2004 news archive

• Purdue assists law enforcement with e-mail forensics
• Purdue to be site for 2005 women pilots' Air Race Classic
• Purdue School of Technology celebrates anniversary, looks to future
• Alum's gift lifts Purdue aviation technology sky-high
• N. Michigan administrator at helm of School of Technology South Bend/Elkhart
• Ten Purdue School of Technology graduates named Distinguished Technology
• Alumni Prof. Oderman receives Purdue teaching award
• Purdue team wins Rube Goldberg national election
• Technology students win election-themed Rube Goldberg contest

October 25, 2004

Purdue assists law enforcement with e-mail forensics

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue university faculty are joining with two law-enforcement agencies to provide computer forensics training for more than 100 police officers from all over Indiana.

Purdue's Department of Computer Technology has teamed with the Indiana State Police and the National White Collar Crime Center to help train officers to trace and analyze e-mail as evidence in a training session from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 28) at the Holiday Inn Select, 3850 DePauw Blvd., Indianapolis.

Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue's vice provost for engagement, will talk to the officers at 9:30 a.m. about how the training fits into the university's outreach programs throughout the state.

James E. Goldman, associate department head and professor of computer technology, said e-mail evidence can be useful in a wide range of investigations, and it is important for law-enforcement officers to be familiar with ways of finding and using it to solve crimes and convict perpetrators.

"Electronic mail can be a key source of evidence in many situations," he said. "It can be a primary element of an event – fraud, harassment or threats, for example – or provide timeline information in support of other investigations."

E-mail forensics is a part of the growing field of computer forensics, a law-enforcement area with implications for fighting and deterring a new generation of crimes, including computer-aided terrorism, espionage, bank and business fraud, and identity theft.

Marcus K. Rogers, a Purdue associate professor of computer technology and one of the instructors at the training session, said computer forensics refers to retrieving and analyzing evidence from computer systems, including individual pieces of computer hardware, electronic data on the Internet, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants and digital cameras.

"If you think of the old days of investigation, your evidence might be in a filing cabinet, and you would have to search through each file and piece of paper," said Rogers, a former police officer in Canada. "Today, those filing cabinets are filled with digital information, and it’s a very different process to sort through them. We have to totally change the way we think about collecting evidence; you can't interrogate a hard drive."

The FBI estimates that cybercrime costs businesses and the government more than $10 billion a year, with reported computer-aided identity theft costing an additional $1 billion each year. The FBI also estimates that more than 80 percent of computer crime goes unreported, often because business leaders think law enforcement agencies will lack the resources and know-how to effectively combat it.

Goldman said Purdue has made advancing the young field a priority through both education and research, and he sees working with law enforcement in training seminars like Thursday's as an important component of that mission.

"Not only do training sessions like this one help us work with officers to become more secure in this type of investigation, but also it allows us to interact with the investigators who are on the front line of defense against computer-based crime," Goldman said. "These sessions can help us, as researchers and teachers, better understand the needs investigators have and how we can help them meet those needs. This information and direction is invaluable."

Purdue also held two in-depth training seminars on campus this past summer – one for Indiana law enforcement officers and one for educators from universities throughout the country who are developing computer forensics programs at their own universities.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: James E. Goldman, (765) 494-9525, jgoldman@purdue.edu

Marcus K. Rogers, (765) 494-2561, rogersmk@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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Oct. 25, 2004

Purdue to be site for 2005 women pilots' Air Race Classic

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Air Race Classic, an annual flight competition for female pilots, will make its university debut when the event takes off and finishes at Purdue June 21-24.

Purdue will become the first university to act as host for the race, which has continued air racing for female pilots for the past 28 years in the tradition of the first Women's Air Derby held in the 1930s. Organizers are hoping to encourage more teams of college students nationwide to get involved.

"For Purdue and the School of Technology, bringing the Air Race Classic to campus is a great way of connecting Purdue's rich history in aviation to the future of the field," said Mary A. Sadowski, School of Technology associate dean for undergraduate programs and learning. "This event will not only allow us to showcase the unrivaled strengths of Purdue's aviation technology program, but also will give our students the opportunity to meet and interact with pioneers in their field."

The Air Race Classic has roots that go back more than 70 years when the Women's Air Derby brought pilots such as Amelia Earhart, Bobbi Trout and Ruth Elder to an air race from Santa Monica, Calif., to Cleveland, Ohio. Thomas Q. Carney, head of Purdue's aviation technology department, said Purdue will be the ideal site for the race, in part because its long history in aviation mirrors the history of the race.

Purdue is uniquely qualified for this honor, Carney said.

