Prospectus

New Program Proposal
Prospectus
(See University Regulation R10.04.020.C)
1. Degree/Certificate Title & Responsible Program
Major Academic Unit
School or College
Department
UAA
EN SOENGR
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Complete Program Title
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Type of Program
Undergrad Certificate
AA/AAS
Baccalaureate
Masters
Graduate Certificate
Doctoral
2. Catalog descriptions of the program and of new or modified courses that constitute the
major field of study.
The program description and course list, including new courses, are found in Attachment A.
3. Rationale for the new program and educational objectives, student learning outcomes
and plan for assessment.
The UAA Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department is proposing a Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program in response to sustained growth of the
undergraduate degree, as well as demand for a graduate mechanical engineering program at
UAA by advisory boards, alumni and students, and local employers.
Working engineers need access to opportunities for professional growth, development and
advancement, including but not limited to the continuing education required to maintain
Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure. A master’s degree is increasingly seen as the terminal
degree for many practicing engineers, including mechanical engineers. Most of Alaska’s
mechanical engineers are employed in Anchorage and the surrounding area and often have
job, family and other obligations that preclude their ability to leave the area for extended
periods of time to pursue a master’s degree. The proposed program will meet the needs of
these engineers as well as engineering students who want to immediately pursue a master’s
degree at the completion of the undergraduate program.
On a broad level, the proposed MSME program will strengthen the state of Alaska by
increasing the pool of highly-qualified engineers in-state. In addition to strengthening the
local and state economy by producing engineers with the greater level of technical skill,
specialization and maturity that can be gained through completing a master’s degree, the
program will foster an environment of scholarship and inquiry, with increased opportunities
for student-driven projects and research, that will strengthen the School of Engineering
(SOE) and UAA as a whole, for both graduates and undergraduates.
More than 100 engineering, energy, utilities and construction employers operate within the
immediate area surrounding the UAA campus, with even more operating within the
Municipality of Anchorage and the surrounding communities. These employers need more
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Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
highly qualified engineers, scientists and technically skilled managers who possess the
mastery and autonomy gained through graduate education.
Online graduate study is appropriate for some courses, but it is usually prohibitively difficult
to replicate online the experience of having access to a committee of faculty and other expert
professionals to provide the regular face-to-face guidance and support for the thesis research
or project work that is the hallmark of most engineering master’s degrees and which is a key
component of the proposed program. This experience of working closely with experts on a
major graduate-level capstone thesis or project experience is best done in residence, and so,
to provide local mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering students with access to
these opportunities, there is a strong need within the Anchorage area for a locally-available
MSME degree program.
The addition of this master’s program will strengthen the department’s proven record of
producing high-quality graduates and conducting high-quality research, consulting and
design projects. Establishment of an MSME program is also expected to enhance the
department’s record of beneficial outreach and collaboration with campus and community
partners.
Undergraduate enrollment supports establishing an MSME program. For the past several
years, the mechanical engineering specialization of the BSE (BSE ME) undergraduate
program has seen substantial growth, with approximately 300 students enrolled and
approximately 100 alumni. This is comparable to other programs which also support master’s
programs, and a significant number of the currently enrolled students have expressed a desire
to continue their education in mechanical engineering at UAA.
The proposed MSME program enjoys strong support among the SOE and ME Advisory
Boards, current BSE ME students, BSE ME alumni, and local engineering employers and is a
natural progression and growth of the ME Department programs to meet the needs of these
constituents.
The proposed MSME has a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis and non-thesis options
reflect the positive faculty experience at other institutions with MS programs with thesis and
non-thesis options as well as the needs of employers, alumni, and students. The thesis option
includes a focus on skills related to the acquisition of new knowledge and is designed for
students who wish to pursue research-oriented occupations or to eventually pursue a PhD
degree, as well as to prepare for advanced professional engineering practice. The non-thesis
option is designed for students who wish to further emphasize engineering practice and
prefer to substitute additional classroom education and a comprehensive written exam or a
project and comprehensive oral exam for graduate research experience.
The projected enrollment figures show that approximately 80% of UAA MSME students will
be employed in industry full or part time and will not need research funding from the
proposed program. The remaining 20% of UAA MSME students will be full time students
and will be supported by a variety of sources including research (funded through grants and
contracts) and teaching assistantships (funded through tuition return), scholarships and
fellowships, financial aid, and other support.
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The Educational Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes for the proposed MSME
program are summarized in the tables below.
Table 3.1
Educational Objectives
The UAA mechanical engineering graduate program objectives are to provide graduates
with:
1. Graduate-level technical knowledge within mechanical engineering.
2. An ability to conceive and conduct graduate-level engineering research and problem
solving.
3. An ability to effectively communicate graduate-level engineering concepts and
applications.
Table 3.2
Student Learning Outcomes and Plan for Assessment
Outcome
Students will have the ability to:
1. Use in-depth methods of analysis.
Plan for Assessment
2. Demonstrate graduate-level mechanical
engineering theory.
3. Conduct advanced mechanical
engineering research and applications.
4. Apply graduate-level engineering theory
to the design of mechanical engineering
systems.
5. Work effectively within the professional
framework of organizations responsible
for the practice of engineering.
Direct Course Level Assessment (CLA), exit
survey, comprehensive exam, thesis or
project
Direct CLA, exit survey, comprehensive
exam, thesis or project
Exit survey, thesis or project
Direct CLA, exit survey, thesis or project
Exit survey, thesis or project
4. Relevance to the MAU and UA mission, goals, and objectives.
The proposed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program advances the
University of Alaska Academic Master Plan priorities by:
• Providing access to pursue graduate-level study and continuing education in
mechanical engineering to place-based students and Southcentral employers
• Promoting more significant hands-on research opportunities for students, including
those that incorporate collaboration with local industry to solve engineering problems
and generate intellectual property
• Enhancing interdisciplinary study, research and other collaborations
In addition to advancing the UA priorities, Table 4.1 below describes how the program will
strengthen the UAA Strategic Plan 2017 (UAA 2017) priorities.
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Table 4.1
Advancing the UAA 2017 Priorities
UAA 2017 Priorities
Priority A: Strengthen the
total UAA instruction
program
Priority B: Reinforce and
rapidly expand UAA’s
research mission
Priority C: Expand
educational opportunity
and increase student
success
Priority D: Strengthen the
UAA community
Priority E: Expand and
enhance the Public Square
Contributions of the proposed MSME program
• Providing required continuing education to Alaska’s
Professional Mechanical Engineers.
• Promoting a more vibrant atmosphere for all UAA mechanical
engineering students by enhancing the scholarly activity of
students and faculty.
• Providing local mechanical engineering students and
mechanical engineers with an opportunity for graduate-level
study currently not available in Anchorage.
• Promoting an atmosphere in which more advanced studentdriven research can take place.
• Promoting opportunities for students and their faculty advisors
to complete more comprehensive research.
• Promoting an environment within the ME Department in
which scholarship occurs at an advanced level.
• Promoting research activity with the potential to lead to
intellectual property.
• Providing undergraduate mechanical engineering students
with research opportunities that will enhance their connection
to the UAA community and increase student retention,
completion, academic distinction, and success.
• Surrounding students and faculty with examples
demonstrating the connection between concepts learned in the
classroom and current research and community projects.
• Increasing opportunities for interdisciplinary study, research
and projects.
• Increasing opportunities for ME faculty and students to
collaborate with local industry to solve engineering problems.
• Allowing local professional engineers and industry leaders
opportunities to participate in the educational process by
suggesting research and projects and serving on graduate
committees.
5. Collaboration with other universities and community colleges.
The program will be offered and administered by the ME Department, with numerous
opportunities to collaborate across departments. This includes required and elective
coursework in other departments (such as Project Management for the non-thesis option),
and collaboration on research projects with other units and the community. Collaborations
with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Health have led to ongoing active
research projects that are unique within the state of Alaska.
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6. Demand for program (citing manpower studies or similar statistics), relation to State of
Alaska long-range development, and relation to other programs in the University of
Alaska that may depend on or interact with the proposed program.
A. Demand for the program.
The demand for the proposed program was determined using a series of surveys sent to
UAA Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (BSE ME) current
students, BSE ME alumni, and employers of mechanical engineers within the Anchorage
area and the state of Alaska. Copies of these surveys are included as Attachment B. The
results are briefly described in this section, with detailed descriptions of the survey
methodology and data in Attachment C.
The survey results indicate a high level of support for the proposed program, with 74% of
employers, 83% of alumni, and 93% of current students supporting the proposed degree.
Percentage of respondents
Figure 6.1
Responses: Do you support the proposed MSME
degree?
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes
No
Not sure
Employers
Alumni
Students
Demand among Employers
The MSME Demand Assessment Survey for employers was sent to 175 employers of
engineers within the State of Alaska. Survey recipients included probable employers
identified by department faculty and the SOE advisory board, and contacts from the 2012
UAA SOE Career Fair and the Alaska Business Monthly 2012 Engineering Firms
Directory. A list of respondents, with information about their companies and positions,
appears in Attachment D.
