In 2003, he was instrumental in the rebirth of the Decatur
Pictured from left to right: David G. Courington, Bob St John, M.A. “John” Oztekin,
Robert E. Morris and Douglas A. Moore
plant by providing leadership in the acquisition of new product
lines and businesses, bringing plant employment back to
Robert E. Morris
approximately 800 people. Courington received a bachelor’s
For the past 40 years, Robert E. Morris served as a pioneer in
degree in chemical engineering from UA in 1974 and a master of
the research and development of ductile iron in the automotive
business administration from Alabama A&M in 1979. Courington
industry. Though he retired from SouthCast Sales Inc. in 2001,
has strong ties to the Capstone by maintaining 3M’s support of an
where he was owner and president, he continues to work as an
annual scholarship, contributing to the Millennium Program, and
independent castings sales agent and consultant. From 1971 to
serving on the chemical and biological engineering advisory board
1982, Morris led Columbus Foundries, now known as Intermet
and the Capstone Engineering Society board of directors.
Columbus, from a small business with $2 million in sales to an
international company with sales in excess of $75 million. Prior to
Douglas A. Moore
his role as president at SouthCast Sales, Morris was president
As president and founder of Innovex Technology LLC, Douglas
and CEO of the Alabama Ductile Casting Co. In 1982, Morris
A. Moore leads the company as it serves as the research and
purchased Allied Foundry in Brewton and renamed it the Alabama
development arm of several large insurance carriers nationwide.
Ductile Iron Co. After expanding the foundry and doubling
Moore graduated from the Capstone in 1987 with a bachelor’s
its sales, the foundry was purchased by Citation Corp. in
degree in electrical engineering. He began his career by developing
Birmingham. Morris graduated from UA with a bachelor’s
the Report Management System for Maxis Information Systems
degree in metallurgical and materials engineering in 1962.
Inc. Following his success at Maxis, Moore became president of
Computer Systems and Solutions Inc. In 1994, he was named vice
M.A. Oztekin
president of Applied Systems Inc., where he led the company to
During the past 50 years, M.A. Oztekin founded two extremely
become one of the foremost providers of automation software in
successful corporations, created thousands of jobs for Alabama
the insurance carrier market.
citizens, and demonstrated engineering creativity in product and
process design as the holder of five U.S. and six foreign patents.
In 1951, Oztekin began his career with the nation’s largest store
fixture company in Detroit, Mich., where he realized the need for
flexible, sturdy and durable display units. In 1956, Oztekin created
the Dixie Craft Manufacturing Co. to manufacture steel shelving
12 capstone engineer
news
and belt-driven, automatic checkout counters for retail merchandizing. Dixie Craft grew into Madix Corp., a national leader in
Construction Engineering and
Management Founding Partners
retail merchandizing and storage products. In 1958, Oztekin
founded the Kent Corp. and patented the world’s first unitized
The College of Engineering is proudly recognizing and
single-piece adjustable steel shelves and uprights with integrated
congratulating the following as the founding partners of the
roll formed back-panel channels, still used today as engineered
Construction Engineering and Management Program.
display solutions for food and other retail products. Oztekin’s love
Each founding partner has established endowments
of the Capstone led to the establishment of the Oztekin Family
for undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships
Endowed Scholarship for students enrolled in the College
and programmatic support.
of Engineering.
•Davis Architects for the Davis Architects Excellence in Bob St John
Construction Engineering Endowed Support Fund
Bob St John has more than 40 years of experience in geotechnical
•Mr. Thomas E. Doster III for the Thomas E. Doster III consulting, construction quality control and engineering
Endowed Scholarship
management. St John received his bachelor’s degree in civil
•Hoar Construction for the engineering in 1961 from the Capstone and began a career in
Hoar Construction
geotechnical engineering with Law Engineering and Testing Co.
Endowed Scholarship
For the next 17 years, St John worked on many high profile
•Mr. Jerry F. Wilson Jr. and projects, including foundation studies for nuclear power plants
Mrs. Judith F. Wilson for
and geotechnical studies for high-rise structures. In 1980, St John
the Jerry F. Wilson Jr. Family and Gary Durham founded Ground Engineering and Testing
Endowed Support Fund
Service Inc., which has grown to more than 100 personnel in five
Davis Architects: Geoff Clever (left), vice
president, Neil Davis (center), president,
and Julee Potter, vice president
locations. In 1998, Ground Engineering joined Atlanta Testing
and Engineering Inc., and the firm is now known as QORE
Property Sciences. His love of engineering and the business of
consulting engineering led St John to join J2F Inc., a small
business located in Birmingham, where he is currently a partner.