"First, Purdue has a long and proud history of aviation education," Carney said. "We are the first to own and operate our own airport and the first to offer bachelor's degrees in aviation technology.

"Second, one of the founders of this race was Amelia Earhart. She worked and lived at Purdue. And the university's foundation purchased and equipped the airplane she was flying at the time of her disappearance as she attempted to become the first woman to fly around the world.

"Third, Purdue is considered a national leader in aviation technology. We have capped enrollment at 642 undergraduates for the fall 2004 semester, and our programs have among the stiffest admissions standards at the university."

In 2002 and 2003, Purdue's Keri Wiznerowicz competed in the race with co-pilot Heidi Moore, winning the race's first collegiate trophy in 2003. Wiznerowicz said her experiences in the race were some of the most important during her time as a student. Besides competing and interacting with the other pilots, Wiznerowicz and Moore were able to visit other aviation centers before and during the races. For example, Wiznerowicz said preflight stops at Lockheed Martin facilities played a role in Moore going to work for the company after her graduation.

Those experiences led Wiznerowicz, now a graduate student in aviation technology at Purdue, to spearhead efforts to bring the Air Race Classic to campus. She is now the race coordinator for the 2005 event and is leading the group of students planning the race.

"We want to get the word out to colleges throughout the nation that we're hosting the race, so maybe more colleges will participate," Wiznerowicz said. "Participating in this competition opened so many doors for me and has helped to shape my future in my career. We want to help open those possibilities up for other students at other universities.

"Bringing more students into the race is important to assure that it will continue at its current level. Last year, four of the 33 teams were college teams while the rest were composed of older women. As the next generation of women pilots becomes involved, they will be more likely to compete in the future, strengthening the Air Race Classic's base of pilots."

Wiznerowicz said the key to having a successful team is starting early to allow time to raise the $4,000 to $7,000 or more that it can cost to run the race.

"Ideally, it would be a large help to have departmental support, but it isn’t impossible to do without it," Wiznerowicz said. "As far as starting team, a school only needs two female pilots. If a university is not able to provide monetary help, the institution is often willing to supply the aircraft. Many collegiate teams that don’t have any departmental sponsorship fundraise in the local area and also find corporate donors."

Beyond the experiences the pilots have during the race, Wiznerowicz said that because aviation has historically been such a male-dominated field, she hopes bringing the race to campus will expose Purdue students and younger children to female pilots, helping the public to understand that women can and do succeed in the field.

"Many of the women who compete in the race are pioneers, and their accomplishments make them role models for all aviation students," Wiznerowicz said. "We want to bring these women to campus to begin and end the race not only so students here can meet these amazing women who have given so much to the field, but also so the pilots can be role models for young people in the community thinking about careers in aviation."

Before and after the race, while teams are on campus, Wiznerowicz said there will be events planned, including a community cookout, that will allow the campus and the public to interact with the pilots and be a part of the race festivities.

The Purdue Department of Aviation Technology sponsored the first all-student team to participate in the race, and Purdue teams have competed in the Air Race Classic for the past 10 years, finishing first in 1996. That was the only college team to have won the competition.

In the 2004 race, the Purdue team of then-juniors, Allison Martin, of Indianapolis, and Tina Lukas, of Park Ridge, Ill., placed 11th and were the third highest-placing collegiate team.

The race isn't won by speed or by the size and power of a team's aircraft. Teams win based on the efficiency and accuracy they exhibit in every aspect of the race. Teams are rated based on their performance compared to their airplane's handicap. Because of the nature of the scoring, it is impossible to gauge a team's performance in relation to other teams until the competition is over.

Next year's 2,436 nautical mile race includes stops in LaCrosse, Wis.; Beatrice, Neb.; Bartlesville, Okla.; Shreveport, La.; Walnut Ridge, Ark.; Tullahoma, Tenn.; and Athens, Ohio.

Teams interested in participating in the race or seeking information on organizing a team can contact Wiznerowicz at wiznerow@purdue.edu to register or for more information.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Mary A. Sadowski, (765) 494-4935, sadowski@purdue.edu
Thomas Q. Carney, (765) 494-9954, tcarney@purdue.edu
Keri Wiznerowicz, (765) 494-2612, wiznerow@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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October 14, 2004

Purdue School of Technology celebrates anniversary, looks to future

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University School of Technology , one of the nation's oldest of its kind, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by bringing education to students throughout Indiana and working with communities to help strengthen their economies.

"In 1964 Purdue led the nation by founding one of the first schools of technology, ushering in a new era of important academic programs throughout the country," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "Forty years later, it is one of our state's greatest economic assets. The school sets the national standard for the preparation of technologically proficient graduates, not only with its unequalled academic programs, but also with campuses and economic development efforts throughout Indiana."

