Two Cal Poly professors and two alumni used marine robots to study underwater Arctic life on an expedition to Norway last month.

Cal Poly biological sciences professor Mark Moline and computer engineering assistant professor Chris Clark said there is almost no knowledge of what is happening in the Arctic ecosystem during the winter (polar night). Robot participation was necessary to reach certain areas that had never before been discovered.

During the two-week expedition, Moline, Clark and computer engineering alumni Scott Layton and Robbie Plankenhorn lived in total darkness in an old coal mining settlement turned research station.

“This was the first time we really had to deal with harsh conditions,” Clark said. “There were extreme conditions like the cold, dark and polar bears. You always had to go with someone with a rifle.”

The expedition was first conceived of when it was commissioned as part of the NORUS program titled “Technology Development for Marine Monitoring and Ocean Observation.” Moline started the program by writing a grant to the Norwegian Minister of Higher Education.

“I thought what students were lacking was a perspective and hands-on experience in other disciplines,” he said. “In this case, I thought biology students needed more background and experience in engineering to better be able to sample and investigate the oceans and particularly the Arctic undergoing climate changes.”

Moline and Clark carefully selected the students based on their experience with the robots and put them through a one-week training course before they moved into the research station. The students’ participation in the expedition widened their perspectives on the opportunities available in the technical aspect of research. “As computer engineers, we tend to focus on programming, but the logistics becomes a huge part of testing, getting it there and getting it working,” Layton said.

Some of the tools the students helped operate were Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), a Remotely Operating Vehicle (ROV) and an ocean bottom crawler. Moline, who first began working with underwater robots in 1996 at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and did his post-doctoral thesis in Antarctica, said he saw this expedition as the perfect opportunity to further his research and learn about how life works in total darkness.

“Personally, I have conducted a number of underwater missions with my autonomous underwater vehicle. Specifically, we are looking at the distributions of small organisms in the water, and how they move and interact with each other,” Moline said. “We are trying to piece together the winter food web and these efforts help with that.”

Clark, who worked in conjunction with two Norwegian biologists, was the only engineer project installer to participate in the project . He began studying underwater robots at Stanford in 2004 while earning his Ph.D.

“The experiments were so applied. We went into a place too dangerous for the divers and got to sample arctic algae that grows only in the Arctic,” Clark said. “It was cool to pick this through a robot that could reach those depths. Very little is known and very little studies have been done on the polar night, and we wanted to look at the activity of life.”

Plankenhorn said to retrieve the algae, divers would have needed to perform a four-hour dive in ice-cold water, so they decided to use an ROV to get the sample. “We were there as support. They wanted to use the ROV, but we didn’t have the arm and Clark had to ship one out there and we had to make it happen,” he said.

In addition to providing support for the biologists by managing the equipment, the engineers also documented their trip. The team blogged about their research and posted videos and photos of their findings.

“This was one additional means to touch the outside world and share our experiences,” Moline said. “We think we are doing something special here, not only in terms of the science, but with the educational approach.”

Autonomous Undersea Vehicle Applications Center, a leading underwater robot research organization, heard about the blog and linked to it on their Web site. Clark said he hoped that the blog could help the public learn more about their research and generate funding for future expeditions.

The expedition to Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in Norway’s Arctic region to develop and use technology to study the Arctic ecosystems was funded by the Norwegian Government, National Geographic and the United States National Science Foundation.

Clark said he hoped the expedition could contribute more information and further devices on the Arctic ecosystem.

“I want to create new technology for robots to get close to things like ice without colliding and to get more gains in terms of our sampling,” he said.

Stock photo

Five women engineering students were honored for excelling in leadership, work experience and grade point average at the 34th annual Evening with the Industry gala last Thursday at the San Luis Obispo Embassy Suites. The event was put on by the Cal Poly Society of Women Engineers (SWE). At the event, the winners of the engineering and technology award were announced, $27,500 worth of scholarships were awarded, the SWE president was named an emerging leader, and Lee McFarland, a lecturer in mechanical engineering, was named “Most Supportive Professor.”

The women engineers recognized were five out of 18 nominated by their department. Nominees were evaluated on faculty recommendations, demonstrated leadership, work experience and grade point average. All of the winners were also involved in multiple extracurricular activities.

Once each student was nominated, they completed a questionnaire and submitted a résumé as well as one letter of recommendation. The selection was done by a group of three faculty from across the college of engineering.

