Sep. 27, 2022

In pursuit of better lithium-ion batteries

MU researchers Matthias J. Young (left) and Xiaoqing He are using a $500,000 grant from NSF to explore a key technical challenge preventing lithium-ion batteries from achieving optimal energy performance. By Eric Stann  |  MU News Bureau From personal electronics to electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are used in many technologies today. Over the last 30 years, scientists have worked to improve the overall safety and performance of these batteries by converting a key component, called electrolytes, from liquid to solid — partly due to an issue of the liquid being flammable. Yet, while solid-state lithium-ion batteries — using solid electrolytes…

Sep. 23, 2022

Graduate enjoys personal mentorship from former VP of Welch Foods

What’s it like to have a former vice president of Welch Foods, Inc., personally mentoring you after college graduation? Drew Boswell “It’s been extremely advantageous,” Drew Boswell, BS IE ’22, says. Boswell was one of the first industrial and manufacturing systems engineering students to take advantage of a new mentorship program that connects new graduates with highly successful alumni. For Boswell, that means having personal support from David Engelkemeyer, BS IE ’73, who served as vice president of operations and technology at the global juice and fruit product company before becoming Chief Operating Officer at SmartPak, one of the…

Sep. 21, 2022

Mizzou Engineer using machine learning to solve space debris problem

Companies are launching satellites into orbit at a dizzying pace with no plans to clean them up once they’ve completed their missions. That means dead satellites are floating in space with no one controlling them, leaving them vulnerable to collisions. “Space is becoming more and more crowded,” said Ming Xin, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, “and solutions are becoming more and more urgent.” While studies are underway on best practices to remove space debris, right now there’s no good method to know exactly what’s out there. That’s because once a satellite is no longer in use, it…

Sep. 19, 2022

Four inducted into Civil Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni (CEADA)

The 2022 CEADA inductees, from left, are: John P. Miller BS CiE ’94, Derek Vap BS CiE ’06, MS CiE ’07, Patrick Earney BS Ed ’97 BS CiE ’98, MS CiE ’00, Stephen Kellerman BS CiE ’01 The Civil Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni (CEADA) inducted four new members on Sept. 16 at a ceremony honoring their outstanding contributions to the field. Established in 1998, CEADA honors extraordinary graduates and distinguished friends of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Election to the Academy recognizes outstanding achievement, excellence and leadership in engineering and civic affairs. Inductees represent the best…

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

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,…