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�� completes $7.4M lab renovation, improving space for cutting-edge equipment, learning

giffeyt — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000

�� completes $7.4M lab renovation, improving space for cutting-edge equipment, learninggiffeyt October 14, 2025

Changes to Jarvis Tech labs boost engineering, construction programs

The final phase of a $7.4 million renovation project has brought crucial upgrades to two of �� . biggest and busiest labs.

The revamp of the Construction Lab, the Woods Lab and adjacent portions of Jarvis Hall Technology Wing was completed over the summer, with the labs fully upgraded by the beginning of the fall semester.

Among the most visible changes are the addition of new windows and large overhead doors that open onto the well-traveled hallway between the labs, a frequent route for students and visitors alike passing through the connected Jarvis Science, Jarvis Tech, Micheels and the Applied Arts buildings.

“The Jarvis Tech renovations will significantly improve the functioning of some of the largest labs on the campus through upgrades in the HVAC system, increased visibility and access to the labs through the addition of roll-up doors and more efficient use of valuable space through reconfiguring lab layouts,” said Daniel Freedman, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management.

$7.4M labs renovation project sheds light on mechanical, plastics engineering

Two large engineering labs and one of the busiest building corridors at �� have fresh, new looks this fall with students back on camp

Phase 1 of the project was completed during the summer of 2024, and encompassed about 17,000 square feet of Jarvis Tech, including the Plastics Engineering Lab and the Engineering Technology Research and Development Lab. The recently completed Phase 2 included nearly 25,000 square feet. The two-phase project was funded as part of the 2021-23 state capital budget.

As Wisconsin ��. ��, �� emphasizes applied learning and provides three times more labs than classrooms. In many cases, as with the newly renovated labs, classroom and lab space are next to each other so that lectures and hands-on applications are seamlessly intertwined.

Chad Schlough, project manager for Facilities Management, said one of the major components of the latest renovation was replacing two air handling units, creating more efficiency and adding greater control. A new dust-collection system and three new exhaust fans in the Construction Lab, which is used extensively by students in the B.S. construction management program, also will improve air quality and environmental safety.

Both labs also received new paint, while in the Woods Lab worn-out parquet flooring made way for polished concrete. Other nearby rooms — including the Construction Conference Room — received upgrades such as new flooring, ceilings and paint.

Students collaborate in the newly renovated Woods Lab.

Other elements of the project included:

The completion of a sprinkler system that now encompasses the entire first floor of Jarvis Tech.

Upgrades to the fire alarm notification system.

Renovations to existing restrooms and the addition of a single-occupant restroom.

The addition of a secure store area for surveying equipment used in site engineering classes.

“This renovation is another step forward for �� . applied learning environment,” said Senior Facilities Officer Justin Utpadel. “The upgrades not only enhance safety and functionality but also increase the visibility and adaptability of our instructional spaces.”

New hallway windows, like these at the Plastics Engineering Lab, have been added to multiple labs in Jarvis Hall Technology Wing in the past two years.

The renovations also created space for two new pieces of state-of-the-art machinery purchased through other funding sources. A newly renovated room will house a $1 million Amatrol Smart Factory Enterprise system donated by the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation. This fully integrated automated manufacturing system includes a manufacturing line composed of processes such as inventory control, inspection, sorting, assembly, testing, CNC machining and storage, all linked by ethernet or wireless communications. The system is designed to showcase how all these technologies are integrated in a modern production system and to educate students in how to build and maintain such systems.

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences

This equipment, which will be installed in a room adjacent to the Woods Lab, was made possible by a $3.1 million donation from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, which was announced in August. The Foundation was established by Ronald Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, and his wife, Joyce. Their son, Todd Wanek, is a 1988 �� alum and president and CEO of the company.  

Similarly, the renovation made space in the Construction Lab for a 3D concrete printer that will be installed later this academic year. That device was purchased through a $647,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. announced last spring for �� . Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (CAM-AI).

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�� completes $7.4M lab renovation, improving space for cutting-edge equipment, learning

Changes to Jarvis Tech labs boost engineering, construction programs

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences

Changes to Jarvis Tech labs boost engineering, construction programs Two students in Wood Lab

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Hero Caption: Students work in the Woods Lab inside Jarvis Hall Technology Wing, one of two recently remodeled labs in the building.

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Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

giffeyt — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipmentgiffeyt August 27, 2025

Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences

Tom Giffey

A $3.1 million donation of high-tech equipment from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation (the Foundation) will dramatically increase University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. ability to offer a state-of-the-art polytechnic experience for students in design, engineering and education programs.

The generous gift of equipment – which includes production-level 3D printers, a fully-integrated automated manufacturing system and more – is the result of an ongoing partnership between �� and the Wanek family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia.

Chancellor Katherine Frank

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation and its belief in the distinctiveness, relevance, and need for the polytechnic learning experience that �� provides,” �� Chancellor Katherine Frank said. “This investment in labs and high-demand programs will serve thousands of students prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of Wisconsin and beyond. The strong relationships with our business and industry partners, like Ashley Furniture Industries, are key to our ability to produce �� graduates prepared to succeed on day one and throughout their professional career.”

The Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and other community initiatives. The Foundation was established by Ronald Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, and his wife, Joyce. Their son, Todd Wanek, is a 1988 �� alum and president and CEO of the company.

“Our partnership with �� represents a strategic investment in the future of STEM education,” stated Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries. “By providing students with access to industry-standard equipment and technology, we are ensuring they graduate with the practical skills and technical expertise that today ��. employers require. �� . polytechnic mission aligns with our commitment to developing a skilled workforce, and we are pleased to support their efforts in preparing the next generation of manufacturing professionals.”

CNC equipment donated by the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation installed in a lab at ��'s Fryklund Hall.

The Foundation ��. investment expands applied learning across �� . STEM disciplines, benefiting both undergraduate and graduate students as well as allowing them to gain additional industry certifications. It also will enhance experiences for K-12 students and professional learners, amplifying the impact of �� . polytechnic focus.

CSTEMM Dean Daniel Freedman

Daniel Freedman, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management, said the new equipment will create automation, robotics and 3D printing labs at �� that will be in the top tier for undergraduate engineering programs in the United States.

“�� . partnership with Ashley Furniture and the Foundation will make us a national leader in educating students and supporting the manufacturing community in digital design, digital fabrication, and digital assembly and production,” Freedman said.

The equipment donated by the Foundation will be used in multiple campus locations, including three labs in Fryklund Hall and one in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing. Some equipment has already been installed, while the rest will be put in place for use during the soon-to-begin fall semester, when it will be used by thousands of students in multiple programs.

Donated equipment is driven through the �� campus earlier this summer.

The Foundation ��. equipment donation includes the following:

An Amatrol Smart Factory Enterprise system, which will be used to create a new Automation Training Center. This fully integrated automated manufacturing system includes a manufacturing line composed of processes such as inventory control, inspection, sorting, assembly, testing, CNC machining and storage, all linked by ethernet or wireless communications. The system is designed to showcase how all these technologies are integrated in a modern production system and to educate students in how to build and maintain these systems. Through the Smart Factory Enterprise system and �� . ground-breaking Automation Leadership and Engineering programs, the university will be able to offer a wide variety of industry recognized certifications through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).
Three new Universal Cobots (collaborative robots) and six AI-powered Cognex Vision Cameras will be added to �� . already impressive Industrial Robotics and Machine Vision Lab. AI powered robotics creates a major leap forward from preprogrammed automation to intelligent, adaptive systems. Adding AI turns robots from rigid machines into smart collaborators that can see, learn, adapt and optimize – making them far more valuable in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture and beyond.
�� . Additive Manufacturing Lab will be upgraded with state-of-the-art industrial printers. This includes a One-Click metal printer and Origin II, J55 and H350 printers from Stratasys, enabling the printing of almost anything out of a wide variety of materials, from stainless steel to nylon to high-performance plastics such as ULTEM and Antero. The Origin II and H350 are production-level 3D printers that will fabricate tens to hundreds of parts virtually overnight at high resolution and precision.
The Fryklund 101 machining lab has been upgraded with 6 Haas VF-2SS CNC mills; a Haas ST-20Y CNC lathe with Y-axis capabilities; a bar feeder and live tooling; and a Fanuc Robodrill with a machine tending robot system. Two of the Haas CNC mills will be fitted with machine tending robotic systems from Universal Robots and Robotiq end-of-arm tooling.

