KU Engineering Expo 2002 on Feb. 22 to showcase research, 'technical wizardry'

LAWRENCE --- The University of Kansas' Engineering Student Council will carry the tiki torches of technology on Feb. 22 when it welcomes the public to "Engineering Expo 2002 -- Luau in Lawrence."

Engineering Expo is an annual event at the KU School of Engineering, where engineering students highlight the excitement to be found in engineering and showcase some of their innovative research and design projects. Hundreds of visitors are expected.

"Expo is a great opportunity to learn about the challenging field of engineering," said Marcus Dunavan, president of Engineering Student Council.

With this year's theme, the students will transform Learned Hall, home of the School of Engineering, into a tropical paradise.

The free event begins with a keynote speech by Rear Admiral Gene Kendall, U.S. Navy, retired, at 9:30 a.m. at the Lied Center. Kendall, who earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering physics at KU in 1971 and 1972, was one of three KU students who were instrumental in development of a minority engineering program. The program, now known as Diversity Programs for the School of Engineering, is one of the oldest minority recruitment and retention programs on campus.

After Kendall's remarks, Expo will kick into high gear at Learned Hall. Visitors will be able to surf through displays about engineering science and watch demonstrations of technical wizardry. The work of engineering students, such as their entries in national student design contests, including the American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe Competition and the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) car competition, will be on display.

"Hundreds of KU engineering students work on Expo," Dunavan said. "Engineering Student Council coordinates the actions of the six departments and about 30 student organizations. Almost every single organization in the School of Engineering becomes involved in Expo."

Among the dozens of activities and displays are:
 • kinematic suit to track the motion of the human body
 • Tesla coil (generates long electrical sparks seen in science fiction and horror films)
 • make your own concrete
 • wind tunnel demonstrations
 • rocket design
 • flight simulator
 • TV and radio communications displays and
 • computer gaming

There also are numerous contests for visitors that will challenge the brain and tickle the funny bone. In addition to impromptu contests that all visitors can take part in, junior high and high school students from across Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area will participate in design competitions that require some advance preparation. All are welcome to watch the creative and amazing efforts of these students during the Expo competitions.

Competitions include:
 • rubber-band powered airplane
 • pasta bridge construction
 • design of a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor's Center
 • chemical-powered car
 • computer programming contest
 • Rube Goldberg machine contest
 • egg drop and
* Hawaiian boat float.

Rules of the design contests, as well as detailed information about Engineering Expo 2002, can be found at expo.engr.ku.edu. Teachers planning field trips can also use the site to register for parking passes and download maps of KU.

Expo Fact Sheet
Engineering Expo 2002 -- Luau in Lawrence
 •9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, 2002
 • 9 a.m. -- Registration of visitors begins at the Lied Center.
 •9:30 a.m.-- Address by keynote speaker Rear Adm. Gene Kendall, U.S. Navy retired, at the Lied Center.
 •10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.-- Exhibits and activities on display at Learned Hall.
 •11 a.m. -- Design competitions and judging begin in various locations at Learned Hall.

For more information  •go to: expo.engr.ku.edu
 • or contact:
Jennifer Gunby, (785) 312-9519
Megan Spielbusch, (785) 830-0302