Some of the winners have had internships with companies like Google, Raytheon Missile systems and Boeing. Allison Holmgren, is an industrial engineering graduate and past intern with Raytheon Missile systems. In the process, she became a Certified Raytheon Six Sigma Specialist. Cameron Schelmeris, an industrial engineering senior, had an internship with Boeing in Washington. Alyssa Daw is a software engineering senior who worked as a Google software engineer test intern and has a 3.99 cumulative grade point average. Other winners worked on projects and led campus groups. Roshani Patel is a civil engineering senior and participant in a project at University of California, Davis dealing with the interaction of seismic soil-structure. The final winner, Jessica Paz, is an industrial engineering senior and president of Cal Poly’s Engineering Student Council.

The recipient of 2010’s Outstanding Women in Engineering and Technology Award, Alyssa Daw, has been a member of Society of Women Engineers since 2006. She has held leadership positions such as vice president of public relations and network director.

“My favorite part is the outreach. I kind of get to give back to the next generation,” Daw said. “I like to feel like I might be paving the way for them to become engineers.”

In addition to recognizing these students for their achievements, scholarships were given out out the event.

Students apply for these scholarships ahead of time. Some of them are through the college, while others are from outside companies. A total of 35 scholarships were given out and the awards ranged from $500 to $1,500.

Another yearly award at the banquet is to choose the “Most Supportive Professor” from within all engineering departments. After the club receives nominations for this award, a committee of club members interviews the candidates and make a decision. This year, the award went to former club adviser and lecturer Lee McFarland.

“I think it is quite an honor,” McFarland said of being chosen out of 14 nominated faculty members.

Another leader recognized was Society of Women Engineers’ president Lesley Telford. She was named the collegiate emerging leader for the region, which includes Southern California, Southern Nevada,Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.

Telford didn’t really become interested in science until she watched the Crime Scene Investigation shows and wanted to be a forensics scientist. After she took biology she decided she wanted to do more than just research.

“Being president of Society of Women Engineers has allowed me to makes contacts in the industry and meet people in companies that I would eventually like to work in,” Telford said.

Kyle Mooney, mechanical engineering sophomore, builds a difibrilator tester to send to Third World Countries. Photo courtesy of Jen Van Donk

Like most students trying to find an internship, Tim O’Neill and Jen Van Donk were searching through Web pages when they stumbled upon Engineering World Health (EWH), a non-profit organization that assembles medical devices and sends them to hospitals in developing countries.

Van Donk, a mechanical engineering senior, and O’Neill, a biomedical engineering senior, had never met until the national group put them in contact. They then realized they shared the goal of impacting the lives of those living in impoverished areas.

O’Neill, who hopes to use his experience in the club to develop a career in the medical field, said, “I have seen so much awareness for others who are in need. It came to a point where I wanted to leave Cal Poly feeling like I made a difference. While studying to become a biomedical engineer, it occurred to me that I can really help others who are less fortunate.”

EWH sells kits for defibrillators and electro surgical tools to chapters who purchase them for about $18. Engineering Department Chair and club coordinator, Dr. Andrew Davol made a personal donation to help sponsor the first group of kits the club assembled, but now members are reaching into their own pockets to buy more.

Davol had heard of the organization a year ago at a engineering meeting. Though he was hesitant to sign on as the club’s faculty advisor due to his already busy schedule, he decided to take on the position, seeing the opportunities it could provide to students. When Engineering Without Borders, an organization that travels to other countries to help with development, had recieved overwhelming applications, Davol saw an opportunity with EWH. He hopes it will act as an extension reaching out to students who want to take their skills abroad and have an impact.

When asked what sets this club apart, Davol said, “The focus sets it apart because it’s a service that a lot engineers want to use to give back.”

On Build-it-Days the club gathers to put together the equipment by carefully melting down metal tubing and connecting it to circuit boards. O’Neill said that his first time assembling a device was difficult, but with a little practice and patience he has become more comfortable and hopes to tackle larger projects in the future.

Financing the project kits and gathering equipment to refurbish have caused difficulties for the new club. O’Neill is hopeful that by merging with Direct Relief International, the students will be given more opportunities to gain experience by not only working on clinical tools, but also learning about the people who use the devices.

By joining with Direct Relief International, located in Santa Barbara, the club hopes to refurbish medical equipment and establish relationships with the hospitals and clinics giving the items. The Cal Poly EWH chapter is currently looking at refurbishing hospital beds and plans to later work on larger equipment like life support machines.

“One of the main concerns of the organization is designing equipment that is more appropriate to the needs of developing countries,” Van Donk said. “That is why this organization employs young engineers to help with the designing rather than just sending them all our used equipment.”

The club welcomes all majors and members of the community.

“The beauty of the club is that we teach what needs to be done so you don’t have to have experience to get involved,” he said.

This summer EWH plans to attend a summer program through the national organization to visit Tanzania and Costa Rica to help repair equipment in local clinics. The trip will cost $6,000 for each student, but to cut down on costs the club plans to apply for financial aid and fund raise through local businesses.