The results of the Employers Survey indicate strong support of the proposed MSME
program by local industry. Of the respondents, 74% indicated support for the proposed
program, with 19% unsure and only 6% expressing lack of support. Many respondents
indicated that their support would be more active. Approximately 23% of respondents
indicated that they would be willing to serve on an Advisory Board for the MSME
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program to help guide curriculum and provide an industry perspective. Approximately
64% indicated that they have some form of established program in place to provide
tuition assistance or other support for employees’ graduate study.
The Mechanical Engineering Related Occupations Summary of Occupational Demand
Information Derived from Department of Labor Data is included in Attachment E.
Mechanical engineering is a broad field of study, and historically mechanical engineers
have been hired to fill positions with the titles listed in the attachment. Many of these job
areas are projected to have positive growth in job openings in Alaska over the next
several years at both the bachelor’s and the master’s levels. Current and projected job
openings are greater than the number of mechanical engineering graduates currently
produced within Alaska.
Demand among Current Students and Alumni
Surveys of current students and alumni indicate that interest in graduate study is high
among these groups, with 71% of alumni and 68% of current students expressing a
definite interest. When one considers that an additional 17% of alumni respondents have
already enrolled in or completed a graduate study program, positive alumni interest
increases to 88%.These surveys also identified factors affecting alumni and current
students’ desire to pursue graduate education. The greatest consideration for both alumni
(89%) and current students (88%) is a desire to achieve a greater level of mastery within
their profession. This was a greater consideration than the desire for a higher-paying job
(47% for alumni and 68% for students) or the desire for advancement within one’s
company (37% for alumni, not asked to students). This suggests that the primary
motivation among BSE ME alumni and students to pursue graduate education is the skills
that they expect to gain.
Among BSE ME alumni who are not enrolled in a master’s degree program,
approximately 37% indicate that they have taken graduate-level courses either as
advanced technical electives to count toward their baccalaureate degrees or for
professional development as non-degree seeking students. The two most common reasons
for not having yet enrolled in a program of graduate study reported by alumni are that
they “decided to work for a few years before pursuing an advanced degree” (74%) and
that they “do not want to have to move to another city or state” (47%).
Current BSE ME students who indicated an interest in a master’s degree were asked to
indicate what institution or institutions they are considering for graduate study. The most
common local choices were UAF (26%) and University of Washington (21%). The
largest percentages of respondents were either unsure (42%) or named universities other
than University of Washington in the Lower 48 (47%). It is assumed that the 11% of
respondents who indicated a current interest in attending UAA intend to pursue a
master’s degree other than Mechanical Engineering, such as Project Management, or
intend to enroll in the MSME degree program if it is approved. When asked whether they
would consider enrolling in an MSME program at UAA if one were to become available,
59% said yes, 34% were unsure and only 7% said no. The establishment of an MSME
program at UAA could potentially keep a significant portion of these students in Alaska,
many of whom are productively employed engineers.
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Data from BSE ME Alumni with a Master’s Degree or Currently Enrolled in a Master’s
Program
Of the 24 respondents to the Alumni Survey, 17% reported that they already had a
master’s degree or were currently enrolled in a master’s degree program. Of these
alumni, 75% indicated that they would have considered enrolling in an MSME program
at UAA if one had been available at the time that they enrolled in a graduate program,
with 25% unsure.
B. Relation to State of Alaska long-range development
The results of the Employer Survey show a local demand for a pool of well-educated
mechanical engineers. Recipients of the Employer Survey were asked to estimate the
number of employees at their place of work with a mechanical engineering (or closelyrelated) degree who had either a bachelor’s or a master’s as their most advanced degree.
Recipients were then asked to estimate how many mechanical engineering (or closelyrelated) positions they anticipate filling within the next five years with hires who have
bachelor’s or master’s degrees. This information was used to predict near-term demand
for mechanical engineering graduates as a percentage of current positions. The number of
positions that the respondents expect to fill within the next five years, due to growth or
replacement, amount to approximately 63% of current bachelor’s-level mechanical
engineering jobs and approximately 67% of current master’s-level mechanical
engineering jobs.
All of the respondents to the Employers Survey indicated that their companies recognize
an advantage to hiring Alaskans. Some elaborated in the comments section, indicating
that they have found Alaskans are less likely to leave the state and are more familiar with
our climatic and engineering conditions. However, when asked to estimate the number of
employees with Mechanical Engineering (or closely related) degrees who have received
their training or education outside Alaska, over two-thirds of respondents estimated the
total to be greater than 50%. These responses suggest there is room within Alaska for
additional engineering programs to produce a larger pool of well-educated engineers for
local firms to hire.
C. Relation to other programs in the University of Alaska that may depend on or interact
with the proposed program.
Both thesis and non-thesis MSME students will be strongly encouraged to complete 6
credits of 400- or 600-level Mathematics and/or Statistics coursework as part of their
degree requirements. Non-thesis MSME students will be required to take 3 credits of
Project Management coursework. ME faculty currently collaborate on research and
design projects with members of the Civil Engineering, Computer Science and
Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics Departments, and WWAMI, and it is
believed that some ME graduate committees are likely to include faculty from those
departments. In addition, it is likely that occasionally coursework offered by those
departments will be included as part of the students’ Graduate Studies Plans (GSPs).
Coordination has occurred with faculty and chairs of the Civil Engineering, Computer
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Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Project
Management, WWAMI, and other departments. These departments have indicated
support for the proposed MSME program, and their support letters are included in
Attachment F.
7. Effects of program on other academic units (e.g. GER course requirements)
The proposed program is a master’s degree without GER requirements. Departments other
than Mechanical Engineering whose classes MSME students are expected to include in their
GSPs include Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Mathematics, Physics, Project Management, WWAMI. Coordination with these departments
was described in section 6.
The proposed MSME Program could complement existing graduate mechanical engineering
programs within the UA system by potentially expanding existing course offerings through
distance delivery. This would allow graduate students throughout Alaska to interact with
faculty with areas of expertise that may not be emphasized at their home institution. This is a
potential benefit to students at UAS, UAA and UAF. This would allow UA students more
choices to tailor their courses of study, although traditional in-class and in-lab student
experience is preferred, and a UAA MSME program will serve place-bound Anchorage area
students.
Coordination on the proposed UAA MSME program with UAF College of Engineering &
Mines Dean Doug Goering, Professor, Ph.D., P.E., Mechanical Engineering, has been
ongoing and first occurred at the September 2013 UAA SOE Advisory Board meeting. A
February 2013 email with drafts of the proposed UAA MSME catalog copy and Prospectus
Executive Summary attached was sent to the UAF CEM Dean Goering. Dean Goering’s
response to the proposed program has been positive, acknowledging the efficiency of
offering a UAA MSME program to Anchorage professionals and the opportunity for more
collaborative teaching. He has not expressed any concerns regarding the proposed program.
In addition, a February 2013 email requesting feedback with the proposed UAA MSME
catalog copy attached was sent to the UAF ME faculty. A follow-up telephone call was made
to each email recipient. To date, responses from the faculty have been positive regarding the
proposed program and catalog copy, as well as the possible opportunities for collaboration.
The faculty comments have not included any significant concerns.
8. Availability of appropriate student services for program participants.
Student services such as the Student Union, Bookstore, Library, School of Engineering
Dean’s Office, Office of the Registrar and the Graduate School Office are already set up to
support the existing SOE graduate programs. Students will have access to career and
academic advising through their academic advisors and the members of their graduate
committees. Employers are eager for this program, and many have expressed a willingness to
provide support for their employees to pursue graduate study within the proposed program.
Approximately 63% of the employers who answered the demand survey indicated the
availability of an established program to support employees’ graduate study through tuition
assistance, flexible hours, or other means.
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Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
9. Opportunities for research and community engagement for admitted graduate and
undergraduate students.
The ME Department has eight full-time faculty positions. Faculty in those positions are
expected to conduct research and/or creative activity 20% of the time as per their contracts.
The ME Department faculty and students are currently conducting high quality research and
projects that have resulted in numerous conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journal
publications, and funding through internal and external grants and donations. These projects
are collaborative with faculty and undergraduate and graduate students in other departments
both within the SOE and throughout UAA. The establishment of the MSME program will
make these projects more competitive for external funding and will open up even more
research opportunities for graduate students. The ME Department faculty expect research and
projects with UAA and community partners to be an integral part of the MSME program,
with benefits to the community and the state of Alaska.
The ME Department has the following lab facilities which are capable of supporting both
graduate and undergraduate research, which demonstrate many unique and well-established
engineering research activities that will be fostered further by the establishment of the
MSME program:
HVAC/Thermal System Design Laboratory
The HVAC/Thermal System Design laboratory, constructed in 2012, gives students hands-on
experience in the analysis, design, fabrication and control of large and small HVAC systems
both through in-class laboratories and student-led design projects. The lab was outfitted
entirely through cooperation with the local industry to meet their needs in HVAC higher
education of students. Donations of funds and equipment combined with student engineering
through senior capstone projects—in cooperation with the industry—makes the
HVAC/Thermal System Design Laboratory unique in the state of Alaska. This laboratory is
used to support ME A455/A655 HVAC Systems Optimization, an advanced elective, as well
as ME A414L Thermal System Design Laboratory, a required course for ME undergraduate
students.
