Engineering students bring Central to new heights
The recent victory by CMU engineering students at the National Impromptu Design Competition proved size really does matter.
Students hailing from more than 30 schools nationwide gathered April 8 in Lansing to face off in a competition designed to challenge future engineers in areas of leadership and timed problem solving.
Members of CMU’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) were given 30 minutes to create the tallest structure possible using only straws and masking tape while still being able to support a can of Coke.
Their 5 foot 1/2 inch tower rose above the competition and the group won first place.
“We were shocked that we won because we are a new group,” said Angie Fox, Beal City junior and ASME secretary. “We have never gone to a competition before.”
ASME entered the competition this year after efforts to form a local chapter of the organization were successful.
The national engineering community provides engineering students with job opportunities and information about the profession. ASME also hosts several competitions a year for its nation-wide college chapters.
Eric Robinson, Midland senior and ASME president, said the group received their charter only a few weeks before the competition and the decision to enter was made last minute .
Despite their rookie status, Robinson, Fox and Howell senior Josh Loewen beat several schools from across the nation – including Michigan Technological University, a school distinguished for its engineering program.
“I think it is a really great experience for students to find out that they can compete with other larger schools. It gives them a lot of confidence,” said David Pape, engineering and technology professor and ASME adviser.
Fox said she looks forward to seeing ASME participate in competitions in the coming years.