Purdue will celebrate the school's anniversary with a ceremony at 9 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 14) at the Purdue Bell Tower. The event is part of a 10-day celebration that focuses on ways Purdue is improving education and helping the state of Indiana as part of the university's strategic plan and $1.3 billion fund-raising campaign.

Since its founding, the School of Technology has grown to enroll more than 4,000 students a year at the West Lafayette campus in eight departments: aviation technology, building construction management ,computer technology ,computer graphics technology , electrical and computer engineering technology, industrial technology ,mechanical engineering technology , and organizational leadership and supervision .

Today, in addition to Purdue's West Lafayette campus, the School of Technology operates at seven locations throughout Indiana: Kokomo/Lafayette, Richmond, South Bend/Elkhart, Indianapolis, Columbus/SE Indiana, New Albany and Anderson/Muncie. These locations serve more than 1,500 students.

The school's mission is to serve industry, producing graduates ready to join the work force with applied skills that companies need. It also serves as a liaison to connect industry with the university's resources.

School of Technology Dean Dennis R. Depew said one of the strengths of the School of Technology is that a large majority of its alumni remain in Indiana after graduating. More than 70 percent of student from the schools state in the state after graduation, and students at locations other than West Lafayette stay in Indiana at a rate of more than 90 percent.

"Our locations outside of West Lafayette were launched to serve working adults with ties to their local communities," Depew said. "These students are prepared to immediately put their educations to use in their communities."

At the same time, though, more and more fresh high school graduates are choosing to attend Purdue at the statewide locations, said Michael T. O'Hair, associate dean for statewide technology and engagement.

"These students take advantage of the fact that they can live at home, reducing the cost of their education almost in half," O'Hair said. "Of our 1,500 students at statewide sites, about 40 percent are part of this more traditional college age group.

"The School of Technology takes its role in the state's work force development very seriously and works hard to provide Indiana workers with education that will help them to advance their careers with Indiana companies."

In that regard, the school also offers courses in communities in the areas surrounding the seven statewide locations, often in collaboration with local businesses. For example, the Kokomo/Lafayette location not only offers courses to Subaru of Indiana Automotive employees in facilities at the Lafayette plant, but also offers classes at businesses in Crawfordsville, Logansport and other communities.

"These work force development activities are important to the mission of the school, and we plan to expand courses into more communities in coming years," O'Hair said.

The school's more than 200 faculty members, many of whom have extensive industry experience, and the locations throughout the state are reaching out to the communities with a number of efforts in addition to courses and education. For example, the school assisted in the establishment of the Kokomo Technology Center, a partnership among the school, Kokomo, Howard County and corporate partners.

That, in turn, helped create Kokomo's new certified technology park, which was announced in September.

"In addition to being a high-tech incubator for the community, the center serves as a focal point of Purdue efforts to help serve Kokomo, Howard County and north-central Indiana," O'Hair said. "The facility will include a Purdue engagement office, and local School of Technology faculty there serve as liaisons between north-central Indiana businesses and Purdue faculty and researchers."

O'Hair said he hopes the school can use the model to help other communities. For example, school officials are planning an advanced manufacturing summits in Columbus, New Albany and Richmond that would bring together business owners, Purdue researchers and government officials to improve the technology used in the area's manufacturing facilities.

"The role of the School of Technology throughout the state is changing to adapt to the needs of businesses and the Indiana economy," O'Hair said. "If you don't like change, you are at the wrong university. Our business is driving change and economic development for the state."
As school officials look ahead, they also do so with an eye toward expanding faculty and student research efforts most needed for the state and nation, particularly in areas that can have an immediate impact on safety and security.

"Purdue's School of Technology is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of many emerging technologies," Depew said. "We've been able to attract top-level faculty members who are working with businesses, government agencies and other researchers across campus to develop the next generation of technology applications."

The Department of Computer Technology is working with state and federal law enforcement to develop the emerging field of computer forensics. Computer forensics is the process of retrieving and analyzing evidence from computer systems, including individual pieces of computer hardware, electronic data on the Internet, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants or digital cameras. Computer forensics has implications in areas ranging from terrorism and child exploitation to identity theft and bank fraud.

Researchers are developing close ties with the Indiana State Police, U.S. Department of Justice, FBI and other law enforcement agencies to create education and certification processes, develop forensic software and hardware, and set standards and protocols for investigators. They are also working in interdisciplinary research teams to develop techniques for profiling offenders' behavior based on their computer-use habits.

