In keeping with the focus of Liberty University to integrate Christ and the Gospel into every degree, subject, and field, the School of Engineering strives to view the field of engineering through God’s perspective, which we call Creationeering® — embracing both engineering and entrepreneurship to develop a technical ecosystem.
This year, we have continued to make significant progress toward our vision for Creationeering®. Our Creationeering® Club and technical entrepreneurship minor seek to support students’ ideas, research, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Industrial and systems engineering student Joshua Alatis won the Best Undergraduate Student Creationeering® Award this past year for his energy in organizing the Creationeering® Club.
The School of Engineering now has approximately 1,500 students, with over 700 residential and 800 online students — a significant growth rate from the 400 in 2019 when I became dean. Our graduate program has over 120 M.S. students and 30 Ph.D. students after its beginning in 2020.
Our faculty and students continue to work diligently to conduct research using the resources at Liberty University. Mohsin Al-Taie won the Best Graduate Student Research Award this year, and Dr. Hector Medina won the Best Researcher Award for faculty.
This year, God has given me a tremendous opportunity to coordinate with other universities, labs, and corporations to develop the Virginia Innovation Nuclear (VIN) Hub to support the next generation of energy sources for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.
I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, and corporate partners in Training Champions for Christ, who are sent out as Creationeers® to impact the world.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Horstemeyer Dean
Creating Community to Grow God-inspired Ideas
type, and commercialization.
Creationeering® is integrating engineering (creating what never existed through knowledge revealed by the Creator) and entrepreneurship (creating businesses for the good of mankind and the glory of God) through His methods.
to form teams that will start businesses.
The Café fosters connections with students with various skill sets needed to start a business. Students from different majors, such as business, engineering, computer science, graphic design, marketing, sales, videography, and social media, are connected to form teams that will start businesses.
At the weekly Creationeer® Café meetings, students with new product ideas are coached and prepared to compete at the annual Create Fest pitch competition. At this “shark-tank” style competition, students pitch their business or product idea for prize money up to $10,000. Winners not only receive money but also gain mentoring opportunities from seasoned and successful entrepreneurs. Create Fest combines engineering minds and business savvy to develop marketable inventions.
Do you have an idea for a product or business? The Creationeer® Café is the place for students to grow their God-inspired new product ideas. Students are coached and mentored through the various stages of product development: discovery, validation, innovation, prototype, and commercialization.
At the weekly Creationeer® Café meetings, students with new product ideas are coached and prepared to compete at the annual Create Fest pitch competition. At this "Shark Tank"style competition, students pitch their business or product idea for prize money up to $10,000. Winners not only receive money but also gain mentoring opportunities from seasoned and successful entrepreneurs. Create Fest combines engineering minds and business savvy to develop marketable inventions.
Students are also granted free access to an entrepreneurial course created by Liberty alumni David and Jason Benham. Expert Ownership Early Years was designed specifically for young Christian people.
The Café fosters connections with students with various skill sets needed to start a business. Students with different majors, such as business, engineering, computer science, graphic design, marketing, sales, videography, and social media, are connected
Students are also granted free access to an entrepreneurial course created by Liberty alumni David and Jason Benham. Expert Ownership Early Years was designed specifically for young Christian people.
To learn more about Expert Ownership, scan here:
To learn more about Create Fest, scan here:
Creationeer® Creed: Pray. Think. Create ... all glory to God!
Dr. Atwater’s research group’s work is primarily based on material development through mechanical alloying. In that process, they start with elemental ingredients and mix them using mechanical forces in the solid state. Because the process is versatile and can create unique mixtures that are not possible or practical when melted, it has many applications
Dr. Atwater is studying the production of metal foams using mixtures of metals (such as copper) and oxides (such as cupric oxide). The oxides are mixed throughout the metal to create a composite. Then the oxides are converted to pure metal at a high temperature in a hydrogen environment. This process forms steam, which causes the surrounding metal to expand and creates a pore in the metal matrix. This happens at thousands of sites and results in pores forming throughout the aggregate. The benefits are that this process is simple, uses no hazardous chemicals, and has no waste products. Metal foams can be used in traditional powder metal processes, which means the process is directly applicable to current manufacturing strategies.
