Western student powers launch of new compostability testing center
Companies around the globe are evolving for a greener future, relying on the expertise and a new compostability testing facility at Western. Leading the installation and development of the lab, Ph.D. candidate Jason Wang is now one of the few North American experts in this area. Left: Lon Pschigoda, general manager of the WMU Pilot Plants, and doctoral candidate Jason Wang provide a glimpse of the components of their compostability testing facility.
Western leading the charge in pioneering battery research
New research from Western Michigan University is showing promise in the development of an alternative battery for use in electric vehicles, as manufacturers face concerns about shortages and increasing costs of materials for lithium-ion batteries. The research at WMU is being led by battery material specialist Dr. Qingliu Wu, associate professor of chemical and paper engineering, Jian Yang, a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a team of fellow WMU research associates.
Alumnus at the intersection of data science and the brain
As medical breakthroughs continue to improve the human condition, data scientists in the specialized field of network neuroscience are striving to isolate even more information and close the gap between their discoveries and clinical applications in an effort to advance diagnoses and personalized treatments. Among those elite researchers is WMU engineering alumnus Duy Duong-Tran whose research focuses on the quantification of the human brain.
The Wightman Tradition
College offers certificate programs to boost skills and careers
Professionals looking to boost their careers or enhance undergraduate or graduate degrees now have access to WMU's growing list of certificate programs, including those listed below from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The college's certificates are designed as standalone programs that give students and working professionals options for mastering new concepts. These skill boosters generally require four or five courses—some are available virtually to meet the needs of working professionals or our alumni around the globe while others are more hands-on.
Cybersecurity
Embedded System Design
Renewable Power Systems
Embedded Systems Venture
Paper Engineering
Presidential Scholars
They're smart, accomplished and hard working. They are the seven College of Engineering and Applied Sciences 2022 Presidential Scholars. And, as they pursue their dreams, they will continue to represent all that it means to be a Bronco engineer. Selected by the faculty, the Presidential Scholar designation is the highest academic honor that WMU can bestow on its undergraduates. Selection is based on a student's general academic excellence, academic and artistic excellence relative to their majors, and intellectual and artistic promise.
Engineers and WMU's Pitch Competition
Pairing passion with pragmatism, engineering design technology alumnus Spencer Rochowiak, B.S.'21, recently launched Bowden 3D, making 3D-printed golf products, a product he pitched as a student. And his signature indestructible golf tees have already scored praise from PGA pro Donnie Trosper after a chance encounter at an indoor golf simulator.
WMU students pitched their innovative business ideas for the opportunity to win $5,000 in prizes at the WMU Bronco Pitch Competition, hosted by the Haworth College of Business. The Lux Scrub, an invention designed to clean dishes better than any sponge, scrub pad or dishwasher alone, came from the creative minds of a group of industrial and entrepreneurial engineering students and took first place this year.
Alumni mentoring program
Make a Difference in the life and career of a future professional
Refer a Bronco
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has been busy maximizing recruiting efforts, and the results are positive. One effective way includes alumni succeeding in industry and sharing their Bronco experiences. If you know a student interested in engineering, talk to them about Western's programs—you can even share some of the stats below. And, let them know that daily tours are available--because visiting Western's Parkview Campus, home of Floyd Hall, is one of the best ways to show students how a WMU engineering education is a great choice.
And, if you haven't visited us in our $100 million Floyd Hall recently, come see for yourself what today's students experience.
Have questions? Contact Scot Conant, our manager of recruitment.
So many programs in one building
Historic Trolley Dedication
Do you know the connection between the trolley and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences? Were you part of that connection? Read the history and find out.
1903: The two cars of the famous Western trolley started carrying students and faculty up and down the steep incline of Prospect Hill where the original WMU campus was built. This location is now home to Heritage Hall, which houses the WMU alumni center.
1931: The trolley averaged 2,290 passengers daily.
1949: After 41 years the trolley was retired.
2003: College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Senior Design students built a replica of the original trolley in honor of WMU’s Centennial Celebration. This was the catalyst for bringing the trolley to Western's Parkview Campus.
2022: Thanks to the faculty, students, and staff of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, this replica of the historic Western Trolley is being dedicated.