Engineering Design Technology

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Penn College offering summer manufacturing experience

Pennsylvania College of Technology will expose high schoolers to the marvels of manufacturing and the sector’s rewarding career possibilities, thanks to a grant-supported initiative.

From July 18-22, the college will host the Thingamajig Fabricators Pre-College Program for students entering grades 9-12. Participants will learn how everyday objects are designed and fabricated while receiving hands-on experience with 3D design software, machining, CNC automation and welding. Students will use their new skills to fabricate a toolbox, hammer and nail punch.

Penn College faculty will lead individual workshops in the school’s state-of-the-art labs. Sessions will be complemented by guest speakers and tours of regional manufacturing sites.

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Lean, mean fighting machines show mettle in robotic arena

Two 3D-printed robots battle it out for 2 minutes.

McCray gets his robot ready for its next fight.

Students in Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies claimed the top spots in Saturday’s Plastics Ant-Weight Competition, sponsored by the Student Wildcats of Robotic Design.

Placing first was Jack P. Ralston, of Bloomsburg, who said, “I feel that the club gives us a way to apply and expand upon what we learn in class.”

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Penn College students obtain industry certification

Eyeing careers in engineering design, five Pennsylvania College of Technology students bolstered their resumes by earning an impressive industry certification.

The students – all seeking a bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology – passed the Certified SolidWorks Professional exam. The resulting certification proves the students’ advanced skills with SolidWorks, a prominent solid modeling computer-aided design and engineering program employed in manufacturing industries worldwide.

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Penn College prof is the ‘CAD Whisperer’

In 22 years of teaching at Pennsylvania College of Technology, J.D. Mather has accumulated many titles. Assistant professor of engineering design technology. Master Teacher. Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert. Certified SolidWorks Professional.

And now … “CAD Whisperer.”

Like the other labels, “CAD Whisperer” reflects Mather’s expertise. But it promises to eclipse the other titles because it’s shared with the widest audience.

Mather has created a YouTube Channel, dubbed the “The CAD Whisperer,” to impart his vast knowledge in computer-aided design and engineering. The channel’s 120-plus videos are a hit with current students and an audience that extends far beyond his classroom.

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Penn College students earn industry certification

Nearly two dozen students from Pennsylvania College of Technology jump-started their careers by securing a key industry certification related to computer-aided design.

The 22 students – representing six majors from the School of Engineering Technologies – passed the SolidWorks Certified Associate exam and obtained SolidWorks CSWA Certification. SolidWorks is a prominent solid modeling computer-aided design and engineering program used in manufacturing industries worldwide.

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Penn College engineering design student ‘driven’ to excel

Thanks to a plethora of academic and student leadership responsibilities at Pennsylvania College of Technology, time moves quickly for Wesley S. McCray. Off campus, it goes by even faster for him – 89 mph to be precise.

During the week, McCray earns stellar grades, tutors fellow engineering design students and aids the college community. On weekends, he dons a helmet, slides into a white stock car and floors the gas pedal.

The proud Penn College student is a successful dirt-track racer.

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Career tools employed in high-spirited Halloween fun

First place in the morning session went to Austin M. DeLong, of Pittsburgh.

In what has become a fall tradition over the past seven years, students in multiple sections of Technical Drawing I and Detailing I – most of them enrolled in Penn College’s engineering design technology major – displayed their software skills in a Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Craig A. Miller and Katherine A. Walker, assistant professors, shared photos of the winners … along with a few of Thursday’s many other inspired entries.

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Penn College grad enjoys ‘smooth sailing’ with career

Pennsylvania College of Technology graduate Richard M. Wood, of Millville, enjoys a rare view underneath the USS George H.W. Bush nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while the ship is in dry dock at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. Wood, who earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology, is a structural designer for Newport News Shipbuilding, the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. (Photo courtesy of Richard Wood)

As a kid, Richard M. Wood spent countless hours constructing with Legos and playing with remote-controlled boats powered by electric motors. As a Pennsylvania College of Technology alumnus, his days are devoted to creating with computer-aided design programs and working on the largest “boats” in the world powered by nuclear energy.

Wood, of Millville, is a structural designer for Newport News Shipbuilding, the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The 2017 graduate works for the Shielding & Ship Fabrication section of the company’s Reactor Plant Planning Yard Department.

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Penn College student-athlete covers all ‘bases’

Pennsylvania College of Technology student Tyler S. Rudolph, of Hemlock, N.Y., celebrates after winning the Professional Drag Racers Association world finals in the Bracket Bash class. In addition to drag racing, Rudolph, who is majoring in engineering design technology, plays on the Penn College baseball team and recently co-founded a clothing line.

Pennsylvania College of Technology baseball coach Chris Howard didn’t expect the recruit to showcase speed. His years playing professional baseball and coaching the Wildcats convinced him that 6-foot-5, 220-pound first basemen aren’t typically fleet of foot.

