Introduction

Dear Reader,

It is my honor to introduce you to the 2020 Helmut Kipphan Cup Journal Competition entry of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s TAGA Student Chapter. This journal comprises student-written research conducted on campus, and is the representation of the hard work and dedication of our students. Our goal was to provide innovative research, sophisticated and detailed design, and modern production techniques in the creation of this journal.

This year our theme is Reaching New Heights. Cal Poly’s beautiful campus is located between nine mountains known as the “Nine Sisters.” The team took inspiration from the surroundings and where we came from in the creation of this journal. Reaching New Heights is about not only meeting the requirements and industry standards, but creating our own path to exceed expectations. This desire to step up has lead our digital team to not only create a website, but also implement Augmented Reality effects within the journal. With our physical journal, the goal was to elevate the idea of a technical journal, and make it fun, interesting, and beautiful to read with a clean and inviting magazine-inspired layout.

Cal Poly is proud to continue the tradition of creating a journal by students. Following Cal Poly’s “Learn By Doing” motto, all research and production took place on campus, with the help of our advisor Professor Brian Lawler, and technician Dr. Peter Schlosser, whom we can’t thank enough.

Similar to climbing one of the mountains surrounding Cal Poly, there were challenges in producing an entirely student-made journal. However, Reaching New Heights is not about reaching an endpoint, but more of growing from the challenges encountered along the way. I am extremely proud of my team for the effort, time, and perseverance put into this design process. That said, please enjoy our journal.

Sincerely,