In computer graphics technology, faculty are developing educational software to teach mathematics to deaf children in primary grades using state-of-the-art technology.

"The impact of this project could be tremendous," said Melissa J. Dark, assistant dean of planning and research. "Developing mathematical foundations is critical in grade school, and deaf children are at a distinct disadvantage because most instructional materials for deaf children are text-based. Deaf children also lag behind in learning to read, thereby making their mathematical development even later. This software has the potential to bring math to deaf children in the primary grades."

Another faculty member in electrical and computer engineering technology is working on the fabrication of a silicon micro-scalpel with a nanometer cutting edge, a tool could enable less invasive surgical procedures.

In biometrics, faculty and students in the Department of Industrial Technology are working to develop security processes that can identify people by such methods as facial recognition or fingerprint measurements. Many government officials say biometrics technology is one of the most promising ways to improve security in fields ranging from transportation to banking.

Among other research projects, the biometrics laboratory is working with the Purdue Airport and School of Technology's Department of Aviation Technology on a facial recognition program. In the project, cameras and biometric software are being used to identify student pilots as they enter secure areas of the airport.

"Biometrics and computer technology are just two areas in which the School of Technology is positioned to take a lead and develop new technologies that will help keep people safer," Dark said. "Throughout the school, our faculty are leading research that will set the base for technical advancements for the next 40 years."

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Martin C. Jischke, (765) 494-9708, mcjischke@purdue.edu
Dennis R. Depew, (765) 494-2552, ddepew@purdue.edu
Michael O'Hair, (765) 494-2554, mtohair@purdue.edu
Melissa J. Dark, (765) 494-2554, dark@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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October 14, 2004

Alum's gift lifts Purdue aviation technology sky-high

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue University alumnus today (Thursday, Oct. 14) pledged $3 million toward a new aviation technology building and renovation of another historic classroom/office building where Amelia Earhart hangared her plane at the Purdue Airport.

SCoTt M. Niswonger, of Greeneville, Tenn. , an air cargo executive, announced the gift and issue a challenge to his alma mater to raise the rest of the $6 million for the project.

The announcement is part of a 10-day celebration that focuses on ways Purdue is improving education and helping the state of Indiana as part of the university's strategic plan and $1.3 billion fund-raising campaign.

"Purdue consistently ranks as one of the finest departments of aviation technology in the nation," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "The generosity of alumni like SCoTt Niswonger will assure that the department will be able to build on its preeminence and continue to educate the most qualified students in the field."

The historic Aviation Technology Building that will be renovated is more than 70 years old. It originally housed part of the airport operations and administration, including the terminal and a hangar where Earhart prepared her last airplane before leaving Purdue on her ill-fated flight around the world. The plans for the new building will be formulated once the renovation costs are determined.
School of Technology Dean Dennis R. Depew said the new construction will focus on student learning. Its addition, he said, will allow the school to move aviation education into the future.

"Even before the days that Amelia Earhart lived and taught on this campus, Purdue has been at the forefront of aviation education and research," Depew said. "This new facility will allow us to update the way we teach our students and ensure that the department continues to be one of the best."

The new project will provide increased technology in classrooms to enhance students' learning environments and provide more effective space for faculty and student collaboration.

"The new building will also provide an impressive new front door for the department that will be in keeping with the world-class quality of its programs," said Thomas Q. Carney, aviation technology department head.

"Among other important features, the project will include space for collaboration on important new discovery and engagement initiatives with faculty from other departments in the School of Technology and across Purdue."

The facilities also will house the department's administrative and counseling offices, and faculty and staff offices, in addition to the new classroom facilities.

Niswonger said he is grateful for the education he received while at Purdue, and he is proud to show his appreciation by contributing to the education of current and future students.

"Purdue's Department of Aviation Technology continues to turn out graduates at the top of the field," Niswonger said. "I owe much of my success to the comprehensive aviation education I received at Purdue, and I am proud to be a part of helping provide that education for the next generation of the industry's leaders."

At the announcement, Niswonger also received a Pinnacle Award, which is among Purdue's highest honors given to individuals and organizations in recognition of philanthropic gifts to the university.

Niswonger is chairman and CEO of Landair and Forward Air corporations, which he founded in 1981 with a $2,000 investment. Under his direction, company revenues have grown to more than $350 million annually.

The company provides level truckload operations to the air cargo industry. Prior to going public in 1993, it was recognized for three consecutive years by Inc. magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing privately held companies in the United States. It also was named Entrepreneurial Company of the Year by Coopers and Lybrand accounting firm in 1988. Forward Air has been recognized in numerous years by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 200 small companies.