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This new equipment will enhance the education of well over 1,000 students and will support �� . many industry partners by giving them access to advanced technology directly and through student projects as well as opportunities for upskilling employees in automation and additive manufacturing.

“The equipment provided through this generous donation will create valuable hands-on learning opportunities for a wide range of students – including those in engineering, engineering technology, technology education and business programs, particularly those focused on automation leadership. In addition to enhancing student learning, the equipment will support workforce development initiatives and serve as a resource/platform for funded research projects sponsored by industry partners and external agencies,” said Professor David Ding, director of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering and associate dean of CSTEMM. “Bringing this equipment into our labs is not the final step – it marks the beginning of our continued commitment to elevating the �� learning experience to a new level.”

Previous collaborations between the university and Ashley Furniture include a cross-disciplinary student project to develop toolless bed connections and the company ��. sponsorship of engineering students’ capstone projects. In addition, Todd Wanek was �� . Cabot Executive in Residence in 2017.

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Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences CNC machine donated by the Wanek Foundation

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Hero Caption: Computer numerical control (CNC) equipment donated by the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation is delivered to a �� lab.

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Cirrus Aircraft, Ashley Furniture benefit from engineering seniors’ R&D solutions

giffeyt — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Cirrus Aircraft, Ashley Furniture benefit from engineering seniors’ R&D solutionsgiffeyt June 18, 2025

Capstone projects tackle mechanical, manufacturing challenges

Tom Giffey

After collectively putting thousands of hours into their capstone projects, the moment of truth arrived in May for seniors in University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering programs when they presented their projects to industry leaders, faculty and their peers.

The projects weren’t merely classroom exercises: For seniors in these undergraduate majors, the capstone projects involved creating working prototypes that addressed real-world challenges posed by corporate sponsors that included Cirrus Aircraft, 3M, Ashley Furniture, Nordson EDI, Realityworks, Industrial Heat Transfer and others.

These firms partner with students in �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering to address challenges as diverse as creating a system to pressure test heat exchangers to dispensing liquid silicon rubber into manufacturing equipment, and from safely stacking factory pallets to creating an automated system to chemically coat aluminum aircraft parts.

�� seniors discuss their capstone project on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft. The automated system behind them was designed to chemically coat machined aircraft parts.

Project called a ‘win-win’

That latter challenge, proposed by Duluth, Minnesota-based Cirrus Aircraft, was in the hard-working hands of a six-member team led in the spring semester by Gabrielle Winstead, a mechanical engineering major from Kennewick, Washington. The goal of the project was to create an automated system to chemically coat machined aircraft parts, which need to be dipped into – and removed from – nine successive tanks.

“It is super gratifying to know that what we worked on all year not only produced a successful working system but will possibly be implemented into a real company,” Winstead said.

Last fall, the student team visited the Cirrus facility to learn about the current manufacturing process, which involved an employee manually dipping the aircraft parts, a repetitive and time-consuming job.

Using the technical and communication skills they’ve gained throughout their �� careers, the capstone students got to work on a project that combined all three of the university ��. polytechnic tenets – applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The team faced numerous challenges, from creating a machine that could properly move the parts up and down to procuring the right motors.

“We overcame the design challenges and procurement through a lot of brainstorming and prototyping,” said Winstead, who before graduation accepted a position as a field service engineer with Applied Materials in Boise, Idaho. “Additionally, seeking feedback from professors and other knowledgeable individuals was instrumental in refining our approach.”

In addition, size became an issue: There simply wasn’t enough space in the Manufacturing, Material Removal & Metal Forming Lab in Fryklund Hall to build an apparatus with nine full-sized tanks. Instead, the team created a prototype with just two tanks that demonstrated the process using automated, mechanical and pneumatic systems.

Metal parts are lifted from a tub of liquid in a demonstration of a machine developed by �� students in their engineering capstone course.

Antonio Meyer, a mechanical engineering major from Elk Mound who was team lead during the first semester, said consistent communication, real-time problem solving and adaptability were key to overcoming the problems the team encountered.

“I learned that strong teamwork relies on trust, clear communication and flexibility,” Meyer said. “Everyone has different working styles and strengths, and it ��. important to recognize and leverage those. I also learned the value of stepping up when the team needs direction but also stepping back and letting others take ownership of their parts.”

The students worked with Cirrus Manufacturing Engineering Manager Marc Wollak to provide project updates, ask questions and receive guidance.

Cirrus chose this engineering challenge because the current manual process required a technician ��. undivided attention, Wollak said. Automating the process would save a large amount of time for the operator.

“The final product was well done and provided a solid solution to our problem,” Wollak said. “There will always be modifications through continuous improvements, but the Cirrus team was very excited about the solution provided and the amount of detail that was captured for the process.”

Wollak added that working with �� was a valuable experience for both the students and Cirrus Aircraft. “Stout provides some amazing and talented students thorough their program and its win-win for both sides,” he said.

“The feedback from Cirrus was incredibly valuable,” agreed Meyer who is now a design engineer at Cretex Medical in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. “They helped us stay grounded in real-world applications, offered insights we wouldn't have considered on our own, and kept our design aligned with their operational needs. It elevated the project from a student prototype to something with industrial relevance.”

The Cirrus capstone team also included mechanical engineering majors Tyler Geisenhoff of Chisago City, Minnesota; Nick Roller, of Antigo; and Carter Zaspel, of Gordon; and manufacturing engineering major Prena Rai of Nepal.

�� engineering students Luke Mertens, right, and Zachary Morgan demonstrate a wooden model of a machine they engineered for Ashley Furniture as part of their capstone course.

Students face a real-life heavy lift

During the spring semester, the Cirrus capstone group was just one of 14 teams composed of 80 students working on projects in various stages of developing in Fryklund Hall labs.

Among the first-semester capstone teams was one tackling a project on behalf of Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture. That team was tasked with designing a device that could lift and hold 6-foot-long, 100-pound pallets off the ground until a stack of 12 was collected. The biggest challenge was the requirement that they use electrical power, rather than pneumatics or hydraulics, to lift a heavy stack of pallets in one of the company ��. warehouses.

Luke Mertens, a double major in manufacturing and mechanical engineering from Easton, Minnesota, said his team overcame these challenges one at a time. “It all comes down to identifying what a functional need is of your design and then brainstorming potential design concepts that can satisfy that need,” he said. “This is a never-ending cycle. It is an unrelenting pursuit of solutions that are justifiable. A lot of it is mindset related. As a team, you must continuously tell yourselves there is a way to solve a given problem within the constraints you are operating in. Breakthroughs often come just after the moment you feel you’ve exhausted every option.”

The Ashley team also includes manufacturing engineering major Zachary Morgan of Eau Claire and mechanical engineering majors Chase Rodewald of Lake City, Minnesota, and Riley Stiehl of Alma.

The challenges that are inherent in the capstone process provided students with opportunities to learn, grow and adapt, Mertens explained. Along the way, he said, the team has been aided by input from representatives from Ashley as well as others who attended an end-of-semester presentation, which featured computer schematics and a small-scale model of what they will build in the fall semester.

“This feedback will be used to diagnose aspects of our design we need to further investigate, improve and validate,” Mertens said, adding he looks forward to presenting Ashley with a functional solution by the end of the year.

�� senior Gabrielle Winstead presents her team's capstone project.

Ready to step into industrial roles

The engineering capstone classes are led by Assistant Professor Dan Bee; Assistant Professor Nathan Spike, B.S. mechanical engineering program director; Senior Lecturer Glenn Bushendorf; Lecturer Anwr Al-Baghdadi; and Instrumentation Coordinator-Instructor Paul Craig, B.S. and M.S. manufacturing program director.

Bee said the faculty view themselves as facilitators in an open-ended process where the seniors must undertake their own research and develop their own solutions.

“We’re trying to give a real experience in a safe environment and help them be ready to step into a role like that in industry,” Bee said.

Students use a project management methodology called a “stage gate process,” which includes built-in reviews at key points. Students prepare a report at the end of the first semester, which is updated during the second semester. At that time the sponsor – typically an outside business – purchases the materials the team needs to build its prototype. After their final presentations, students submit what they’ve built and the accompanying documents to the companies for potential integration into manufacturing operations or continued development.

According to the university ��. most recent First Destination Report, 99% of 2023-24 graduates from the mechanical and manufacturing engineering programs reported they were either employed or continuing their education within six months, with an average starting salary was $72,000.

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�� seniors discuss their capstone project on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft. �� seniors discuss their capstone project on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft.