“We want to build off the strong foundation we have so far,” Van Donk said. “We also really want to see the club continue in the future and have an ever growing impact in our community as well as overseas.”

The students and faculty begin the process of choosing a citizen in need by contacting local churches and community service organizations. Mustang Daily photo

Industrial and manufacturing engineering (IME) students are hosting the second annual Fund Run to raise $2,000 for the PolyHouse project, which teaches students project planning and management skills as they restore the house of a handicapped citizen. The 5k and 10k runs are at 9 a.m. this Saturday on campus; the event planners expect 300 participants.

Leslie Pow, the team leader of marketing for the Fund Run, said it offers students a way to support the PolyHouse project.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser, and we raise the most money during this event. It’s an easy way for students to help without actually participating in the PolyHouse project,” Pow said.

Chelsea Knighton, a graphic communication junior, is interested in signing up for the event.

“It sounds like it’s for a really great cause. I’d love to support it and come out on Saturday,” Knighton said. “That’s really cool that they put so much effort into helping somebody in need.”

IME professor Roya Javadpour started the PolyHouse project five years ago. After creating a class called technological project management (IME 556), she thought a hands-on construction project would be a beneficial learning experience for students and a way to help the community.

The students and faculty begin the process of choosing a citizen in need by contacting local churches and community service-oriented organizations, such as United Way, and accumulating a pool of potential candidates. Criteria such as home ownership, ability to move out of the house during the construction and the extent of the disability are considered next to select the final client, said Liz Schlemer, the project’s current faculty adviser.

Last year, the client was a 16-year-old girl confined to a wheelchair and adopted by her elderly grandparents, who have cared for over 20 foster children. This year’s client will be selected during winter quarter.

“It benefits the community by helping an underprivileged family with renovations on their house that they couldn’t otherwise do,” Pow said.

The number of students enrolled in the class varies from year to year. Last year, there were 42 students, but the year before that there were only 13. The students are broken into teams focusing on different aspects of the renovations, such as electrical, landscaping, bathroom and plumbing, flooring and drywall.

The students’ challenge is to plan everything from gathering materials to organizing the work schedule to ensure that the entire project can be done in four days (the second and third weekends in May).

The students receive no funding for the project, which usually has a total budget of around $120,000. While most of the money comes from donations from businesses and individuals, the fundraisers also help.

In addition to being the main fundraiser for the PolyHouse project, the Fund Run provides IME students with a learning experience. It is the product of a project given to students currently enrolled in project organization and management (IME 303), which teaches students how to use skills and resources to manage a project.

The event is Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. at the lower recreation field, located in the sports complex at Cal Poly.

“It’s early in the morning, but people are pretty excited and enthusiastic about participating,” Pow said.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes. After the races, the best-dressed participant will receive a prize along with the top finishers. There will also be a barbeque following the event.

“It’s kind of like the Bay to Breakers in a way, since everybody is dressed up. It’s pretty fun,” Pow said.

Registration costs $20. Register by visiting polyhousefundrun.org.

Due to the budget cuts that have distressed every department at Cal Poly, the biomedical engineering department has faced personnel cutbacks that threaten the department’s viability, affecting its day-to-day operations.

However, the student Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) plans to be the driving force in picking up the slack and doing much of the department’s day-to-day chores, such as providing student advisement for classes and widening internship and job opportunities for students. The student group will also help coordinate the department’s Week of Welcome activities for incoming students.

In the past, many of these duties fell to the department’s clerical staff and faculty.

“This year, I am hoping for BMES to be 100 percent different from previous years,” said new BMES president Bobby Nijjar, a senior in the department.

With its new expanded duties, Nijjar is hoping that this year will produce a student club that “will run in order to help students with the curriculum, in order for them to be more successful overall in biomedical engineering.”

The department’s faculty seems to agree.

“This year BMES is very open and transparent,” professor David Clague said. “All the faculty feel that they have the freedom to offer what they feel is important. I really like transparency.”

In comparison to previous years, though it cannot be definitively linked to the new way things are run, “more faculty are involved and there has been a lot more participation. There is a sense that people need more help getting a job and BMES does that,” Clague said.

Nijjar and the other student officers set up this year’s program to meet three specific criteria: offer a diverse industry relation, promote student academia and improve social interactions within the biomedical engineering department. “I have fresh ideas and an approach that is not as conventional as previous years,” Nijjar said.

Sixty percent of the job of BMES is to help the department by lessening their load by advising students about classes, the biomedical engineering department and any questions about student life here at Cal Poly,” Nijjar said.

“The other 40 percent of the time is spent on helping the student, whether it be helping students get internships, make connections within the industry and provide a helpful tutoring program.”
Clague said that the club is good for students as well.

“The club allows students to build networks with the industry and it is a shared goal with the biomedical engineering department to assist our student by pairing them with an upperclassman tutor,” he said.

