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February 2003 News Last updated 02/16/2003 Articles
Tour Description A new kind of power in Pittsburgh! For many years Westinghouse Electric Corporation has been developing solid oxide fule cells (SOFC's). Now, Siemens-Westinghouse has picked up the technology and has developed natural gas powered fuel cells for central-station electric power generation. These fuel cells operate at high temperature, and the exhaust gases are used to power a gas turbine. The resulting combined cycle system has electrical efficiency in the 60% - 70% range. One demonstration plant has been built and is operating in California. Larger plants, in Canada and Germany, are under construction. Come and join us for a fascinating look at this new technology. The tour begins at 3:00 PM at the George Westinghouse Science and Technology Park in Churchill Borough, 801 Bldg. lobby area. Assembly and testing of components for the 300kW RWE plant is underway, and the tour will be able to see both the fuel cell pilot manufacturing facility and the generator assembly area. For more information on Siemens-Westinghouse SOFC technology, check out the website: http://www.pg.siemens.com/en/fuelcells. Dinner after the tour is optional and will be at a nearby restaurant.
The tour is limited to only 25 people, so make your reservations early.
Annual Section Nominations(Members Only) TIME TO VOTE FOR 2003-2004 SECTION NOMINATIONS The Nominations Committee has presented their candidates for the 2003-2004 Section Officers. The following individuals have accepted their nominations for the respective offices listed for the next program year. Please exercise your opportunity to vote as a local section member. Jeff Vipperman for Chair; Thomas R. Curran, Marilyn Reeder, Doug Koebler, and Eric Bono to fill four Director slots. Your Name and Member ID are required since voting is limited to members only. Please be sure to vote by March 20, 2003. You can mail or fax the ballot here or in the newsletter, or vote using the online ballot at http://www.asme.org/sections/pgh/ballot2003.htm. Every vote counts so please vote! Election results will be posted in the April Newsletter and on this web page.
February Newletter Read the latest ASME Pittsburgh Newsletter here (high definition .pdf format - may take a few moments to load) or low definition here. This month's featured articles include: *Section Calendar & Monthly Tour Download Adobe's free Acrobat Reader to view PDF files.
FE/PE Refresher Courses Offered The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) is once again offering refresher courses for those in pursuit of the successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam for the Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification and Professional Engineers' (PE) exam. The FE course is general in format while the PE course offers three specific formats: Electrical, Mechanical and Civil/Structural. The courses will start February 1, 2003 & February 3, 2003. For more information and an application, click here (.pdf). Information is also available on the Pittsburgh Chapter web site www.pittsburghpe.org or you can call the Chapter office at 412-391-0615.
National Engineers Week is February 14 - 15, 2003 at the Carnegie Science Center. Come to explore the exciting and fascinating world of engineering. Click here (.pdf format) for a "print and clip" coupon to receive $2.00 off General Admission.
64th Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair The Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, at the Carnegie Science Center, will celebrate its 64th year of open competition of research projects in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering on April 4 and April 5, 2003, hosted by Heinz Field. This competition is open to all students in grades 6-12 from the 25 counties within Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. For more information, visit their website at http://www.scitechfestival.org/sfmain.asp.
Rocky Economy Means Job-Seekers Need to Use Savvy Search Methods Marilyn Borysek, ASME Member Services The number of US. job opportunities edged
up slightly in December following significant declines that began in March
2001, according to the US. Department of Labor. A survey of 16,000 firms from staffing provider Manpower shows that
only 16 percent of employers plan to hire in the first quarter of 2002,
a dramatic drop from the 27 percent of employers who said they planned
to hire during the same period last year. Especially stunned are many technology professionals
who have enjoyed a robust employment environment for the last five years
but now are facing layoffs or have already lost their jobs. So, what can job seekers in the mechanical
engineering field expect? Despite
the bleak outlook, some bright spots exist for engineers. According to The Wall Street Journal, employment
experts see opportunities in the healthcare, biotechnology and technology
sectors for certain engineering positions. Specialized technology workers
such as software application engineers or systems analysts are most likely
to see demand. But, even the best-qualified senior mechanical engineers and seasoned executives will stumble if they land in a tough job, market with poor job-hunting skills. With layoffs spreading through almost every industry, mechanical engineers will have to work smarter and a little harder to land their next jobs. Be Persistent: Some degree of pushiness is
essential with all of your contacts. A good resume and solid skills aren't
enough. Timing has a lot to do with it, so create your own luck by staying
on the mind of your potential employers. Check in regularly, and send
thank you notes. Consider Alternative Employment: Offering
your engineering services as an outside contractor, temp or volunteer
can get you out there to show off your talent – and be on hand when a
full-time opportunity becomes available. If ASME's jobs Database helps you find a
job, or if you have successful job hunting tips you want to share, contact
Marilyn Borysek at borysekm@asme.org.