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Hero Caption: Luke Mertens, a double major in manufacturing and mechanical engineering, presents his capstone team's plans for a device to lift pallets for Ashley Furniture.

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Fashion & photogrammetry: Communications senior captures couture in 3D

goersab — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:29:12 +0000

Fashion & photogrammetry: Communications senior captures couture in 3Dgoersab April 29, 2025

Student ��. apparel collections will premiere at WEAR Fashion Show, May 3

Abbey Goers

Before stepping onto the runway at �� . annual WEAR Fashion Show on Saturday, May 3, two fashion design and development students and their models joined Anna Mathsen, a professional and technical communication senior, for a photoshoot in the university ��. PARSEC Lab.

This was no ordinary photoshoot, however. For her digital humanities capstone project, Mathsen is building a digital fashion portfolio of her friends’ apparel collections using the PARSEC Lab ��. 3D-modeling photogrammetry software.

The collections, created by Mathsen ��. boyfriend, Evan Tomczyk, and roommate, Lucas Moreno-Martinez III, will be premiered at WEAR, along with more than a dozen of their fashion design peers.

Professional communications senior Anna Mathsen, left, is using the PARSEC Lab to capture 3D imagery of fashion design students' collections

Moreno-Martinez ��. collection “Vex” features four outfits inspired by Dracula ��. brides and represents his different personalities. “The collection is versatile, with silhouettes that are both familiar and impractical, with dreamlike textures,” he said.

Tomczyk enjoys designing jackets. “Pants make an outfit, but jackets make it interesting,” he said. Two of his four jackets designed this semester will be modeled at WEAR.

WEAR will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. The vivid runway display showcases and celebrates fashion students’ innovative collections and illustrates their journey from hands-on, studio-based learning to wearable, industry-forward couture.

View the WEAR Fashion Show trailer and purchase tickets online.

Isaac Tester, a graphic design and interactive media senior, models a suit designed by Evan Tomczyk

�� fashion design graduates work in major design houses and apparel companies, including lululemon, Steve Madden, Ardisam Inc., Nike, Patagonia, and more, and have founded their own design houses, like the international boutique Mara Marie Bridal.

Fashion and photogrammetry

PARSEC – or Photogrammetry and Reflectivity for STEM Research and Education in the Chippewa Valley – is a photogrammetry space within �� . Fab Lab.

It has 120 DSLR cameras mounted on a frame to capture 120 photos of an object or person simultaneously. The images, taken within milliseconds, are imported into software that stitches the images together into a detailed 3D model.

The technology is used to create assets in video games, architectural models, interactive digital artifacts for museums and more.

Claire Jost, an industrial design student, models a dress designed by fashion design senior Lucas Moreno-Martinez III

Mathsen, of Eden Prairie, had done a manual photogrammetry project in a previous digital humanities class, where she took dozens of photos asynchronously by hand and edited them herself to create a high-resolution scan.

“The PARSEC Lab is much more efficient. I was excited to use the equipment here. I hope more students use this space for their projects,” she said.

For her portfolio, Mathsen wanted to utilize what she’d learned and cater to her friends’ interests. “I admire fashion, and Evan and Lucas have a passion for design. I wanted to spotlight their work, their design process and completed looks,” she said.

Mathsen is using the Shorthand website creator to build the lookbook for the apparel collections. Student models were Marilena Grado, a fashion design student; Claire Jost, an industrial design student; and Isaac Tester, a graphic design and interactive media senior.

Claire Jost, Lucas Moreno-Martinez III and Marilena Grado

Moreno-Martinez, a senior from Vesper, enjoys designing women ��. wear and bringing his concepts to life.

“Vex” includes four outfits: one that shows the wearer is ready to go out for the night, one that is childlike, one that is masculine, and one that is wishful – a red bridal dress, reminiscent of “Beetlejuice.” His designs also remind him of his favorite song that his grandpa used to whistle.

“My grandpa got me to where I am today,” said Moreno-Martinez, who will graduate in December.

Tomczyk, a sophomore from Duluth, Minnesota, is inspired by older designers and tailoring styles and often finds styles by looking through his grandma ��. catalogs from the 1930s. Modern international designers he admires are Martin Margiela and Junya Watanabe.

Among Tomczyk ��. finely tailored suit jackets, he created an afterhood – a sweatshirt with a hood added to the garment after it is sewn – and a pair of cargo pants with patchwork to match the hoodie. Afterhoods were common in the 1930s and 1940s for winter sports.

Tomczyk will intern this summer as a tailor ��. apprentice with Martin Patrick 3, in Minneapolis.

Evan Tomczyk, Anna Mathsen and Isaac Tester

Hosted by the WEAR Fashion Association student organization, WEAR is part of �� . Spring Showcase of student-centered events in April and May. Seniors also create their own design house, complete with brand names, marketing materials and business plans. Their collections will be on display at a trade show-style exhibit after the event in the MSC ballrooms, where attendees can meet the designers and see the garments up close.

Planning for this year ��. event started late last summer. Faculty encouraged underclassmen to submit work, a process new to the event, which previously showcased senior capstone collections and select works by juniors. Among the capstone collections, WEAR will feature 10 suits by underclassmen, tied to an assignment directed by Program Director Sarah Eileen Smith.

“WEAR Fashion Show is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their work in a professional setting as they jumpstart their careers. It ��. been inspiring to see new and seasoned students step up and take ownership of their creative growth this year,” said WEAR faculty adviser Bex Cermin.

“I’m especially impressed by the students who created complete two- to four-piece collections outside of any class project or assignment, just for this show. That kind of initiative and drive speaks volumes about the impact an upcoming, fashion-forward event can have on young artists and designers,” Cermin said.

Tester, Tomczyk and Mathsen watch as the images are downloaded to the software

Other �� fashion-focused events include Fashion Without Fabric. The sold-out show on April 12 featured 120 sculptured costume designs by 3D Design students, representing natural and man-made phenomena connected by this year ��. theme, “Phenomonie!”

A student and community resource

Computer science Professor Seth Berrier built the software and complex camera system and manages the lab.

“We’ve had four student projects in the PARSEC Lab since it opened. Anna ��. is the first communications/fashion design collaboration we’ve had,” he said.

Professional communications Professor Mitch Ogden, Mathsen ��. capstone mentor, thinks, “Anna ��. photogrammetry project is an inspiring example of Stout ��. polytechnic model and is a convergence of degree disciplines. Where else do you get to see fashion and apparel design, computer science and technical communication come together? This is the cross-disciplinary magic of the digital humanities.

“Our program is pushing the envelope for what we think of as ‘content’ and how we imagine putting that content into the world. Photogrammetry is a powerful approach. Already, clothing retailers are exploring moves towards 3D modeling of clothes,” Ogden added. “As technologies evolve and our consumer habits with them, there will be continued innovation in this field. Anna ��. project prepares her to be ready for those opportunities of the future.”

Berrier's software pieces together the 120 images to create a 3D model in a matter of minutes

Berrier would like to make the lab portable to bring the cameras to clients and to various campus events, such as Fashion Without Fabric. He is also hoping the lab can be a part of the new Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Space in development in the University Library.

The PARSEC Lab opened in 2022 and was made possible through a National Science Foundation grant. Internal and external partners have included the University Library Archives and the Dunn County Historical Society to capture artifacts using 3D imagery.

The Fab Lab is free to use for �� students. Training on laser cutters, 3D printers and leading-edge digital fabrication tools empowers students to design, prototype and build nearly anything they envision. Through memberships, it is available for community members to use after completion of the Introduction to Fab Lab Equipment training.

The fashion design and development program is part of the School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It also offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; and video production, as well as an M.F.A. in design. �� also has a new program in game and media studies.

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Hero Caption: Marilena Grado, a fashion design student, models a corset and skirt designed by fashion design senior Lucas Moreno-Martinez.

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Room & Board competition offers industrial design seniors spotlight for innovative storage solutions

goersab — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:27:05 +0000

Room & Board competition offers industrial design seniors spotlight for innovative storage solutionsgoersab April 22, 2025

Sroga, Nguyen, Gilbertson win top prizes for original designs

Abbey Goers

For nine years, Room & Board has partnered exclusively with �� . B.F.A. industrial and product design program for its annual student design competition.

Senior industrial design students are challenged each year with a unique prompt to create a piece of furniture for Room & Board that seamlessly fits into the company ��. existing aesthetic and brand. This spring ��. project focused on storage solutions and could include concepts in various categories, including media, dining, living, entry, bathroom and kitchen systems.