Dr. Atwater is also trying to balance the strength-ductility tradeoff using patterned surface deformation in metals. When deformed, most metals and alloys become stronger but also more brittle. He is developing and applying a computer-controlled positioning and impact device to precisely control the amount and location of strengthening. Shot peening has been used for decades to strengthen metal surfaces, but a newer technique called Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) has been shown to create a gradient nanocrystalline structure that can add significant strength. It is important to note that SMAT relies on impacts from ball bearings with randomized locations, velocities, and trajectories. By controlling and measuring the impact characteristics, the SMAT method will provide a new tool for fundamental studies of grain refinement and a practical means for strengthening parts. The technology is based on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) positioning and pneumatic impacts, which are mature technologies and fully scalable for use in industry.
Some exploratory work involves metal 3D printing to develop advanced alloys suitable for commercial printers and in-situ mechanical testing (in a scanning electron microscope). In addition, Dr. Atwater’s research group is applying carbon nanofiber hybrid materials for lightweight structural composites and functional applications (such as water purification and electrodes).
At Liberty University School of Engineering, we recognize the unique challenges that student-athletes face. We are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel in their chosen sport and strive for academic excellence in their engineering studies.
Forty-plus engineering student-athletes compete in intercollegiate and club sports, including:
• Archery
• Baseball
• Crew
• Cross Country
• Equestrian
• Field Hockey
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Racquetball
• Rock Climbing
• Ski & Snowboard
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Taekwondo
• Track & Field
• Triathlon
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Wrestling
The following quotes are from recent and current student-athletes who participated in the engineering program:
“The engineering department has been accommodating and understanding of the time commitment to both athletics and academics. The dean and the advisors make sure our classes fit with practices, and they are always available for help when needed.”
LUKE ANDERSON
Mechanical Engineering/Track & Field
“I have benefited from LU engineering as a student-athlete through the amazing support of the professors and faculty. They allowed me to pursue my engineering dreams while balancing playing soccer, and I couldn't be more grateful for that!”
BRIDGETTE HERMAN
Mechanical Engineering/Soccer
Bridgette Herman | Soccer
“The beauty of endurance sports is that I am able to work on complex and difficult problems while training. There’s nothing like working out a tricky thermodynamics problem while on a long run. Engineering lets me keep my mind busy during hard workouts. It’s great!”
SKYLAR WAECHTER
Mechanical Engineering/Triathlon
Skylar Waechter | Triathlon
Luke Anderson | Track & Field
“The School of Engineering adamantly encourages its students to pursue extracurricular activities, and the professors are always understanding if I have to miss classes for a competition.”
“I have benefited from LU engineering as a student-athlete by growing my time management skills. Balancing sports life and an engineering degree is not an easy task, but it has been a great way to learn balance in my everyday life.”
“One way being an engineering student-athlete has benefited me is with time management skills. As an engineering major, I often have a lot of work to do, and being an athlete creates even more of a time crunch. However, I have developed a good system now and am able to get my assignments done well and on time.”
“Since archery is a mechanical activity, the engineering courses I have taken have given me insight into how to improve in my sport. Studying mechanical engineering concepts, such as dynamics and statics, has helped me better visualize the physics of archery. In addition, the high expectations of being an engineering student at LU have forced me to improve my time management skills and discipline to improve as a Club Sports athlete.”
Q: A:
What was it like to go through the engineering program here at Liberty University while playing for the basketball team?
I came to Liberty University as a transfer student during my sophomore year and was fully thrust into engineering along with all my responsibilities as a basketball player. It was a lot to take in as a college student, but I am so thankful for it. Because of travel, I had to work with various professors to complete assignments on time, but the community I met within engineering is still with me to this day. I have really close friends whom I met within the engineering school. Now I have been given the opportunity to play basketball in China and am married with two kids. I am glad for the experience I had within the engineering school at Liberty University.