Heat and Mass Transfer Laboratory
The equipment in the Heat and Mass Transfer Laboratory has been funded by a combination
of SOE funds and corporate donations. A $10k donation was provided by ATS Alaska for
both the Heat and Mass Transfer Laboratory and the HVAC/Thermal System Design
Laboratory. Laboratory equipment and instruction focuses on familiarizing students with
temperature measurement and with conduction, radiation and convection as modes of heat
transfer.
Materials Testing Laboratory
The Materials Testing Laboratory is currently being used for numerous undergraduate and
graduate research projects, primarily by Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering
students and faculty, as well as projects for government and industry. The lab is capable of
characterizing material properties through both destructive and nondestructive mechanical
testing and of microscopic examination of materials surfaces and microstructure. In addition
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Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
to being used for teaching, research, and projects, the lab is also used for fracture mechanics
and fatigue analysis, failure analysis, forensic analysis, and product testing.
BP Asset Integrity and Corrosion (AIC) Laboratory
The BP AIC Lab, dedicated in fall of 2012, was funded by a $1M gift from BPXA (BP
Exploration Alaska) and is the first laboratory of its kind in the state. The space is set up as a
wet chemistry lab and helps support both corrosion engineering and environmental
engineering efforts. The lab helps preserve the integrity of both Alaska’s manmade and
natural assets. This lab, along with state-of-the-art facilities such as the Applied Science,
Engineering, and Technology (ASET) Lab will allow SOE faculty and students to perform
detailed failure analysis, corrosion coating and inhibitor testing, CO2 corrosion testing, and
fundamental corrosion and environmental engineering research. The lab will provide both
graduate and undergraduate engineering students with the hands-on experience that they need
to understand challenging engineering concepts and it will provide in-state capacity for
testing and analysis to local industries such as oil and gas, aviation, transportation, and ports.
In addition, the AIC lab will provide SOE faculty, their research associates, and graduate
students with a well-equipped space in which to explore and innovate.
Rapid Prototype Laboratory (RPL)
The Rapid Prototype Laboratory (RPL), funded through corporate donations, supports
numerous undergraduate and graduate research and design projects with the ME and SOE
faculty and their collaborators. The RPL includes 3D scanners, 3D printers, an injection
molding machine, and a well-equipped machine shop. An hourly machinist is on staff for
research and other project support.
The ME Department is positioned to carry out research and projects that are unique to the
UAA campus. For example, the RPL currently supports both undergraduate and graduate
projects. This facility is also expected to attract collaborators from within the Anchorage
community, supporting entrepreneurial efforts in Alaska. The newly-constructed
HVAC/Thermal System Optimization Lab has provided numerous opportunities for student
design projects and will continue to do so. The location of the College of Health on UAA’s
campus provides numerous opportunities for collaboration between Engineering and the
Allied Health Sciences. Faculty in the ME Department are also currently involved in working
on projects with and advising Civil Engineering graduate students on their thesis research.
Attachment G lists active research and community engagement projects that are being
conducted by faculty and students within the UAA ME Department. Attachment H contains
references for select products of creative activity produced by and with ME Department
faculty and students.
The establishment of the proposed MSME program will allow these research efforts to
expand, and promote further research and design opportunities for ME students at both
graduate and undergraduate levels. In addition, an MSME program will make these projects
more competitive for external funding and will thus open up even more research
opportunities.
A new engineering building with significant additional classroom and laboratory space has
been partially funded by the State of Alaska. The remainder of the funding is expected to be
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Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
granted in 2013. Ground breaking for the project is expected to be in April, 2013, and the
building is on schedule to be occupied in August 2016.
10. Outline of schedule for implementation of the program.
The elements needed to implement the MSME program are in place, including the current
faculty, administrative support and lab space of the ME Department. Based upon enrollment
projections, additional faculty hires and construction of additional lab space are not required
for the proposed program. Graduate-level ME courses are already being offered as advanced
engineering electives in sufficient numbers to support a master’s degree. Contingent upon
approval by the Board of Regents and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities,
the ME Department hopes to admit the first students in summer of 2013 for enrollment in fall
semester of 2013.
Assessment of the ME Department’s undergraduate program currently takes place
continuously on a three-year cycle to correspond with the six-year accreditation cycle of its
external accrediting body, ABET. Assessment of the MSME program will correspond with
this schedule, with the next round of assessment scheduled to be completed at the end of
AY15. See Table 10.1 for a summary of the proposed timeline for critical tasks and
milestones to program implementation.
Table 10.1
Critical Tasks/Milestones*
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Critical Task
Hire new faculty
Complete construction of new laboratories
Admit first students
Award first master’s degree
Complete first assessment cycle
Date
N/A
N/A
August 2013
May 2014
July 2015
*Dates are contingent upon approval by the BOR and NWCCU
11. Projection of enrollments (FTE [full-time equivalent] and headcount) and graduates
over next five years.
In order to estimate enrollments and graduates over the next five years, the ME Department
has looked to enrollment and graduation numbers for the Civil Engineering graduate
programs at UAA because the Civil Engineering Department operates within the School of
Engineering and has a similar number of undergraduate students with similar professional
goals. Furthermore, employment numbers for BSCE engineers are similar to those for BSE
ME engineers in the Anchorage area.
The first BSE ME degree was awarded in May 2008. Over the past five years, enrollments
and awarded degrees have grown, and the Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering
Departments currently have similar enrollment and awarded degrees numbers in their
respective undergraduate programs. The enrollment projections for the proposed MSME
program were estimated by assuming that growth in the MSME program will follow a similar
trend with respect to the graduate programs in Civil Engineering to that which the
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Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
undergraduate ME program followed with respect to the undergraduate CE program. It is
further assumed that the MSME program will ultimately reach steady state levels of
enrollment and number of graduates similar to that which currently exist in the CE graduate
programs.
Enrollment and degrees awarded data from the CE undergraduate and graduate programs, the
BSE ME undergraduate program, and the UAA SOE as a whole were used as input to
numerical analysis utilizing curve fitting techniques to estimate future enrollments. A more
detailed description of the method used to estimate enrollment and degrees awarded
projections for the first five years of the MSME program is provided as Attachment I.
Table 11.1
Enrollment Projections for the MSME Program
Enrollment Headcount
FTE Enrollment
Graduates
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
17
8
2
24
11
3
34
15
4
48
20
7
67
28
12
The projections in Table 11.1 reflect exponential growth, which the BSE ME program
experienced over the period from AY07 to AY11. The indications are that BSE ME
enrollment numbers and degrees awarded have currently reached an approximate steady state
at around year five following their initial period of exponential growth. It is expected that the
MSME program will experience a similar initial period of exponential growth before
reaching steady state at year five.
The FTE and graduate numbers are much lower than the enrollment headcount. Based upon
the experience of other graduate programs within the SOE, it is anticipated that
approximately 20% of MSME students enrolled will be full-time and will take 1-2 years to
complete their degrees. The remaining 80% are expected to be part-time students who work
full-time in industry and will take 2-6 years to complete their degrees. Most part-time
students will require minimal academic advising. Existing classroom capacity will allow
enrollments in currently offered graduate-level courses to increase to accommodate expected
growth.
12. Availability and quality and/or requirement for new faculty and/or staff to support the
program.
The UAA ME Department currently has seven full-time tenured and tenure-track tripartite
faculty members. One faculty position was recently vacated. It is currently filled by a term
faculty member, and the hiring process for a full-time tenure-track tripartite faculty member
has begun. For the enrollment projected, eight faculty members are expected to be sufficient
for the proposed program. The ME Department Chair will be responsible for coordinating
this program. The ME faculty already teach the graduate-level ME courses in the catalog as
advanced engineering electives, and significant workload adjustment will not be necessary.
The ME Department four-year plan is provided as Attachment J. The plan shows all ME
course offerings and the faculty who will teach them over the next four academic years,
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including graduate-level courses. Mechanical engineering faculty will advise MSME
students.
The ME Department currently offers graduate level ME courses in sufficient numbers to
constitute a master’s degree. Many peer institutions with similar levels of faculty support
have successful graduate programs of this type. The administrative and student services
infrastructure in the SOE which supports many well-established graduate programs is
sufficient to support the proposed MSME program.
A. Existing Faculty and Staff
Name: Jennifer McFerran Brock
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph. D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: n/a
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Director of the Heat and Mass Transfer Lab;
teaches advanced engineering elective ME A442 Advanced Fluid Mechanics; active
research in accelerations to the skull resulting from soccer ball heading
Current assignment: Teaching ES A346 Basic Thermodynamics, ME A442/642
Advanced Fluid Mechanics, ME A441 and ME A441L Heat and Mass Transfer and
Heat and Mass Transfer Lab
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Matt Cullin
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph. D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: n/a
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Director of the BP Asset Integrity and Corrosion
Lab; teaches advanced engineering electives ME A453/A653 Renewable Energy
Systems Engineering and ME A664 Corrosion Processes and Engineering; active
research in cold climate wind turbine operation (icing), monoethylene glycol (MEG)
corrosion and flexure hinge assemblies.
Current assignment: Teaching ES A208 Engineering Statics and Dynamics, ME
A453/A653 Renewable Energy Systems Engineering, ME A664 Corrosion Processes
and Engineering
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Jeff Hoffman (Department Chair and Program Coordinator)
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph. D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: P.E. (Michigan)
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 13
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Director of the Rapid Prototype Modeling and
Manufacturing Lab; active research in biomass conversion to syngas and impact
absorption of fluid filled graded structures. He is currently working as a coinvestigator with the Civil Engineering Department investigating structure harmonics
as a possible root cause failure mode in tall windblown structures.