“The project has been a wonderful yearly event and has allowed us to create a meaningful connection with the industrial design community while exposing us to some great talent,” said Brian Linehan, �� alum and Room & Board merchandise and design manager, who started the competition.

After a fast-paced, three-week-long project, students presented their final designs at Room & Board corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, where their 1/8-scale 3D-printed models are showcased.

Room & Board storage competition design "Declan" by Addie Evans

Three winners were selected and awarded a cash prize in exchange for the rights to produce their designs if they choose. Designs are evaluated on the practicality of manufacturing and cost restraints. This year ��. winners were:

First place, $1,500: Sadie Sroga, of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota: design “Vera”
Second place, $1,000: Moc Chau Nguyen, of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: design “Ravi”
Third place, $500: Bailey Gilbertson, of Elk Mound: design “Ingrid”

“The project gave me a real sense of what it ��. like to design for production in a professional setting,” Sroga said. “It pushes you to work efficiently and think critically about every design decision. It ��. a great challenge that gives you a taste of working under real-world timelines while still allowing for a lot of creativity. Knowing the winning design could potentially go into production made it feel even more meaningful.

“Getting to work with a company like Room & Board made the experience even more special. Their commitment to sustainability, timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship really resonated with me,” she added.

Room & Board sells modern furnishings designed to last, crafted by 12,000 craftspeople across the U.S. It makes an annual donation to support �� . industrial design program.

“This project allows senior design students to show what their capabilities are in a short amount of time. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with the designers at Room & Board,” Program Director Jennifer Astwood said.

School of Art & Design Senior Show

Capstone projects by approximately 100 graduating seniors will be on display, providing a chance to talk with the artists and designers.

Nearly 120 graduating School of Art and Design seniors will feature their capstone projects at SOAD Senior Show, 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 9. Meet with students and talk about their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall. Fine art sales will be held throughout the buildings. The Student Artist-in-Residence reception will be held in Furlong Gallery.

Storage inspired by simplicity

Sroga and Gilbertson, who will graduate on Saturday, May 10, both created media cabinets inspired by the Scandinavian design principles of simplicity, functionality, use of natural materials and visual harmony.

“I was drawn to how Scandinavian furniture can feel both grounding and elevated at the same time. I wanted ‘Vera’ to evoke a sense of calm and quiet beauty in the living space,” Sroga said. “One of my main design philosophies is ‘less is more,’ and that really shaped how I approached ‘Vera.’ Since it ��. meant for a living room, I wanted it to blend in seamlessly with someone ��. home while still feeling special. At first glance, ‘Vera’ is clean and simple, but the closer you look, the more you notice the details.”

Each of Sroga ��. design choices was intentional, from how the wood grain was laid out to how the pieces connect. “My goal was to create something that feels easy and effortless, but is actually full of careful design decisions,” she added.

Room & Board storage competition design "Sartell" by Lauren Chukel

Gilbertson thinks the challenge encouraged innovation and creativity. “The name ‘Ingrid’ is derived from the word ‘integrated,’ reflecting how the center shelf and legs are seamlessly incorporated into the overall design. The piece emphasizes clean lines, minimalist style and practical functionality,” she said.

Working in the Senior Industrial Design Studio, students began the creative process by researching Room & Board ��. design language, brand values, use of materials, and current trends to see where there might be room to create something fresh, Sroga said.

They then moved on to ideation and sketches “to explore as many ideas as possible. The first round was all about pushing creativity without limitations,” she said.

After building small-scale models of their top designs, they each selected a final concept and constructed full-size prototypes out of cardboard.

Room & Board merchandising and design team members, all �� alums, worked with students throughout the process, providing guidance and offering constructive feedback during an in-progress critique before their final design presentations at Room & Board.

The industrial and product design program is part of the School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It also offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; fashion design and development; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, as well as an M.F.A. in design. �� also has a new program in game and media studies.

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Industrial design seniors create cutting-edge models for music creation, home furnishings

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Sroga, Nguyen, Gilbertson win top prizes for original designs Room and Board design, Declan by Addie Evans

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Combine your passion for design and function by creating products to improve the lives of consumers.

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Hero Caption: Room & Board storage competition design "Tremont" by Jake Banasik

Jennifer Astwood

Teaching Interests: DES 331 – ID3: Product Interface Design (2 sections) DES 231 – ID2: Ergonomics DES 205 – Design Drawing and Concept Visualization ART 256 – Slip-Casting for Designers and Artists DES 231 – ID1: Product Form and Visualization DES 333 – Professional Practice DES 405 – Advanced Presentation Techniques DES 431 – System, Environment, and Context DES 432 – Theory, Society, and Application DES 712 – Sustainable Design Practice SUST 432/632 – Global Sustainability Experience in Design & Manufacturing

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Engineering R&D teams present capstone prototypes to industry sponsors

goersab — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:22:53 +0000

Engineering R&D teams present capstone prototypes to industry sponsorsgoersab January 8, 2025

Students quadruple production of sustainable coffee cups for eco-friendly startup; deliver toys to local children

Abbey Goers

Disposable coffee cups, the kind used at most cafes and take-out shops, pose a major sustainability issue. More than 40 billion are tossed in the waste each year in the U.S. alone. Whether they’re made from polystyrene or paper lined with plastic, disposable coffee cups generally aren’t recyclable, and they take decades to centuries to break down in landfills while producing methane and leaching microplastics into the environment.

A startup company in San Francisco, GaeaStar, is working to solve the problem. It ��. making eco-friendly disposable coffee cups out of clay, with a liquid-proof glaze. When the coffee is gone, the thin cups can be reused or tossed in the trash. Their composition makes them easily decomposable.

To ramp up its production, GaeaStar turned to students in �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering.

Cade Parker, Grace Thoreson, Noah Pearson-Cater, Wayne LaVine and Morgan Young

A team in the Senior Design Experience capstone class developed from scratch a new machine to significantly speed up the company ��. cup glazing process – quadrupling its daily output.

The team ��. GaeaStar-Cup Glazing Prototype completes a semiautomated fountain glaze application, creating a consistent coating with no residue on the external cup surface. After starting the project during the spring semester, they delivered a prototype on Dec. 18 in a presentation to GaeaStar officials, professors and fellow students.

The project was one of 24 presented as part of the fall semester capstone courses – with more than 120 students working in teams in various stages of development in the manufacturing, mechanical and computer and electrical engineering labs in Fryklund Hall.

Noah Pearson-Cater and Grace Thoreson measure supports for the GaeaStar-Cup Glazing Prototype.

A sustainable solution to single-use cups

Last spring, at the start of their capstone course, the team of five students spent months studying the glazing process, coming up with one prototype and then switching gears to another.

In mid-October, after ordering parts, the team began building their machine.

Morgan Young, of Eden Prairie, Minn., majoring in manufacturing engineering, enjoyed the real-world challenge. “GaeaStar had trust in us that we could do this, and we are overwhelmed with what we’re delivering to them,” she said.

With a larger capacity loading system, the team ��. machine can glaze 10 cups per minute — GaeaStar ��. current manual system can do only one.

Noah Pearson-Cater and Cade Parker cut and drill components for the prototype.

The cups are stacked upside down on a turntable as the solution in a reservoir below pumps the glaze and sprays the interior surface of the cups. Extra glaze drips back into the reservoir, and the turntable rotates for the next cup-glazing.

The enclosed machine also includes safety features to prevent operator injury.

“A big part of it was all the testing we did. The company official realized that we were trying to understand the process before we began to build,” said Noah Pearson-Cater, of Minneapolis, majoring in manufacturing engineering. “We’re really proud to give GaeaStar a prototype that they can retune to even better fit their needs.”

Team members also included Wayne LaVine, of Northfield, Minn., manufacturing engineering; Cade Parker, of Menasha, mechanical engineering; and Grace Thoreson, of Luck, double majoring in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

Morgan Young and Grace Thoreson review engineering plans.

“It was a pleasure working with the team. I am very much looking forward to receiving the prototype. It will be invaluable for developing our production process,” said GaeaStar Mechanical Design Engineer Harrison Lin.

Eventually, GaeaStar would like to sell machines to coffee shops that could 3D print the clay cups and glaze them on site.

Bringing toys to local children

Other capstone project challenges completed in December, all involving automation of processes, were for Antigo Zeon Wire, Colder Product Company Manufacturing, Mantle, ProMed Molded Products, nVent, Rassbach Museum of Menomonie and St. Croix Tactical Manufacturing.

Sponsoring companies, many of them regional manufacturers, provide full financial support of all needed equipment and materials for the testing of ideas and build of final products or systems.

