Question: What was your aha moment, when you realized you wanted to study in your field?

Answer: I never had an exact aha moment, but it feels like a passion thats built up in me over the course of my life. Ive always been drawn to film, but growing up, I never considered that it was something I could make a full career out of. No one around me was in the industry, so it was a foreign concept when I was younger. Where do you even start? Because of this, I changed my mind on my major almost daily. It still blows my mind that we are often expected to make some of the biggest decisions for our futures when we are barely 18.

When I went to high school, I was active in sports and student government and not entirely focused on my future, but more focused on next weekends soccer or volleyball tournament. The summer going into my junior year, my family moved to Southern California. I went from a school of 400 students to 2,400 students, and it was a tough adjustment for me. I ended up testing out of my senior year and started taking general college classes right away.

Being so close to LA, I was exposed to the possibility of having an unconventional career compared to where I had grown up. I found myself surrounded by many inspiring creatives, and for the first time, I realized I could seriously pursue acting. While I studied acting and began auditioning, I found college crucial for keeping a sense of stability and discipline. In the acting world, you face a lot of rejection pursuing a degree gave me the purpose I needed to keep trying. I never viewed getting my degree as something to fall back on, but as something to give me more confidence in my abilities. I chose to study film and media since it went hand in hand with my acting goals and allowed me to study film from a different perspective.

Q: Whats something you learned while at ASU in the classroom or otherwise that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: Adaptability and time management. Going from in-person classes to online was not the easiest adjustment, but it taught me self-discipline. Balancing work and school is doable even though at times it felt overwhelming. I learned the art of managing my priorities and time, and I feel that it gave me a strong work ethic that will forever be useful.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I saw the list of ASU Online degree options; they were really ahead of their time with offering such a vast selection of virtual areas of study. ASU's reputation is wonderful, and I am so grateful to all of the professors, advisors and other students who made my time at ASU so special.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: This is hard, since there are quite a few lessons that will stick with me. But Id have to say that the four semesters of American Sign Language I took at ASU have been my favorite. I had taken three years of ASL in high school, but (Teaching Assistant Professor)Hannah Cheloha turned my general understanding of the language into a very deep appreciation for Deaf culture and Deaf identity. I plan to continue studying sign language after graduation.

Q: Whats the best piece of advice youd give to those still in school?

A: Of course once you start school, your goal is to finish. But the times that I took a break from classes, I missed it. If you went to college right after high school, you almost feel like school, homework and classes are an endless cycle and it doesnt always feel voluntary. Those breaks in classes taught me that learning is a blessing. When I started, I was doing it for my parents, but as Ive gotten older, it became for myself.

If you are able to attend school, it is a privilege to learn. Classes can feel tedious at times, but most of us will spend the rest of our careers in one field. Having the chance to take different types of classes is beneficial in every way. My non-degree classes gave me knowledge on subjects Id otherwise never have an understanding of; they sparked new interests of mine. But most of all, taking different classes gave me clarity on what my passions truly are. Pay attention to that, and it should guide you in the right direction.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am very grateful to be filming a few different things right now, so I am focused on doing the best job I can for those projects. My film classes at ASU made me even more excited to get behind the scenes one day!

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Military service inspires outstanding ASU grad to pursue engineering - ASU News Now

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. The 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report national graduate school rankings, released Tuesday (April 25), put Purdues College of Engineering at No. 4 out of 220 for the third consecutive year, with the nations top four as MIT; Stanford; the University of California, Berkeley and Purdue.

Other top-ranked programs at Purdue includeAgricultural and Biological Engineering,ranked No. 1 for the third straight year, and Analytical Chemistry maintains its longstanding No. 1 ranking.

Purdues Computer Science department continues to build on its strong upward momentum, with a new area ranking in AI; a No. 13 ranking in Programming Languages, and a rise to No. 14 in Systems. Mathematical Analysis at Purdue also ranks No. 20.

Purdues newest initiative, Purdue Computes, builds on this momentum to help elevate all of Computing at Purdue into the top 10. In addition to bringing together Computer Science and Computer Engineering, it represents an immediate $50 million investment to expand Purdues semiconductor facilities,and launches an Institute of Physical AI at Purdue, focusing on the areas of computing where atoms meet bytes, which are crucial for the nation as well as the state of Indiana.