Then he saw Tyler S. Rudolph run.

“His power at the plate jumped out at me, but I was surprised and impressed how fast he was for a kid that size,” a delighted Howard said. “Foot speed isn’t essential for what we expect of him, but it’s certainly a plus. He might even get a few stolen bases before he’s done at Penn College.”

From Rudolph’s perspective, the “speed” he exhibited for Howard was turtle-esque. He’s used to being a blur. The native of Hemlock, New York, is an experienced drag racer.

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Intern trio provides vital service for Penn College renovations

Three Pennsylvania College of Technology automation engineering technology students interned for the college this semester, helping to revamp a machining facility and equip a new electronics lab. From left are Levi E. Pomeroy, of Dillsburg; Brian J. Daniels, of Lake City; and Conner J. Nickerson, of Bethlehem.

For a few worrisome weeks, three Pennsylvania College of Technology students thought they would join the ranks of countless others whose summer internships were casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the college “engineered” a solution, a favor the students more than returned.

Brian J. Daniels, Lake City; Conner J. Nickerson, Bethlehem; and Levi E. Pomeroy, Dillsburg; spent the summer helping faculty and staff revamp the college’s machining facility and equip a new electronics lab, benefiting their future and the hands-on education of the next generation of “tomorrow makers” at the college.

“I don’t think a lot of work in those labs could have happened without them,” said Stacey C. Hampton, assistant dean of industrial and computer technologies. Hampton devised the internship with Howard W. Troup, instructor of automated manufacturing and machining, and Ken J. Kinley, assistant professor of electronics and computer engineering technology.

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Penn College students earn industry certifications

Several programs within the School of Engineering Technologies at Pennsylvania College of Technology employ SolidWorks for computer-aided design. Recently, 13 Penn College students earned various levels of SolidWorks certifications.

Pennsylvania College of Technology students proved their workforce acumen by earning industry certifications related to computer-aided design.

The students – representing three majors from the School of Engineering Technologies – passed exams dedicated to SolidWorks, a prominent 3D CAD software tool. The tests require candidates to meet several hands-on challenges, representing various aspects of the software.

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Student uses know-how, home equipment to make face shields

Brackets for face shields to be used by health care workers are cut from a polycarbonate sheet on a CNC router. Pennsylvania College of Technology student Matthew Semmel, of Palmerton, modified his CNC router to cut the pieces between classes while studying from home.

Between classes, a Pennsylvania College of Technology student modified a computer numerical control router that he typically uses for woodworking projects to help manufacture more than 300 face shields for distribution to hospitals in his area.

Matthew A. Semmel, of Palmerton, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology and an associate degree in plastics and polymer technology. Due to the pandemic, he – like all other Penn College students – has been taking classes remotely since mid-March to comply with the state’s stay-at-home order and social distancing guidance.

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Design/drafting manager traces path from grad to CAD

The computer aided drafting manager for First Quality Products Inc., a 1990 Penn College alumnus employed at the company’s McElhattan manufacturing facility, recently returned to campus to share his professional experience. William J. Henry, who holds an associate degree in engineering drafting technology, spoke to students in CAD Management and Customization courses taught by Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor, and instructor Craig A. Miller. During a near-hourlong presentation in the Thompson Professional Development Center, Henry covered a range of relevant topics: software and hardware acquisition and upgrade, database management, team-building, IT security, people skills, and advocating for the profession. “One of the reasons I wanted to come here today to talk to you is because I am passionate about what we do,” Henry said. “You’re gonna replace me someday and I want you to be standing up here giving this talk to that next generation. So find the passion in what you do and promote that.” Henry maintains an active connection to his alma mater, serving on its Engineering Design Technology Advisory Committee. His wife, Serena Pfaff-Henry, is a 1990 accounting graduate, and his son, Quinn T., is enrolled in information technology: network specialist concentration.
Photo provided

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Faculty member, alum attend international 3D showcase

Walker and Allebach reunite at an industry event in Nashville, Tenn.

An assistant professor of engineering design technology attended 3DExperience World 2020, a Feb. 9-12 event dedicated to the three-dimensional design and engineering community.

Penn College’s Katherine A. Walker was among those on hand at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, to explore the latest innovations in 3D design, data management, simulation and manufacturing.

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Student competition seeks design concepts for renamed campus facility

Courtesy of a generous donation from Larry A. Ward, an engineering drafting technology alumnus, the Machining Technologies Lab will receive all new equipment, paint, lighting and fixtures. Ward’s leadership gift will be permanently recognized, with the Machining Technologies Center being renamed in his honor.

This gift is also sparking a Tomorrow Makers contest, in which Pennsylvania College of Technology students are encouraged to help in designing a fitting sign/sculpture/artwork that includes the name “Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center” and tells the story of what takes place within the building. Students may work individually or in teams of up to five.

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