Current assignment: Teaching ES A341 and ES A341L Fluid Mechanics and Fluid
Mechanics Lab, ME A280 Solid Modeling for Engineers, ME A438 Design of
Mechanical Engineering Systems
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Nicolae Lobontiu
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph. D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: n/a
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Teaches basic engineering courses ES 210
Engineering Dynamics and ME/EE 306 Dynamics of Systems as well as advanced
engineering electives ME A408/608 Mechanical Vibrations and ME A471 Automatic
Control; active research in flexure hinges and compliant mechanisms, has published
five textbooks, most recently System Dynamics for Engineering Students, Lobontiu,
published by Academic Press.
Current assignment: Teaching ES A210 Engineering Dynamics, ME A306 Dynamics of
Systems, ME A408/A608 Mechanical Vibrations
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Ganhua Lu
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph. D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: n/a
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Active research in sensor design using
nanomaterials
Current assignment: Teaching ME A313 Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics, ME
A438 Design of Mechanical Engineering Systems
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Anthony Paris
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph.D., Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
Academic rank/position title: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: P.E. (Alaska, Idaho)
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 14
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Director of the Materials Testing Lab, teaches
advanced engineering electives ME A459/A659 Fracture Mechanics; active research
in design of an instrumented mouth guard and/or helmet to measure the accelerations
to the head resulting from soccer ball heading and other impacts, mechanical
properties and metallurgy of spinal rods and spinal constructs, mechanical properties
of frozen soils as they relate to bridge foundations, wind turbine foundations on warm
permafrost soil, fracture properties test methods of composite materials, mechanics of
cord reinforced composite materials, design of spinal rod bender, design of an
ultrasonic gum tissue sounder
Current assignment: Teaching ES A209 Engineering Statics, ES A331 Mechanics of
Materials, ME A334 and ME A334L Materials Science and Materials Science Lab,
ME A 459/A659 Fracture Mechanics
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Jennifer Peuker
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Term Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: n/a
Type of appointment: Term
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Teaches ENGR A161 Engineering Practices II;
active research in engineering education
Current assignment: Teaching ENGR A161 Engineering Practices II;
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: n/a
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
Name: Steffen Peuker
Highest academic degree or certification: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
Academic rank/position title: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professional registrations/qualifications: n/a
Type of appointment: Full-time tri-partite
Relevant scholarly activity/experience: Teaches advanced engineering elective ME
A455/A655 HVAC Systems Optimization; active research in engineering education;
as Thermal System Design Laboratory director, has funded lab entirely with monetary
and equipment donations from local industry and had advised many student HVAC
projects
Current assignment: Teaching ENGR A151 Introduction to Engineering, ME A414 and
ME A414L Thermal System Design and Thermal System Design Lab, ME
A455/A655 HVAC Systems Optimization
How workload will be adjusted to meet demands of the new program: Teaching, research
and service loads expected to remain the same
If being relieved of current duties, describe how are current duties are to be met: n/a
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 15
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
B. New Faculty and Staff
As noted above, this is an existing position which was recently vacated. A term faculty
member has currently filled the position, and a search is underway for a full-time tenure
track tripartite faculty member.
Minimum academic degree or certification required: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or
a closely-related field
Academic rank/position title at time of hire: Assistant Professor of Mechanical
Engineering
Required professional registrations/qualifications: (if applicable) n/a
Type of appointment: (i.e. Tri-partite, Bi-partite, Full-time, Adjunct, etc.) Tri-partite, fulltime
Required relevant scholarly activity/experience: Ability to teach undergraduate and
graduate-level mechanical engineering courses, expertise in design and
manufacturing preferred
13. Library, equipment, and similar resource requirement, availability, appropriateness,
and quality.
Adequate library resources already exist for the proposed program. Print and digital
resources necessary for research and coursework activity are either available at the
UAA/APU Consortium Library on UAA campus, or can be obtained by the Consortium
Library through InterLibrary Loan (ILL).
14. New facility or renovated space requirements.
Based upon projected enrollment, it is not anticipated that additional facilities will be
necessary for the proposed program. Existing SOE laboratory facilities are sufficient and are
described above in Section 9, which will be augmented by the new engineering building
when it is brought online. Existing classroom capacity will allow enrollments in currently
offered graduate-level courses to increase to accommodate expected growth.
It is anticipated that approximately 20% of MSME students will be enrolled full-time. The
remaining 80% are expected to be part-time students who work full-time in industry and will
not make heavy usage of laboratory space; part-time students that choose the non-thesis
option may do a work-related project or complete additional coursework to satisfy program
requirements.
15. Projected cost of all required resources, revenue from all sources and a budgetary plan
for implementing and sustaining the program.
Based upon enrollment projections, no significant additional resources will be needed for the
proposed MSME program. The ME Department currently has eight full-time faculty
(including the vacant position currently filled by a term faculty member), who already teach
all of the graduate-level ME courses in the catalog as advanced engineering electives. No
significant workload changes are anticipated. No additional staff are needed to administer the
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 16
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
proposed program. The figures below include the eight full-time faculty positions which
currently exist, five adjuncts, and .5 FTE of an administrative assistant.
The ME Department also has sufficient lab space for the program, and existing funds are in
place for travel, instructional support, and administrative support. The new revenue from
tuition and fees return to the ME Department will be used to fund the new expenses of
offering graduate teaching assistantships to full-time students and research project support.
Table 15.1 presents the projected revenues and expenses for the Mechanical Engineering
Department. These figures include the department’s expenses and revenues for the existing
BSE ME as well as the proposed MS ME. UAA (Assistant Professor of Mechanical
Engineering Matt Cullin, P.I.) received a one million dollar grant from BP to establish the BP
Asset Integrity and Corrosion Laboratory. The expenses related to that lab will expire when
the grant expires.
Table 15.1
Budget Information
Projected Annual Revenues in FY14
Unrestricted
Projected Annual Expenditures in FY14*
Salaries & benefits (faculty and $1,163,209
staff)
Other (commodities, services,
$119,000
travel, admin support))
General Fund
$767,520
Student Tuition & Fees
Indirect Cost Recovery
TVEP or Other (specify):
$403,054
$0
$0
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$0
$205,000
One-time Expenditures to Initiate Program (if
>$250,000) in addition to the annual costs above
Year 1
$0
Year 2
$0
$0
Year 3
Restricted
Federal Receipts
Foundation Industry
Contributions
TVEP or Other (specify):
$1,282,209
$0
TOTAL REVENUES
$1,375,574
Year 4
$0
*Projected expenses and revenue includes Foundation funds from industry contribution to program
laboratories. The Foundation funds will be $205K in FY14 and $5K in FY15. Expenses are directly tied
to revenue and will not be incurred when the Foundation funds expire.
Table 15.2 presents the revenue sources for the BSE ME and the proposed MSME.
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 17
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Table 15.2
Budget Status
Revenue source
a. In current legislative budget request
b. Additional appropriation required
Continuing
$0
$0
d. Funded all or in part by external funds, expiration date Industry
$205,000
contributions for program labs* (reduced to 5K FY15, expires at end of
FY15)
e. Funded through existing budgets and tuition revenue
$1,170,574
*Foundation funds for this contribution will be 5K in FY15 and expire at end of FY15.
One-time
$0
$0
0
$0
$0
16. Other special needs or conditions that were considered in the program’s development.
While a traditional in-classroom and in-lab student experience is preferred, e-learning may be
used to some extent to accommodate students who travel frequently as part of their
employment with local industry. For example, PM A601 is taught so that students both on
campus and off can participate. Mechanical Engineering will consider adopting this model
for courses for which it is appropriate. This delivery mode would include streaming live or
recorded video of lectures with Blackboard submission of homework and proctored exams
with proctors approved by the instructor. This delivery mode has been requested by BSE ME
and BSCE alumni who travel frequently for work, particularly those who live and work in
Anchorage but have jobs that take them around Alaska and to the North Slope. The new
Engineering Building, scheduled to be completed and ready for occupancy in August 2016,
has several planned distance classrooms that will belong primarily to the Engineering
Science Management and Project Management Departments, but be shared by the
departments within the SOE for this purpose. In addition, there are several large seminar and
conference rooms equipped to deliver distance education.
17. Consultant reviews, reports from visitations to other institutions, or names and
opinions of personnel consulted in preparing the proposal.
The assessment of the demand for the proposed MSME program was performed through
surveys created and sent via the online tool SurveyMonkey (www.surveymonkey.com) to
local engineering employers, BSE ME alumni and current BSE ME students. Lists of
respondents to the three surveys are provided in Attachment D. The surveys are provided as
Attachment B. The results are summarized in Section 6: Demand for Program, with further
detail in Attachment C. Mechanical Engineering Related Occupations Summary of
Occupational Demand Information Derived from Department of Labor Data was prepared by
Bonnie Nygard and is included in Attachment E.
