News about Engineering Design Technology

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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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About 40 students in Technical Drawing-Related Disciplines classes (CCD237) recently took a field trip to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s District 3 office in Montoursville, where alumni employees showed them real-world examples of road and bridge design, along with firsthand applications of cutting-edge technology. Presentations were offered by William C. Harrison III, a 1999 graduate in electronics technology: computer automation maintenance emphasis, assigned to PennDOT’s Computer Aided Design and Drafting Support Unit; and Jonathan R. Richardson, a 2007 surveying technology alumnus, employed as a survey technician. Their insight supplemented material in the course, which is required in Penn College’s two-year engineering CAD technology and four-year engineering design technology degrees. Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor of engineering design technology; and Shane A. Schreck and Kendra N. Tomassacci, instructors of engineering design technology, accompanied the students. “We are very fortunate that our local employers provide opportunities to visit their facilities, as it is very beneficial students connect their classroom experience to real-world applications,” Walker said.
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Engineering design technology and engineering CAD technology majors in multiple sections of Technical Drawing I and Detailing I classes (CCD 103-104) recently participated in the sixth annual virtual pumpkin-carving contest. Engineering design technology faculty – Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor, and instructors Craig A. Miller and Shane A. Schreck – provided photos of their students’ work, which filled their corner of College Avenue Labs with a seasonal display of software sorcery.

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Engineering design technology students enrolled in the Technical Drawing-Related Disciplines course (CCD 237) recently toured High Steel Structures Inc. on West Fourth Street in Williamsport, a few short miles west of Penn College’s main campus.  More than 40 students had an opportunity to see examples of structural fabrication and design at one of the largest structural steel fabricators in the country; over the past 20 years, the company has fabricated more than 1 million tons of structural steel. Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor of engineering design technology; and Shane A. Schreck and Kendra N. Tomassacci, instructors of engineering design technology, accompanied the students. “It was a great opportunity for students to get out in the field and see different processes,” Tomassacci said. “We are very thankful for this opportunity from a local employer.  It benefits our students more than words can describe.”
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Career Day brought hundreds of ninth-12th graders to campus on Thursday to explore more than 30 activities offered by employees and students to help high-schoolers learn about the wide variety of career options available to them. The event is coordinated by the College Transitions and First Year Initiatives Office.

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A serious knee injury on the cusp of soccer season rendered a choice for Jakob A. LeMay: sit and stew or strive and succeed. The Pennsylvania College of Technology student chose the latter, a decision benefiting his future career prospects and today’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an offseason tournament prompted LeMay to leave school to recuperate and retain eligibility for one last Penn College soccer season. He didn’t step into a classroom for a year, but LeMay employed and enhanced his education by designing products – including an award-winning tool – for a company that develops unique outdoor equipment.

He transformed a potential curse into a true blessing.

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Among the latest additions to the Pennsylvania College of Technology community are new full-time faculty members for the Fall 2019 semester, as provided by the Human Resources Office (all effective Aug. 15).

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