Deric McConnell, Grace Goodreid, Josh Goodreid, Ayden Veness, Vinny Bonofiglio, Shane Schauss and Kevin Dietsche

Another automation project – a three-year, cross-disciplinary, multi-course toy manufacturing project – is supported by the G.A. Taft Manufacturing Engineering Endowed Professorship through the School of Engineering, awarded in fall 2023 to Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche.

The project began in Dietsche ��. Design for Industry class in fall 2023, when his students invited first-graders from St. Paul ��. School of Menomonie to brainstorm their dream toys. The collaboration ��. end goal was for the students to build mid- to high-fidelity prototypes of the imagined toys using ash tree lumber provided by the City of Menomonie ��. Urban Forestry Board. The final product of the toy design could be delivered to local children.

One of the prototypes – a two-wheeled duck pull-toy - was given to an engineering capstone team last spring to develop a manufacturing cell that would automatically assemble and produce the toys.

Earlier this fall, the team presented its Taft Prof Two-Wheel Toy Assembly System manufacturing cell prototype – constructed of wooden dowels and cardboard – to kindergartners visiting Dietsche ��. class. Together, the children and the engineering team built a version of Timothy the Duck, showing them how it automatically assembles the pieces of the duck, including its body, wings, wheels and axle.

Grace Goodreid demonstrates to Kevin Dietsche how to assemble and disassemble the system.

The team of four mechanical engineering seniors Grace Goodreid, of Cushing, Josh Goodreid, of Beldenville, Deric McConnell, of Luck, and Ayden Veness, of Prescott; and two computer and electrical engineering seniors Vinny Bonofiglio, of Helenville, and Shane Schauss, of Eau Claire, estimates it spent 2,600 hours completing their automatic assembly system.

On Dec. 18, they presented their system to faculty, peers, industry partners, family and community members. The machine is fully enclosed with safety features and can produce 10 toys at a time, taking about two and a half minutes to assemble one duck, allowing the operator to pause assembly and talk about the process.

The three-part portable manufacturing cell can be assembled and disassembled in minutes for ease of transport, which will allow Dietsche in the future to transport the machine to area schools and demonstrate the process of making wooden toys to local children.

The engineering capstone classes are led by Assistant Professor Danny Bee; Assistant Professor Nathan Spike, B.S. mechanical engineering program director; Senior Lecturer Glenn Bushendorf; and Instrumentation Coordinator-Instructor Paul Craig, B.S. and M.S. manufacturing program director.

Deric McConnell demonstrates to presentation guests how the system operates.

Students use the stage gate-driven design and project build methodology, which includes built-in reviews throughout the process.

After their final presentations, students also submit their project documents to the companies for potential integration into manufacturing operations use or continued development.

Students build technical and communication skills in their capstones, as well as confidence as they prepare to begin their careers. The Senior Design Experience blends all three of the university ��. polytechnic tenets — applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences.

Projects finishing in spring 2025 include company sponsorships by Cirrus Aircraft, Industrial Heat Transfer, Nordson EDI and RealityWorks.

Additional corporations sponsoring student work in previous semesters included Viracon, Fastenal, DiaSorin, Industrial Heat Transfer, Loos Machine and Automation and Graco. Several companies sponsored more than one project.

Graduates from the mechanical and manufacturing engineering programs in 2022-23 reported 100% employment and an average starting salary of more than $70,000, according to the latest university First Destination Report.

�� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering is home to five ABET-accredited programs that also include computer and electrical engineering, engineering technology and plastics engineering, as well as a sixth bachelor ��.’ program in packaging. A master ��. in manufacturing engineering is available on campus or online.

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Corporate commissions: Steel cows, others by engineering, design students support four businesses

polingj — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:36:09 +0000

Corporate commissions: Steel cows, others by engineering, design students support four businessespolingj October 4, 2024

Projects make career connections while collaborating with Ellsworth Creamery, Great Northern Corp., Room & Board

Based on the reactions from guests at a twine-cutting ceremony, the designs of three cow sculptures on the lawn outside the new Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery cheese factory in Menomonie are spot-on.

The life-size Holstein creations, made of stainless steel pipes and stainless steel sheeting, indeed have classic Wisconsin dairy cow features — big spots, floppy ears and even cowbells hanging from their necks as they take familiar positions, one grazing, one resting and one, a calf, standing.

The ceremony in September celebrated the culmination of a yearlong collaborative project with the creamery and ��. It also capped off spring projects in which more than 60 students from the School of Art and Design — along with packaging and engineering majors — experienced firsthand their future careers by working with actual clients.

Officials from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and �� celebrate the completion of cow sculptures at the new Menomonie plant with a twine-cutting. / ��

“This project really shows what we’re about at Stout as a polytechnic university,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who spoke at the ceremony. “Our students apply their learning and work through challenges with business and industry partners to bring their creative ideas to life.”

The cows are made of recycled material, part of the creamery ��. sustainability goals to eliminate waste: the pipes left over from building the facility are the “bones”; thin sections cut from the pipes, or rings, welded together make up much of the “hides”; fabricated pieces of the sheeting, from a processing trough where cheese is stirred and separated from whey, are the “spots,” “ears” and “heads.”

The hundreds of rings took three to six minutes each to cut and debur.

“The project took a lot more time than I thought it would, but it also was a lot more fun. It was a great project to bring into the classroom,” said Renae van der Hagen, of St. Cloud, Minn., a senior in industrial and product design.

Renae van de Hagen, a senior in industrial and product design, was one of five students who worked on the project. / ��

Project timing was perfect for van der Hagen: She was taking a welding class with Assistant Professor Nathan Spike, engineering and technology, when the opportunity came up, and she had a sculpture class the semester before. However, she didn’t have experience with stainless steel. “There were a lot of learning curves there for the design process,” she said.

She was one of five seniors on the fabrication team, along with Dominick Konkel, of Hokah, Minn., mechanical engineering; and three other industrial and product design majors, Sam Bachofen, of Waterford; Bryan Irish, of Hazelhurst; and Daniel Neve, of Mound, Minn.

Along with the students, Deano Samens, instrument shop coordinator in the Process Lab of School of Art and Design, and Spike helped fabricate the cows in a lab. The team made wispy tails of steel cable, and the cows’ heads rotate.

The three sculptures were made from stainless steel pipe and sheeting. / ��

“It takes a little vision to look at a pile of pipe and think, ‘Hey, what if we make some cows out of this?’ Samens told the several dozen people who gathered on the lawn next to the cows — a place for future customer photo opportunities. “There was a whole lot of cutting, torching and bending, welding and grinding mixed with sheer tenacity to bring this family of cows to fruition.”

The group visited Joel and Mindy Eckert ��. Bountival Farm near Menomonie to get cow measurements and a better feel for what they were about to create.

A template of a cow head was created prior to cutting the steel for it. / ��

Original concepts for the cows were created in a fall 2023 class, Design Theory and Methods, taught by Dan Banasik. More than 20 students first made scale models of their ideas, then full-scale models out of cardboard. The ideas were reviewed and narrowed down by Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery before production began.

The three sculptures were made from stainless steel pipe and sheeting. / ��

“These sculptures are a wonderful reflection of how we come together to approach challenges at the Ellsworth Creamery Cooperative with innovation and collaboration,” said John Freeman, assistant director of marketing for the company. “It ��. incredible to see the �� students use their imagination and skills to turn what might be considered scrap metal into a work of art.”

Ellsworth ��. Menomonie plant produces block cheese while the Ellsworth plant makes the company ��. famous curds, although all cheese begins as curds, Freeman said. The new facility, which is on Highway B just north of Interstate 94, includes a retail shop with food service, a cheese production viewing area and a patio area with the cow sculptures.

The project was coordinated through �� . Office of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, led by Executive Director Seth Hudson; and Professor Tamara Brantmeier in the Provost ��. Office and School of Art and Design.

Hudson, Brantmeier, Frank and Provost Glendalí Rodríguez initiated talks with the creamery about using university expertise to engage on projects, resulting in the creamery suggesting the sculpture project. Brantmeier identified key faculty and staff members, including Samens and Spike, to lead the work.

“We worked closely with the OCREE team, which offers amazing support for external partner projects like these,” Brantmeier said.

Through OCREE, �� continues to seek projects from industry and community partners that can be brought into the classroom. Learn more here.

Product displays for Great Northern and Athena Club

Last spring, students from the graphic design and interactive media program paired with packaging majors to take on a dual challenge: Help Great Northern Corp. develop product displays for one of its clients, Athena Club of New York.

