News about Industrial Design

More than 40 Pennsylvania College of Technology students obtained valuable industry certifications related to engineering design in 2021-22, including one student who became the first in school history to earn certified SolidWorks expert status.

Benson P. Weaver, an engineering design technology major from Lititz, passed four advanced topic tests (sheet metal, drawing tools, surfacing and weldments) before successfully completing the most challenging SolidWorks exam: Certified SolidWorks Expert in Mechanical Design.

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Product design was the object of exploration for industrial design students visiting The Gallery at Penn College on Wednesday afternoon. Thomas E. Ask, professor of industrial design, engaged his Introduction to Industrial Design (BIX110) class in an examination of “Tech Vanitas,” the photography exhibit on display through Tuesday on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library. Showcasing Brooklyn artist Jeanette May’s artwork alluding to historical paintings, product photography and advertising imagery, the show offers numerous avenues for educational and artistic analyses. “It brings a lot of nostalgia to viewers,” said Nolan R. Frederick, a freshman from Blossburg. “It’s an interesting way of recycling materials and showing off how times have changed.” Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director, gave students an overview of the gallery and a list of ideas to consider related to aesthetics, function and memory. The class visit was one of a number of times Penn College students have taken advantage of the gallery’s 2021-22 exhibitions, including a meet-and-greet with May last month. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. (The gallery is closed on Saturday.) Admission is free and open to the public. Prior to visiting, guests should view the college’s Continuity of Operations page for guidelines related to the pandemic.

The Engineering and Industrial Design Department held its annual SolidWorks Pumpkin Carving Contest on Thursday, choosing the top three winners in each of two first-year Technical Drawing I and Detailing I classes.

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Thomas E. Ask teaches his Pennsylvania College of Technology students that industrial design connects art with engineering and that they must employ multiple tools, materials and processes to develop creative solutions and products, often for people different from them.

For proof, the industrial design professor can point to his recently published book – “Wooden Wonders: Traditional Malaysian Fishing Boats.” The 162-page work examines the ancient boatbuilding techniques that remain a staple in the Southeast Asian country.

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For two years, Lauryn A. Stauffer has seen only male faces in her electronics classes at Pennsylvania College of Technology. This fall, she’ll at least see multiple women leaders within the School of Engineering Technologies.

The school devoted to careers rooted in science, technology, engineering and math boasts three female assistant deans.

Kathleen D. Chesmel and Ellyn A. Lester were hired in late spring to head the Materials Science and Engineering Technologies Division and the Construction and Architectural Technologies Division, respectively. They join longtime college employee Stacey C. Hampton, who is assistant dean of industrial and computer technologies.

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Thomas E. Ask, industrial design professor, tackles some of the most-asked online questions about this innovative and interdisciplinary career path in an informative video recently added to the college’s YouTube channel. Whether it’s a new product or a fresh twist on an old design, you’ll learn how to bring design ideas to life. “Industrial design is a good major if you’re a creative person that likes to create something from nothing,” he says. “If you like to take your ideas and see them come to fruition, industrial design is good for that.”

Twenty-seven Pennsylvania College of Technology students received Innovation Engineering Blue Belt certification following their successful completion of all modules within the Principles of Innovation course at the college.

The course teaches the fundamentals of innovation, emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving and stimuli for effective innovation.

“The class helps you to think more broadly and helps you get closer to the consumer,” said Nolan M. Hickok, an industrial design student from Troy.

“I think it helps you push the boundaries of your mind and what you can create,” added Harrison Wohlfarth, a concrete science technology and applied technology studies student from Midlothian, Virginia, citing rapid research and other techniques that “help you to think about what you can add to an idea and combine ideas that you might not otherwise think to combine.”

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More than two dozen Pennsylvania College of Technology students proved their industry acumen by earning key certifications related to computer-aided design.

The 27 students – representing five majors from the School of Engineering Technologies – passed demanding exams devoted to SolidWorks, a prominent computer-aided design and engineering program used in manufacturing industries worldwide.

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Two Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty members have again been chosen to serve on the graduate/undergraduate academic jury for the Industrial Designers Society of America.

For the second year, Thomas E. Ask, a professor of industrial design, and Andrea M. McDonough, an adjunct member of the industrial design faculty, are evaluating design projects and papers that have won regional competitions and advanced to final IDSA national competition.

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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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An article by 2019 alumna Nina M. Hadden, recounting the challenging and rewarding opportunities that her Penn College education has brought about, has been published by the Industrial Designers Society of America. “This wonderfully creative major encompasses so many different outlets and allows you to explore just about any field you could think of,” she wrote of her four-year degree. “Though there are what could be considered ‘traditional’ jobs, I have learned that there are actually many careers that an industrial design major can go into.” Hadden’s piece fittingly mentions the quality of the college’s faculty, as Thomas E. Ask, professor of industrial design – adviser to the Society of Inventors and Mad Scientists – was elected in 2019 as IDSA’s Northeast District Educator. In that capacity, he represents all industrial design programs at colleges and universities within the region.

From the Fall 2020 Penn College Magazine: Work is a thrill ride for industrial designer Cory D. Karges, ’14, whose designs for Sign Producers Inc. are seen by millions at theme parks Universal, Disney and others. Read “Designer of Signs.”

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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An industrial design student at Pennsylvania College of Technology has “rolled the dice” with his senior project. And his move looks like a winning one.

Cullen S. Berfield, of Jersey Shore, has designed a board game for his capstone. Complete with innovative rules, dice, player pieces, boards and cards, the unique endeavor marries his affinity for strategy games with his artistic instincts.

“I’ve always loved board games because they bring people together,” Berfield explained. “Bringing people together for a chunk of time, whether it be for a half hour or a few hours, is something that I find special.”

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Walking amid the collage of colors highlighting attractions and the buzz of anticipation emanating from thousands of patrons, Cory D. Karges resembles a typical tourist. In his untucked brown polo shirt, jeans and white sneakers, he purposely blends into the sun-soaked crowd at the Universal Orlando Resort.

But his connection to the famous destination and other world-renowned parks stands out.

The Pennsylvania College of Technology graduate is the design manager for the company responsible for much of the creative signage – from bold marquees to tiny arrow markers – that complement and enhance the inviting themes of Universal’s various thrill rides, restaurants and hotels.

“When you go into the park and you’re standing next to something that you’ve made, and a family comes up and takes a picture of it, you’re like, ‘Oh that’s cool!’ The thing that I made that nobody thinks about is probably in hundreds, thousands of pictures on Facebook and Instagram,” Karges said. “It’s way better for me than making widgets, that’s for sure.”

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