As more schools become aware of the success of HMC’s Clinic, they seek industry projects for their students’ capstone experi- ences, creating more competition for sponsors. This has become more evident during the past few years. Potential sponsors may choose to collaborate with colleges and universities close to their operations or look for state institutions that offer a lower fee. These and other issues have resulted in an ever-widening search for sponsors that has produced more than 70 first-time sponsors during the past five years.


The sequestration ($85 billion across-the-board cut in federal spending) that went into effect March 1, 2013, affects nearly every federal agency and every research program. It has elimi- nated or hampered the participation of many companies that rely on federal funding, including national laboratories, with which HMC has partnered for many Clinic projects. “Com- bined with the belt-tightening that has taken place since late 2008, when a number of fully committed sponsors cancelled projects after signing letters of understanding, the recruitment process for Clinic has become much more unpredictable than in the past,” said Barry Olsan, director of corporate relations, who has worked with Clinic directors since 2006 to promote and procure Clinics. Even with increased competition, decreased funding and stricter company policies, HMC’s Clinic Program continues to have broad appeal. During the 2013–2014 academic year, there will be 42 Clinic Projects, on par with previous years. Of the sponsoring companies, the College anticipates around 15 first-timers. Several projects will involve two departments. These joint clinics provide sponsors an opportunity to put forth problem statements that most other colleges cannot attempt with single-discipline programs. Another characteristic that sets HMC’s program apart from others is the College’s Global Clinic, established in 2005. It is the latest innovation in the Clinic Program, preparing students for the challenges of practicing engineering, science and math- ematics in a global context. HMC students have teamed with partnering schools in Singapore, India, Israel, Iceland and Japan. Projects in South America and Europe are anticipated in the


In surveys, alumni rank the Clinic Program the single most useful part of their education with respect to preparation for professional practice.


next few years. Company sponsors and a generous $1 million endowment from the Robert and Joan Vickery family support the program. “Our mission is to give students hands-on experience and


prepare them to work in an international context,” said Global Clinic Director Lisette de Pillis, Norman F. Sprague Jr. Professor of Life Sciences and professor of mathematics. “Students who participate in Global Clinic appreciate learning how to work and communicate across cultural boundaries. Some have even gone on to pursue globally focused careers.” This academic year, HMC will conduct a Global Clinic


sponsored by Intel with the National University of Singapore’s School of Computing. The College has partnered with the NUS Faculty of Science (the Science School) since 2007. Inspired by the enthusiastic float-building efforts of early


Mudders, the Clinic Program continues to reinvent itself. The opening of the R. Michael Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning has freed space in the Parsons building, allowing ex- pansion of Clinic work space. Clinic Directors, in collaboration with administrators and the Clinic Advisory Committee, are discussing how to address the current challenges and strengthen the program. More efficient advertising, increased fundraising and new project recruitment strategies are among the ideas being discussed. All involved are determined to continue the parade of innovation for which the Clinic Program is known.


Circle of Excellence Award for being one of the 25 most technically inno- vative products of the year.


Sponsors: Oregon Medical Laser Center (OMLC) and Oregon Biomedical Engineering Institute. Engineering Clinic projects for these two sponsors yielded several successful products and processes for HemCon Medical Technologies


Inc.: Endoscopic Application of a Chitosan Bandage (OMLC, 2004); Separation of Medical Grade Shell from Industrial Waste (2007); Advanced Hemostatic Agent Deliv- ery Device (2009); Characteriza- tion of Mechanism of Expansion of Advanced Hemostatic Agent (2011)


Sponsor: Southern California Gas Company. The 2012-2013 Mathematics


SUMMER 2013 Har vey Mudd College 25


Clinic Team devised a route creation and evaluation tool that takes a list of manual meters and generates cost- minimizing meter-reading routes. The effort is expected to result in consid- erable savings as the manual meter network is converted to automated advanced meter units.


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