These rankings reflect the success of our collective research enterprise across Purdue from record research expenditures, graduate student selectivity and numbers, along with investments in major centers, said Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering.

Provost Patrick Wolfe added, Along with substantial investments in a reimagined School of Business that plays to our strengths in analytics and engineering, and an expansion into Indianapolis that is strategically focused on these same areas, these latest in a long line of strong STEM rankings highlight our relentless pursuit of scholarly excellence at scale.

Several Purdue engineering programs continue to rank among the top 10: aerospace (No. 6); civil (No. 7); electrical, industrial and mechanical (all No. 8); and computer (No. 10). Just outside the top 10 are nuclear engineering at No. 11, environmental at No. 12 and materials at No. 13.

Purdues Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business continues to advance its rankings in areas of strategic importance to Purdue with, production operations ranked third, project management seventh and supply chain management ninth. Business analytics, one of the fastest-growing programs at Purdue and nationally, now ranks 12th.

Purdues veterinary medicine program, which sees intense student demand and consequently plans to increase its enrollment by 50%, sees its latest ranking climb two spots to No. 11 nationwide.

"While all rankings are limited and noisy, Purdues excellence at scale is reflected in part in the recent graduate rankings, with top-ranked programs across multiple departments, said Purdue President Mung Chiang. We thank our faculty, staff and students for always aiming at one brick higher in scholarly excellence.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last five years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap athttps://stories.purdue.edu.

Media contact: Jim Bush, jsbush@purdue.edu

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Purdue engineering graduate program ranked in the top 2 ... - Purdue University

"ArTexture exhibition at the Mullin Automotive MuseumMullin Automotive Museum

Nestled in the serene rolling hills of Oxnard, California lies a treasure trove of automotive history - The Mullin Automotive Museum. The museum houses one of the most exquisite collections of Art Deco cars in the world, with a focus on French automobiles from the 1920s and 1930s, providing each visitor a step back in time to an era of beauty, speed, and luxury.

Founded by successful businessman and car enthusiast Peter Mullin, the Mullin Automotive Museum was established in 2010 with the goal of preserving and showcasing the marvelousness and elegance of French automobiles. With its stunning exhibits, immaculate restoration, and unparalleled attention to detail, this museum has established itself as a world-renowned institution throughout the years and today, it is a home to some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world, serving as a tribute to the Golden Age of French automobile design for more than a decade.

Visitors of the museum can admire gorgeous cars such as the 1935 Voisin Type C25 Aerodyne and the 1936 Delahaye 135 Competition amongst many more iconic models from brands like Bugatti, Citron, Delahaye, Talbot-Lago, and Voisin, which have been meticulously restored to their original condition, with no detail left overlooked. Each car tells a story and serves as a testament to the artistry and innovation of their time. One of the most stunning cars in the museum's collection is the 1936 Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic, one of only four ever to be produced. With its signature dorsal seam running down the center of the car and its sleek and aerodynamic design, it is a showstopper and a true masterpiece of Art Deco styling.

While the museum's permanent collection is enough to make any car enthusiasts heart skip a beat, it's the temporary exhibitions that set the Mullin Automotive Museum apart. These exhibits showcase the different aspects of the culture and history associated with the Art Deco era, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the automotive industry's evolution.

April 20th of this year marked the world of art and automobiles colliding in an exciting new exhibit titled ArTexture. The museum's newest addition is a departure from its usual focus on classic cars and instead, it highlights the brilliance of acclaimed artist Keith Collins, whose breathtaking work showcases 20 unique art pieces that have been influenced by the collection of the Mullin Automotive Museum.

ArTexture features a selection of Collins pieces, each one inspired by a different car from the museums collection. From fine art paintings of the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance Best of Show winner the Mullins 1935 Voisin Type C25 Aerodyne, gorgeous tapestries showcasing the Mullins 1939 Delahaye Type 165, to innovative woodcut sculptures of the 1934 Voisin Type C27 Arospoomotive that provide a unique blend of art and automobiles, Collins passion for automobiles shines through, with each piece representing a tribute to the timeless beauty, power, and elegance of classic cars.

ArTexture is a welcome addition to the Mullin Automotive Museum's already impressive collection. The exhibit showcases the enduring appeal of the automobile as both an object of beauty and a symbol of innovation. Collins' pieces demonstrate the power of art to transform everyday objects into something transcendent.

