A Guide to the University of Kentucky College of Engineering • 2013-2014
You may be surprised to learn that engineering has been a critical component of the University of Kentucky’s mission since its founding nearly 150 years ago. According to the terms of the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862, the institution that would come to be known as the University of Kentucky was to offer courses in areas considered to be the lifeblood of Kentuckians: agriculture and mechanical engineering. Since that time, the engineering programs offered through the College of Engineering have substantially increased. UK now offers nine different undergraduate degrees in engineering through seven departments and is the top-ranked engineering school in Kentucky. This is good news because our world needs engineers. Engineers identify needs, solve
Dr. John Y. Walz Dean
problems and create new possibilities and products. Without engineers infrastructure collapses, innovation perishes and the products that improve our lives—whether lifesaving drug formulations or eye-popping graphics—remain unrealized ideas. The UK College of Engineering, with its rich history of anticipating the need for engineers and offering top-notch programs, is well-positioned to train, develop, mentor and graduate highly qualified professional engineers able to tackle our world’s toughest challenges. If you want a career with high earning potential that will never be obsolete, I strongly encourage you to not only consider a degree in engineering, but to earn one at UK! Sincerely,
John Y. Walz, Dean
WHY ENGINEERING AT UK? • The College of Engineering is a vital part of the University of Kentucky – we’ve been training young men and women to be engineers for almost 150 years. • Nine diverse degree offerings mean there is something for everyone. • The College of Engineering prides itself on providing ample opportunities for undergraduate student research. • Our faculty have won more National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Awards than Kentucky’s other state institutions – combined. • Through the Cooperative Education Program and internships, students earn money while receiving experience that will add to their resume…and their career. Take a tour of our degree offerings and decide which discipline is
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collaboration
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tuition, financial aid and scholarships
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MISSION
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student involvement
To provide education, research and service in a scholarly environment in a way that:
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right for you. That’s the beauty of engineering: no matter what you like to do or where you choose to do it, you’ll always be in demand.
• prepares our students for successful professional careers; • addresses the changing needs of our other constituents; and
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• responds to the technological challenges facing the Commonwealth and the nation.
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see collaboration. We believe the key to innovative thinking and world-changing discoveries is collaboration—moving past the boundaries of disciplines, departments, universities and countries in order to produce results that would not otherwise be possible. Our “stars” are the faculty and students who link with others to lend expertise, share ideas and launch new initiatives.
Sen-Ching (Samson) Cheung is researching autism therapies using a “virtual mirror”— new display and image processing technologies for synthesizing self-model and mirror feedback imageries. The goal is to enhance the delivery of behavior therapy to individuals with autism and related disorders. His research is part of a collaborative effort involving the College of Education, Department of Psychology and a professor of pediatrics at UCLA.
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Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments Through multi-disciplinary research projects that encompass the fields of engineering, history, medicine, science, technology and art, the Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments (the Vis Center) brings together innovative researchers for the common goal of creating technology that transforms how we see the world. The Vis Center engages undergraduate students in research projects pertaining to immersive environments, imaging, 3D, audio systems and user experience.
The UK Solar Car Team is a multi-disciplinary group dedicated to producing a competition vehicle powered entirely by solar power. All undergraduate students are eligible to join. 3
see your future. tuition, financial aid and scholarships. Scholarships
MISSION
engineering education at UK very affordable whenenvironment compared in a ToAn provide education, research andisservice in a scholarly with other university programs. The College of Engineering awards way that: merit scholarships based on high school grade point averages our students successful and ACT or SATprepares scores. There are also for some financialprofessional need basedcareers; scholarships that consider GPA and standardized tests scores, but also addresses the changing needs of our other constituents; and writing ability and overall leadership potential. Here are some of the responds to the technological challenges the Commonwealth and the scholarships we encourage students facing to apply for: nation.
