Sep. 19, 2022

A Passion for Learning

By Mae Bruce | MU Undergraduate Studies All his life, August Hemmerla has loved learning. A homeschooled self-starter, he took many opportunities to broaden his perspectives. When he was 15, he studied in Ecuador where he lived with his adopted sister. Once he returned, he took community college classes. When he turned 18, he landed a scholarship and again studied abroad — this time in China. His travels broadened his scope and enthusiasm for knowledge. His parents, both humanities professors and Mizzou alumni, have always encouraged him to pursue an array of disciplines. It’s why Hemmerla considered majors as varied…

Sep. 15, 2022

UM Curators name Hongbin ‘Bill’ Ma Curators’ Distinguished Professor

Hongbin “Bill” Ma Mizzou Engineering’s Hongbin “Bill” Ma has been named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor, the highest honor bestowed by the University of Missouri System. “I’m so honored,” Ma said. “This is certainly a highlight of my career at Mizzou, and I appreciate my colleagues and students who have supported me and my work from Day One.” Ma is Chair and Glen A. Barton Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Over his career, he has made profound contributions in the field of heat transfer in both fundamental understanding and engineering applications, specially through research of…

Sep. 15, 2022

UM Curators name Kannappan Palaniappan Curators’ Distinguished Professor

Kannappan Palaniappan Mizzou Engineering’s Kannappan Palaniappan has been named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor, the highest honor bestowed by the University of Missouri System. “I feel honored and proud,” Palaniappan said. “I see this as recognition for all of the world class faculty, researchers and incredibly talented students I’ve collaborated with over the years.” Palaniappan is one of two faculty members from Mizzou Engineering to receive the designation. Hongbin “Bill” Ma, chair and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has also been named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor. Thomas Sewell, an adjunct professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering and a professor…

Sep. 14, 2022

150 Years of Leadership: Steve Pelch

Many successful companies in today’s economy depend not only on outstanding service and best-in-class technology, but also rely upon creativity, unique business models and go-to market strategies, pervasive marketing outreach, authenticity or a global perspective that embraces aspects of both science and art. Steve Pelch, BS ME ’87, understands this. That’s why billion-dollar companies hire him to help them navigate ever-evolving industries. Pelch is owner of SJP Value Creation, a boutique advisory firm where he assists CEOs and C-suite executives on strategy, leadership, talent management, operations and acquisitions. His clients range from a $15 million privately held specialty chemical…

Sep. 13, 2022

Mizzou Engineering student explores passion for music with professional drum corps and Marching Mizzou

Ryan Deloney spent his summer touring with the World-Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps before returning to continue his mechanical engineering degree and play trumpet with Marching Mizzou this fall.

Sep. 13, 2022

Bowders retires from Mizzou Engineering after 25 years

John Bowders (center) has retired from Mizzou Engineering after 25 years. He is pictured with Praveen Edara (left) and Dean Noah Manring (right). John Bowders, P.E. and professor of civil and environmental engineering, has retired following a 25-year career at Mizzou Engineering. The College celebrated his career during a retirement reception on Sept. 9, drawing in a large crowd that included faculty, students, alumni community members and industry professionals. Many guests praised Bowders’ positive attitude. “It has been such an honor for me to work with John over the past 15 years,” said Praveen Edara, chair of civil and environmental…

Sep. 13, 2022

First Year Engineering Program designed to set new students up for success

Melissa Collins speaks with a student about peer mentorship opportunities. Collins is director of the First Year Engineering Program. Considering a career in engineering but not sure where to start? We get it. Starting an engineering degree program can seem intimidating, especially for those who haven’t been around professional engineers and may not know exactly how they want to apply their passion for science, technology or math. That’s where Melissa Collins comes in. She’s making sure first-year students have the tools and resources they need to not only get through the tough classes, but to thrive at Mizzou Engineering.

Sep. 12, 2022

Mizzou Engineering announces new executive director of advancement

Katherine Goliver Katherine Goliver, a seasoned leader in philanthropy and development, will join Mizzou Engineering as the executive director of advancement on Nov. 1. In this role, she will work with alumni, friends and colleagues to build upon the College’s 150-year legacy of engineering excellence. “I am excited about the opportunity to support Mizzou Engineering’s strategic priorities and help the College move into the next era of innovation in education and research,” Goliver said. “I look forward to getting to know the Mizzou Engineering community, including the amazing network of Engineering alumni across the globe.” Goliver comes to Mizzou from…

Sep. 12, 2022

150 Years of Mizzou Engineering: 1980-1989

Missouri Shamrock image of Jonathan Coker adjusting the satellite dish for an IEEE event in 1984. It was the first national video teleconference to be downloaded on campus. Our look back at Mizzou Engineering through the decades continues in 1980. After more than a decade of making a case for funding, Dean William Kimel has successfully raised the nearly $2 million needed for a new civil engineering wing. The project, completed in 1982, expanded space for labs, classrooms and offices and added a new lounge for students. In the early 80s, the College made more investments in technology, as well,…

Sep. 11, 2022

Mizzou Engineering welcomes 14 new faculty members

Mizzou Engineering welcomed 14 new faculty members, including 11 tenure-track faculty who bring expertise in areas such as pollution remediation, manufacturing and computational material science. “We’re excited to bring in this group of educators and researchers who will make tremendous contributions to the College,” Dean Noah Manring said. “Students will, no doubt, benefit greatly from their teaching and research expertise.” Joining Mizzou Engineering are: Melissa Collins will serve as First Year Engineering coordinator and an assistant teaching professor in biomedical, biological and chemical engineering. Collins has a PhD from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s from the University…