GAVIN MOUNT Electrical Engineering/Lacrosse
JOHN HUTCHINSON Industrial and Systems Engineering/Equestrian
W. JONAH RHODENIZER Mechanical Engineering/Swimming
HARRY ROGISH Mechanical Engineering/Archery
John Hutchinson | Equestrian
Harry Rogish | Archery
Gavin Mount | Lacrosse
W. Jonah Rhodenizer | Swimming
Dr. Howie Fang is a new professor and the chair of the civil and mechanical engineering department. He taught at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte for 16 years before coming to Liberty University in Fall 2022. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. His favorite part about Liberty is the people and Christ-centered curriculum. He is passionate about developing a strong engineering program at Liberty to fulfill God’s will for him.
Dr. Tate Fonville arrived at Liberty in the summer of 2019 as the first engineering graduate student and received his Ph.D. in May 2022. He is continuing his research in computational biomechanics and simulation-based systems design optimization. His primary responsibilities include directing the competition team program and the summer camp program. He is also revamping our introduction to engineering fundamentals and senior capstone programs. His favorite part about being at Liberty is directly interacting with many students as a teacher, mentor, and discipler.
Dr. Hyunjoong Kim worked in civil engineering and risk analysis at an international firm for four years. Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Seoul National University in South Korea and has been researching structural health monitoring and engineering risk analysis. This semester, he is teaching steel structure design and probability and statistical method. His favorite parts about Liberty University are the family-like work atmosphere, the humble and kind people, and the research-oriented mindsets implanted in the LUSE.
Dr. Kalehiwot Manahiloh joined LUSE in Fall 2021. He earned a Ph.D. in 2013 and a P.E. license in Civil Engineering in 2016, and he has 19 years of professional experience, with 50% in academia. He teaches capstone, soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering lab, mechanics of materials, introduction to engineering, and engineering economy. Dr. Manahiloh loves Liberty University because it is the place that affords everyone the freedom to serve the Lord.
Bryon Ringley’s first semester here was Fall 2022. He spent the previous 24 years with private consulting firms planning, designing, and constructing public works projects. He earned a Master of Science in Hazardous and Waste Materials Management from Southern Methodist University and is starting a Ph.D. here at Liberty University. He teaches computeraided design for civil engineers, project and construction management, and professional practice. He loves helping students see how God has designed the world so they can design, improve, and maintain infrastructure for society.
Dr. Ola-lekan Shobayo’s first semester here was Spring 2022. He worked in manufacturing, facilities maintenance, and project management in the private sectors of multinational organizations for 10 years. He has an M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma following his transfer from Mississippi State University with over six years of graduate research and teaching experience in fluid engineering and computational fluid dynamics. This semester, he is teaching computer-aided engineering and dynamics. He is passionate about the ministry of Christ and appreciates that the Liberty community promotes Christianity.
Nathaniel Werner joined Liberty in Spring 2022 after completing his Ph.D. coursework at Penn State University in University Park. He expects his Ph.D. to be conferred in May 2023. His research interests are in the connections of biomimetics (how humanity can replicate God’s creation) and fluid mechanics, primarily regarding animal flight and swimming. He teaches fluid mechanics, heat transfer, computer-aided engineering, and the School of Engineering’s fluid-thermal engineering lab course.
Michael Zamperini served as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard for many years before arriving at Liberty University in 2019. He worked for three years doing data analytics in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Liberty before coming to the School of Engineering. He earned his M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Penn State University and taught mathematics and operations research courses at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for four years. He enjoys working toward the mission of Liberty University by encouraging students to develop a strong Christian worldview that will affect everything about how they see and interact with the world around them. This semester, he is teaching engineering economy, data analytics, and computer simulation.
“My instructors are always challenging me intellectually, and I have been able to apply some of the knowledge I have learned directly to issues in my workplace. In one case, this broader perception afforded me the opportunity to increase the output of shipping in the company I work for from 8,000 units per day to 24,000 units per day. As a result of that one improvement, I won the company's Kaizen of the Year Award. My journey in higher education at Liberty University is fine-tuning many of the skills I already have and is sharpening my thought processes. It also enhances my ability to think 'outside of the box' through an expanded 'lens' with a clearer perspective.”
Industrial Engineering Technology
“At Liberty University, we are researching unmanned aerial systems to detect groundwater in third-world countries. This research is valuable for helping underdeveloped countries produce drinking water. We are also exploring the use of drones to analyze flooding risks.”