Students are looking forward to the student club’s expanded role.

“I hope that BMES will give me a better understanding of biomedical engineering, give me the opportunity to connect with other students and faculty of that major and to have a better understanding oh how to get a career in this field,” biomedical engineering freshman Ryan Phife said.

BMES hopes that possibility of social interactions between students and teachers will further help the department run more smoothly.

And the BMES has been known as an important component to the biomedical engineering society because it offers to help department.

“They help us host information sessions with companies to educate students almost every quarter. They are an equal or greater part of Week Of Welcome and they actually plan everything and it’s a huge help to an already short-handed staff,” Clague said.

“The beauty of (biomedical engineering) is that it is so diverse with so many opportunities. Biomed is always going to be there and there will never be a shortage for their expertise,” Nijjar added.

Nijjar is determined to make BMES comparable and as opportunity-filled as the new department.

“My favorite part of my major is the idea that I can help people with what I do. I might be able to create something that could help change someone’s life,” Phife said.

SWE claimed first place for the seventh time since 2002 for the Large Outstanding Collegiate Section on the Gold Level. Courtesy photo

Despite a national stereotype towards male domination the industry, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), a national educational and service organization with college chapters nationwide, empowers women to achieve their full potential as engineers and as leaders.

Lesley Telford, the president of the Cal Poly chapter, said that the student club creates an outlet for women to explore their interest in the engineering industry and become part of a community with similar motivations.

“Having a lot of us goes against the stereotype,” Telford said. “I feel that SWE on a national level has done a good job in showing that women can be engineers and can be successful.”

In providing career and scholastic resources built around promoting a voice for women in the industry, SWE is on the right track with changing roles of contemporary women, according to a report by California First Lady Maria Shriver and the Center for American Progress.

In a nationwide study released two weeks ago, titled “The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything,” it was determined that for the first time in history, half of all U.S. workers, including all professions, are women.

Karen Bangs, the faculty advisor for the Cal Poly chapter, feels that the club supports the new statistics by encouraging women to not be deterred by technical careers.

“Every once in a while there will be some opposition, but in general it is a very supportive industry and college,” Bangs said.

The Cal Poly chapter of SWE does a lot to support women engineers and has the awards to prove it.

Twenty members from the Cal Poly division attended The Society of Women Engineers’ National Conference, the largest annual woman engineers’ conference in the U.S., from Oct. 15-17 in Long Beach, claiming first place for the seventh time since 2002 for the Large Outstanding Collegiate Section on the Gold Level.

Other awards presented to Cal Poly included tying for first place for both Cal Poly Team Tech groups (a technical engineering competition) and first place for Outstanding Outreach Event for “Building an Engineer Day.”

Kendra Rowley, vice president of outreach for the club, said that “Building an Engineer Day” has had the most impact on younger students by helping them to realize that women can pursue stereotypical male-dominated careers.

For this event, middle school students come to the campus and participate in four engineering labs led by professors and students. Last year, the Cal Poly division of SWE led more than 400 middle school students through the event, the largest amount of students than ever before.

“We want to expose younger students to engineering,” Rowley said. “There are statistics that say something like fourth and fifth grades are when students are the most discouraged by math and science. We want to get them to try it out and even if they decide they don’t like it, at least they were exposed.”

In addition to organizing community outreach events, the club holds events to help college students to meet others with their interests, develop leadership skills and prepare themselves for careers. Such events include three industry tours per quarter, in which Cal Poly students take tours of engineering companies including Ernie Ball, NetApp and Lockheed Martin. Another event is the Team Tech competition, in which they are given a technical assignment with a company, which is Mazzetti this year.

As for opportunities for networking, internships and jobs, the biggest networking event of the year is “Evening with the Industry,” which includes a social hour and dinner with about 35 engineering companies.

Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Hewlett-Packard, Chevron, Amazon, Accenture and Northrop Grumman buy tables and students are able to choose which table they sit at. It provides a chance for students to network with companies that they are interested in and to get internships or jobs.

The passion and dedication of the 46 student officers is what makes these events possible, Bangs said.

“It’s such an honor to work with men and women that have a passion for supporting women’s growth in this industry. I see them grow, mature, and become more confident in their leadership skills. I always tell them it’s not all about winning the awards, but about what you learn during the process,” Bangs said.

Many of the officers said that the biggest thing they’ve learned is that they play an influential role in the changing roles of women in society by getting more women to realize that they can be successful in technical careers.

“When I was in charge of outreach two years ago, I got a couple of e-mails saying, ‘My child now wants to be an engineer.’ Even if they were not interested in math or science, the program made them want to be an engineer,” Bangs said. “Just the idea that I was able to make a difference in people’s lives was really great.”