Athena Club makes women ��. razor kits and other self-care essentials. It began as an online company and is expanding to retail sales. Great Northern designs and manufactures retail product displays.

Students present their Athena Club product display solutions to Great Northern Corp. and Athena Club representatives on campus. / ��

Fifteen packaging and 10 graphic design student, five teams, worked throughout the spring semester, from ideation to presenting their final concepts during presentations on campus. Great Northern and Athena Club officials, who worked virtually and in person with students as the projects progressed, attended the presentations and provided feedback.

Students designed new product packaging for the razor kits and refill kits along with the vertical display cases, ranging from 5 to 7 feet tall, that held the products. Packaging students created the packaging and display structures; graphic design students made them appealing.

They had to consider market research, brand, user experience, structural design — will the display case be easy to ship and set up for retailers and hold enough product without collapsing? — and other factors.

Students present their Athena Club product display solutions to Great Northern Corp. and Athena Club representatives on campus. / ��

Ashley Jandro is a Master of Fine Arts in design major and earned a bachelor ��. in 2022 from �� in graphic design with a focus on 2D advertising concepts. “This project made me think in a 3D world, about user experience, how people interact with a product and why,” Jandro said.

Plus, working with packaging engineers and with a real client presented additional learning curves that she said have made her a better designer.

Great Northern employs about 30 �� alumni. The Appleton-based company manufactures packaging and retail displays and has operations in ﬁve states, with Wisconsin locations in Appleton, Chippewa Falls and Racine. It has more than 1,700 employees.

In 2020, the company committed $100,000 in funding toward the sponsored course, to be held multiple times over four years. This year, it committed another $100,000. The gifts for the course have been coordinated through Stout University Foundation.

Packaging program director and Associate Professor Min DeGruson and Professor Nagesh Shinde from the graphic design program led the course, a senior capstone for packaging and an advanced design selective for graphic design students. “It ��. really a challenging project for students, but at the end of the day they learn a lot,” DeGruson said.

Students present their furniture concepts at Room & Board. / ��

Furniture concepts for Room & Board

In an industrial and product design senior capstone course taught by Lecturer Emily Pieper, 28 students developed 28 accent piece concepts for Room & Board during a three-week project.

Designers from the Minneapolis company came to �� to kick off the project and visited again two weeks later. Then, students went to Room & Board to present their final ideas, including gallery-style posters detailing their design process and 1/16th scale models of their designs. The models were 3D-printed.

A student discusses his furniture concepts. / ��

Several of the students’ ideas could become the basis for new Room & Board products.

“This project taught me a lot,” said Kate Dieckman, who revealed a coffee table design idea during student presentations at the headquarters of furniture-maker Room & Board in Minneapolis. “I learned that the client's opinion is what truly matters and hitting their goals trumps my own.”

Dieckman, a senior from Menomonie, designed a midcentury modern coffee table. “The objective to create an accent piece of furniture that could seamlessly integrate with the existing Room and Board collection and brand aesthetic,” she said.

“Room and Board ��. design restrictions were based around aesthetics and trying not to reinvent the wheel. Research of the company had to be done to understand what they were aiming for. Their brand is known to be high quality, long-lasting and simple timeless styles. Due to this, our designs reflected that and were simple in form but elevated in details like joinery,” Dieckman said.

###

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Based on the reactions at a twine-cutting ceremony, the designs of three cow sculptures outside the new Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery are spot on. Cow sculptures Renae

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Phillips-Medisize was recognized by the Universities of Wisconsin and �� with the Regents Business Partnership Award.

Seth Hudson

Seth Hudson was announced as the new leader on Thursday, July 28, by Chancellor Katherine Frank. He will direct �� . Discovery Center, including the Manufacturing Outreach Center, Stout Technology and Business Park, and a comprehensive range of industry, applied research, technical assistance and technology transfer efforts of the university.

Hudson has bachelor ��. degrees in political science and economics from the University of Southern Maine.

"I am looking forward to growing �� . existing partnerships in order to expand the relationships between students, faculty, staff and Wisconsin ��. business community,” he said.

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Professorship brings Indian Motorcycle collaboration to engineering lab

polingj — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:14:50 +0000

Professorship brings Indian Motorcycle collaboration to engineering labpolingj September 27, 2024

Polaris donates two engines for test stand project, one of 13 university-funded awards, sabbaticals given to faculty

Students in the mechanical engineering program at �� soon will be hearing the words commonly announced at the start of motorsport races, “Start your engines!”

Two new Indian Motorcycle engines, one air-cooled and one liquid-cooled, were donated to the program by the manufacturer, Polaris, along with a collection of associated components. The collaboration is the result of a project by Professor Devin Berg, who is developing an engine testing system and stand to control the motors for in-class demonstrations and lab experiments.

“The test stand will allow students and faculty to explore the operating conditions of each type of engine and test different control models,” Berg said.

Two Indian Motorcycle engines donated by Polaris will be studied by mechanical engineering students at �� thanks to a professorship awarded to Devin Berg. / ��

The engines and stand setup will have a dynamometer to duplicate speed and torque; a data system to monitor performance; handlebars for throttle and clutch control; and electronic feedback on such things as oil temperature and pressure, coolant temperature and intake air temperature.

Berg ��. work is the result of receiving the John “Jed” Copham Memorial Professorship, in memory of Copham, a 1997 industrial technology graduate who owned Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn. The professorship supports faculty and staff in the engineering and technology department, with preference for projects that have a connection to automobiles or motorsports.

Berg received the professorship in 2023 and has received it again this year, with $11,800 in funding. He has employed two students, Charles Lenk, a senior from Amery, and Lucas Lirette, a senior from North Prairie, to help design the stand.

Mechanical engineering majors Charles Lenk, left, and Lucas Lirette work on the motorcycle engine stand in an engineering lab. / Contributed photo

Berg ��. project will enhance learning in existing courses. It also could lead to new courses and additional collaborations with Polaris, the Minnesota-based company that also makes snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, pontoons and more.

“This project has already had an impact on the career progression of Charles and Lucas, and as it develops a much larger number of students will be impacted as well,” Berg said.

He is one of eight professors who have been awarded a professorship or endowed chair award through the �� Foundation and Alumni Association. Another five professors have been granted sabbaticals for research during the 2024-25 academic year.

Paul Craig, program director and recipient of a Fulton and Edna Holtby Manufacturing Engineering Chair award, works with students in an engineering lab. / ��

Professorships and endowed chairs are prestigious positions awarded to high-performing faculty to help them improve their areas of teaching expertise through professional development.

Faculty must apply for the awards, which are based on recommendations made by the Named Professorship Committee and are approved by Chancellor Katherine Frank. Use of the stipends must meet state guidelines and be approved by the Universities of Wisconsin.

Professorships and endowed chairs

Others receiving professorships and endowed chairs are:

Fulton and Edna Holtby Manufacturing Engineering Chair: Danny Bee, assistant professor; and Paul Craig, instrumentation coordinator and program director, engineering and technology department.

Bee will receive $31,000 a year for three years. He plans to strengthen industry connections to the Senior Design Experience capstone course, which this past spring involved 12 industry-sponsored projects. He also plans to develop instructional expertise and provide assistance to small and medium size manufacturers in the area of industry 4.0.

Craig also will receive $31,000 a year for three years. He will seek advanced training in integrating robotics into advanced manufacturing; research smart devices in automated industrial control systems to develop two industry-based courses; and develop a course on cyber-physical digital twins on the factory floor.

Fulton Holtby was a pioneering mechanical engineering professor for 41 years at the University of Minnesota. He and Edna supported �� . technical programs with scholarships for engineering students; he received an honorary doctorate from the university. Fulton ��. Workshop at the Rassbach Museum in Menomonie features equipment and tools from his shop and working models he created and manufactured.

Lenore Landry Apparel Design and Development Professorship: Joan Rhee, professor, fashion design and development. Rhee will receive $6,000 a year for three years to support faculty professional development initiatives, student research projects and classroom projects with industry partners.

The award was established by Landry, a 1945 alum in home economics education. Landry, a UW System specialist, was respected nationally for her expertise in textiles and clothing.

Grace Laudon Ostenso Nutrition and Food Science Endowed Chair: Lindsay Heidelberger, associate professor, food and nutrition sciences. Heidelberger will receive $39,700 a year for two years for her project, “Body Composition, Food Security and Eating Behaviors,” research focusing on college students.