Financial Need Based Awards In addition to the Free Application to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the college also awards funding based on financial need. Each year we recognize students who, without the help of college scholarships, would not be able to attend UK. Typically these renewable awards range between $3,000 and $7,500 per year and are available for eight semesters. To apply for these awards, students must fill out a separate financial need based scholarship application from the College of Engineering. Contact scholarship coordinator Mary-Michael McDonald for more information.
Thomas W. Lester Scholarship Program Named after the longest-tenured dean in the College of Engineering’s history (1990-2012), Lester Scholars can receive up to $12,000 for their four years of college. To compete, incoming freshmen must have a minimum 29 composite ACT score, a minimum 33 math ACT score and a 3.5 high school GPA and fill out an engineering scholarship application. www.engr.uky.edu/scholarships
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University of Kentucky Main Campus Scholarships While the college offers need based and merit based scholarships, incoming students should not overlook potential scholarships from UK’s main campus. The Otis A. Singletary Scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship are academic scholarships available to incoming freshmen. www.uky.edu/academicscholarships
Message from Mary-Michael McDonald Scholarship Coordinator
Mary-Michael McDonald Scholarship Coordinator 369 Ralph G. Anderson Building Lexington, KY 40506-0503 859-257-0569 marymichael.mcdonald@uky.edu
We believe financial hardship should never eliminate a student’s opportunity to pursue an engineering education at UK. Avail yourself to every possible scholarship and, while attending UK, sign up for co-op rotations and internships. Our company partners pay student interns and co-ops extremely well, defraying education and living expenses not covered by scholarships. It’s your future— don’t miss out! We’re here to help.
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Engineering Residential College
Location
The Engineering Residential College is an opportunity for students who are passionate about pursuing a career in engineering or computer science. This residential experience complements the classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and enhancement. In addition, ERC provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering deans and faculty, advisors and alumni representatives from industry.
All students who participate in the Engineering Residential College will have private bedrooms at Champions Court I -- one of the brand new residence halls to be completed by fall 2014.
Learning Outcome
Programs
Through participation in the Engineering Residential College, a student:
The Engineering Residential College also offers the following programs and activities:
• Will engage more frequently in outside classroom interactions with faculty and academic partners. • Will engage in integrated activities within the classroom and residence hall environment that support UK’s academic curriculum. • Will establish and maintain healthy relationships through social networks and inclusion. • Will utilize and enhance leadership and critical thinking skills. • Will demonstrate a stronger commitment to, and awareness of, issues related to civic engagement and global citizenship.
• Free tutoring and pizza offered every Monday evening • Workshops on preparing for graduate school and internships • Dr Pepper Hour - a weekly informal chat with a College of Engineering faculty member about his/her research or some current topic involving engineering or computer science, served along with Dr Pepper floats • Periodic site visits to local industries that employ engineering and computer science graduates
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see involvement. Cooperative Education An exciting educational opportunity offered to College of Engineering students is the Cooperative Education Program. Students alternate a semester of study with a semester of employment, giving them one full year of hands-on experience prior to graduation. The co-op program integrates theory learned in the classroom with its practical application in industry. Participation in the program is an invaluable way for students to increase their marketability as they combine classroom learning with guidance from qualified professionals. Roughly one-third of UK‘s eligible engineering and computer science students elect to participate in co-op. Co-op students can earn $14-$30 per hour while in the program and often receive permanent job offers before they receive their diplomas.
Student Organizations Students repeatedly affirm that the best way to put your classroom knowledge to work is through one of the College of Engineering’s 30 student organizations. Whether unique to particular majors or interdisciplinary, our student organizations allow students to gain leadership experience, network with fellow engineering students, travel to conferences, participate in national and international competitions, engage in community outreach and more.
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biosystems engineering. Are you concerned about the environment and desire a career where your skills and expertise make a tangible contribution to a safer, healthier planet? Get equipped to create solutions to our world’s most imposing environmental challenges with a degree in biosystems engineering. Why biosystems engineering at UK? UK is the only university in Kentucky to offer a degree in biosystems engineering. The breadth of biosystems engineering allows for specialization in diverse areas such as machine systems, automation engineering, food and bioprocess engineering, controlled environment systems and bioenvironmental engineering.
