Dean’s Message

Dear friends and colleagues,

As engineers and computer scientists, we are relentless in our pursuit to provide a better, secure, healthier, and sustainable future for the next generations. In this edition of Engineering WV Magazine, we are excited to share stories of researchers who are pursuing reliable renewable energy sources, pioneering space weather research and forecasting, combating drug trafficking, and developing technologies to keep our military members safe. The Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources is proud to support these dedicated individuals as they build a better tomorrow.

However, engineers and computer scientists are not all work and no play. In this issue, we will also explore our student-athletes who go above and beyond to succeed in both sports and the classroom. You will read how the engineering discipline provides an edge to their dedicated sport and how balancing both engineering and athletics has prepared our students to tackle rigorous schedules and overcome challenging situations. It’s a privilege to guide these engineers, computer scientists and future leaders on their journey toward academic and athletic success.

I am incredibly proud of our students, faculty, staff and alumni since they set an example to the entire WVU Community and the world that greatness can be achieved through perseverance and determination. As Mountaineers, our curiosity and fortitude allow us to pursue world-changing discoveries and innovation. I am confident that we will continue to lead the way as we push the boundaries for what is possible to create a prosperous future. We are changing people’s lives through outstanding teaching, research, and service. This is an exciting time at the Statler College, and the future is nothing but bright!

Let’s go make a difference!

Pedro J. Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

DEAN

Pedro Mago pedro.mago@mail.wvu.edu | 304-293-4157

DIRECTOR

Marketing and Communications

J. Paige Nesbit jpnesbit@mail.wvu.edu | 304-293-4135

DESIGNER

Ruthie Deely

WRITERS

Alayna Fuller / Brittany Furbee / Tara Heffernan Shelby Hudnall / Olivia Miller / Micela Morrissette Cassie Rice / Jake Stump / Adrianne Uphold

EDITORS

Angela Caudill / Kathy DeWeese Brittany Furbee / J. Paige Nesbit

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonas Bredu / Garrett Cullen / J. Paige Nesbit Brian Persinger / Jennifer Shephard

ADDRESS

West Virginia University

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources PO Box 6070 Morgantown, WV 26506-6070 statler.wvu.edu

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

WVU Foundation / PO Box 1650 Morgantown, WV 26504-1650 e-mail: info@wvuf.org www.connecttowvu.com

ONLINE MAGAZINE AND CURRENT NEWS

Visit media.statler.wvu.edu for the online version of EngineeringWV magazine, additional stories and current news.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Statler College mission is to prepare students for success in their professional careers; to contribute to the advancement of society through learning, discovery, extension and service; and to stimulate economic wellbeing in West Virginia and the world through technical innovation, knowledge creation and educational excellence.

Engineering West Virginia is published twice each year, in spring and fall, for the alumni, friends and other supporters of the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

Copyright ©2022 by the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Brief excerpts of articles in this publication may be reprinted without a request for permission if Engineering West Virginia is acknowledged in print as the source. Contact the director for permission to reprint entire articles.