Rob Burton (left), president of Hoar Construction, and Dean Chuck Karr
capstone
engineer 13
news
BIG thanks
We appreciate our recent partners in UA’s College of Engineering
family for their support of our students and programs.
• American Cast Iron Pipe Co. for continuing support of the • The Haskell Company for continuing support of the John R. ACIPCO Engineering Scholars Program and the ACIPCO Cobb Excellence in Engineering Education Endowed
Corporate Scholars Program in mechanical engineering
Scholarship Fund
• BellSouth Telecommunications Inc. for support of the Electrical • Hoar Construction LLC for establishing the Hoar Construction
Engineering Gift Fund and for establishing the Electrical and Endowed Scholarship
Computer Engineering Endowed Support Fund
• Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC for support of the
• Mrs. Jane K. Bolton for support of engineering scholarships in Mechanical Engineering Gift Fund
memory of her husband, Mr. Michael J. Bolton
• Dean and Mrs. Charles L. Karr for establishing the Betty H.
• Mr. W. Paul Bowers for establishing the Paul Bowers Endowed
Karr-Mann Endowed Engineering Scholarship in honor of
Engineering Scholarship
Dean Karr’s mother, Mrs. Betty H. Karr-Mann
• Mr. Rex Bush, TTL Inc. and Mr. S.T. Bunn for establishing the
• Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Oztekin for continuing support of the
Ray D. Bass Endowed Engineering Scholarship
Oztekin Family Endowed Scholarship
• Davis Architects Inc. for establishing the Davis Architects
• Col. and Mrs. Dayton Robinson Jr. for continued support of the
Excellence in Construction Engineering Endowed Support Fund
Dayton Robinson III Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory
of their son, Sonny
• Doster Construction Co. Inc. for continuing support
of the Thomas E. Doster III Endowed Engineering Scholarship
• Ambassador and Mrs. Joseph M. Rodgers for continuing support
of the Rodgers Family Scholarship Fund
• ESI Group for equipment given to metallurgical and
materials engineering
• TTL Inc. for establishing the TTL Inc. Endowed
Engineering Scholarship
• Drs. Kenneth and Sharon Harwell for continuing support
of the Drs. Kenneth and Sharon Harwell Endowed
Engineering Scholarship
14
capstone
engineer
Crimson is Belonging to
The Capstone Engineering Society.
Why contribute to ces?
• Increase the prestige and value of your
engineering or computer science degree.
Help us achieve higher rankings through
increased alumni participation.
•
Provide much-needed financial support
for our students and the College.
•
•
Receive updates and information about the College.
•
Receive the Capstone Engineer.
• Receive invitations to the homecoming
football pre-game event.
Call 1-800-333-8156 or visit the website at www.eng.ua.edu.
surveying the college
Brown Wins T. Morris Hackney Faculty
Leadership Award
Specifically, the award supports Thompson’s fundamental research
Dr. David B. Brown, pro-
different crystal structures. This research will quantify how stress
fessor of computer science
and alloy morphology contribute to the atomic order stability in
and director of development
very thin films for magnetic information storage.
activities in understanding how metal alloys transform between
of UA’s CARE Research &
Development Laboratory,
Jackson Appointed as Electrical
and Computer Engineering Head
received the 2006 T. Morris
Hackney Endowed Faculty
Dr. Jeff Jackson, associate professor and interim head of electrical
Leadership Award. The award
and computer engineering, has been named head of electrical
honors a faculty member who
exemplifies the leadership
qualities that advance and add
Dean Chuck Karr (left) presents the T.
Morris Hackney Faculty Leadership
Award to Dr. David B. Brown (right)
to the stature of the College of Engineering. Brown designed and
currently manages development of CARE data analysis software,
which has won two national awards. Brown has implemented
CARE systems for vehicle crash databases in nine states. This
award was created as a tribute to T. Morris Hackney and was
made possible by contributions from Mr. John H. Josey and his
son, Mr. Howard Josey. Brown was recognized as the Hackney
and computer engineering at the University of Alabama College
of Engineering. Jackson has served the
College for 20 years as a graduate teaching
assistant, graduate research assistant,
assistant professor, associate professor and
interim department head. Jackson has
authored more than 80 publications and
articles throughout his career, and he is
involved with several professional service organizations.
Award winner at the College’s Distinguished Engineering Fellows
banquet in March.