Niswonger earned an associate's degree from Purdue in aviation technology in 1968 and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Tusculum College in 1987. Besides being a certified airline transport pilot, he also is a graduate of the United Airlines Training Academy in Denver, Colo., and has completed Flight Safety International courses in high-altitude meteorology and high-speed aircraft.

He received an honorary doctorate from Purdue earlier this year and is a member of the School of Technology Dean's Executive Council.
Niswonger is a trustee at Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn., and a board member and honorary alumnus of Eastern Tennessee State. He is a founding member of Junior Achievement in Greene County, Tennessee, and was recognized with the organization's Distinguished Graduate Award in 1994 and inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1999.

Niswonger's gift is part of the $1.3 billion Campaign for Purdue. The seven-year campaign was announced three years ago.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Martin C. Jischke, (765) 494-9708, mcjischke@purdue.edu
Dennis R. Depew, (765) 494-2552, ddepew@purdue.edu
Thomas Q. Carney, (765) 494-9954, tcarney@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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August 19, 2004

N. Michigan administrator at helm of School of Technology South Bend/Elkhart

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A former dean and assistant provost with a long history in technology education, Mark A. Curtis, has been named director of the Purdue University School of Technology's campus in South Bend, Ind.

Curtis brings more than 20 years of experience as a technology educator and administrator, and School of Technology Dean Dennis R. Depew said that experience will allow him to maximize the potential of the location.

"Professor Curtis' accomplishments in technology education make him an important addition to the School of Technology," Depew said. "We expect him to continue the success at the South Bend campus while growing both the academic programs and the school's role in the community."

Before coming to Purdue last month, Curtis had served as dean of Northern Michigan University's College of Technology and Applied Sciences since 1999 and as assistant provost of community college programs since 2000. From 1981 to 1999, he served as a professor at Ferris State University, including three years as interim dean of the College of Technology.

While a professor at Ferris State, he was named both a distinguished faculty member and distinguished teacher of the year.

Curtis said his experience working with regional campuses will be a great asset as he grows programs and community collaborations at the South Bend/Elkhart campus. While at Ferris State, he began an outreach program in Grand Rapids, Mich., located an hour from the main campus in Big Rapids, Mich.

"I started out teaching classes in rental space in a high school, and we eventually were able to build a $23 million facility in downtown Grand Rapids," Curtis said. "I understand the potential of a statewide system and the benefits that it can bring to communities throughout Indiana. I intend to work closely with community leaders to find the way we can bring more of those benefits to South Bend and Elkhart."

In addition to educating students, the School of Technology works with local businesses to help them tap into Purdue's expertise and resources to address their unique challenges. For example, a certificate program in organizational leadership and supervision is currently being delivered in-plant to a group of employees at Cequent Towing Products of Goshen, Ind.

Curtis said that besides the opportunity to stay near his family in southern Michigan, he also was drawn to Purdue because of the university's reputation in technology education.

"In my field, Purdue's School of Technology is the biggest and most respected," he said. "To be able to take on a position here that is a perfect fit for me is a great personal and career move. I look forward to moving the campus in a direction to make a bigger impact on the students and citizens of Indiana."

Curtis received an associate's degree in drafting and design technology from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Mich., in 1971. He then earned a bachelor's degree in vocational technical education, a master's degree in industrial education and a doctoral degree in education leadership, all from Western Michigan University, in 1977, 1982 and 1992, respectively.

He also completed the management development program at Harvard University in 1997.

In addition to the West Lafayette campus, Purdue's School of Technology has seven other locations throughout Indiana: Anderson/Muncie, Columbus/SE Indiana, Indianapolis, Kokomo/Lafayette, New Albany, Richmond and South Bend/Elkhart.

The South Bend/Elkhart location offers bachelor's and associate's degrees in electrical engineering technology and organizational leadership and supervision, as well as associate's degrees in computer graphics technology, computer technology and mechanical engineering technology, and a certificate program on organizational leadership and supervision.

The School of Technology South Bend/Elkhart location, which is headquartered on Indiana University's South Bend campus, began offering classes in 1984. Last year it served almost 250 students, about 60 percent of whom were working adults.

The location is the third largest outside of West Lafayette for the School of Technology, and as the number of students has decreased slightly since 1998, the average number of credit hours for students has increased, leading to fuller classes and more students progressing toward degrees.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Dennis R. Depew, (876) 494-2552, drdepew@purdue.edu
Mark A. Curtis, (574) 520-5560, macurtis@pusb.iusb.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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April 16, 2004

Ten Purdue School of Technology graduates named Distinguished Technology Alumni

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Ten Purdue School of Technology graduates were named Distinguished Technology Alumni in a ceremony Friday (4/16).

