Scholarly and Unique Activities of the Engineering and Technology Department
University of Wisconsin-Stout
February 2012-October 2012
October 31, 2012
Awards
The Institute of Packaging Professionals announced the AmeriStar 2012 award winners on February 16, 2012.
In the Student category, the top three place winners were all awarded to University of Wisconsin-Stout entries
under the tutelage of Robert Meisner. Two of the three honorable mention awards were also given to Stout
student entries. The Squeezable Salsa Container entry was 1st, Airless Kicks was 2nd and Stringy Solution was
3rd. Honorable mention went to Moderate Shots and Adidas Chargers Shoe Box.
Books
Rajiv Asthana signed an agreement with Elsevier to edit the book titled, Green and Sustainable Manufacturing
of Advanced Materials, with two others as coeditors, September 2012.
Joongmin Shin and Selke, S., completed the chapter titled Food packaging, in the text Food Processing
Principles and Application, Clark, et al. (Editor), Blackwell Publishing, Oxford (UK), p 101-133. Planed to
publish at the end of this year.
Certifications
In August 2012, John Petro completed training and later successfully passed the examination for Certified
Welding Inspector. He was certified by the American Welding Society and carries the official stamp.
Conferences
American Ceramic Society
Asthana, R. (2012). Interface characterization in ZrB2-base ultra-high temperature ceramics integrated with
metallic systems. Fourth International Conference on the Characterization and Control of Interfaces for High
Quality Advanced Materials (ICCCI 2012), 2-5 Sep, 2012. Kurashiki, Japan.
Rajiv Asthana was appointed to the International Scientific Committee of the conference High Temperature
Ceramic- Matrix Composites (HTCMC-8), 22-26 Sep 2013, to be held at Xi’an, China.
ASM International
Asthana, R. (2012). Joining of advanced ceramics and ceramic-matrix composites to metals. 2012 ASM Annual
Spring Symposium on Advanced Joining. G. E. Global Research Center, May 15-16.Schenectady, NY.
American Society of Quality
Puck, B. and Stary, W. (2012) The STEPS Difference: 16 Years of Attracting Girls to Careers in Science,
Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. ASQ Advancing the STEM Agenda in Education, the Workplace and
Society. July 16-17 2012 Menomonie, WI
American Society of Engineering Educators
Eight faculty members of the Engineering & Technology department, Devin Berg, Debashish Burman, Cheng
Liu, Robert Meisner, Robert Nelson, John Scheffler, John Schultz, and Wei Shi attended the American Society
for Engineering Educators North Midwest conference at St. Cloud State University on October 5, 2012. Six
research papers were presented in the conference:
J. Schultz, W. Stary, S. Springer, L. Stradins, presented "Design and Manufacture of Polymer
Components for an Ink Pen: an Example of Project Based Curriculum in Engineering Technology at
UW-Stout."
J. Scheffler, presented "Reflection and Note Taking used in Active Learning."
A. Arnold, L. Daul, B. Krull, R. Nebel, A. Pandian, presented "Inspiring Students to Use Classroom
Simulation Software to Model Industry Manufacturing Process."
R. Meisner, presented "The Impact of Study Abroad on Students and Hosting Companies."
A. Turkmen, C. Liu, W. Shi, R. Nelson, J. Bumblis, D. Olson, presented "Technical and Pedagogical
Issues with Embedded System Engineering Education."
W. Shi, A. Turkmen, Cheng Liu, R. Nelson, J. Bumblis, D. Olson, presented "Project-Based & Active
Learning in Computer Engineering Education."
Scott Springer submitted a paper for the 2013 Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC),
ASEE Engineering Technology division, abstract accepted, paper currently under peer review, “Experimental
Evaluation of Alternative Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines.”
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Berg, Devin. (2012). Achieving Dexterous Manipulation for Minimally Invasive Surgical Robots Through the
Use of Hydraulics. ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference.17-19 Oct., 2012. Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Urbana – Champaign, IL
Computer Engineering program students, Max Steuer, Ben Wolf, and Mathew Konichek and their professor,
Dr. Ahmet Turkmen attended the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 4 Student
Leadership Conference at University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign on October 6, 2012. Students Ben Wolf
and Matt Konichek represented the University of Stout in Ethics competition at the IEEE Region 4 conference
and placed second among the Region 4 schools which included universities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin USA and Windsor Area
Canada.
International Association of Packaging Research Institutes
Shin, JM, Mokwena, K., 2012, The potential of triacetyl- β-cyclodextrin and its inclusion complex with AITC
for LDPE film extrusion, IAPRI World Packaging Conference, San Luis Obispo, CA, June 18-22.