Thompson Receives NSF Career Award
Dr. Gregory B. Thompson, assistant professor of metallurgical
and materials engineering, has been awarded a National Science
Foundation CAREER Award. CAREER Awards are NSF’s
most prestigious recognition of topperforming young scientists and
engineers who are beginning
their careers.
Thompson has been awarded a fiveyear, $500,000 grant to advance his
study in microstructure and mean stress evolution in thin films.
16
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Gibson Joins College as Drummond Chair
and Director of Construction Engineering
and Management Program
The College of Engineering recently
named Dr. G. Edward Gibson Jr. as the
Garry Neil Drummond Endowed Chair
in civil, construction and environmental
engineering and as founding director of
the construction engineering and
management program.
As the Garry Neil Drummond Endowed Chair, Gibson will
work to advance research in areas such as organizational change,
risk management, construction productivity, and electronic data
surveying the college
management. Gibson also will oversee the development of the
American Idol Taylor Hicks ‘Opens’ For Lane
new bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and work
Chemical and biological
closely with faculty on construction engineering research projects.
engineering professor Dr. Alan
Lane, aka Doobie “Doghouse”
The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama established
Wilson, performs weekly in
the Garry Neil Drummond Chair of Mining Engineering at the
Tuscaloosa and Birmingham
Capstone in 1977 with gifts from Dr. Garry Neil Drummond,
at small coffee shops and bars.
the coal mining companies in the state of Alabama, along with
Recently at Birmingham’s Oasis
colleagues of Dr. Drummond in the mining industry. In 1997,
Bar, Lane was scheduled to
the Board amended the Garry Neil Drummond Chair such that
perform fourth, but was asked
it was transferred to the Department of Civil and Environmental
if another artist could slip in
Engineering and was renamed the Garry Neil Drummond Chair
a performance. It was none other than Taylor Hicks, this year’s
of Civil Engineering.
winner of American Idol. Hicks performed for about 90 minutes,
and Lane finally took the stage about 1:30 a.m., joking with the
Ritchie Chairs Technical Program
of NAMS Conference
The 17th annual meeting of the North
American Membrane Society was hosted
by Kraft Foods and The University of
Alabama in Chicago, Ill., from May 12-17.
Dr. Stephen Ritchie, assistant professor of
crowd “the quality of my opening acts is getting better all
the time!”
“Life can have its magical, somewhat surreal moments like this,”
said Lane. “Here I was, a college teacher who has trouble getting
coffee house gigs, sharing the stage and holding my own with a
musician loved by millions.”
chemical and biological engineering, served
as the chair of the technical program.
The record-breaking conference included 436 attendees and
179 organizations from 24 countries.
Reddy Receives Wadsworth Award
The Milton E. Wadsworth Extractive Metallurgy
Award was presented to Dr. Ramana G. Reddy,
ACIPCO Professor of Metallurgical and
Materials Engineering. The award was presented
to Reddy “for his significant contributions to
the field of chemical metallurgy, development of
thermodynamic modeling of chemical reactions,
furthering the area of metallurgical education and engineering
professional development.”
capstone
engineer 17
surveying the college
ChBE Student Named Goldwater Scholar
of any school in the nation. This year’s team brings UA’s total for
For the second consecutive year, a chemical and biological
the last four years to 20, a figure that also tops all other colleges
engineering student has been selected as
and universities. This year’s
a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar, one of the
team also brings the engineering
country’s most elite academic scholarships.
student total to seven students
Thomas Glenn Kelly, a sophomore, was
named in the last eight years.
selected as a 2006 Goldwater Scholar.
He is a member of Omega Chi Epsilon,
Matthew Fitzgerald, a senior
Tau Beta Pi, UA’s Computer-Based Honors Program and Alpha
mechanical engineering major,
Lambda Delta and Golden Key honor societies. Kelly’s plans for
was named on the Third Team,
the future include becoming a professor of chemical engineering
and Aundrea Lollar, a senior chemical and biological engineering
with a focus on catalysis and simularion.
major, was named an Honorable Mention.
Crawford Receives CES
Outstanding Senior Award
ChBE Student Named Hollings Scholar
Christopher Cater, a senior chemical and
John William Crawford Jr., a senior in mechanical engineering,
biological engineering major, received the
was selected as the 2006 Capstone Engineering Society
prestigious and highly competitive National
Outstanding Senior. He served as an Ambassador for the
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
College of Engineering,
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate
was a member of the
Scholarship. The scholarship provides
National Society of Black
$8,000 per year for full-time study during the junior and senior
Engineers and Alpha Phi
years and $6,500 for a 10-week internship at NOAA or a
Alpha Fraternity, was
NOAA-approved facility during the summer between the
an event captain for the
junior and senior years.