A degree in biosystems engineering is excellent preparation for graduate studies at UK’s Center for Biomedical Engineering and also fulfills the requirements for admission to veterinary school. Industries looking for you: • • • • • • •
Renewable fuel technologies Natural resource conservation Biotechnology and biomedical engineering Food processing Large-scale machine design Heating, cooling, ventilation and air quality design Veterinary medicine
Average starting salary $55,000
At the University of Kentucky’s North Farm, a stream reach runs between two horse paddocks on the Maine Chance/Spindletop Farm. It had been dry and largely void of vegetation and wildlife. Biosystems engineering professor Carmen Agouridis gave students real-world experience in all phases of a stream restoration process. Now newly planted trees and wildflowers align the banks of the stream, which is fed from a spring and flows about three months out of the year. 10
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chemical engineering. Interested in developing new sources of fuel or getting into the lucrative field of biopharmaceuticals? A degree in chemical engineering prepares you to turn your interest in environmental protection, medicine or biotechnology into a prosperous career. Why chemical engineering at UK? Chemical engineering students may pursue a specialized biopharmaceutical track, which offers classes within the UK College of Pharmacy—one of the top 5 pharmacy schools in the country. The chemical engineering curriculum is highly recommended for students considering medical school. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and Cooperative
Education programs involve undergraduate students in meaningful research and real-life chemical engineering challenges. Industries looking for you: • • • • • • •
Alternative energy Renewable fuel technologies Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology and bioengineering Food processing Cosmetics Consumer products
Average starting salary $67,600
How meaningful are the research opportunities available to chemical engineering undergraduates? Anastasia Kruse (B.S. 2012), pictured with professor Kimberly Ward Anderson, spent a summer in the REU program working with drug delivery applications for cancer therapies. As a result of her research experience, Anastasia is continuing her research at UK and earning a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. 12 12
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civil engineering. Have you ever imagined admiring a skyscraper, suspension bridge or dam, knowing you had played a role in the technical design? Or, have you ever studied clogged transportation routes and thought, “I have a few ideas…”? If so, be a part of developing tomorrow’s infrastructure through the diverse disciplines of civil engineering. Why civil engineering at UK? Emphasis in geotechnical, environmental, transportation, construction and structural engineering allows students to discover which area of civil engineering is right for them. The Kentucky Transportation Center—the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s research and training arm—is located in the engineering quadrangle, providing research opportunities with easy access for students focused on transportation engineering.
Laboratories such as the Hydrosystems, Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Laboratories create space for students to interact with professors on contemporary civil engineering problems. Industries looking for you: • • • • • • • •
Construction and architecture Utility companies Energy companies Telecommunications businesses Manufacturing Consulting firms Transportation State and federal governmental agencies
Average starting salary $57,300
Civil engineering professor Issam Harik, new graduates Abheetha Peiris and Clay Greenwell and undergraduate Cody Cousins work with the materials that will become CatStrong carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer panels. The small, lightweight panels were developed by Harik and are designed to reduce the work hours required to repair broken concrete in bridges and buildings. 14 14
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computer engineering. Our world has embraced the Digital Age, but computers are not limited to supercomputers, PCs and the internet; they are also embedded in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), cars, cell phones, cameras, appliances, toys, etc. Computer engineers are the people who enable devices to interact and behave in more intelligent, efficient and useful ways. Why computer engineering at UK? The computer engineering faculty is known for pioneering work in fields ranging from cluster supercomputing and networking to UAVs and satellites. Our faculty takes pride not only in advancing theory, but also proving our new ideas experimentally: we create what’s next. The small size of this burgeoning program means that even as undergraduates, students are not only taught by top faculty, but encouraged to work directly with them on state-of-the-art research.
