Five things to look forward to this school year

Summer break is winding down, and students and faculty at the McKelvey School of Engineering are preparing for another year of exams, research and academic achievements. While classes may not have been in session, that doesn’t mean things have been stagnant around campus. Here are a few of the biggest changes you’ll see when you return:

Welcome new faculty members

This fall, McKelvey Engineering will welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Unlike traditional environmental engineering programs with strong ties to civil engineering, this new degree has a chemical engineering flavor.

 

“The amount of physics, chemistry and math are somewhat similar,” said Pratim Biswas, the Lucy and Stanley Lopata Professor and chair of the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering. “But more chemistry, some biology, and more math is required in chemical engineering, which will help with environmental engineering.”

 

Environmental engineering students’ early coursework will closely mirror that of their chemical engineering peers. They can also branch out, pursuing elective classes offered in areas including climate change and the global impacts of aerosols, as well as an interdisciplinary sustainability exchange class offered collaboratively by several departments in the university.

 

Check out the makerspace in Jubel Hall

Jubel Hall is now home to the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science and to the brand-new Spartan Light Metal Products Makerspace.

 

“The makerspace will accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship across Washington University,” said Philip Bayly, the Lilyan and E. Lisle Hughes Professor and department chair. “It will provide a place where innovators can bring to life designs for addressing society’s challenges.

 

The space provides students, faculty and staff with access to 3D printers and scanners, plasma cutters, computer-controlled milling machines, and lathes for cutting metal to create everything from tech products and biomedical devices to sculptures and architectural mock-ups. Makerspace members must complete a basic online safety training module, as well as an in-person orientation to gain access to use the equipment.

 

Attend the new Career Spotlight event

n addition to the annual Internship and Job Career fair, this year, McKelvey Engineering will host the first Career Spotlight from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Students and faculty will have the opportunity to network with dozens of companies and learn more about industry internship and job opportunities.

 

“Through collaboration with McKelvey Engineering faculty and staff, Alumni & Development, and the Career Center, the McKelvey Engineering Career Spotlight event combines the spirit of the Engineering SLAM and EECE Career Day into one significant event for students,” said Kelli Delfosse, director of Industry Relations and Career Engagement. “Whether you’re a first-year student exploring careers and companies or a PhD student targeting a professional career in industry, it’s an event you will not want to miss.”

 

Organizers plan to host between 40 and 50 national companies of all sizes — from Fortune 500 companies to startups. Participating companies will include Google, Facebook, Raytheon, Square and ExxonMobil.

 

Taste the new offerings at Stanley’s

Located in Lopata Hall, Stanley’s offers campus diners a selection of baked goods, sandwiches, salads and hot drinks every weekday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, the café has updated its menu to include items such as a Tempeh BBQ Sandwich, Grilled Chicken & Bacon Cobb Salad and Alpine Polish Sausage Sandwich.

 

“Stanley’s menu is driven by flavor and local inspiration,” said Patrick McElroy, executive chef with Bon Appetit. “We’re excited about the new menu changes and know the community will be as well."

 

Along with the new menu items, Stanley’s will also offer bi-weekly specials highlighting dishes and ingredients such as loaded baked potatoes, shawarma and meat carvery. On Wednesdays during EnCouncil’s Cheap Lunch, they plan to offer alternative side options including small salads, fruit salads and specialty desserts.

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• Graduate Students
• Undergraduate Students
• Electrical & Systems Engineering
• Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Science & Engineering