Science Olympiad, and
helped as a tutor for the
Center for Teaching and
Dean Chuck Karr (left) presents John William
Crawford Jr. (right) the CES Outstanding
Senior Award
Cater is a Presidential scholar and a member of the University
Honors Program and of the Chemical Engineering Honors
Learning and the Multicultural Engineering Program. Crawford
Program. He is also a member of Omega Chi Epsilon, Alpha
participated in a variety of research activities during his tenure
Lambda Delta, Phi Eta Sigma and Golden Key honor societies.
at the University, including aircraft vibration analysis, and he
Cater is the fourth UA student to receive the prestigious
co-authored two papers on gear fault detection techniques.
scholarship this year; UA ranks among the top five universities in
the country for total number of recipients for the scholarship.
Two Engineering Students Named to USA
Today’s All-USA College Academic Team
Six students from The University of Alabama have been named to
this year’s USA Today All-USA College Academic Team – the most
18 capstone engineer
surveying the college
Invention IDs Computer Users by Typing
Patterns; UA Scientists’ Discovery Pays
Off 13 Years Later
UA Engineering Students Design
Shingle Lifting Devices
Senior mechanical engineering students recently designed and
created shingle-lifting devices for Habitat for Humanity. The lifts
save labor by lifting shingle bundles and other materials to the
roofs of houses in the process of being built.
The devices were designed to reduce work-related injuries and
expand the work force to include individuals unable to carry
heavy loads up ladders. Since off-the-shelf devices are typically
only available at high costs and include multifloor capabilities
– a function not required for Habitat Homes – students were
instructed to design low-cost, high-quality, safe, durable and
easy-to-use lifts.
Dr. Steve Kavanaugh,
Dr. Marcus Brown (left), associate professor of computer science, and Dr. Keith
McDowell (right), UA’s vice president for research
professor of mechanical
Thirteen years ago Dr. Marcus Brown, associate professor of
will increase the number
computer science, and one of his now-former graduate students
of people who can help
were awarded a patent for their novel invention which identifies a
build homes for Habitat for
person by how they type their name. The graduate student, Joey
Humanity. “This project
Rogers, built his master’s thesis around the invention, and Brown
was beneficial for students
got the satisfaction and excitement that go along with being the
because it taught them to pay
first person to discover something.
close attention to the needs
engineering, said this project
of the client, focus on costs
Ben Smith demonstrates one of the shinglelifting devices designed by the senior
mechanical engineering students.
Brown and Rogers each recently received checks for approximately
and safety, and avoid making hasty decisions,” said Kavanaugh.
$15,700 as their share of the proceeds from the sale of the patent.
“Overall, it gave them valuable ‘real world’ experience.”
Dr. Keith McDowell, vice president for research at UA, said one
of the research office’s goals is to raise such faculty expectations,
enabling campus researchers to see that creating intellectual
property (new knowledge with commercial applications) can
have multiple payoffs, including financial ones. “Through
our technology transfer office, we are aggressively marketing
intellectual property developed by our faculty,” McDowell said.
“This can serve as an additional motivator to faculty and, more
importantly, it enables The University of Alabama to better fulfill
the ‘service to society’ component of its mission.”
capstone
engineer 19
surveying the college
UA Launching New Construction Engineering
Program in Response to Industry Needs
UA construction engineering students will be required to
The University of Alabama College of Engineering will offer a
are a required internship or co-op experience in the construction
new construction engineering program, beginning this fall, to
industry prior to a student’s senior year and a culminating
meet the growing needs of the industry. The program, approved
construction engineering management project in the last semester.
by UA’s Board of Trustees in April, began accepting students for
August 2006.
complete 67 hours in the major. Two key features of the program
College Closing IE Department
After lengthy deliberation, numerous discussions with the faculty
and administration, and a great deal of critical analysis, the
“We’re extremely excited about our new
College will be closing the Department
construction engineering program,” said
Dr. Chuck Karr, dean of the College.
“This program will definitely satisfy a
need that exists in the state. We believe
that it will be a tremendous asset for
the young people in Alabama who are
interested in construction engineering,
the citizens who depend heavily on
Alabama growth and development, and
the construction industry, which is so
important to the future of our state.”
Leaders in the construction engineering
industry have expressed their desire for
UA to launch this program and have said
the impact will be far-reaching.