Articles of Interest-by permission of the authors *Quasi-resonance effects observed in the
1994 Northridge earthquake, and others. A study in Sine-Beat phenomena.
International Awards Allen Selz and Kenneth R. Balkey, both members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Pittsburgh Section, have received awards from ASME International during the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress this past November in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Selz was selected to receive the J. Hall Taylor Medal award for outstanding contributions to the development of ASME's Pressure Technology Codes and Standards and promoting public safety in all activities on the Society's Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committees. Read his Bio here. Mr. Balkey was selected to receive the Bernard F. Langer Nuclear Codes and Standards Award for distinguished contribution, leadership and professionalism in advancing nuclear codes and standards worldwide, and for pioneering efforts in developing criteria for risk technologies in design, testing, and inspection or components in nuclear power plants and facilities. Read his Bio here.
Recognizing our Fellow Members The Fellow Grade is the highest elected grade of membership within ASME, the attainment of which recognizes exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession. Did you know there are 53 members in our Section who are Fellows? If you know any of them, please congratulate them on their achievement! Adnan Akay, Harvey Allen, Cristina Amon,
Edmund Appleby, John Barsom, Donald Burnham, Jonathan Cagan, Norman Chigier,
Minking Chyu, Ronald Coffield, Maria Comninou, Arthur Croll, Ellison Davison,
James Di Perna, David Dietrich, W. Doty, L. Ike Ezekoye, Martin Falk,
Jerry Griffin, Donald Griffin, Gus Holabeck, Charles Jones, Wilbur Kennicott,
William Lankford, Jack Maurer, Bertram Milleville, Jack Moore, William
O’Donnell, Leighton Orr, Fletcher Osterle, Sam Palusamy, William Purcell,
David Purdy, Arthur Rathbun, Stephen Roth, Wilfred Rouleau, Sunil Saigal,
George Saxon Sr.,Stanley Schaffer, Allen Selz, Patrick Smolinski, Alfred
Snow, Paul Steif, Theodore Stern, Remco Waszink, John Wesner, Jonathan
Wickert, Donald Wiebe, Bernard Winer, Savio Woo, Tse Chien Woo, Shi-Chune
Yao, Campbell Yates.
The ESWP TechniCalendar has been in electronic
format only since May 1, 2002. As a member of the ASME Pittsburgh Section,
you are entitled to receive this electronic publication produced by the
ESWP. If you wish to continue receiving this publication
by e-mail, please send an email to eswp@eswp.com,
with the Subject: E-TC Subscription.
In the body of the message, include: 1. Your Name 3. ASME Pittsburgh Section 4. Your subscription mailing address If you are not a current subscriber to the
ESWP publications, but would like to be one, send an email but with the
Subject: ESWP Publications, and include the information above. Your mailing
address is still required for the Pittsburgh Engineering magazine. If
you have any questions, please contact ESWP at 412-261-0710 x10, eswp@eswp.com.
Voices of Innovation A new daily public radio program, "Voices of Innovation," launched by the American Association of Engineering Societies with generous support from ASME, features some 200 engineers in 2-minute programs that explore and celebrate the world of engineering. The program began airing in April 2002. To be considered for one of the programs, engineers need to submit a story idea form, which is available at www.voicesofinnovation.org.