18. Concurrence of appropriate advisory councils
Both the UAA School of Engineering Advisory Board and the UAA ME Advisory Board
have adopted resolutions in full support of the proposed MSME program. These advisory
boards feel that there is a significant need for a locally-available mechanical engineering
master’s degree program within Anchorage. Both advisory boards recognize that the UAA
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 18
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
ME Department has the capability to offer a high-quality master’s program. The resolutions
adopted by the UAA SOE Advisory Board and UAA ME Advisory Board are included in
Attachment K, along with lists of UAA SOE Advisory Board and UAA ME Advisory Board
members, with information about their companies and positions.
UA New Program Prospectus
pg. 19
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Attachment A: Catalog Copy and New/modified Course Descriptions
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Engineering Building (ENGR), Room 201, (907) 786-1900
www.uaa.alaska.edu/schoolofengineering
Graduate study in mechanical engineering prepares students for work that requires a greater degree of autonomy and mastery. A master’s degree
in mechanical engineering implies not only an enhanced level of understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, but also a skill set
that includes original thinking and an ability to apply advanced concepts of mechanical engineering to problem solving.
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) has a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis option includes a focus on skills
related to the acquisition of new knowledge and is designed for students who wish to pursue research-oriented occupations or to eventually
pursue a PhD degree, as well as to prepare for advanced professional engineering practice. The non-thesis option is designed for students who
wish to further emphasize engineering practice and prefer to substitute additional classroom education and a comprehensive written exam or a
project and comprehensive oral exam for graduate research experience.
Program Objectives
The UAA mechanical engineering graduate program objectives are to provide graduates with:
1.
Graduate-level technical knowledge within mechanical engineering.
2.
An ability to conceive and conduct graduate-level engineering research and problem solving.
3.
An ability to effectively communicate graduate-level engineering concepts and applications.
Student Learning Outcomes
In keeping with the above objectives, the expected student learning outcomes of the UAA MSME program include an ability to:
1.
Use in-depth methods of analysis.
2.
Demonstrate graduate-level mechanical engineering theory.
3.
Conduct advanced mechanical engineering research and applications.
4.
Apply graduate-level engineering theory to the design of mechanical engineering systems.
5.
Work effectively within the professional framework of organizations responsible for the practice of engineering.
Admission Requirements
See the beginning of this chapter for Admission Requirements for Graduate Degrees and deadlines. All students must hold a baccalaureate degree
in an engineering or closely related discipline and submit to the UAA Office of Admissions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A completed UAA graduate application form.
Official transcripts of all college-level work.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results, taken within five years prior to the application date.
Three letters of recommendation from professors or other professionals particularly qualified to attest to the applicant’s qualifications for
graduate study.
A resume or curriculum vitae.
A one-page personal statement discussing the applicant’s credentials and readiness for graduate studies. This is an opportunity for the
applicant to share relevant information, qualifications and experience that would not be included with the UAA graduate application form or
reflected on official transcripts. It is also the applicant’s opportunity to describe his or her desire and commitment to pursue graduate study
in mechanical engineering.
Current UAA baccalaureate students enrolled in engineering or a closely related discipline at the conclusion of their junior year may apply and be
admitted to the MSME program. Students must complete their baccalaureate degree requirements before receiving their MSME degree.
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Graduation Requirements, Thesis Option
In order to receive the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, students choosing the thesis option must satisfy all University Requirements
for Graduate Degrees listed at the beginning of this chapter and complete coursework and thesis work approved in advance by the student’s
graduate committee.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment A: Catalog Copy
Program Requirements
Students must complete a total of 30 credits of coursework, of which 21 credits must be at the 600 level. The elective coursework will be selected
by the student and the student’s graduate committee and will appear on each student’s Graduate Studies Plan.
1.
Complete 12 credits of mechanical engineering electives from the following:
2.
EE/ME A471
Automatic Control (3)
ME A608
Mechanical Vibrations (3)
ME A615
Composite Materials (3)
ME A630
Advanced Mechanics of Materials (3)
ME A642
Advanced Fluid Mechanics (3)
ME A653
Renewable Energy Systems Engineering (3)
ME A655
HVAC Systems Optimization (3)
ME A659
Fracture Mechanics (3)
ME A664
Corrosion Processes and Engineering (3)
ME A685
Arctic Heat and Mass Transfer (3)
Complete 12 credits of elective courses
12
12
Six (6) credits of 400- or 600-level mathematics or statistics courses are strongly encouraged.
3.
Complete 6 credits of mechanical engineering thesis:
ME A699
6
Thesis (6)
Candidacy Requirements
To advance to candidacy, the student must complete:
1.
2.
3.
All UAA requirements for Advancement to Candidacy listed at the beginning of this chapter.
At least 9 credits of coursework from the approved Graduate Studies Plan.
A written thesis proposal, submitted to the student’s graduate committee at least one semester prior to the thesis defense, presenting
evidence that the thesis requirements will be satisfied. The proposal will consist of an explicit problem statement, a literature review, and
one or more sections describing the research and analytical methods that will be applied. The proposal is subject to approval by the
student’s graduate committee following an oral presentation scheduled no sooner than two weeks after submission of the written proposal.
Thesis Requirements
The completed thesis must:
1.
Describe how the work is associated with the current state of the art in the candidate’s graduate field of study.
2.
3.
4.
Contribute to the body of knowledge in the candidate’s field of graduate study.
Be publishable in either peer-reviewed technical conference proceedings or a peer-reviewed journal as judged by the candidate’s graduate
committee.
Demonstrate command of knowledge and skills associated with the candidate’s program of graduate study.
5.
Be defended by the student in an oral presentation to the candidate’s graduate committee.
Graduation Requirements, Non-thesis Option
In order to receive the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, students choosing the non-thesis option must satisfy all University
Requirements for Graduate Degrees listed at the beginning of this chapter, complete coursework approved in advance by the student’s graduate
committee, and complete one of the following:
1.
2.
A comprehensive written examination set by the student’s graduate committee.
A project fulfilling the project requirements below and a comprehensive oral exam set by the student’s graduate committee.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a total of 33 credits of coursework, of which 21 credits must be at the 600 level. The elective coursework will be selected
by the student and the student’s graduate committee and will appear on the student’s Graduate Studies Plan.
1.
Complete 15 credits of mechanical engineering electives from the following:
EE/ME A471
ME A608
ME A615
ME A630
ME A642
ME A653
ME A655
ME A659
15
Automatic Control (3)
Mechanical Vibrations (3)
Composite Materials (3)
Advanced Mechanics of Materials (3)
Advanced Fluid Mechanics (3)
Renewable Energy Systems Engineering (3)
HVAC Systems Optimization (3)
Fracture Mechanics (3)
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment A: Catalog Copy
2.
ME A664
Corrosion Processes and Engineering (3)
ME A685
Arctic Heat and Mass Transfer (3)
Complete 3 credits of project management fundamentals:
3.
PM A601
Project Management Fundamentals (3)
Choose one of the following:
a.
b.
3
15
Complete 15 credits of elective coursework.
Complete 12 credits of elective coursework and 3 credits of ME A686 Project.
Project Requirements
The project must solve a practical engineering problem to the extent that original developments by the student are evident in the project report.
1. The project problem and solution must be explained in the context of the current state of the art by means of a thorough review of pertinent
literature.
2.
The project must include advanced technical components directly involving modern practice of mechanical engineering.
3.
The project must have sufficient scope to clearly demonstrate the student’s advanced technical expertise in mechanical engineering.
4.
The project report must demonstrate command of knowledge and skills directly associated with the student’s graduate program of study.
5.
The written project report, in the judgment of the student’s graduate committee, must be publishable in the proceedings of a mechanical
engineering specialty conference.
6.
The project proposal, submitted prior to enrolling in ME A686, must present evidence that the above requirements will be satisfied and will
generally consist of an explicit problem statement, a literature review, and one or more sections describing the information and analytical
methods to be applied.
7.
The project is to be orally presented to the student’s graduate committee.
FACULTY
Jennifer Brock, Assistant Professor, [email protected]
Matt Cullin, Assistant Professor, [email protected]
Jeff Hoffman, Associate Professor/Chair, [email protected]
Nicolae Lobontiu, Professor, [email protected]
Ganhua Lu, Assistant Professor, [email protected]
Anthony Paris, Associate Professor, [email protected]
Jennifer Peuker, Term Assistant Professor, [email protected]
Steffen Peuker, Assistant Professor, [email protected]
This list of course descriptions includes all 400- and 600-level advanced mechanical engineering
electives that may count toward the proposed MSME degree.
ME A408/ME A608 Mechanical Vibrations
Modeling of vibratory mechanical systems with single and multiple degrees of freedom. Study of free and
forced vibrations with or without damping by lumped-parameter methods and finite element analysis.
Vibrations of rotor systems and vibration monitoring.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A415/A615 Composite Materials
This course presents the mechanics and manufacturing of composite materials and their applications. The
analysis, design, processing/fabrication, repair, and evaluation of composite materials and structures are
considered.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A442/A652 Advanced Fluid Mechanics
Advanced topics in fluid mechanics, including derivation of flow equations, ideal fluid flows,
incompressible viscous flows and compressible inviscid flows.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A450 Manufacturing Design
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment A: Catalog Copy
Advanced course that focuses over 3-D applied engineering applications and design. Part design for
machining, molding, casting, and sheet metal operations. Methods for applied design for manufacturing
and assembly are introduced. Pro/Engineer 3-D part, composite, sheet metal and assembly modules are
used to practice variety of engineering design applications.
