Undergraduate engineering research projects cover a wide range of topics, including extracting DDT from contaminated soil, designing an anechoic chamber for jet noise reduction studies, and exploring the use of the Internet as an instructional module for construction education. The EES supports undergraduate research by providing funds and internships to qualifying students. Richard Fortner, EES sponsored program development officer, said that to qualify, an applicant must be an honor student, write a proposal, and undergo a competitive selection process. The mechanical engineering honors program, which exclusively targets students who have a GPA of 3.4 or above, also provides opportunities for undergraduate research. Davitz and Sorbello participated in the program - directed by Yann Guezennec, associate professor of mechanical engineering.
Eligible students join the program during the middle of their junior year.
They select a research project with a specific faculty adviser, then develop and submit a short research proposal to the College of Engineering. While enrolled in honors courses, the mechanical engineering students conduct their research over multiple quarters until graduation. Toward the end of their last quarter, each defends his or her thesis in front of a faculty committee and submits the final version of the thesis to the college. It's important that we give capable students exposure to research opportunities and let them take advantage of the vast resources of Ohio State. Story by former student writer Anthony Castillo and Dana Stone.