march 2009 issue
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Student Column
Eng Students Bound for Nationals
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BY JOCELYN WESTWOOD |
BY JOCELYN WESTWOOD
U of A Student Columnist
(Engineering)
Several different categories at the Western Engineering Competition were graced with a University of Alberta presence and competitive spirit, Jan. 21-25 in Regina. In all, 13 students made up our delegation, and two teams are off this month to the Canadian Engineering Competition in Fredericton.
Students who took part thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the opportunity to meet engineering students from other schools in Western Canada. We had competitors in junior design and, with one two-person team, in debate. Also, teams of four U of A students competed in both the consulting engineering and innovative design categories.
The innovative design team took home second-place honours, using its knowledge and engineering skills to secure a berth in New Brunswick, March 5 to 8 in the Canadian Engineering Competition. Members are Matthew Min, Eugene Chen and two APEGGA student members, Khushaal Kalra and Ivan Chan.
Also finishing second and qualifying for the CEC were the consulting engineering team, made up of Amanda Schneck, Robbie Hames, Mark Hlady and Andrew Malcolm, all of them APEGGA student members.
During the innovative design competition, students showcased a creative solution to an existing problem, or demonstrated a new and imaginative product. Designs were then judged on innovation, and economic and technical feasibility. Students also had to prepare a 20-minute presentation for judges.
In the consulting engineering challenge, each team had to devise a solution to a problem within four hours. The challenge this year was to reduce the environmental impact of urban transportation. Students then had to communicate their solution to the judges in a 15-minute presentation and a report. Judging was based on creativity, consideration of environmental, social and economic aspects, and overall quality.
Competitors did our university and our department proud. And special congratulations are in order for those who qualified for the CEC.
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NEW BRUNSWICK BOUND |
Career Fair Succeeds
The U of A’s annual Engineering Career Fair, Jan. 29 and 30, was a resounding success, with dozens of companies represented. Booths completely filled up the solarium in the Engineering Teaching and Learning Centre on both days.
Students from all years and disciplines were able to wander and view the kiosks at their leisure, and discuss potential career opportunities with companies. All in all, this proved a positive event for students and corporations alike.
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