3.000 Credit hours, 2.000 Lecture hours, 2.000 Lab hours
ME A453/A653 Renewable Energy Systems Engineering
The study and design of renewable energy systems from a technical engineering standpoint. Solar,
hydrokinetic, conventional hydroelectric, wind, geothermal, and biological energy systems will be
examined. Additional topics include feasibility analysis and energy storage techniques.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A455/A655 HVAC Systems Optimization
Design of thermal and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems with emphasis on
economic considerations and optimization. Concepts of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat
transfer will be integrated under a design framework. A semester long project is conducted to design a
thermal system, perform system simulations, and to optimize the design based on economic and technical
considerations.
3.000 Credit hours, 2.000 Lecture hours, 2.000 Lab hours
ME A459/A659 Fracture Mechanics
The topics of theoretical, experimental, and applied fracture of solids, structures, and machines,
subcritical crack growth including fatigue, creep, and corrosion, embrittlement, safety, and life cycle
design and analysis will be presented. Case studies will be used to illustrate the course topics.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A630 Advanced Mechanics of Materials
Theory of stress and strain, stress-strain-temperature relations, equilibrium, and energy methods and their
application to the torsion of shafts, bending of straight and curved beams, beams on elastic foundations,
thin and thick walled cylinders, elastic and inelastic stability of columns, plates and shells, stress
concentrations, creep, and contact stresses.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A471 Automatic Control
Feedback control of linear mechanical and electrical systems by using block diagrams with transfer
functions of plants, controllers, sensors and actuators. Stability analysis with transfer-function and statespace models. Transient, steady-state analysis, frequency-domain analysis, and design of control systems
with Bode plots and the Nyquist criterion.
Crosslisted with EE A471.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A664 Corrosion Processes and Engineering
The study of different corrosion processes and mechanisms. Topics include the concepts, materials, and
mechanisms of corrosion with application to engineering design for corrosion prevention.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
ME A685 Arctic Heat and Mass Transfer
Application of the principles of heat and mass transfer with special emphasis on application to problems
encountered in the Arctic such as ice and frost formation, permafrost, condensation, and heat loss in
structures.
3.000 Credit hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment A: Catalog Copy
ME A686 Project
Project arranged among the advisor, graduate advisory committee and student to solve a practical
engineering problem.
3.000 Credit hours, 0.000 Lecture hours, 9.000 Lab hours
ME A699 Thesis
Individual study of an advanced engineering problem resulting in a thesis.
1.000 to 6.000 Credit hours, 1.000 to 6.000 Lecture hours
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment A: Catalog Copy
Attachment B: MSME Demand Assessment Surveys
This Attachment contains blank copies of the MSME Demand Assessment Surveys sent to
employers, BSE ME alumni and current BSE ME students. The online tool SurveyMonkey
(www.surveymonkey.com) was used to create the surveys, send email invitations to potential
respondents, and collect the data.
The Alumni Survey contained logic whereby respondents’ answers to question 6 (“Do you have
an interest in a master’s degree?”) took them to different pages within the survey containing
different groups of questions depending on their answer. Notes have been added to the Alumni
Survey to reflect this logic.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment B: Demand Assessment Surveys
MSME Demand Assessment, Employers<br>
The UAA Mechanical Engineering Department already offers several graduate­level courses, and is exploring the possibility of offering a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program. This survey collects data on employer interest in an MSME program. 1. Please let us know who you are.
Name:
Position:
Company:
Address:
City:
State:
6
ZIP:
Country:
Email:
Phone:
2. Approximately how many of the Mechanical Engineers (or
engineers of a related discipline) currently on your staff have
the following as their most advanced degree?
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate
3. Approximately how many Mechanical Engineers or related
positions do you anticipate hiring within the next 5 years
holding the following degrees?
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate
Page 1
MSME Demand Assessment, Employers<br>
4. Do your company’s hiring practices place preference on
Alaskan hires?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Don't know
k
l
m
n
5. Please estimate how many Mechanical Engineers or related
positions in your place of work are from out of state and/or
received their training/education somewhere other than
Alaska?
j 0­25%
k
l
m
n
j 25%­50%
k
l
m
n
j 50%­75%
k
l
m
n
j 75%­100%
k
l
m
n
6. Do you have an established program to support graduate
study for employees?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
If yes, please describe. If no, would you consider creating one? Final questions
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please use this last page to provide us with your final thoughts and insights regarding the proposed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program at University of Alaska Anchorage. 7. Do you support creating a UAA MSME degree?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
Page 2
MSME Demand Assessment, Employers<br>
8. Would you consider serving on the MSME Program Advisory Board to help guide
curriculum and areas of concentration?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
9. If requested to do so, would you write a letter of support for the proposed MSME
program?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
Other (please specify) 10. Please provide any additional feedback, recommendations, or insights.
5
6 Page 3
MSME Demand Assessment, Alumni
Your Information
The UAA Mechanical Engineering Department already offers several graduate­level courses, and is exploring the possibility of offering a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program. This survey collects data on the interest of BSE ME alumni in an MSME program. 1. Please let us know who you are.
Name:
Position:
Company:
Address:
City:
State:
6
ZIP:
Country:
Email:
Phone:
2. When did you graduate from the BSE ME Program?
6 3. Are you currently employed as an engineer?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
Comments Your interest in graduate study
Based on your answer to this question, you will be directed to another page to give more details on your current plans and experience. Page 1
MSME Demand Assessment, Alumni
4. Do you have an interest in a Master's degree?
j Yes, I already have a Master's degree, or I am currently enrolled in a Master's degree program k
l
m
n
(go to question 5) j Yes, I have an interest but have not enrolled (go to question 10)
k
l
m
n
j No, I currently have no interest (go to question 15)
k
l
m
n
j I'm not sure (go to question 10)
k
l
m
n
Comments Your experience with graduate study
5. What institution and program did you attend or are you attending?
6. What was your graduation date or what is your anticipated graduation date?
7. What factors affected your decision to pursue a graduate
degree? Select all that apply.
c Wanted to achieve a greater level of mastery
d
e
f
g
c Wanted a higher­paying job
d
e
f
g
c Wanted to work on more interesting projects
d
e
f
g
c Wanted to advance within my company
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by supervisor/boss
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by friends and/or family
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by colleagues
d
e
f
g
Other (please explain) Page 2
MSME Demand Assessment, Alumni
8. How did you pay or are you paying for your graduate
studies? Check all that apply.
c Graduate assistantship (teaching or research)
d
e
f
g
c Fellowship or scholarship
d
e
f
g
c Federal or private loans
d
e
f
g
c Employer assistance
d
e
f
g
c Personal savings
d
e
f
g
c Family
d
e
f
g
Other (please specify) 9. If one had been available, would you have considered
enrolling in an MSME program at UAA?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
Comments Your interest in graduate study
10. What factors are affecting your interest in a graduate
degree? Select all that apply.
c Want to achieve a greater level of mastery
d
e
f
g
c Want a higher­paying job
d
e
f
g
c Want to work on more interesting projects
d
e
f
g
c Want to advance within my company
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by supervisor/boss
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by friends and/or family
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by colleagues
d
e
f
g
Other (please explain) Page 3
MSME Demand Assessment, Alumni
11. Have you taken any graduate­level engineering courses?
j Yes, as a non­degree seeking student
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
Other (please specify) 12. If you answered "yes" to the last question, please tell us
about the institution and delivery mode.
j Attended lectures in person
k
l
m
n
j Online delivery
k
l
m
n
j Mixed delivery mode (describe in the box below)
k
l
m
n
Institution 13. I have chosen not to enroll in a graduate program yet for
the following reasons. Check all that apply.
c Currently have a satisfying job
d
e
f
g
c Decided to work for a few years before pursuing an advanced degree
d
e
f
g
c Currently saving money to go to graduate school
d
e
f
g
c Currently have family or other obligations
d
e
f
g
c Do not want to have to move to a different city or state
d
e
f
g
Other 14. Does your employer have a program to support employees
who choose to pursue graduate study?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
If yes, please describe that program (optional) Final questions
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please use this last page to provide us with your final thoughts and insights regarding the proposed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program at University of Page 4
MSME Demand Assessment, Alumni
Alaska Anchorage. 15. Do you support creating a UAA MSME degree?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
16. Please provide any additional feedback, recommendations, or insights.
5
6 Page 5
MSME Demand Assessment, Current Students
Your Information
The UAA Mechanical Engineering Department already offers several graduate­level courses, and is exploring the possibility of offering a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program. This survey collects data on the interest of current BSE ME students in an MSME program. 1. Please let us know who you are.
Name:
Email:
Phone:
2. What is your major?
j Mechanical engineering
k
l
m
n
j Mechanical engineering with a minor (specify below)
k
l
m
n
j Mechanical engineering with a double major (specify below)
k
l
m
n
Minor or double major 3. What is your anticipated graduation date?
6 4. Are you currently employed part time or full time?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
If yes, what is your position and company 5. If you are employed, does your employer have a program to support graduate studies?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
j Not applicable
k
l
m
n
If yes, please describe Page 1
MSME Demand Assessment, Current Students
6. Do you have an interest in a Master's degree?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
j No (skip to Question 8)
k
l
m
n
Comments 7. What factors are affecting your interest in a Master's degree?