Overall, 'ArTexture' is a stunning and captivating exhibit that showcases the incredible talents of Keith Collins and celebrates the timeless beauty and power of classic cars. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or simply appreciate great art, this exhibit is not to be missed. So why not head to the Mullin Automotive Museum today and experience the thrill and excitement of 'ArTexture' for yourself.

A Sonoma County California girl, born and raised. Initially bitten by the travel bug at an early age leading me to study abroad in London. I worked under top luminaries of major fashion houses of Burberry and Christian Louboutin while obtaining a degree at Central St. Martins and The London College of Fashion. Upon my return to the states I fell in love with photography and film. I find inspiration in the culmination of travel, adventure, and automotive worlds. My work has been in a variety of publications including Forbes, Town & Country, Road & Track and Rolling Stone. Having traveled far and wide, from Monaco and Cuba to Thailand and Tunisia, my focus is to capture quintessential luxury travel experiences and the worlds finest design to fill your imagination and inspiring your own travel adventures and creativity.To see or learn more visit:Shelby Knick Imagery (www.shelbyknick.com) Instagram: @ShelbyKnickLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbyknick

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Art Meets Engineering: Explore The ArTexture Exhibit At The Mullin Automotive Museum - Forbes

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Students receiving their third-place certificate along with alumnus Matt Francis.

A team of U of A students placed third in the recent Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Region Five robotics competition. The competition challenged competitors to create an autonomous drone and robot to navigate a course of cardboard boxes labeled with a QR code.

Computer engineering students Nicholas Brown and Stephanie Stock were just a few of the participating team members. Brown and Stock worked on the software and programming for the drone's sensors, computer and object detection, while other team members built the physical robot and hardware.

Brown said they built the ground robot (the frame, the platform and connected the motors and wheels) and programmed the drone. These worked together using a computer on the ground robot that enabled the two to communicate.

"Our robots were different from others because of the onboard computer, motors, the sensors we used, as well as our software implementation," he said.

Stock emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the project, saying it was a valuable experience working with people from different backgrounds and problem-solving together.

"It was very different from anything we've ever done," Brown said. "Obviously, all the projects we worked on as groups during our college career have been with other computer engineering and computer scientists. It was pretty easy to explain the concepts and what we were working on. I'm working with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers, trying to explain to them how code really works in our minds and what the goal of the code was. That was probably one of the more challenging and learning things done for this project."

The team placed third out of 14 teams in the competition, which Brown described as a difficult challenge.

"This project was a struggle for us," he said. "It was a lot of new things we learned how to do."

Stock added that the experience was invaluable. "I think we're really grateful to have the experience of actually being able to go and see our project work, being able to work with different teams and not being the only team to work on it," she said. "Being able to have that experience with an interdisciplinary team and be able to see other people's strengths as well was really cool."

In addition to Brown and Stock, the full team included computer science and computer engineering students Callum Bruton, Jase Cornett, Austin Flynn, Josh Hollis and Katarina Humbert; electrical engineering student Andrew Shields; and mechanical engineering student Ben Burdess.

Electrical Engineering Assistant Department Head Robert Saunders is the team's mentor.

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Interdisciplinary Team of Engineering Students Takes Third at IEEE ... - University of Arkansas Newswire

The challenge of keeping nuclear power construction on budget and on schedule, and other hurdles, must be resolved if advanced nuclear reactors are to play a larger role in the energy transition, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine says in a new report.

Myriad technical, regulatory, economic and societal hurdles must be overcome to reach commercial and globally competitive viability, says Richard A. Meserve, former chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission who led the research team. While "development, testing and widespread deployment of these reactors could take several decades," he adds, the U.S. should address [barriers] now.

The report says advanced nuclear technologies probably will not contribute in a meaningful way until the 2030s at the earliest, but they can compete with other energy technologies in the long term. Innovative reactors may provide on-demand power generation to complement more variable clean energy sources, such as solar and wind. They also could help decarbonize industrial sectors such as hydrogen, steel and cement production.

One key factor is that U.S. utilities do not have adequate technical and engineering staff to manage a nuclear construction project. The US Energy Dept.says 375,000 skilled workers are needed for the goal of 200 GW of new reactors to be developed by 2030.

