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Cutting the Ribbon: Innovator Launches Innovation Center
September 28, 2011
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Dr. Michio Kaku Launches Innovation Center,
with President Matt Branam egging him on |
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Famed physicist, futurist and author Dr. Michio Kaku cut the
ribbon on Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's new Student
Innovation Center as part of this year's homecoming. The
16,000-square-foot facility will be home to several student
competition teams which are part of the college's Advanced
Transportation Systems (ATS) program.
President Matt Branam, Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Fenoglio,
trustee and alumnus David Hannum, Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer Rob Coons and Vice President of Academic
Affairs Phil Cornwell joined Dr. Kaku in the grand opening
celebration.
The EcoCAR2, Human Powered Vehicle, Rose Efficient Vehicle, Rose
Grand Prix Engineering and Team Rose Motorsports competition teams
will join other student projects in being under one roof in this
leading-edge, open-concept facility. The facility was
constructed to provide flexible work space for these projects,
while providing inspiration for other student innovation
pursuits.
Previously, student projects were scattered throughout various
locations, including Rose-Hulman's South Campus. The Student
Innovation Center will allow students to more easily access their
projects and should enhance student recruitment efforts for ATS
projects.
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"We are very excited to have this new flexible workspace," said
Branam during the grand-opening ceremony. "It was designed
from the outset for team synergy. Now, students will have a
large area on campus where teams can work together at all
hours. Tools, large lifts and overhead cranes can be moved
around and easily shared between teams to allow for greater
collaboration. Teams will also have the opportunity to watch
each other at work, provide feedback and gain inspiration from each
other."
Hannum, a third-generation Rose-Hulman alumnus, encouraged the
students to use the space to the fullest, even if that means
getting the shining new facility a little messy. "Don't
forget that this is a garage and a lot of cool things happen in a
garage," he enthused. |
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In addition to highlighting the ATS teams, the grand opening
celebration also provided a venue for showcasing innovative
projects from other academic departments, as well as Rose-Hulman
Ventures.
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Zac Chambers, associate professor of mechanical engineering and
director of the ATS program, noted that the new facility would
enhance students' hands-on experience.
"The Student Innovation Center is a bold step forward for
Rose-Hulman's already stellar education focus," Chambers
stated. "Allowing teams to be in close proximity and share
ideas, skills and resources will help them become the technical
innovators of tomorrow."
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