Jaime R. Arnett, Christopher A. Baker, John Lewis Bell, Steven G. Chamberlin, Charles D. Crosby, JoAnne Adams Griffith, Donzel A. Leggett, Pamela Barger Mader, Diana Lynne McKenzie (Seib), and Cory S. Shively were honored for their professional success across the spectrum of technology fields.

Jaime R. Arnett earned his associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering technology in 1978, 1980 and 2000, respectively. During a 19-year tenure at Bell Industries, he was awarded 48 U.S. patents and has an additional seven patents pending. In his current position as an associate engineering consultant with Eli Lilly and Co., Arnett is responsible for developing the company's human growth hormone injector pen.

Christopher A. Baker received both an associate's and bachelor's degree from Purdue in electrical engineering technology in 1987 and 1989 respectively. After graduation, he founded Lafayette, Ind., company MailCode, which developed mail-sorting equipment, software applications and multi-line optical character recognition technology. In 2001, Pitney Bowes purchased MailCode, and, in 2002, Baker became the company's vice president of U.S. sales and customer development.

John Lewis Bell earned a doctoral degree in the School of Technology Graduate Program in 1985. During his 29 years as CEO for Bell Packaging Corp., he grew the corrugated box company's annual profits from $15 million to more than $350 million. Bell also served as chairman of the board for American Bank from 1968-82, and, in 1975, founded Bell Gallery of Photography, which focused on multimedia presentations for industrial and commercial clients.

Steven Chamberlin graduated from Purdue with a bachelor's degree in building construction management in 1984. Since 1986, he has served as CEO of CG Schmidt Construction, the largest construction firm in Milwaukee, Wis. In that time, Chamberlin has had a role in many of the company's largest building projects, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Puelicher Butterfly addition to the Milwaukee Public Museum.

Charles D. Crosby, who lives in Naperville, Ill., earned a bachelor's degree in aviation technology in 1977. A 25-year veteran pilot for United Airlines, Crosby supervises a crew of 17 on worldwide flights. His Federal Aviation Administration certificates and ratings include commercial flight transport pilot, land certified flight instructor and certified flight instructor.

JoAnne Adams Griffith earned a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and supervision from Purdue in 1973. She has worked extensively in human resources for several entertainment companies, including Paramount Pictures, Amada and the American Broadcasting Company. She currently works as vice president for human resources with Viacom Inc. and executive vice president for human resources, planning and design for MTV Networks.

Donzel A. Leggett earned a bachelor's and master's degree in industrial technology from Purdue in 1990 and 1992, respectively. Leggett has worked for Quaker Oats and General Mills in several capacities, including senior engineer, department head and plant manager. In his current position as director of special packaging for General Mills, he is responsible for the company's development and execution of nationwide product promotional display activities.

A 1986 graduate of Purdue, Pamela Barger Mader earned her bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and supervision. She joined General Motors as a production supervisor and currently serves as the plant manager for the company's Moraine Assembly Plant. Mader serves on the School of Technology Dean's Executive Council and also chairs General Motors' community relations committee in Dayton, Ohio.

1n 1986, Diana Lynne McKenzie earned both her associate's degree in business data processing and bachelor's degree in computer technology from Purdue. After graduation, she joined Eli Lilly and Co. and in 1997 was named director of global information technology, strategy, planning and architecture. In her current position as the company's information officer, McKenzie, who live in Pittsboro, Ind., is accountable for the global delivery of information and technology services.

Cory S. Shively received an associate's and bachelor's degree in computer graphics technology from Purdue in 1998 and 1999, respectively. A partner with CG Visions in Lafayette, Ind., Shively has also worked as a project manager, designer, salesman and human resources director with the company. He has worked in a number of areas for CG Visions, including commercial light-gauge steel designs, residential plans and architectural software customizations.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, University News Service, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Gerald Thomas, director of development for the School of Technology, (765) 494-4252, gthomas@purdue.edu

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Prof. Oderman receives Purdue teaching award

Prof. Oderman receives Purdue teaching award Dale Oderman, associate professor of aviation technology, was one of six exceptional teachers who received Purdue's 2004 Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Awards in memory of Charles B. Murphy.

Each of the $5,000 awards -- the University's highest undergraduate teaching honor -- was given in recognition of exemplary teaching in all phases of undergraduate instruction. Awards were presented April 4 during the University's Honors Convocation. Winner names will be engraved on the Book of Great Teachers, a commemorative plaque in the Memorial union that honors the best teachers from throughout Purdue's
history.