The authors cite need for the U.S. to form a whole of government partnership to identify gaps in critical skills needed to support rapid deployment of advanced reactors and fund training to close them. Public and private developers also must "take full advantage of existing efforts at commercial nuclear facilities and national labs that already have well-established training and workforce development infrastructure in place, says the Academies.

Nuclear projects in the U.S. and Europe have not been built on budget or on schedule in recent decades, with significant cost growth in civil works, report authors say.

While it is vital to demonstrate that advanced reactors are viable from a technical perspective, it is perhaps even more vital to ensure that the overall plant, including the onsite civil work, can be built within cost and schedule constraints, the report contends. It recommends that DOE increase support for technologies that could streamline and reduce costs and expand R&D for nuclear construction.

Some advanced reactor vendors are eyeing modular construction to improve schedules and reduce risk, but the challenge of cost-effective onsite civil works remains, according to the report. It recommends that nuclear owner/operators create a consortium or joint venture to more completely develop the skilled engineering personnel to boost project construction.

Advanced reactor developers should also consider equity partnerships with a nuclear sector experienced engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors for site-specific project planning, design and execution

The prospect of using nuclear energy for purposes beyond electricity generation also must be addressed along with strong assurances of safety and security to obtain critical buy-in from communities, say the Academies researchers.

Small Nuclear Reactors Press Forward

The race is on for small nuclear reactor (SMR) developers to find the design that DOE will choose to build for up to 10 units by 2025, each to generate between 50 MW and 300 MW, the agency says. The smaller, simpler project scale and standardized process management could create a playbook for project construction.

First-of-a-kind reactors may be expensive, but repeat deployments are expected to drive substantial cost reductions, DOE says.

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Ontario Power Generation and Poland-based clean energy technology firm Synthos Green Energy have signed a technical collaboration agreement to advance global development of GE Hitachis BWRX-300 small modular reactor.

GE Hitachi also has awarded an engineering contract to BWX Technologies for the SMR reactor vessel, which contains the units reactor core and associated internalsits largest component. Work includes engineering analysis, design support, manufacturing and procurement preparations. John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT Commercial Operations said recently the firm would be one of the first to execute an SMR design contract for a North American deployment.

Site preparation is underway for a BWRX-300 to be built at Ontario Powers Darlington nuclear power site in Clarington, Ont. TVA also is preparing a construction permit application for the reactor at the Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tenn. and is eyeing other SMR sites in its service area. Synthos Green Energy has submitted an application to Poliish nuclear regulators to assess the design.

Dow and X-Energy also agreed to demonstrate a four-unit Xe-100 advanced nuclear reactor that they say would be the first at grid-scale for an industrial site, to be located at a Dow plant along the Gulf of Mexico, the company said in March. Dow would become a sub-awardee under X-Energys DOE-awarded Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program grant, a 50/50 cost share award of $1-billion-plus to demonstrate the reactor.

The project is expected to provide low-carbon power and steam to the plant by 2030. A construction permit application will be submitted to the NRC, with site selection expected before the end of the year. The companies also have agreed to license and share technology and lessons learned from its development.

NRC also said in March that it has begun technical review of NuScale Powers second standard SMR design, which has changes that improve its economics and expedite commercialization, CEO John Hopkins said. The companys VOYGR SMR plant is a pressurized water reactor that can generate 77 MW of power and be scaled to meet customer needs.

Other companies developing small modular reactors include TerraPower and Holtec International.

Even smaller micro-reactors also are gaining momentum. A new initiative known as Nuclear in District Energy Applications, developed by the Electric Power Research Institute and a group of universities, energy developers and engineers that include Burns & McDonnell and Sargent and Lundy, could result in nuclear energy as an option for the district energy market by 2026.

There also is significant market potential for using small or micro nuclear reactors to charge heavy duty electric vehicles, said the Idaho National Laboratory.

Westinghouse Electric Co. said it would file for joint design approval for its 5-MW eVinci microreactor for deployment in the U.S. and Canada, a transportable unit that can deliver combined heat and power and is fully factory built, fueled and assembled. It is designed to operate for eight years or longer without refueling, the firm added.

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US Must Tackle Now Barriers to Advanced Nuclear Construction - Engineering News-Record