“Alabama is unique in that we have a
“Alabama is unique in that
we have a large group of
construction firms that are
continually hiring and
looking for more educated
construction graduates,”
said Thomas Doster III,
chairman of Doster
Construction Co. Inc.
“I see this program benefiting
The University of Alabama,
the students and the
construction industry.
The students graduating
from the program will be
highly marketable and in
demand because of their
specialized training
and experience.”
of Industrial Engineering to best use its
resources to achieve its aggressive
growth goals.
“As we seek to take the College of
Engineering to a higher level of academic
achievement and research, we will focus
on several key areas that have the potential
for growth and that should have a positive
impact on the economic development
of the state of Alabama. Two such
areas are construction engineering and
manufacturing. The faculty members in
the Department of Industrial Engineering
have expertise that can be effectively
utilized as we seek to strengthen these two
areas,” explained Dean Chuck Karr.
large group of construction firms that
Students currently enrolled in the degree
are continually hiring and looking for
more educated construction graduates,” said Thomas Doster III,
programs will be afforded the opportunity to complete their
chairman of Doster Construction Co. Inc. “I see this program
degrees. The College is developing a five-year plan to phase out
benefiting The University of Alabama, the students and the
the department.
construction industry. The students graduating from the program
will be highly marketable and in demand because of their
specialized training and experience.”
20
capstone
engineer
surveying the college
Stellar Faculty
Dean Chuck Karr congratulates the
following faculty for stellar work during
the 2005-2006 academic year.
•
Dr. Kenny Ricks, assistant professor of electrical and
computer engineering
•
Dr. Harold Stern, associate professor of electrical and
computer engineering
•
Dr. Dan Turner, professor of civil and environmental
engineering and director of the University Transportation
Million Dollar Researchers
The following researchers generated at least $1 million or more in
Center for Alabama
•
new research awards in 2005-2006.
•
Dr. Keith Williams, assistant professor of mechanical
engineering
Dr. David Brown, professor of computer science and
director of development of UA’s CARE Research &
Promotion and Tenure
Development Laboratory
•
Dr. Duane Johnson, associate professor of chemical and
biological engineering and director of the Southeast
Regional Center of NIGEC
•
Dr. Allen Parrish, professor of computer science and
director of UA’s CARE Research & Development
Laboratory
•
Dr. Randy Smith, assistant professor of computer science
•
Dr. Dan Turner, professor of civil and environmental
engineering and director of the University Transportation
Center for Alabama
•
Dr. John Wiest, associate dean for research and professor
of chemical and biological engineering
Standing (left to right): Drs. Derek Williamson, Clark Midkiff, Chuck Karr, dean,
Jay Lindly and Mark Barkey. Seated (left to right): Drs. Tim Haskew, Mark
Weaver, Yuebin Guo and Dan Fonseca
The following faculty received promotions and tenure this year.
•
Dr. Mark Barkey, professor of aerospace engineering
•
Dr. Dan Fonseca, associate professor of industrial
engineering
Outstanding Teachers
The following tenure-track faculty received a 4.8 rating and above
•
engineering
on teaching evaluations for both the fall and spring semesters.
•
Dr. John Baker, associate professor of mechanical
•
Dr. Bob Batson, professor and interim head of industrial
•
Dr. Tim Haskew, professor of electrical and computer
•
Technology
Dr. Clark Midkiff, professor of mechanical engineering
and director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle
•
Dr. Gary Moynihan, professor of industrial engineering
Dr. Mark Weaver, professor of metallurgical and
materials engineering
Technology
•
Dr. Clark Midkiff, professor of mechanical engineering
and director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle
engineering
•
Dr. Jay Lindly, professor of civil and environmental
engineering
engineering
•
Dr. Tim Haskew, professor of electrical and computer
engineering
engineering
•
Dr. Yuebin Guo, associate professor of mechanical
•
Dr. Derek Williamson, associate professor of civil and
environmental engineering
capstone
engineer 21
“Our Students. Our Future.”
College of Engineering
Leadership Team Establishing
Scholarship Endowments
of our college. More importantly, it is vital to the future of
our state. The educational opportunities this capital campaign
will provide to students can be truly transformational,” said
Dean Chuck Karr.
Karr is one of the College of Engineering leaders supporting
scholarships for our students. In addition to Karr establishing
an endowment, the College’s Leadership Board chairman
James C. Bambarger, B.S.C.E. ’70, and W. Paul Bowers, chairelect of the Leadership Board, are contributing to the success
of the College through scholarship endowments.