Check all that apply.
c Want to achieve a greater level of mastery
d
e
f
g
c Want a higher­paying job
d
e
f
g
c Want to work on more interesting projects
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by friends/family
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by faculty
d
e
f
g
c Encouraged by boss/supervisor
d
e
f
g
Other (please specify) 8. What institutions are you currently considering or do you think you will consider? What
do you find attractive about them?
5
6 9. Would you consider enrolling in an MSME program at UAA if
one becomes available?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
Comments Final questions
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please use this last page to provide us with your final thoughts and insights regarding the proposed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program at University of Alaska Anchorage. Page 2
MSME Demand Assessment, Current Students
10. Do you support creating a UAA MSME degree?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
j Not sure
k
l
m
n
11. If requested to do so, would you write a letter of support for the proposed MSME
program?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
Other (please specify) 12. Please provide any additional feedback, recommendations, or insights.
5
6 Page 3
Attachment C: MSME Demand Assessment Survey Results
A. Demand for the program.
The demand for the proposed program was determined using a series of surveys sent to
UAA Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (BSE ME) current
students, BSE ME alumni, and employers of mechanical engineers within the Anchorage
area and the state of Alaska. Copies of these surveys are included as Attachment B.
Responses to a question used to determine the level of support for the proposed program
are given in Figure C.1. The figure shows strong support for the proposed program
among employers, alumni and current students. Details of the survey, including response
rates, are given in the following sections. Respondents indicating support include
approximately 74% of employers, 83% of alumni and 93% of current students.
Respondents indicating an express lack of support included approximately 6% of
employers, and no alumni or current students. The remaining respondents indicated that
they were unsure. More detailed discussion of the data collected from employers, alumni
and current students follows.
Percentage of respondents
Figure C.1
Responses: Do you support the proposed MSME
degree?
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes
No
Not sure
Employers
Alumni
Students
Demand among Employers
The MSME Demand Assessment Survey for employers was sent to employers of
engineers within the State of Alaska. Three groups of survey recipients were identified:
(1) a list of probable employers of mechanical engineers identified by ME Department
faculty and members of the UAA SOE Advisory Board, (2) contacts from the 2012 UAA
SOE Career Fair, and (3) contacts from the Alaska Business Monthly 2012 Engineering
Firms Directory. In all, 175 survey requests were sent via email and 33 responses were
received, for a total response rate of approximately 19%. A list of respondents, with
information about their companies and positions, appears in Attachment D.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
The results of the Employers Survey indicate strong support of the proposed MSME
program by local industry. Of the respondents, 74% indicated support for the proposed
program, with 19% unsure and only 6% expressing lack of support. Many respondents
indicated that their support would be more active. Approximately 23% of respondents
indicated that they would be willing to serve on an Advisory Board for the MSME
program to help guide curriculum and provide an industry perspective. Approximately
64% indicated that they have some form of established program in place to provide
tuition assistance or other support for employees’ graduate study.
Demand among Current Students and Alumni
Currently, the BSE ME program has approximately 300 students enrolled. The MSME
Demand Assessment Survey for students was administered by ME Department faculty to
advanced classes for students at the junior and senior level. A total of 28 students
completed the survey, with expected graduation years ranging from 2012 – 2014. A list
of respondents appears in Attachment D.
Currently, the BSE ME program has approximately 100 alumni. The MSME Demand
Assessment Survey for alumni was sent to 72 graduates of the BSE ME program. A total
of 24 alumni responded to the survey, for a response rate of 33%. A list of respondents
appears in Attachment D. Graduation years of the responding alumni range from 2009 –
2012, and approximately 83% report that they are currently employed as engineers. Of
the responding alumni, approximately 17% either already have a Master’s degree or are
currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program. Data collected from this group is treated
separately in the next section. Another 71% indicated an interest in a Master’s degree but
have not enrolled in any degree program. Data collected from this group is presented in
this section along with that of current students.
Surveys of current students and alumni indicate that interest in graduate study is high
among these groups, with 71% of alumni and 69% of current students expressing a
definite interest. These results are shown in Figure C.2. When one considers that an
additional 17% of alumni respondents have already enrolled in or completed a graduate
study program, positive alumni interest increases to 88%.
Figure C.3 summarizes alumni and current students’ reported factors affecting their
desire to pursue graduate education. Respondents were instructed to choose all factors
that apply, so percentages are normalized by number of respondents, not number of
responses. The greatest consideration for both alumni (89%) and current students (88%)
is a desire to achieve a greater level of mastery within their profession. This was a greater
consideration than the desire for a higher-paying job (47% for alumni and 68% for
students) or the desire for advancement within one’s company (37% for alumni, not
asked to students). This suggests that the primary motivation among BSE ME alumni and
students to pursue graduate education is the skills that they expect to gain.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
Figure C.2
Alumni and current students' interest in a Master's
degree (does not include alumni already enrolled in an
MS degree program)
Percentage of respondents
100%
80%
60%
Alumni
40%
Current students
20%
0%
Yes
No
Not sure
Figure C.3
Factors affecting interest in a Master's degree among alumni and
students (multiple answers allowed)
100%
Percentage of respondents
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Alumni
Students
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
Among BSE ME alumni who are not enrolled in a master’s degree program,
approximately 37% indicate that they have taken graduate-level courses either as
advanced technical electives to count toward their baccalaureate degrees or for
professional development as non-degree seeking students. Of these, 57% report attending
lectures in person, 29% report taking courses online, and 14% report mixed-mode
delivery. Respondents to the Alumni Survey were also asked to give their reasons for not
having yet enrolled in a program of graduate study, with multiple answers allowed. The
two most common reasons for not having yet enrolled in a program of graduate study
reported by alumni are that they “decided to work for a few years before pursuing an
advanced degree” (74%) and that they “do not want to have to move to another city or
state” (47%). These results are summarized in Figure C.4.
Percentage of respondents
Figure C.4
Alumni reasons for not yet enrolling in a Master's
degree program (multiple answers allowed)
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Current BSE ME students who indicated an interest in a master’s degree were asked to
indicate what institution or institutions they are considering for graduate study. The most
common local choices were UAF (26%) and University of Washington (21%). The
largest percentages of respondents were either unsure (42%) or named universities other
than University of Washington in the Lower 48 (47%). It is assumed that the 11% of
respondents who indicated a current interest in attending UAA intend to pursue a
master’s degree other than Mechanical Engineering, such as Project Management, or
intend to enroll in the MSME degree program if it is approved. When asked whether they
would consider enrolling in an MSME program at UAA if one were to become available,
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
59% said yes, 34% were unsure and only 7% said no. These results are summarized in
Figures C.5 and C.6. The establishment of an MSME program at UAA could potentially
keep a significant portion of these students in Alaska, many of whom are productively
employed engineers.
Percentage of respondents
Figure C.5
Institutions being considered by BSE ME students for
further graduate study (multiple answers allowed)
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Figure C.6
Student responses: Would you consider enrolling in an
MSME Program at UAA if one becomes available?
Percentageof respondents
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes
No
Not sure
Data from BSE ME Alumni with a Master’s Degree or Currently Enrolled in a Master’s
Program
Of the 24 respondents to the Alumni Survey, 17% reported that they already had a
master’s degree or were currently enrolled in a master’s degree program. Of those
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
graduate students or graduate degree recipients, 25% graduated in spring 2012 with a
Master’s degree from University of Washington, while 50% are currently enrolled in the
Engineering & Science Management program within the UAA School of Engineering
and 25% in the Nanoscience and Microsystems Graduate Program within the
Professional Science Masters Program at the University of New Mexico. Of these alumni,
75% indicated that they would have considered enrolling in an MSME program at UAA
if one had been available at the time that they enrolled in a graduate program, with 25%
unsure.
B. Relation to State of Alaska long-range development
The results of the Employer Survey show a local demand for a pool of well-educated
mechanical engineers. Recipients of the Employer Survey were asked to estimate the
number of employees at their place of work with a mechanical engineering (or closelyrelated) degree who had either a bachelor’s or a master’s as their most advanced degree.
Recipients were then asked to estimate how many mechanical engineering (or closelyrelated) positions they anticipate filling within the next five years with hires who have
bachelor’s or master’s degrees. This information was used to predict near-term demand
for mechanical engineering graduates as a percentage of current positions. The number of
positions that the respondents expect to fill within the next five years, due to growth or
replacement, amount to approximately 63% of current bachelor’s-level mechanical
engineering jobs and approximately 67% of current master’s-level mechanical
engineering jobs.
All of the respondents to the Employers Survey indicated that their companies recognize
an advantage to hiring Alaskans. Some elaborated in the comments section, indicating
that they have found Alaskans are less likely to leave the state and are more familiar with
our climatic and engineering conditions. However, when asked to estimate the number of
employees with Mechanical Engineering (or closely related) degrees who have received
their training or education outside Alaska, over two-thirds of respondents estimated the
total to be greater than 50%. These responses, summarized in Figure C.7, suggest there is
room within Alaska for additional engineering programs to produce a larger pool of welleducated engineers for local firms to hire.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
Figure C.7
Estimate of employees receiving training/education
outside Alaska
Number of responses
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0-25%
25-50%
50-75%
75-100%
Estimated percentage
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment C: Survey Results
Attachment D: Respondents to MSME Demand Assessment Surveys
Table D.1
Respondents to MSME Demand Assessment Survey, Employers
Name
Bathke, David
Beauvais, Erin
Bergeron, Kali
Bergstedt, Mark
Boggs, David
Brown, Chris
Call, Catherine
Chriss, Sharon
Christian, Jim
Fawcett, Daniel
Frischkorn, Mark
Hansen, Kevin L.
