Penn College Plays Prominent Role at Autodesk Conference
Published 12.10.2007
Pennsylvania College of Technology was well-represented at Autodesk University 2007, held Nov. 27-30 in Las Vegas.
Autodesk University is the world's largest annual gathering of computer aided design and related professionals, with more than 10,000 working professionals, industry experts and Autodesk executives in attendance.
Five Penn College faculty and staff members attended the conference, one presenting several sessions, and a model of an arbor press − completed during his freshman year by student Austin M. Upright, of Montoursville − played a prominent role. The computer model was used in several classes, as well as by vendors on the exhibit floor to demonstrate their hardware and software products.
Jeffrey D. Mather, assistant professor of drafting and computer aided design, presented four papers at the conference during three 90-minute lectures and a 90-minute hands-on lab. The titles of the lecture classes were "Using AutoCAD for Sophisticated Solid Model Design," "Using 3-D AutoCAD Surfaces to Create Composite Solids" and "Functional Design Tools for Educators in Autodesk Inventor Professional." The Functional Design paper was the result of research Mather completed during a Spring 2007 sabbatical.
The lab class was titled "Becoming an Autodesk Inventor Professor in 90 Minutes." Mather was assisted during the lab by Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor of drafting and computer aided drafting, and Craig A. Miller, CAD technology specialist for the college's Workforce Development & Continuing Education Office.
Dave A. Probst, assistant professor of drafting and computer aided design, and Dorothy J. Gerring, associate professor of architecture technology, also attended Autodesk University 2007.
The four-day conference combines a comprehensive learning environment with more than 600 classes and a trade show with a mix of business and social activities all designed to help attendees learn new skills and build valuable business relationships.
To learn more about the computer aided design major and other academic programs offered by Penn College's School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, visit on the Web or call (570) 327-4520.
For more information about Penn College, visit online, e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.