W
ith the support of alumni, we are poised to take
The University of Alabama to a higher level;
a level of national prominence and recognition in academic
excellence. The “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign
focuses on the University’s most important resource –
our students. Generations of future engineers and the
growing economy in Alabama will be greatly impacted by
the “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign through the
College’s fundraising priorities: student scholarships and
facility enhancements.
As the College of Engineering increases enrollment, we must
be able to recruit aggressively the best and brightest students.
The College’s goal is to increase enrollment to 2,100 students
by the year 2010, and we are committed to provide one-third
of undergraduate students with competitive scholarships.
“The University’s capital campaign is focused on student
scholarships, and this is critically important to the future
22
capstone
engineer
Endowed engineering scholarships operate in perpetuity as
the principal is held in an endowment and a portion of the
interest is used to fund a scholarship. Providing financial
assistance to students every year establishes an enduring
legacy that impacts young lives for eternity.
The University of Alabama’s legacy was built by people whose
ideas, vision and commitment took the University to the level
of success we now enjoy. Today, The University of Alabama’s
future continues to rest in the hands of individuals,
individuals who are capable of making a lasting impact on the
University’s future and developing its true potential.
Now is your time to leave a legacy by supporting
engineering scholarships. If you would like to discuss
specific areas of the “Our Students. Our Future.”
campaign, contact Karen Baldwin, director of external
affairs and development, at (205) 348-7594
or 1-800-333-8156.
events
Tuscaloosa Alumni Gather at Knight Signs
Allen Henry (left), CEO, and Cal Holt
(right), president, present Dean Chuck Karr
(center) a neon sign for the College
Golfers Raise Funds for CES
On Feb. 15, a group
The Greater Birmingham Chapter
of engineering
of the Capstone Engineering
alumni gathered for
Society held its sixth annual CES
a barbeque dinner
Golf Tournament on May 4 at
from Dreamland
the Bent Brook Golf Course in
at Knight Sign
Bessemer. Special thanks to guest
Industries. More
than 25 guests toured
the plant and enjoyed the dinner. Knight Signs Industries,
speaker John Croyle, a former
John Croyle speaks to the
golfers after a fun day on
the course
UA football star and founder of the
Big Oak Ranch. About 135 alumni
which produces and installs signs throughout the United
and friends enjoyed a beautiful day and raised more than
States, presented Dean Chuck Karr with a University
$20,000 (net proceeds) that
of Alabama neon sign for the College.
will benefit CES
initiatives. This year’s
tournament was the most
Barton Hosts Tuscaloosa Alumni
successful in the amount
On July 18, a group of engineering
of money raised.
alumni gathered for a dinner at the
home of Randy Barton, president
of Barton & Associates Inc. Guests
Dean Chuck Karr presents
alumnus Sammy Seals his award
for closest to the pin
enjoyed dinner from Bottomfeeders.
Dean Chuck Karr (left) and
Randy Barton (right)
UA Celebrates
its “Our Students.
Our Future.” Campaign
and its
175th Anniversary
with Gala and
Birthday Party
(from left to right): Guests enjoy the campaign celebration gala;
President Robert E. Witt cuts the birthday cake celebrating
Founders Day; Carol and Tom Patterson enjoy the celebration gala.
capstone
engineer 23
events
Thanks
to this year’s CES Golf Tournament sponsors!
24
capstone
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.
Hattemer, Hornsby, & Bailey PC
Air Tech Inc.
Johnson Controls Inc.
Alabama Guardrail Inc.
Mainline Supply Co.
Alabama Power Inc.
Max Foote Construction
American Cast Iron Pipe Co.
Palmer & Lawrence Inc.
Amgen Inc.
Robins & Morton
Apache Construction Corp.
Royal Automotive
Baseline Consultants
SAIIA Construction LLC
BE&K Engineering
Schlumberger Technology Corp.
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC
Sherman Concrete Pipe
C & B Piping Inc.
Spectrum Environmental
Civil Systems Inc.
Star Insulation
Consolidated Pipe & Supply
Star Electrical Contractors
Con-Site Services Inc.
Thompson CAT
C. S. Beatty Construction
V & W Supply Co. Inc.
Davis Architects Inc.
Volkert & Associates
Forestry Environmental Services Inc.
Vulcan Painters Inc.
Hanson Pipe & Precast
Vulcan Pipe & Steel Coating Inc.
Hardy Corp.
