James C. Conwell, PhD, PE, is ready to hit the ground running as our 15^th president. He is familiar with the challenges of leading a global high-tech business, and appreciates the work in the classroom and laboratory to educate tomorrow’s leaders in science, engineering, and mathematics. He says: “I have an interest in being part of the solution for our industry and for our country’s place in the world.” He also wants to make sure Rose-Hulman students are prepared to address the challenges of a global society.

Emily Yedinak wanted to visit other countries since early high school, but intense focus on her studies convinced her she would have to give up that dream – until she received the highly selective Fulbright U.S. Student Progam to do research in Chile. “It’s the best of both worlds,” said Yedinak, whose leadership in honor societies, sports, and the theater helped her gain the prestigious award. Yedinak also conducted important student research while at Rose-Hulman through the institute's funding program for independent student research.

Not just any math teacher, Diane Evans, PhD, thinks of her classes as “dialogues” and “discussions.” “Every function has a story,” Evans says in a video on Microsoft’s Daily Edventures blog. The blog showcases the importance of STEM education, and it recently featured Evans for her creative approach and great success in motivating students. “I spend hours every night trying to highlight ‘why would you want to be excited about this problem?’” Evans says. Evans was named one of "America’s 300 best professors" in 2012 by the Princeton Review.

Innovation and competitive spirit combined for another successful racing season for the Human Powered Vehicle Team, part of our advanced transportation systems initiative in the Branam Innovation Center. This year’s team won both the east and west regional American Society of Mechanical Engineers HPV Challenge competitions, and now has won 10 of the last 12 regional events! An anti-lock braking mechanism for the vehicle’s rear wheel earned the Innovation Award.