Computer engineering draws upon and integrates electrical engineering and computer science. Graduates can work on any or all aspects of computer systems, from hardware design to application software. Industries looking for you: • • • • • • •
Personal computing Automotive Aerospace Computer hardware Optics Communications Manufacturing
Average starting salary $71,700
“Our first job is serving the students, especially the undergraduate students,” says professor Hank Dietz, pictured making adjustments to a cluster supercomputer with Matt Wiggins, who graduated in May. His actions back his claim; over the last two years, he has included more than 60 undergraduate students on research projects. 16
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computer science. Want a career in a growing, financially-rewarding industry where you will always be at the forefront of creating tomorrow’s hottest products? Find out what computer science is all about. Why computer science at UK? Our faculty is comprised of experts in application development, networks, security, artificial intelligence, graphics and other components of our increasingly digital world. Computer science students have opportunities to conduct research with the Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments (the Vis Center),
housed at the recently opened Davis Marksbury Building—phase II of UK’s “Digital Village.” Industries looking for you: • • • • • •
Software development Entertainment Medicine Telecommunications Digital media Businesses of all kinds
Average starting salary $64,800
Professor Brent Seales has a passion for using 21st century technology to preserve the traces of ancient cultures before the relics disappear forever. His EDUCE project (Enhanced Digital Unwrapping for Conservation and Exploration) developed hardware and software systems that unwrap and visualize ancient texts. The non-invasive process captures ancient papyri and scrolls in digital form then virtually “unrolls” the scroll. Seales recently completed a one year sabbatical at Google in Paris, France, where he worked to develop technology and processes to unwrap portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls. 18
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electrical engineering. Demand for a greener world means increased demand for engineers who know how to responsibly harness and invent new sources of power and energy. Let UK show you how a degree in electrical engineering can put you at the leading edge of one of our world’s biggest challenges. Why electrical engineering at UK? Students interested in concentrating their studies can earn a certificate in nano-technology through the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CeNSE). The Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky (PEIK) provides both aspiring and practicing engineers with the innovative education they will need to join the 21st century power engineering workforce. There are plentiful occasions for student travel to national conferences
through membership in the student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Industries looking for you: • Consulting firms • Aerospace • Automotive • Professional and scientific equipment • Computers and electronics • Communications • Medical technology • Public utilities • Regulatory agencies • Wherever there is an on/off switch! Average starting salary $63,400
Photovoltaic devices are instrumental to electrical engineering professor Vijay Singh’s work with thin film solar cells. As the director of the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Singh is involved in highly multi-disciplinary research projects with professional engineers, as well as students like Brandon Isaac, who graduated in May. 20 18
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materials engineering. Metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, nano-materials… groundbreaking technologies can’t exist apart from the materials used to create them. Work at the cusp of rapidly changing technological advancements studying the structure, properties and performance of a wide range of substances as a materials engineer. Why materials engineering at UK? The size of the materials engineering program lends itself to a tightly-knit community of students who participate in several collaborative projects over the course of their degree. The discipline of materials engineering has overlapping connections with other programs within the College of Engineering, such as chemical, mechanical and civil engineering.
Currently, the student-to-professor ratio in the materials engineering program is approximately 7:1. Industries looking for you: • Metals processing, ceramics, electronic materials and plastics • Biomaterials, implants and medical prosthetics • Automotive • Aerospace • Construction • Telecommunications • Power and energy • Military and governmental agencies • National laboratories Average starting salary $65,000
After a 20 year career at the General Motors Research & Development Center, Y.T. Cheng joined the materials engineering faculty at UK, where he is teaching and working on research projects ranging from lithium ion batteries to magnesium alloys for biomedical implants. The prolific professor has written over 150 publications and possesses 39 U.S. patents with more pending. 22
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mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers design the future! From aerospace to manufacturing and aviation to acoustics, a degree in mechanical engineering can prepare you for an exciting career in a variety of industries.
