J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University’s Post

More than 1,300 trains across the US derailed in 2023, including one in Ohio that spilled hazardous chemicals, forcing thousands to evacuate. The incident motivated 14-year-old Gary Allen Montelongo to research why trains derail and how to make them safer. Using the train tracks near his home as inspiration, Gary built and coded an experiment that led to important discoveries on railcar suspension systems. Gary's rigorous scientific inquiry and passion for making the world safer earned him a top award at the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific #JuniorInnovators Challenge, the nation's premier STEM research competition for middle school students. Learn more about Gary's win and research: https://lnkd.in/gNizMGiz

More than 1,300 trains across the US derailed in 2023, including one in Ohio that spilled hazardous chemicals, forcing thousands to evacuate. The incident motivated 14-year-old Gary Allen Montelongo to research why trains derail and how to make them safer. Using the train tracks near his home as inspiration, Gary built and coded an experiment that led to important discoveries on railcar suspension systems. Gary's rigorous scientific inquiry and passion for making the world safer earned him a top award at the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific #JuniorInnovators Challenge, the nation's premier STEM research competition for middle school students. Learn more about Gary's win and research: https://lnkd.in/gA26uRSK

As #engineers worldwide work to solve complex problems, overlapping objectives can cause unintended tensions. While these tensions can result in conflicting interests and goals, discussing them can lead to comprehensive solutions. The NAE collaborated with the University of California, Davis, to encourage inclusive discussions on #engineering solutions at the 2024 NAE Regional Meeting on "Tensions at the Edge: Competing Objectives in Engineering Solutions to Society’s Most Pressing Problems." Read more: https://ow.ly/hw6r50SuSjc

What will power the energy systems of tomorrow? Cheng Sun of Clemson University says advanced materials will be will be key. Sun, who develops advanced structural materials for extreme conditions, was selected for the the U.S. government’s highest honor for outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Discover how his innovative work is shaping the future of energy—and why he believes more students should pursue materials science: https://lnkd.in/ezbHpdRm #PECASE w/ Laine Mears, Kyle Brinkman

2024 was a marathon year. -       I completed the PhD (it was not easy factoring my age, working full-time, and being  a full family man) -       First-authored three journal articles (two outside my PhD dissertation) -       Started my first faculty role in US as an Assistant Professor at SF State -       Taught my first class at SF state: Electromechanical Systems (Electrical Machines) -       Of course, there is a hell of challenges, including health-related and work-overloads but that is not necessary, lest we fall into lamentations. -       I choose to focus on the positives highlighted above as I look into 2025 with hope and focus.

Three University of Colorado Boulder faculty have secured prestigious Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) Awards from the United States Department of Defense. 🏆 MURI projects are significant as they reflect top-tier recognition, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and advance crucial areas of science and technology that have the potential for significant breakthroughs. 🚀 ✨ Project Highlights: ➡️ Mahmoud Hussein, professor in aerospace engineering sciences and in physics, will improve air flow across the wings and bodies of hypersonic aircraft through the use of phononic subsurface materials; ➡️ Francois Barthelat, professor in mechanical engineering, will develop and validate models for the failure of materials and structures under extreme loads; and ➡️ Scott Diddams, professor in electrical, computer and energy engineering and in physics, will examine the fundamental limits in heterodyne detection of thermal radiation with laser light. Read more at the link below. 🔗 bit.ly/3QdSx08 #CUBoulder #MURI #DOD #DefenseProjects #AcademicResearch #CUEngineering

Nice video of John talking about the promise of space research in Ohio:

ATA Engineering is proud to support the next generation of engineers and innovators as a member of UCLA’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Industry Advisory Board (IAB). ATA’s support is led by Agustin Garcia, an ATA Senior Manager in Business Development and a UCLA alum. The IAB works closely with faculty and students to align academia with industry needs, fostering innovation and thought leadership through collaboration on MAE research, educational programs, industry trends, and strategic plans. At ATA, we believe that investing in future engineers not only strengthens the talent pipeline but also empowers the next generation to tackle the world’s toughest challenges. It is an honor to be part of UCLA’s MAE IAB. To learn more about the impactful work of UCLA’s MAE department and the IAB, visit: https://lnkd.in/gBA6Vsye #UCLA #Engineering #EngineeringCareers #ATAEngineering #MechanicalEngineering #AerospaceEngineering

Wichita State University has reached a historic milestone, ranking in the top 10 nationally for engineering research and development expenditures and No. 1 for aerospace engineering R&D. With $327 million in aerospace funding for FY 2023, WSU surpassed prestigious institutions like Georgia Tech and Johns Hopkins. This achievement underscores WSU’s leadership in innovation, industry collaboration and applied learning. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gZimNyV3

Wichita State University ranks in the top 10 universities nationwide for engineering R&D expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development Survey. With $327M in aerospace engineering R&D expenditures on FYI '23, WSU ranks #1 in the nation--outpacing Georgia Institute of Technology ($294 million), Utah State University ($271 million), The Johns Hopkins University ($196 million) and the University of Colorado ($90 million). #Innovation #IndustryEngagement #AppliedLearning #WorkforceDevelopment