International Manufacturing and Technology Showcase, Chicago, Il
Mr. Glenn Bushendorf, Dr. Andy Pandian and Mr. Greg Slupe along with students Chris Rasinowich, Oliver
Nuemann, Brandon Michelcamp, Josh Kuchenmeister, Steven Hockers, and Justin Wheelock, attended the
Showcase in Chicago, Illinois on September 12-14, 2012. The group met with several manufacturing
representatives, including many who were UW-Stout graduates.
Materials Science and Technology (MS&T 2012), Oct 7-11, 2012 Pittsburgh
Rajiv Asthana chaired the following two sessions at the conference: Ceramic Joining and Integration, at the
symposium ‘Joining of Advanced and Specialty Materials,’ and Green Manufacturing III, at the symposium
‘Green Technologies for Materials Manufacturing and Processing.’
Dr. Asthana gave an invited talk titled, ‘Integrating ceramics and metals via active metal brazing technology’, at
the session Green Materials Processing.
Dr. Asthana presented editor’s report at the editorial board meeting of the Journal of Materials Engineering &
Performance.
National Academy of Engineering
Dr. Wei Shi was nominated for and selected to attend the National Academy of Engineering's 2012
Frontiers of Engineering Education Symposium in Irvine, CA Oct. 14-17. The program creates a unique venue
for engineering faculty members to share and explore interesting and effective innovations in teaching and
learning.
Society of Plastic Engineers
Dr. Wei Zheng was appointed as the Technical Program Chair for Applied Rheology Special Interest Group of
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) in April 2012 for the 2013 SPE Annual Technical Conference.
South Korea
Shin, JM, (2012). UW-Stout Packaging program and X-ray irradiation technology for fresh produces. Invitation
to Department of Packaging in Yonsei University, Korea, Aug 9.
Shin, JM, (2012). UW-Stout packaging program and antimicrobial packaging. Invitation to Korea Packaging
Center in Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Korea, Aug 17.
Grants
Dr. Wei Zheng received a research grant from UW System. “Processing and Cure Kinetic Study of a Novel
Biopolymer”, UW System Applied Research Grant-WiTAG Match Grant, PI, $21,572, 10/2012-06/2013.
Rajiv Asthana served on ARPA-E grant review panel, Aug 8-10, 2012, U.S. Department of Energy, Arlington,
DC and served on the grant review panel of Engineering Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers.
Journal Publications
R. Asthana, M. Singh, J. Martinez-Fernandez, ‘Joining and interface characterization of an in-situ-reinforced
silicon nitride ceramic’, Journal of Alloys and Compounds. (accepted)
M.C. Halbig, B.P. Coddington, R. Asthana, M. Singh, ‘Characterization of silicon carbide joints fabricated
using SiC particulate-reinforced Ag-Cu-Ti alloys’, Ceramics International .(accepted)
M. Singh, R. Asthana, C.E. Smith, A.L. Gyekenyesi, ‘Integration of copper-clad-molybdenum to highconductivity graphitic foams’, Current Applied Physics (in the press)
M. Singh, T. Matsunaga, H.T. Lin, R. Asthana, T. Ishikawa, ‘Microstructure and mechanical testing of joints in
SA-Tyrannohex SiC fiber-bonded ceramics brazed with Ag-Cu-Ti alloys’, Materials Science and Engineering
A, 557, 2012, 69-76.
J. Sobczak, L. Drenchev, R. Asthana, ‘Nomograms for rapid assessment of particle sedimentation behavior in
liquid-phase processing of particle-reinforced metal composites’, International Journal of Cast Metals Research
(accepted).
J. Sobczak, L. Drenchev, N. Sobczak, R. Asthana, ‘On design of metal-matrix composites lighter than air’,
Materials Science Forum (invited paper, in the press).
(Monograph) J. Sobczak, R. Asthana, R. Coleman, R. Purgert, Vademecum of Cast Metal-Matrix Composite
Materials – A Set of Basic Concepts, Foundry Research Institute, Krakow (Poland), 2012, pp 97 (in Polish and
English).
