CarnegieMellon


CarnegieMech T Message from


NADINE AUBRY Department Head


his issue of Carnegie Mech showcases the many ways that the field of mechanical engineering is changing—and the steps that the Department is taking to remain at the forefront of this evolution.


Our cover story on pages 3-5 focuses on the exciting field of robotics, which is becoming an integral part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. A number of our faculty members, including Professor Kenji Shimada and Associate Professor Metin Sitti, are recognized experts in robotics technologies, with applications ranging from the everyday to the exotic.And we are delighted to welcome a new robotics expert, Assistant Professor Steven Collins, who brings expertise in biomechatronics technologies that improve human health and well-being. With the recent addition of courtesy faculty who possess a diverse range of robotics expertise, every day MechE is adding new capabilities in this crucial area of today’s engineering world. In addition to crossing traditional boundaries—and reaching out to include fields like


robotics—today the mechanical engineering community is also becoming more global, by crossing geographic boundaries. Our new dual Ph.D. program with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (see page 7) demonstrates MechE’s ongoing commitment to introduce our students to the incredibly diverse international engineering community. This is just one of our many efforts to connect our students to the global stage, with the hope that they will also become international leaders in our field. As the first group of doctoral students begins the dual Ph.D. program this August, taking courses and conducting research in both Pittsburgh and Singa- pore, I look forward to reporting on their progress. As you have probably come to expect, this issue


“This issue of Carnegie Mech showcases the many ways that the


of Carnegie Mech is filled with the impressive accomplishments of our alumni, faculty, and students—and their achievements also emphasize the constant evolution of our field. Our featured alum John P. Waszczak (see pages 10-11) is a leading expert on defense technologies, having contributed to the success of such groundbreaking projects as the Tomahawk cruise missile and the Excalibur guided projectile. While he has spent his entire career working for defense giant Raytheon and its predecessor companies, he also recognizes the importance of fostering the innovations of smaller companies through the Department of Defense’s technology development programs. By helping to bring together large corporations, government agencies, and smaller businesses, he is at the forefront of the collaborative spirit that has become a hallmark of engineering innovation. Our “Faculty News” section on pages 12-15 highlights the many impressive achievements


field of mechanical engineering is changing—and the steps that the Department is taking to remain at the forefront of this evolution.


”


of our faculty members, including their leading-edge research and their international recognition. From the new funding that is helping Assistant Professor Jessica Zhang simulate the perform- ance of Navy ships to the new protein function discovered by Associate Professor Philip LeDuc or the groundbreaking cryosurgery technologies developed by the team of Professors Yoed Rabin and Kenji Shimada, this issue highlights the many diverse directions that mechanical engineering is taking—and the leadership role of our own MechE faculty. Our “Student News” section, found on pages 16-19, also highlights the growing diversity of the mechanical engineering field, and the leadership role our students are taking in this new world.Whether winning awards for their own accomplishments—or contributing to the success of our Department as researchers or teaching fellows—they reflect the increasingly diverse nature of our profession.As they enter the professional world themselves, they will position Carnegie Mellon MechE for continued recognition and accolades. While the field of mechanical engineering will continue to change and evolve, I am confident that the leadership position of our Department will remain strong.•


2 I C ARNEGIE M ECH


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