AMBER LYNCH
Mechanical Engineering
“The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter at Liberty University is designed to connect civil engineers. ASCE meetings help civil engineers network. We have corporate engineers to speak to the students. ASCE also helps advise our civil engineering competition teams. Our goal is to train civil engineers to leave Liberty University with connections for life.”
Katherine Craig, a junior in industrial and systems engineering, won second place in the technical paper competition at the Institution of Industrial and Systems Engineers Regional Conference held at North Carolina State University March 3-5, 2023. She received an award and a monetary prize for her paper titled “ModelBased Systems Engineering Analysis of Radio Frequency and Optical Communications for Deep Space Communication.”
Out of 434 teams from 11 countries, Liberty University had two teams place in the top 10. Fourth place and a $500 prize went to Team GJIM, Ian Cuteo, Mason Fair, Graham Rogers, and Jackson Seely. Team AIMM, Anna Aintablian, Mikayla Carnathan, Matthew Nenninger, and Isabelle Perdew came in eighth place with an honorable mention.
Q: A:
What was it like to be the first to graduate with a Ph.D. from the School of Engineering at Liberty University?
My experience getting my Ph.D. from Liberty University was unique but ultimately very fulfilling. Through a lot of prayer and simply trusting God, I moved from Mississippi State University to Lynchburg to continue to study and research with Dr. Horstemeyer when he became dean and to help him build the engineering school’s graduate program. I knew this was God’s will because He had just started to open doors and provided me with many opportunities to help expand the school. Upon completion of my Ph.D., I was hired as an assistant professor for the school. I feel I am working where God has called me and that teaching here at Liberty University has become my mission to use engineering for God and to be a Champion for Christ.
Q: A:
What would be some advice you could give your younger self?
Just be patient and trust God. I have learned from various experiences throughout my life that patience is the key to being able to trust God in every circumstance. As an undergraduate student, I felt like school was so long, and I would never want to do graduate school. However, God opened a door for me to get my master’s and then opened another door for me to get my Ph.D. from Liberty. Just trusting God and waiting for His will is what I would say is key.
President, ASCE Student Chapter“Working at Chevrolet has been the experience of a lifetime. Starting as an engineering student at Liberty University, I never imagined that I could one day be working for one of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the world. I am grateful for the experiences and real-time instruction I received from my professors. Having to work as a team on various group projects helped prepare me for the work I do today. The classes I took helped me to learn and gain new insight into the aspects of engineering I didn’t know. For example, in statics, I learned how motion with an object worked, and I am using the knowledge I gained from that class almost every day at Chevrolet.”
To read more about how Emrik’s opportunity to design a race car at Liberty helped him secure a job with General Motors, scan here.
“I work on Hardware in the Loop (HiL) and Driver in the Loop (DiL) simulators to further GM’s capability of virtually developing vehicles before building any physical cars. Three main things I learned while an engineering student at Liberty that are helpful to me in my job at GM are: problemsolving, knowing when to ask for help, and teamwork.
Engineering is simply problem-solving at its core. I learned how, by gathering the right information, to gain an understanding of completing tasks I previously didn’t understand.
Knowing when to ask for help is a great skill as a young engineer, and I credit developing this skill from the hours I spent with my professors getting help with coursework during their office hours.
Nothing in my job is a solo effort. All the work I do now is within the function of a team. From learning to be a strong team player in group projects to being on the Formula SAE team, my understanding and ability to contribute as a team player have developed extensively.
I highly recommend that all engineering students seek out an opportunity to join one of the Liberty teams, whether a lab tech, competition team, or research group.”
Mechanical Engineering 2020/M.A. in Engineering 2022
The Liberty Engineering alumni family continues to grow and provide networking opportunities. A new opportunity to develop community is through our Liberty University Community Engineering Group. Alumni and students can connect through this group to offer or request mentoring. This is also an excellent place for alumni to post job opportunities within their company and for students looking for jobs and internships to connect with a Liberty Engineering alumna/alumnus. The local Lynchburg area alumni chapter is a great place to discover and foster new friendships.
We look forward to connecting with you!
BEN DAVIDSON President LU Engineering Alumni Family Computer Engineering 2018 Emrik Vandermark & Eric Turman