Having recently attended my first academic conference in over two years, I was delighted to (re)connect with colleagues. As spring returns to Oregon, I am meeting on a more regular basis with alumni and industry representatives from Oregon and internationally who are looking to tap into the talent and knowledge discoveries produced by the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering.   

I am pleased to announce that the school continued to win many competitive research grants to further knowledge discovery. Bahman Abbasi received a $3 million award from the Department of Energy for a system to extract clean irrigation water from hydraulic fracturing wastewater using low-grade solar or industrial waste heat. A team led by Brian Paul won a $4 million award from the Office of Naval Research for their project on large-scale hybrid polymetal manufacturing using graded and tailored alloys and another $10 million for a research collaboration with the Defense Air Force Research Lab to advance manufacturing using tailored alloys for aerospace applications. Nordica MacCarty led a team including nonprofit organizations on an award of $2.5 million from the Department of Energy to develop a wood-burning stove that produces lower levels of harmful emissions than traditional models. 

Our faculty continue to receive international recognition for the quality and influence of their research. Three were recognized as being in the top 2% of their field in career-to-date citation, according to a study published in PLOS Biology. These faculty are Megumi Kawasaki in the subfield of materials science, and Andy Dong and Rob Stone in design practice and management. 

The influence MIME’s research extends beyond academic publications. Agility Robotics, the company started by Jonathan Hurst, recently closed a $20 million Series A funding round. In addition, Cassie the robot ran a 5K in the intramural sports field, clocking a time just under 45 minutes.

This continued success is owed in no small measure to the support given so generously by you and other alumni, donors, and friends of the school. The progress our school continues to make would not be possible without you. On April 27, I hope that you will take part in Dam Proud Day — Oregon State’s annual day of giving — and continue to celebrate the accomplishments of our community.

Sincerely, 

info-mime@oregonstate.edu