The Technology Student Council has also honored Professor Oderman this year with the 2004 School of Technology Dwyer Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. He has been a faculty member for the School of Technology since 1996.

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April 3, 2004

Purdue team wins Rube Goldberg national election

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Society of Manufacturing Engineers took home the winning vote – and trophy – for their election-themed entry into today's (Saturday, 4/3) National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest at Purdue University's Lambert Fieldhouse.

Employing a theme that incorporated elections and hanging chads, the team used 71 steps – three-and-a-half times the required number – to complete the task of selecting, marking and casting a paper ballot.

The team received $300 for first place and $50 for winning the People's Choice Award. Ferris State University's Underdogs team was awarded $150 for second place, and University of Texas at Austin's Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers team received $50 for third place. Other teams competing were from University of Toledo and Michigan State University.

Some of the winning machine's steps included a ball levitating on a stream of air from a vacuum cleaner, toy football players and gorillas batting at balls, and water turning a tiny waterwheel, before a conveyor belt finally delivered the ballot to its box.

The ballot also was moved through a "Florida voting booth," where it was marked and left with a hanging chad. The process ended with the raising an American flag, a step added since the team won the regional competition in February.

Team member Brian Enlow, Society of Manufacturing Engineers president from Fishers, Ind., said the team had worked hard since the regional competition to make the machine more appealing to the audience.

"We added some music and a big American flag at the end," Enlow said. "It must have helped. When I heard the crowd's reaction, I thought we were in pretty good shape."

Each machine had three chances to perform two clean runs. The winning machine did not work on its first run, and team co-captain Andrew Nymeyer, a senior from Bristol, Ind., said that misstep made him much more anxious during the second two tries.

"Once you have to take a redo, it makes you pretty nervous because that means everything else has to be perfect," he said. "We have six or seven mousetraps, and if a vibration sets one off early it's all over. It ran perfectly when we set it up this morning, but as it sets, the springs tighten up. I think they absorb some of our nervousness."

All 11 members of the winning team are students in Purdue's School of Technology. Besides Nymeyer and Enlow, team members are co-captain Curt McDowell, a senior from Goshen, Ind.; Kyle Rasler, a junior from Elkhart, Ind.; Brian Decker, a junior from Elkhart, Ind.; Bryan Wilson, a senior from New Harmony, Ind.; Mike Kalmuk, a junior from Crystal Lake, Ill.; David Sproull, a senior from Springville, Ind.; Russel Stroup, a senior from Bristol, Ind.; Steve Thomas, a senior from Wadsworth, Ohio; and Kreig Kaiser, a junior from Elwood, Ind.

"I was definitely pleased with the quality of the machines," said Joshua Sandler, national Rube Goldberg Machine Contest chairman and a Purdue senior in electrical engineering technology. "There was no clear-cut winner. Most years you see the teams bring in their machines and one stands out over the others. This year, all of the teams brought strong, impressive machines."

The national Rube Goldberg Machine Contest was organized by the Phi Chapter of Theta Tau Fraternity at Purdue. Representatives from contest sponsors Motorola, General Electric and BAE Systems judged the machines. Other sponsors were Fluor, Lockheed Martin, Parker Hannifin, and Purdue Schools of Engineering and School of Technology.

In addition to the five university teams, a high school exhibition team from Morgan Park Academy in Beverly, Ill. also displayed its machine. The team won a regional high school competition held at the Argonne National Laboratories near Chicago.

This is the second consecutive year a Purdue team has claimed the national title. Last year, Purdue's Theta Tau/Phi Sigma Rho team won by incorporating a sports theme to crush an aluminum can. That team later appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

The contest honors the late cartoonist Rube Goldberg, who specialized in drawing whimsical, complicated machines to perform simple tasks. The student-built machines are judged on completion of the task, creativity, the number of steps involved and how well they embrace the Rube Goldberg spirit. Points are deducted if students assist the machine once it has started. Teams also are judged and awarded points based on the creative use of materials and related themes.

In previous contests, students' machines have been required to raise, secure and wave an American flag; select, clean and peel an apple; make a cup of coffee; toast a piece of bread; put a stamp on an envelope; and drop a penny into a piggy bank. Winners have appeared on CBS' "This Morning," ABC's "Good Morning America," NBC's "Today," "Newton's Apple" and CNN.

Rube Goldberg and the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest are the trademark and copyright of Rube Goldberg Inc.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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February 28, 2004

Technology students win election-themed Rube Goldberg contest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The votes are in, and the Purdue University Society of Manufacturing Engineers' team scored a win Saturday (2/28) in the 22nd annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest.

Employing a theme that incorporated elections and hanging chads, the team used 70 steps – three-and-a-half times the required number – to complete the task of selecting, marking and casting a paper ballot.