Whitaker & Rawson Inc.
engineer
in memory
memory
in
Michael John Bolton
Michael J. Bolton passed away June 26, 2005. Bolton
graduated from the Capstone in 1943 with a bachelor’s
degree in metallurgy and ceramics. In 2006, his wife,
In 1981, Burnum and his wife, Celeste Evans Burnum,
endowed the Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award,
UA’s highest award for research and excellence in
teaching. In 1987, Burnum was inducted as a
Distinguished Engineering Fellow.
Jane, financially supported engineering scholarships
in his memory.
Dr. William Julian
Hatcher Jr.
John Francis Burnum,
m.d.
John Francis Burnum, M.D., died August 5, 2005.
Burnum graduated from the University of Alabama
College of Engineering in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree
in chemical engineering
and then from Harvard
Medical School in 1950.
Dr. William J. Hatcher
Jr. died June 1, 2006.
Hatcher began his
tenure at the University
of Alabama College of
Engineering as a faculty
member in 1969, and
he served the College in
many ways, including
Burnum was instrumental
in establishing the
University of Alabama’s
College of Community
Health Sciences more
than 30 years ago. In
department head of
numerous departments,
assistant dean for
undergraduate studies, associate dean for academics,
interim dean of engineering and university research
professor emeritus.
1982, Burnum won
the College’s Teacher
of the Year Award. Ten years later, he was honored with
the Ralph O. Claypool Sr. Medical Award, given to one
national recipient each year by the American College
of Physicians. In 1999, he retired from 45 years of
Hatcher graduated with honors from the Georgia
Institute of Technology in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree
in chemical engineering. He earned a master’s degree in
chemical engineering and a doctorate from Louisiana
State University in 1964 and 1968, respectively.
private practice and assumed the position of full-time
professor in the College of Community Health
Sciences’ Department of Internal Medicine.
Prior to his time at the Capstone, Hatcher received a
commission as second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine
capstone
engineer 25
in memory
memory
in
Corp and retired as a colonel. He also served as an
Sam Johnson III
adjunct faculty member at the Marine Corps Command
and Staff College for a number of years. He was also
Sam A. Johnson III of Demopolis, Ala., died Aug. 10,
senior research engineer at Esso Research Laboratories.
2006. Johnson received a bachelor of science in civil
engineering from the Capstone in 1964 and was a
Hatcher received many professional and academic
registered professional engineer and land surveyor.
honors, including Fellow of the American Institute
In 1966, he joined Gulf States Paper Corp.’s mill in
of Chemical Engineers and the American Institute
Demopolis as a project engineer. Throughout the years,
of Chemists. He was a registered professional engineer,
Johnson held various positions at the company,
a patent holder, and a co-author or contributing author
including senior project engineer, section engineer,
of five books and more than 40 technical and
director of new construction, director of engineering
scientific publications.
and maintenance, and vice president. He was the vice
president and general manager of the Demopolis mill,
Ernest Bryan Longmire Jr.
which Rock-Tenn. Corp. purchased from Gulf States.
An endowed scholarship fund has been established to
Ernest Bryan “Sonny” Longmire Jr. passed away June
honor Johnson at The University of Alabama. If you
15, 2006, and he will be buried in Arlington National
would like to make a donation in his memory, please
Cemetery. Longmire received a bachelor’s degree in
mail it to Karen Baldwin, The University of Alabama
aerospace engineering in 1962 from the Capstone and
College of Engineering, Box 870200, Tuscaloosa, AL
later received a master’s degree at the Georgia Institute
35487-0200.
of Technology. He served his country as an Air Force
pilot during the Vietnam War and retired as a colonel in
the U.S. Air Force.
26
capstone
engineer
alumni notes
Jobs/Promotions/Awards
1959
William W. Moss, PE, B.S.C.E. ’59,
was elected as an Honorary Member
of the American Society of Civil
Engineers. This is the highest honor
1984
James Jordan, B.S.Ch.E. ’84, is the new vice president
of operations at Georgia-Pacific’s Wauna Mill in
Clatskanie, Ore.
the ASCE bestows.
1986
Bill O’Hara, B.S.A.E. ’86, was selected to attend
1964
Dr. Walter Garrison Hopkins III, B.S.E.E. ’64, M.S.E.E.
’69, retired from Northern Arizona University in
Flagstaff, Ariz., where he served for 22 years in the
College of Engineering.
the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. As a U.S.
Department of Defense employee, he will study strategy
and policy, national security decision-making and joint
military operations.
