Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University

The university community is mourning the loss of longtime staff member and champion of entrepreneurship, Bob Sopko. He is remembered as an invaluable mentor, leader and connector in Cleveland.

Two Case Western Reserve faculty members were honored as Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, including Gary E. Wnek, chair and professor in the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering. The NAI Fellows Program was established “to highlight academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.” Learn more about Wnek's innovative work:

On December 4-5, 2023, New Voices NASEM member Dr. Umut A. Gurkan (Cohort 2021-2023) co-organized the workshop “On Leading a Lab: Strengthening Scientific Leadership in Responsible Research.” The event addressed the evolving roles of research leaders, particularly those overseeing cross-disciplinary and multi-institutional teams. Participants engaged in discussions on challenges such as research integrity, data management, open science, mentorship, and technology. As an active lab leader, Dr. Gurkan brought a unique perspective to the workshop, contributing to meaningful conversations about the responsibilities of leading innovative science. The proceedings, which summarize the presentations and discussions, are now available. 📖 Read them here: https://ow.ly/w9K750Umt6e #ScientificLeadership #ResearchIntegrity #NewVoices

Alexis Block, assistant professor of electrical, computer and systems engineering and member of the Human Fusions Institute, talked about developing a hugging robot. “My lab focuses on addressing mental health concerns and providing emotional support through emotionally intelligent robotic solutions,” she said.

Since its founding in 2006, the Envoys program has impacted hundreds of high school students in Cleveland and East Cleveland schools. With the purpose of increasing access to STEAM among high school students, including those from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in these fields, the Envoys program supports a number of students each summer to engage in research projects on campus. “Engaging with these capable high school students who have not typically felt included in science really enriches our research group,” Laura Bruckman, associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said. “The high school students learn so much and meet new challenges head on and it brings joy to the group when someone overcomes a challenge and gets that “aha” moment for the first time.”

Make a difference today, on #GivingTuesdayatCWRU, and support groups like the CWRU Baja Society of Automotive Engineers. The group helps members develop practical skills and put them to the test in competition on the racetrack. https://lnkd.in/gjEJuijd 

The science of coffee brewing ☕ In their latest project, first-year students in the Roger E. Susi Lab worked to brew the best cup of coffee. By focusing on the brewing method, the grind size and the water to coffee ratio, students competed to serve the best cup to a panel of judges!

"Nature has created this intricate life-force of a fluid over millions of years of evolution," said Anirban Sen Gupta, the Wallace R. Persons Endowed Professor of Engineering, "and trying to emulate that synthetically is a very complex and audacious venture." For close to two decades, Sen Gupta has been developing artificial blood platelets and therapeutics. Now, he is leading a campus team, working with researchers at multiple universities and biotechnology companies on an even more ambitious quest: to create a lab-made substitute for whole blood. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) at the U.S. Department of Defense is backing the project with a four-year, $46.4 million grant. https://brnw.ch/21wP4Oq

It's a think[box] Thanksgiving 🍂 Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University

Case School of Engineering students are tackling real-world challenges and innovating for a better future. This #GivingTuesdayatCWRU, help fuel their projects and make a lasting impact. On Dec. 3, spread the word to other alumni, students in your life and friends! https://brnw.ch/21wOZoU