Ostenso, a 1954 graduate of the family and consumer educational services program, now the dietetics program, founded the chair to provide leadership and vision to ensure expert instruction for �� students and the continued success of its food and nutrition-related programs.

Professor Debbie Stanislawski has received the Q Endowed Chair in Education award. / ��

Q Endowed Chair in Education: Debbie Stanislawski, professor, teaching, learning and leadership. Stanislawski will receive $62,500 a year for two years for her project, “Exploring the Impact of the �� Experienced Educator Bootcamps on CTE Teacher Retention, Self-efficacy, and Success.”

Funding for the chair is from an alum who wishes to remain anonymous. The goal is to promote study of interactions between human development, family stability, economic stability and vocational-technical preparation at all education levels.

Maybelle Ranney Price Professorship: JulieBates-Maves, professor, counseling, rehabilitation and human services. Bates will receive $2,400 for one year to develop and disseminate teacher training for undergraduate and graduate education students and faculty related to the impacts of traumatic childhood events.

Price, an alum, established the award to recognize outstanding ability and promise among faculty and provide support for professional activities.

Andrew G. Schneider Professorship: Kenan Baltaci, associate professor, engineering and technology. Baltaci will receive $13,400 for one year to address the challenges and opportunities presented by integrating AI technologies and tools into the computer and electrical engineering curriculum.

Schneider was a member of the Foundation Advisory Board. Through a substantial bequest at his death, the university purchased the land for the Stout Technology Park in Menomonie.

Five professors awarded sabbaticals

Research sabbaticals enable recipients to engage in intensive study to become more effective teachers and scholars and to enhance their services to the university. The awards are based on merit of past academic contributions.

The 2024-2025 recipients are:

Adam Kramschuster, professor, engineering and technology, fall
Chelsea Lovejoy, professor, psychology, fall
Charles Lume, professor, art and design, fall
Julie Peterson, professor, design, fall
Wei Zheng, professor, engineering and technology, spring.

###

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Engineering students support Sierra Space ��. lunar testing system

Alum works with engineering students to improve lunar dust testing, bolstering NASA ��. return to the moon

Ashley, Cadrex, Apogee among companies benefiting from engineering students’ prototypes

Capstone projects demonstrate mechanical, manufacturing know-how, leadership skills

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Students in the mechanical engineering program at �� are the hearing words often announced at motorsport races: "Start your engines!" Devin Berg engines 1

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Board of Regents approves promotions, tenure for 18 �� faculty members

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has approved promotions and tenure recommendations for 18 �� faculty members.

Glendalí Rodríguez

Full Name: Glendali Rodriguez

Job Title: Professor

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College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

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Degree: MARCH Architecture

University: Georgia Institute of Technology

Degree: B.A. Architecture Concentration

University: Yale University

Degree: PLW, Civil Engineering and Architecture

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$7.4M labs renovation project sheds light on mechanical, plastics engineering

polingj — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:09:44 +0000

$7.4M labs renovation project sheds light on mechanical, plastics engineeringpolingj September 16, 2024

Changes also open up busy Jarvis Tech Wing corridor; two more labs to be updated in 2025

Two large engineering labs and one of the busiest building corridors at �� have fresh, new looks this fall with students back on campus.

Phase one of a two-year $7.4 million lab renovation project was completed this summer in Jarvis Hall Technology Wing. The Engineering Technology Research and Development Lab, and Plastics Engineering Lab were completely revamped, along with the hallway between the labs.

The hallway is a direct route for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors between Jarvis Tech, Jarvis Science, Micheels and the Applied Arts academic buildings. The labs have new windows and overhead doors with windows to give passers-by a glimpse of the hands-on learning taking place daily in the large spaces.

Mechanical engineering students work on an engine project in the renovated Engineering Technology Research and Development Lab. / ��

“The spaces better highlight what it is to be a polytechnic. They showcase the applied learning that is happening, and passers-by can see our students in action,” said Glendalí Rodríguez, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Phase two of the project will take place in summer 2025. Adjacent and to the north of the engineering labs, the Construction Lab for construction management majors and interdisciplinary Research and Development Prototyping Lab will be renovated.

Phase 1, which began in mid-May, covered 17,000 square feet while phase two will encompass nearly 24,000 feet. Overall, the project is 40,915 square feet, including 30,103 square feet of lab space.

The lab renovations are part of a $7.4 million project in Jarvis Hall Tech Wing. / ��

As Wisconsin ��. ��, �� emphasizes applied learning with three times more labs than classrooms. In some majors, like in the two renovated labs, classroom and lab space are next to each other so that lectures and hands-on applications are seamlessly intertwined.

The mechanical and plastics engineering programs are part of �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering. In the 2024 First Destination Report from Career Services, recent graduates from the four undergraduate engineering majors reported 100% employment within six months of graduating and an average starting salary of more than $70,000.

The Integrated Technology Lab, mainly for mechanical engineering, and engineering and technology majors, previously had a closed classroom space within the lab. With the renovation, an open classroom will be next to the lab equipment students use daily.

A wall was removed in the plastics lab to turn it into a larger, open space.

The renovation includes new, overhead garage doors in the labs, which are across the hallway from each other. / ��

Jarvis Technology Wing was built in 1969, said Zenon Smolarek, associate director of Facilities Management. This is the first major renovation of the lab spaces. The concept of labs with windows matches that of Jarvis Hall Science Wing, which opened in 2009.

For both renovations, industrial equipment had to be moved from the labs but is back in place for the fall semester. Renovations included new flooring, dust collection and exhaust systems, energy saving LED lights and paint. The original parquet flooring contained asbestos.

Lab and building infrastructure also was updated. Both labs now have air conditioning for the first time and a new sprinkler system. The Tech Wing has its own water system instead of sharing it with the Science Wing, solving water pressure issues, said Chad Schlough, project manager for Facilities Management.

From left, staff members Zenon Smolarek, John Buss and Chad Schlough, standing in the plastics lab, were instrumental in the renovation project. / ��

Also:

A storage area was created for high-tech GPS and surveying equipment used by students.
Restrooms in the area were updated, and a single occupant restroom was added.
Second-floor mechanical rooms and equipment were updated.

“It ��. a win-win for facilities and the departments. It ��. great to have fresh labs,” said John Buss, instrument shop coordinator in the engineering and technology department.

The overhead doors from the labs to the hallway will make it easier down the road to add new and bigger equipment, Rodríguez said, and for students and professors to collaborate.

The general contractor is R.J. Jurowski of Whitehall. Bill Jurowski, a �� alum, is project manager. Ethan Wiersgalla, site manager for R.J. Jurowski, said the project has employed 20 to 25 people.

###

Business & Industry Collaboration

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Make48 returns to �� Polytechnic with regional hospitality competition.

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Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming ��. unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Two large engineering labs and one of the busiest building corridors at �� have fresh, new looks this fall with students back on camp Jarvis Tech engineering labs 2

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Engineering R&D projects hum as students present prototypes to industry sponsors

It was the moment of truth for a team of �� engineering majors, as peers, professors and industry representatives gathered around.

Hero Caption: New hallway windows allow passers-by to view what students are working on in the new Plastics Engineering Lab.

Glendalí Rodríguez

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B.S. Construction Management

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University: Georgia Institute of Technology

Degree: B.A. Architecture Concentration

University: Yale University

Degree: PLW, Civil Engineering and Architecture

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Degree: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

Degree: Wisconsin Registered Architect

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PHOTO ESSAY: A New Histology Lab

goersab — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: A New Histology Labgoersab September 3, 2024

Discover biological and biomedical student research on the microscopic level

Abbey Goers

A new Histology Lab will open this fall semester, providing cutting-edge educational and hands-on research opportunities for students and faculty in �� . applied biochemistry and molecular biology; applied science; and biology programs.

“The Histology Lab enables hands-on learning in tissue preparation and analysis and provides new opportunities for biological and biomedical research. By studying the microscopic structure of tissues, we can gain valuable insights into their function and pathology,” said Lecturer Tiffany Hoage.

“Furthermore, it complements the Cadaver Lab, as students are now able to observe both microscopic (cell/tissue-level) anatomy and gross (organ-level) anatomy.”

Last spring semester, Hoage worked with seniors Ethan Kalin and Natalie Mercill to establish the space within Jarvis Hall Science Wing ��. larger biotechnology labs.

Histology is the study of the microscopic structures of biological tissues and is important for medical diagnosis, forensic investigation and scientific study.

While �� . Histology Lab is not intended to diagnose patients, it will help students prepare for their future careers in biological and biomedical research and health care fields.