Student organizations such as Weightless Wildcats, the Solar Car Team and the student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) allow students to integrate their classroom instruction with extracurricular competitions, service projects and outreach.
Why mechanical engineering at UK?
Industries looking for you:
Mechanical engineering students may receive formalized recognition of an emphasis in aerospace subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program through the Aerospace Certificate Program. The Department of Mechanical Engineering enjoys a rich history as F. Paul Anderson, the first dean of the College of Engineering, was a pioneer in the field of air conditioning; in 1916, Margaret Ingels became the first woman graduate of the College of Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree.
• Aerospace • Manufacturing • Industrial equipment design • Consulting firms • Government agencies • Energy and environmental solutions • Aviation Average starting salary $64,000
Scott Ashcraft, B.S. 2013, adjusts an aircraft’s avionics under the watchful eye of mechanical engineering professor Sean Bailey. In the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laboratory, undergraduate students have the opportunity to use sophisticated technology and conduct experiments to help them gain a better understanding of aviation, aeronautics and astronautics. 24 22
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mining engineering. “Mining? Do we still do that?” Not only is mining vital for obtaining the minerals and metals we need for everyday consumer products and energy, it relies on intelligent, responsible engineers who can put their knowledge of mine design, ventilation, excavation, explosives and safety to work. Increase your earning potential as a mining engineer. Why mining engineering at UK? UK’s Department of Mining Engineering is one of only 13 such programs in the nation. Students who earn scholarships and participate in the summer internship program can graduate from UK debt free.
Companies come to UK’s campus to recruit students for summer internships and full-time employment. Summer employment opportunities pay anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 per summer and employers often cover travel and lodging expenses. Industries looking for you: • Surface and underground mining • Coal mining • Phosphate mining • Explosives • Geotechnical engineering firms • Reclamation engineering companies • Regulatory agencies Average starting salary $65,000
Professor Braden Lusk gained national exposure with a recurring role on the Discovery Channel’s show The Detonators, but the undergraduate students who conduct explosives engineering research with him in his underground lab receive personal, hands-on instruction in one of the mining industry’s most needed skills.
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the recruiting team. UK’s College of Engineering is home to the most academically talented students attending the university and offers more undergraduate scholarships than all other colleges at UK combined! Choosing to obtain an engineering education at UK is a decision that will shape a secure and profitable career path with the potential to positively impact the world. But don’t take our word for it—come see for yourself. Schedule a visit and let us show you the people, places and programs of the topranked engineering school in Kentucky. see the labs. No matter what engineering discipline interests you, we have fully functional laboratories operating throughout the year. Let us show you where breakthroughs happen. see the research. You just read of many ways undergraduate students can become involved in meaningful research. Let us give you a closer look that will enable you to talk with students sharpening their skills by getting their hands dirty. see the campus. We are located on the spacious, picturesque grounds of the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Set in the heart of the Bluegrass, Lexington boasts an impressive combination of cosmopolitan amenities and small town charm you won’t find anywhere else. We look forward to meeting you in person and helping you get started on your journey in the University of Kentucky College of Engineering.
James Ballard Western Kentucky Recruiter 859-257-0553 • jamesballard@uky.edu Tony Colella Director of Recruitment Central and Eastern Kentucky Recruiter 859-257-0552 • joseph.colella@uky.edu William Henderson Minority/Diversity and Out-of-State Recruiter 859-257-2451 • william.henderson@uky.edu Visit www.engr.uky.edu/visit to schedule a College of Engineering Grand Tour!
The College of Engineering is proud to have eleven campus buildings named for alumni, including 1939 Mechanical Engineering graduate William T. Young. The William T. Young Library is the cornerstone of UK’s library system. It boasts the largest book endowment of any public university. 385 Ralph G. Anderson Building Lexington, KY 40506-0503 visit@engr.uky.edu facebook.com/ukengineering @ukengineering
SCHEDULE A VISIT www.engr.uky.edu/visit