E-Mentoring Program to Expand to Young Engineers The success of last year's program and the enthusiastic response of members wanting to become mentors has fueled the expansion of the e-Mentoring program. This program for student members is expanding to include mentoring services for engineers who have recently (5 years or less) graduated from engineering school. Young engineers can now benefit from the career advice of more seasoned engineers in their particular field of interest. Recent graduates may get even more benefit from a mentoring relationship, since they have some experience and may have more specific career questions. Last year, the new e-Mentoring program matched 100 pairs of students and mentors by May 2001. This year, 75 pairs of students and mentors were matched as of last November. How does the program work? Students and young engineers (mentees) seeking a mentor choose from a database of names, which gives information about the mentor's background, experience and engineering specialty. Mentees are then asked to fill out an online application indicating their top three choices for mentors. The mentor requests are evaluated by ASME and matched on a first come, first served basis. Only members are eligible to participate in this program as a mentor or mentee. Anyone wishing to find a mentor or to volunteer to become a mentor for a student or young engineer member should visit the website at www.asme.org/ementoring. Volunteers can choose to mentor a student, a young engineer or both. Questions about the program should be addressed to Deidra Hackley, at hackleyd@asme.org.
Member Get a Member 2002-2003 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign - Invest in the Future of Mechanical Engineering! Your participation has so far generated over $9000 in scholarship money to support the education of ASME student members. Since June, you have also introduced 193 new members to ASME International, where they will benefit from professional development and personal growth. Your continued support of the Member-Get-A-Member Campaign is important to its success and we appreciate your time and dedication. Personally inviting a friend or colleague is straightforward and simple. When you recruit a new member, 50% of the first year's dues will be spent on scholarships for ME students. For complete program details including a downloadable membership application, log onto http://www.asme.org/membershipdrive
Nominations Needed for Young Engineers Award ASME International wants to give $5,000 plus a prepaid life membership to a young ASME member that has done an outstanding job in their profession, community, and the work of ASME. If you know someone who deserves to win this award, please nominate a young engineer for the Old Guard Young Engineers Award today! For more information, visit http://www.asme.org/cma/og/youngengineer.html .
Professional Development Please continue responding to the online survey at http://www.asme.org/sections/pgh/pdsurvey.html. Future topics will be selected based on member input.
The Online Newspaper of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Mechanical Engineering - the magazine of the ASME
The next Executive Committee meeting will be on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 7:30 AM in Denny's Restaurant (map), 3980 Wm Penn Hwy, Monroeville. If you wish to attend, please contact Jim DiPerna at 412-731-2927. See the Calendar page for this year's programs.
Public Affairs Introduce a Girl to Engineering The third annual "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" occurs February 20, 2003. Engineers reach one million girls in grades K-12 each year. A special packet is available to help engineers. For ideas, check the round-up of 2002 activities at the E-Week website. Join this effort and sign the 2003 National Pledge Roster.
Business Calendar The Pittsburgh Business Calendar publishes a calendar of events for the Pittsburgh business community. Click on the link for the full calendar of events. (http://www.businesscalendar.org/)
Notices NOMINATE A COMPANY FOR INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR! Each year the Pittsburgh Section holds an Annual Awards Banquet that recognizes local individual, student, and industry leaders in the field of Mechanical Engineering. Here is your chance to nominate a company that you feel is worthy of receiving this prestigious award. ASME Industry Award Evaluation Criteria: *Company is a local company with international recognition which has
made a significant impact on the profession of Mechanical Engineering.
To nominate your choice for Industry of the Year, send an e-mail to our Honors & Awards Chair, Mike Sylvester, describing why your company deserves this esteemed award (you may be contacted for more information). Past Industry of the Year recipients include: Biomed Ink, University of Pittsburgh, Algor, Extrude Hone, ANSYS, Pressure Sciences, Bacharach, MSA, Duquesne Light, DEAC, Kerotest, Alcoa, Basic Technology, Equitable Gas, Calgon, PPG, and Westinghouse.