1987
1975
Sid Leach, B.S.E.E. ’75, M.B.A. ’78, was named
chairman of the board of the National Sharing the
Jeff Mitchell, PE, B.S.C.E. ’87, joined the architectural
and engineering firm of Hart Freeland Roberts Inc.,
based in Nashville, Tenn. Mitchell is assigned to HFR’s
Sky Foundation.
civil engineering department.
1980
John S. Richardson, B.S.Min.E. ’80,
M.S.Min.E. ’83, was named executive vice president and chief operating officer of Energen Resources in
Birmingham. Richardson will be
responsible for the overall activities of Energen Resources
and will continue leading the company’s oil and gas
1995
Paula Borden Byrd, B.S.M.E. ’95, completed the
requirements for certification as an Associated Safety
Professional (ASP). Byrd is a project engineer at the
Alabama Technology Network office located on the
Alabama Southern Community College campus in
Thomasville, Ala.
acquisition efforts.
Angela L. Jones, PE, B.S.C.E. ’95,
1982
Ronnie Chronister, B.S.C.E. ’82, was selected as
the executive director of the Integrated Material
joined Almon Associates Inc. Jones
has more than 10 years experience in
water resources engineering.
Management Center, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile
Command, Redstone Arsenal. Chronister is responsible
for the fielding and sustainment of all Army aviation
and missile systems around the world.
capstone
engineer 27
alumni notes
1996
Jeremy D. Jones, PE, B.S.C.E. ’96,
2000
joined Almon Associates Inc. as
Wesley Brad Bull, B.S.C.E. ’00, founded Blue Creek
a project engineer in Almon’s
Realty Group LLC, a full-service real estate brokerage
Transportation Department. He is
firm in Tuscaloosa.
responsible for the design and
management of transportation projects.
2005
Navy Ensign Raymond F. Kyle Jr., B.S.M.E. ’05, received
1999
his commission as a naval officer after completing Officer
John Powell Webb IV, PE, B.S.C.E.
Candidate School at Officer Training Command in
’99, joined Almon Associates Inc.
Pensacola, Fla.
Webb has more than six years
experience in water resources
engineering.
Jacob Porter, B.S.E.E. ’96, was part of the Ex-CIA team
on the television reality series Treasure Hunters on NBC. In
the series, multiplayer teams were mentally and physically
challenged in their quest of a promised hidden treasure.
Porter’s three-man team rappelled down a glacier in Alaska,
traveled 10,000 feet deep into a murky mine in Montana,
raced to Boston Light (America’s first lighthouse), searched
through a swamp at a Georgetown plantation (where they
won a $30,000 prize) and crossed the ocean for a clue in
Paris. The team placed fourth after a photo finish
in Philadelphia.
(top left): TREASURE HUNTERS -- NBC Series -- Pictured: “Treasure Hunters” Logo -- NBC Photo, (top right): Jacob Porter, (bottom right): TREASURE HUNTERS -- NBC
Series -- Pictured: The Ex-CIA (l-r) Todd Moore, Mark West, Jacob Porter -- NBC Photo: Hal Gage
28 capstone engineer
Seventh Annual
GolfTournament
#
The
A
P S T O N
G
N
E N
G
E
C
Capstone Engineering Society
I N
E E R
I
The Seventh Annual
Capstone Engineering
The format for the tournament
is a modified four-person
scramble with a shotgun start.
The registration fee of $125
includes green fee, cart, range
balls, beverages, meals and
a tournament golf shirt.
Registration starts at 11:00 a.m.,
and the tournament begins
at 1:00 p.m.
is scheduled for Thursday,
You may participate in the
following ways:
Bent Brook Golf Course.
Society Golf Tournament
April 26, 2007,
at the beautiful
Players:
• Team Level ($500)–Team of
four with all registration amenities
• Individual Level ($125)–Single registration
Corporate Sponsors:
• Ace Level ($2,500)
• Eagle Level ($1,000)
• Birdie Level ($300)
Proceeds from the tournament
will benefit the Capstone
Engineering Society’s efforts
to provide engineering and
computer science students
with a superior educational
experience. Sign up today by
calling 1-800-333-8156
or e-mail [email protected].
H o m e c o m i n g Ta i l g a t e P a r t y
Engineering alumni and friends are invited to join the Capstone Engineering
Society for this year’s Homecoming Tailgate Party. Join us on the Quad on
P S T O N
E
C
A
Capstone Engineering Society
College of Engineering
Box 870200
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0200
G
N
roll tide!
E N
the Florida International Golden Panthers.
G
Oct. 28 to celebrate Homecoming 2006 and cheer for the Crimson Tide against
I N
E E R
I
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Tuscaloosa, AL
Permit 16