"We didn't plan on having that many steps," said Andrew Nymeyer, a senior in the School of Technology and co-chair of the winning team. "A week ago, we only had about 30, but every time something didn't work, we had to add a couple more to fix the problem. It got a little out of hand."

Some of the machine's steps included a ball levitating on a stream of air from a vacuum cleaner, toy football players and gorillas batting at balls, and water turning a tiny waterwheel, before a conveyor belt finally delivered the ballot to its box.

The ballot also was moved through a "Florida voting booth," where it was marked and left with a hanging chad.

Teams in the competition, which took place in Lambert Fieldhouse on Purdue's West Lafayette, Ind., campus, had to create machines that would cast a ballot in a minimum of 20 steps using principles of engineering and physics.

"With the presidential election this year, we thought it would be fun to use an election theme," Nymeyer said. "The key is to a have a few really good steps that will look impressive, and then use smaller less complicated steps to fill in around them."

The win earned the Society of Manufacturing Engineers the right to represent Purdue on Saturday, April 3, in the national contest, which also will be in Lambert Fieldhouse.

Machines in the competition had three tries to complete two successful runs. Teams lost points if they had to interfere with their machine during a run.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers' team won despite a malfunction during the machine's third and final run. While team members were checking on the power source, vibrations set off a mousetrap in the middle of the machine, causing it to begin halfway through the set of steps.

"I was holding the marble in my hand that would start it when I heard mousetrap go off," Nymeyer said. "I was crushed. I thought that was it. That was not the way I planned on ending the contest during my senior year."

After hearing what happened, judges elected to allow the team one more run.

All 11 members of the winning team are students in Purdue's School of Technology. Besides Nymeyer, who is from Bristol, Ind., team members are co-captain Curt McDowell, a senior from Goshen, Ind.; Brian Enlow, a senior from Fishers, Ind.; Kyle Rasler, a junior from Elkhart, Ind., Brian Decker, a junior from Elkhart, Ind.; Bryan Wilson, a senior from New Harmony, Ind.; Mike Kalmuk, a junior from Crystal Lake, Ill.; David Sproull, a senior from Springville, Ind.; Russel Stroup, a senior from Bristol, Ind.; Steve Thomas, a senior from Wadsworth, Ohio; and Kreig Kaiser, a junior from Elwood, Ind.

Seven teams from Purdue and one from Indiana University-South Bend competed in the annual competition, put on by Theta Tau Fraternity, that pays homage to the late cartoonist Rube Goldberg, who specialized in drawing whimsical machines with complex mechanisms to perform simple tasks.

Greg Wilson, contest chair and a sophomore in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, said he was impressed by the creativity shown in this year's entries.

"Each group approached the problem in completely different ways," Wilson said. "Creativity was very important to the cartoonist Rube Goldberg and his zany machines. This contest is a lot of fun, but it also demonstrates the important point that there is more than one way of approaching any problem."

The winning team won a $250 cash prize and the championship trophy. A team sponsored by the Society of Professional Engineers captured the second-place trophy and a $150 cash prize, as well as being selected by the audience for the People's Choice Award. The third-place trophy and $50 in prize money went to Triangle Fraternity.
Saturday's contest was sponsored by General Electric, BAE Systems, Purdue's Schools of Engineering and School of Technology, and Purdue's Office of Advancement.

Jerry Dale, a judge who represented General Electric at the contest, said that although the competition is meant as a fun exercise with sometimes goofy results, the process the teams go through helps prepare them for careers.

"This contest is exactly what engineering is about," Dale said. "Each of these teams has had disappointments and problems, but also great successes, as they have built their machines. That is what an engineer goes through on each project they complete."

In addition to successfully completing the task, judges also award points based on the creative use of materials and related themes.

Last year, the team sponsored by Theta Tau fraternity and Phi Sigma Rho sorority took first place with a machine that used 34 steps to crush a can and place it in a recycling bin. The team also went on to win the national competition.

In previous contests, students' machines have been required to select, clean and peel an apple; make a cup of coffee; toast a piece of bread; put a stamp on an envelope; and drop a penny into a piggy bank. Winners have appeared on "Late Night With David Letterman," CBS' "This Morning," ABC's "Good Morning America," NBC's "Today," Newton's Apple" and CNN.

Rube Goldberg and the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest are the trademark and copyright of Rube Goldberg Inc.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Greg Wilson, local contest chair, (765) 743-2461 ext. 895, purduerube@hotmail.com
Josh Sandler, national contest chair, (765) 743-2461, ext. 879, chairman@rubemachine.com

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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