Good News Item: Congratulations to Mr. George E. Saxon, Sr., P.E. who has been elected to the Fellow Grade !! 2003 Future Cities Competition This year's Pittsburgh Regional Future City Competition for small teams of Seventh and Eighth grade students was held on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Approximately 50 schools participated in this years regional event. The National Finals will be held in Washington, D.C. during National Engineers Week, February 16-22, 2003. Regional winners from around the country will compete for national honors and prizes. The National Engineers Week Committee will provide the airfare and hotel accommodations for the winning team from each region. The First Place team will win a trip to the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. Other prizes include scholarships, computers and savings bonds. In addition, teams will be eligible for special awards and recognition sponsored by engineering societies and other organizations. The challenge is to design and build a city of the future. Using the award winning SimCity(tm) software, each team will create a city displaying residential, commercial and industrial areas, power plants, transportation systems, communication systems, etc. Students will address important issues such as pollution, traffic density, taxes, and budgets while creating their city. Teams in the Future City Competition must develop a project plan and a logical model of a city using the SimCity(tm) software, construct a team-made physical scale model, write an essay about bioengineering & biotechnology and make a verbal presentation to a panel of judges. More information is available at http://www.futurecitypittsburgh.org/ or at http://www.futurecity.org/. ASME Pittsburgh sponsored the "Most Effective Movable Part" special award at this year's competition. Neshannock Middle School was selected as the winner. In their model, they simulated a MagLev train. Using a double pole double throw switch, they were able to make the propeller-driven train move in the model. The train and propellers reversed directions with the help of strategically placed arches acting as trip rods that "threw" the switch when it hit a stop at the end of the track. Student team members were James Dotson, Sean Iannucci and Jason Mirra, with Gregg Micsky (teacher) and Carmen Rozzi (engineering mentor) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond for their imagination, persistence and participation. All of the students deserve a round of applause for their tremendous efforts. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Section E-mail List Moved The Section E-mail list has been moved from Listbot to YahooGroups. The Listbot service is no longer available. If you'd like to receive timely news from ASME International, job opportunities, events, etc., consider joining the Section e-mail list (simply send an e-mail to asmepghnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Instructions are also on http://www.asme.org/sections/pgh/joinlist.html)?
If you sponsor ASME Pittsburgh, we will feature your company's products and services in our newsletter. For $300 you can capture the attention of 1500+ fellow members and inform them of your company on a full page of one issue. For $180 your company will be featured in 1/2 page; for $95, 1/4 page; for $70, 1/8 page; and for $50 a business card space for one issue.
The Value of Your Membership Just Increased!! Take advantage of the New Discounted Dues Structure. If you have earned a baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree and have been out of school 4 years or less you can can save up to 60% on Member Dues. Check out the current member dues rates available at http://www.asme.org/member/info.html.
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Renew your membership? Add your program ideas for next year? Send them to Jim DiPerna. Consider getting involved with any of our activities? There are many ways, such as Industry Relations, Engineer's Week, Science Fair, Awards Banquet, web site, discussion list. Contact Jim DiPerna . Consider signing up to be an e-Mentor? Make sure that your contact information is up to date? We will increasingly use electronic means to contact our members so please be sure your e-mail and fax numbers are accurate. Set up your e-mail alias? You can have a yourname@asme.org address that you can conveniently manage yourself. People will always be able to locate you, regardless of your work situation. Download
your ASME screensaver?
Show your interest in a Professional Development course by taking the survey? Think about articles, tips, brain teasers, news, how-to's, etc. you can contribute to our newsletter? Consider joining the Section e-mail list? Consider getting involved with the Executive Committee? You can get involved in any capacity. If you can contribute only one hour a week, we would be grateful for your time. Contact anyone in the committee. Sign
up for the ESWP
publications?
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JUDITH
A. FRIEDEL, MBA, MSCE, BSME, PE CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ |
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Originally designed by Biomed Ink, http://www.biomedink.com
In
Honor of STS-107 - 'Columbia' 