As they were establishing the Histology Lab, Kalin and Mercill learned how to operate the equipment, which includes a Leica EG1160 paraffin embedding center, a Leica RM2255 rotary microtome, a Fisher Scientific warm water bath and staining equipment.

They used such equipment only once before during a tour of Mayo Clinic ��. histology department with the university ��. Prehealth Society.

“The tour definitely got us interested in histology,” Mercill said.

In May, Kalin, of Maplewood, Minn., graduated from �� in applied science, with a concentration in biology and minors in cognitive neuroscience and chemistry. Mercill, of Woodbury, Minn., graduated in biology from UW-Eau Claire.

They now work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Kalin is a clinical lab technologist in a genomics lab, extracting DNA for cancer and hereditary disease diagnosis. Mercill does phlebotomy as a lab services technician and is starting the cardiovascular invasive specialist program at the Mayo School of Health Science, where she will learn the skills to assist with diagnostic and therapeutic invasive cardiology procedures.

“Getting to work in the Histology Lab made me much more confident in my ability to pick up new techniques and put them into practice. I believe this has helped me work through training I have undergone at my new position in Rochester. I hope to see the lab we created allow for other students to grow in the same ways I have and discover new passions that will help expand their horizons,” Kalin said.

Revisiting the lab before it opens for the semester, Kalin and Mercill practice what their peers will soon be experiencing in class.

They extract the brain from a zebrafish and use the microwave method to dehydrate the tissue to prepare it for paraffin embedding. Zebrafish are a model organism for research, as the fish shares more than 80% of genes known to trigger diseases in humans, such as cancer types and heart disease.

“The brain of an adult zebrafish is about four millimeters in length, or the width of a sunflower seed. Even with that small of a tissue sample, you can create hundreds of microscope slides,” Mercill said.

At the paraffin embedding center, Kalin places the silver mold under the paraffin wax dispenser and partially fills it. He uses a forceps to place the tissue into the molten wax.

He places an embedding cassette, a blue plastic slotted tray about one-inch square, into the silver mold. Additional molten paraffin wax is added, and he places mold on a cooling platform to solidify the wax and form the tissue block.

Mercill readies the rotary microtome to slice the tissue block into sections around five microns thick. By comparison, an average human hair has a diameter of 100 microns.

She clamps the tissue block into the microtome and installs a blade into the holder below. Turning the operating handle, she moves the block up and down to slice it, creating a length of perforated squares for microscope slides.

Mercill uses a pair of tweezers to lift a perforated section from the tray and hands it to Kalin, who lays it in the warm water bath, heated to 37 degrees Celsius, or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

As it floats on top, the warm water flattens and smooths the section, and it is adhered to a slide and dried.

The sections are then stained to observe the tissue ��. components. Specific stains are used to better visualize cells and structures of interest, Hoage explained, noting thioflavin-S highlights the amyloid beta, a protein that accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer ��. disease, while H&E – hematoxylin and eosin – is used to stain DNA purplish blue and the rest of the cell pink.

Under the microscope, Kalin and Mercill observe zebrafish tissue stained with H&E.

The initiative to establish the lab stemmed from an Honors College project in fall 2023 that involved Kalin and Mercill dissecting a brain from a cadaver with Alzheimer ��. disease. They wanted to further their educational experience and see the microscopic pathology of Alzheimer ��. disease, so their mentor Dr. Alex Hall connected them with Hoage.

With a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Mayo Clinic Graduate School and histology experience from her thesis research, Hoage was thrilled at the opportunity to help establish the Histology Lab.

“With Ethan and Natalie helping to set up the lab and now working at Mayo, it feels like they’re completing the cycle,” Hoage said.

The lab allowed them to continue their project at the microscopic level when they successfully sectioned and stained the cadaver brain to see amyloid beta plaques.

In another project, Kalin and Mercill compared the conventional method of tissue processing with the microwave method for processing zebrafish tissues.

“Their preliminary findings show both tissue processing methods are equivalent with respect to tissue integrity and staining quality,” Hoage said. “Their findings are important, as the microwave method takes less than one hour versus the conventional method, which takes about six hours. The shorter processing time will allow the microwave method to be integrated within a regular lab period.”

Kalin and Mercill were among nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate students who presented at �� . Research Day in April. Kalin also presented his temporal analysis at Research in the Rotunda in March at the state Capitol.

During their undergrad, Kalin and Mercill volunteered in the Cadaver Lab with Hall, giving tours to visiting high school students. Nearly 300 students from 15 high schools visited last semester to examine human organ systems on the 75-minute tour.

�� . Pre-Health Pathways prepares students to enter medical school and other health care fields, including chiropractic, dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine and more.

Pre-health degrees include applied biochemistry and molecular biology; biology; health, wellness and fitness; rehabilitation services ; applied science, with an interdisciplinary science concentration; dietetics; environmental science with an environmental health concentration; human development and family studies; and psychology.

The biology, chemistry and physics majors have branched out of the applied science program, giving students the option to focus their degree on their science of choice.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Stout University Foundation support student research and dissemination projects through internal and external grant programs.

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Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students

Nine undergraduates from around U.S. invite conversations on challenges, opportunities at community presentation Aug. 6

Discover biological and biomedical student research on the microscopic level Histology Lab

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B.S. Biology

Our B.S. Biology program combines applied research, lab experiences, and field work to prepare you to enter industry or pursue professional health programs.

Learn More

Pre-Health Sciences Pathways

Prepare for medical school and other advanced health care degrees in �� . pre-health sciences pathway programs.

Tiffany Hoage

As the Youth Program Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin ��. ��, I design and lead initiatives that help young learners discover their strengths, spark curiosity, and see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers.

Through programs such as STEAM summer camps, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), SkillsUSA, and Science Olympiad, students explore emerging fields, build technical and transferable skills, and gain confidence in their academic and career pathways.

By collaborating with faculty, student leaders, PK-12 and higher education partners, industry, and youth-serving organizations, I help expand access to high-impact experiences that develop future-ready talent and strengthen communities.

If you are interested in partnering, I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how we can create meaningful impact together.

Bio Introduction: Youth Program Manager at UW–Stout collaborating with schools, industry, and community partners to advance PK-12 career exploration and workforce readiness.

Full Name: Dr. Tiffany Hoage

Job Title: Youth Program Manager

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Department: Continuing Education & Conferences

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences

University: Mayo Clinic Graduate School

Degree: Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.S. Applied Science (Laboratory Management)

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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Alexandra Hall

Dr. Hall trained and worked as a family physician for over two decades and now works full-time for the Biology department. She has been teaching since 2013 and loves sharing her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the marvels of the human body with her students. As the Pre-Health Advisor, she also supports Stout students pursuing future careers in the health professions.

Full Name: Alexandra Hall, M.D.

Job Title: Senior Lecturer & Pre-Health Advisor

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College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Biology Department

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B.S. Biology

Curriculum Vitae: Alexandra Hall CV (169.92 KB)

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Degree: Chief Resident Family Practice

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Degree: M.D.

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News

�������� completes $7.4M lab renovation, improving space for cutting-edge equipment, learning

$7.4M labs renovation project sheds light on mechanical, plastics engineering

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Ashley sponsors toolless bed connections engineering project

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Success by design

Cirrus Aircraft, Ashley Furniture benefit from engineering seniors’ R&D solutions

Project called a ‘win-win’

Students face a real-life heavy lift

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A student and community resource

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B.S. Professional & Technical Communication

Stout Fashion Show

Room & Board competition offers industrial design seniors spotlight for innovative storage solutions

School of Art & Design Senior Show

Storage inspired by simplicity

B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design

Design Wisconsin

Engineering R&D teams present capstone prototypes to industry sponsors

A sustainable solution to single-use cups

Bringing toys to local children

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Corporate commissions: Steel cows, others by engineering, design students support four businesses

Product displays for Great Northern and Athena Club

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Phillips-Medisize honored by Stout with Regents Business Partnership Award

Professorship brings Indian Motorcycle collaboration to engineering lab

Professorships and endowed chairs

Five professors awarded sabbaticals

Board of Regents approves promotions, tenure for 18 �������� faculty members

$7.4M labs renovation project sheds light on mechanical, plastics engineering

Engineering R&D projects hum as students present prototypes to industry sponsors

PHOTO ESSAY: A New Histology Lab

B.S. Biology

Pre-Health Sciences Pathways

�� completes $7.4M lab renovation, improving space for cutting-edge equipment, learning

Board of Regents approves promotions, tenure for 18 �� faculty members