Open House, Engineering and Technology Department May 11, 2012
Several faculty advised student projects for public display and poster presentations at the Engineering and
Technology Department Open House May 2012. These included:
Advisor:
Scott Springer
Flight Simulator functional prototype
Slave Master Robot
Biomass based energy research: Steam engine, Blended plant oils and diesel fuel, Wood gasification
Prototype battery powered bicycle
Jerry Johnson
Bi-spherical gears
Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Club
Oil containment prototype
Wei Shi
Heart Rate Monitor with Embedded Systems
Joongmin Shin
Augmented Reality
Microwave Susceptor Technology
Mushroom-based packaging
Packaging for the aging consumer
Khanah Mokwena
Potential of using Cornhusks as sustainable packaging material
Robert Meisner
Donato Squeezable Salsa container
Airless Kicks
Stringy Solution
Moderate Shots
Cheng Liu
Liquid Crystal Display Ticker with clock
Smart Obstacle Evading Robot
Ahmet Turkmen
Display Module for a Medical Device
Wei Zheng
Processing and Characterization of Polylactic Acid
Nancy Schofield
Product assembly solid model AVI animations
Society of Women Engineers
Adam Kramschuster
Evaluation of the Priamus Viscosity Monitoring System
Evaluation of PC/ABS Blend Properties on Processing
Greg Slupe
American Foundry Society
Computer assisted Manufacturing
Wendy Stary
Design and manufacture of Bio Tray
David Fly and Andy Pandian
Rob Cad Study for robotics
John Schultz
Pen assembly design
Lin Stradins
Parade float Drivetrain design
Independent Rear Suspension design
Stand-up board rowing rig er design
Trailing arm and test fixture
Brenda Puck
Several reverse engineering analyses
Research
Dr. Wei Zheng performed summer research at UW-Stout on thermal and rheological characterization of a
biodegradable polymer and mechanics of a copolymer for socket pad application. Dr. Zheng also collaborated
with Dr. Nuray Celebi, a visiting scholar from University of Turkey, on developing biodegradable nanocomposites.
Dr. Rajiv Asthana conducted research on a U.S. Air Force project on graphite foams at NASA Glenn Research
Center, Cleveland, OH, May – Aug 2012.
John Scheffler participated in the Infusing Diversity Across the Curriculum Project through the Nakatani
Center. His research report and poster focused on classroom activities in Packaging Fundamentals (PKG-150)
in the Spring 2012. The Wisconsin State Council on Affirmative Action awarded the University the Ann
Lydecker Educational Diversity Award for the work this project has contributed toward the recruitment and
retention of a diverse student and faculty workforce.
Wendy R. Stary conducted research throughout the summer of 2012 Current Manufacturing Methods of
Extrusion and Thermoforming Industries.
Senior Capstone
Manufacturing Engineering Capstone I and Engineering Technology Mechanical Design
Practicum
Lin Stradins and Scott Springer oversaw the design and presentation of the following projects:
UW-Stout Plastic Pen Design and Manufacture Tooling
Stand Up Paddling Rowing Rig Design
Parade Float Structure
Home Bottling Machine
Conical Hopper Automated Fabrication (2)
Independent Suspension Design (3) for Columbia Parcar Corp.
Automated Candy Counter
Manufacturing Engineering Capstone II
Mike Lorenzen and Lin Stradins oversaw the development of the following:
Mobile Die-cast demonstration unit
Barrel Cam Rotating Cylinder Diesel Engine Prototype for Stratetek, Inc.
Clean Room Conveyer for SMC, Inc.
Wausau campus for Bachelor of Science Engineering Technology program
Mechanical Design Laboratory class
Mr. Ron Thomas and students worked with Greenheck Fan Corporation to construct a prototype for a variable
velocity nozzle for the Vektor MD-15 exhaust fan. Scope of work included: fabrication of prototype
components, assembly of a working prototype, performance testing, redesign and reconstruction of enhanced
prototype, assembly of control device, updated cost analysis, production documentation.
Plastics Engineering Capstone I
Wendy Stary led the design and development of the Bio-Tray for the UW-Stout Biology Department
Plastics Engineering Capstone II
Wendy Stary, Wei Zheng, and Adam Kramshuster oversaw the development of the following:
Design and Development of Sunglasses, Evaluation of PC/ABS Blend Properties on Processing,
Formulation and Development of Polymethyl Methacrylate for Internal Combustion Engine Applications,
Evaluation of the Priamus eDAQ Data Acquisition System in Determining Rheological Properties for Materials
Computer Engineering Capstone I and II
Ahmet Turkmen oversaw the development of a Display Module for a Medical Device.
Electrical Engineering Technology
Ahmet Turkmen supervised the design and development of Capstone I Projects including: Radio Frequency
On/off Switch, Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, Solar Panel to electrify Lights, Charge Controller
for a Solar Panel, A Modulatable Constant Current Driver, and Temperature Monitoring with Arduino.