Herring, Jerry
Position
President
HR Business Partner, Staffing
Mechanical Engineer contact for UAA
President
Principal Mechanical Engineer
AK Regional Manager
Owner
Manager, Recruitment & Staffing
Project Engineer
President/Owner
None given
Vice President
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Holland, H. “Ky”
Hotchkiss, Joanne
Jacobson, Kathryn
Jemison, Jenny
Kiddle, Fraser
Knecht, Rachael
Leman, Loren
Linford, Chris
Maynard, Colin
Murray, Douglas
Olive, Michael R.
Pessetto, Scott
Pearson, Ron
Rudisill, Matt
Sordahl, Brad
Story, Andrea
Struempf, Connie
Thompson, Ron
Walker, Jason
Weaver, Steve
Operations Manager
Marketing Specialist
Regional Marketing Manager
Reservoir Engineer
Mechatronics Design Engineer
Marketing Coordinator
Vice President
Mechanical Dept. Mgr.
VP/Principal
Owner
Mechanical/ Piping Chief Engineer, P.E.
Capital Projects Manager
Process Engineer
Project Manager
Principal, Chief Mechanical Engineer
VP, Marketing & Business Dev.
HR Specialist, Recruitment
Public Works Director
Operations Manager
Division Director
UA New Program Prospectus
Company
Norcoast Mechanical
ConocoPhillips
BP
RSA Engineering, Inc.
AMC Engineers
MWH Global
Blue Sky Studio
GCI
Udelhoven
ATS Alaska
RSA Engineering, Inc.
EDC, Inc.
Central Alaska Engineering
Company, LLC
QSA Global Inc. (dba Envision)
UMIAQ of the UIC Corporation
WHPacific, Inc.
BP
QSA Global Inc.
AeroMetric, Inc.
Michael L. Foster & Associates
USKH
BBFM Engineers Inc.
Murray & Associates
NANA WorleyParsons
ConocoPhillips
BP/NANA WorleyParsons
General Mechanical
MBA Consulting Engineers
R&M Consultants, Inc.
Chugach Electric Association
Municipality of Anchorage
Siemens Industry Inc.
ANTHC
Location
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Soldotna, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Eagle River, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Juneau, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
MSME, Attachment D: Survey Respondents
Table D.2
Respondents to MSME Demand Assessment Survey, Current Students
Name
Allen, Rusty
Birmingham, Grant
Brady, Justin
Byrd, Taryn
Clark, Jacob
Daley, J. Doss
Doty, Morgan
Eby, Timothy
Fernando, Milca
Gallardo, Patricia
Garcia, Zachary
Gilbert, Lindsay
Hamman, Caleb
Hamman, Michael
Hayes, Philip
Kirk, Tim
Klatt, William
Lazaro, Josh
Malapanis, Anthony
Mann, Kevin
Nuqul, Sami
O’Jala, Ethan
Raiha, Andy
Schultz, Jacob
Shulman, Mark
Slone, Maxwell
Smith, Lilan
Snyder, Eric
Williams, Matthew
UA New Program Prospectus
Anticipated Graduation
2013
2012
2014
2014
2012
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2014
2013
2012
2013
2013
2013
2013
2014
2013
2012
2013
2013
2014
2012
2013
2013
2013
2013
2014
MSME, Attachment D: Survey Respondents
Table D.3
Respondents to MSME Demand Assessment Survey, Alumni
Name
Bergeron, Alex
Bergeron, Kali
Cochrane, Andrew
Coolidge, Dustin
Cottrell, Brittany
Graduation
Date
2010
2010
2012
2011
2009
DelSignore, Julia
2011
n/a
Mechanical Engineer
Research Assistant
Process Engineer
Mechanical/ Project
Engineer
Server
Edin, Truman
Hershey, Eric
Hickman, Tim
Johnson, Micah
Lloyd, Michael
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
n/a
Engineering Assistant II
Staff Mechanical Engineer
Associate Geoscientist
Mechanical Engineer II
Nichols, Sarah
2010
Oba, Matthew
Olendorff,
Stephanie
Oyao, Sharon
Ozols, Tija
Parkinson,
Christina
Rodgers, Eric
Rodrigues, Talisa
Shillington, Blaine
Slater, Brian
Starr, Ryan
2012
2010
Project Superintendent/
Project Engineer
Sales Engineer
Realtor
2012
2011
2011
Well Test Field Engineer
Corrosion Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
2012
2012
2012
2010
2010
Voehl, Dustin
Wunderle, Raphael
2012
2009
Mechanical Engineer
n/a
Mechanical Engineer
Engineer
Medical Device
Representative
FET
Project Engineer
UA New Program Prospectus
Position
Company
Location
Nabors Alaska Drilling
BP
University of New Mexico
CH2M Hill
CH2M Hill
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Albuquerque, NM
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
First Watch
n/a
ADOT&PF
HZA Engineering
Fugro Geoservices
MBA Consulting Engineers,
Inc.
Alaska Ship and Drydock
Panama City
Beach, FL
Anchorage, AK
AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Ketchikan, AK
Stinebaugh & Co.
Keller Williams Alaska
Group
Expro Americas
Coffman Engineers
Coffman Engineers Inc.
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Jacobs Engineering Group
n/a
PDC Engineers Inc.
BP
Mountain Medical/
Medtronic
Schlumberger
Freudenberg Sealing
Technologies
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Eagle River, AK
Anchorage, AK
Kenai, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Görwihl, Germany
MSME, Attachment D: Survey Respondents
Attachment E: Occupational Demand Information for Jobs Often Filled by Mechanical
Engineers Derived From Department of Labor Data
Table E.1
Mechanical Engineering Related Occupations Summary of Occupational Demand
(Bonnie Nygard – 12/12)
Job Title
Mechanical
Engineers
Mining &
Geological
Engineers,
Including
Mining Safety
Engineers
Architectural &
Engineering
Managers
Teachers,
Engineering
Postsecondary
Biomedical
Engineers
Materials
Engineers
Industrial Safety
& Health
Engineers
Aerospace
Engineers
Agricultural
Engineers
U.S. Projected Growth
& Number of
Openings over Ten
Year Period
(2010-2020)
Slower than Average (3
to 9%)
99,600 openings
Average (10 to 19%)
2,000 openings
Slower than Average (3
to 9%)
49,700 openings
Average (10 to 19%)
586,100 openings
Much Faster than
Average
(20% or higher)
13,100 openings
Slower than Average (3
to 9%)
8,100 openings
Average (10 to 19%)
8,200 openings
Slower than Average (3
to 9%)
21,800 openings
Slower than Average (3
to 9%)
800 openings
Number of
Employees in
Alaska
2010
354 Total
110 Nonresident
31.2% Over 50
169 Total
38 Nonresident
22.5% Over 50
443 Total
49 Nonresident
48% Over 50
103 Total
11 Nonresident
51.6% Over 50
12 Total
58.3% Over 50
Number of
Projected Job
Openings in
AK
2008-2018
290-310
10 openings
+7%
Median
Annual
Salary in
Alaska
(2011)
Education Level
Requirements
(National)
$93,300
29% Master’s
46% Bachelor’s
14% Associate’s
150-180
+20%
$103,400
23% Master’s
71% Bachelor’s
6% Associate’s
430-460
10 openings
+9%
$140,700
41% Master’s
57% Bachelor’s
2% Associate’s
NA
$90,680
NA
$169,200
74 Total
42 Nonresident
43.6% Over 50
24 Total
8 Nonresident
17.6% Over 50
37 Total
14 Nonresident
28% Over 50
NA
$95,700
230-250
+9%
$103,900
NA
$102,420/
National
NA
NA
$74,630/
National
$101,930/
National
NA
35% Master’s
45% Bachelor’s
20% Associate’s
33% Master’s
51% Bachelor’s
13% Associate’s
23% Master’s
68% Bachelor’s
5% Associate’s
14% Master’s
77% Bachelor’s
8% Associate’s
9% Master’s
87% Bachelor’s
4% Associate’s
36% Master’s
50% Bachelor’s
14% Associate’s
Nuclear
Engineers
Average (10 to 19%)
6,200 openings
NA
NA
Manufacturing
Sales Rep,
Technical &
Scientific
Products
Average (10 to 19%)
159,700
1,017 Total
60 Nonresident
28.6% Over 50
290-330
10 openings
+10%
$76,900
42% Bachelor’s
22% Associate’s
15% some
college, no degree
Sales Engineers
Average (10 to 19%)
32,100 openings
57 Total
9 Nonresident
19.6% Over 50
NA
$63,500
NA
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment E: DOL Data
Commercial &
Industrial
Designers
Average (10 to 19%)
16,900 openings
33 Total
5 Nonresident
20.7% Over 50
NA
$60,760/
National
Industrial
Production
Managers
Slower than Average (3
to 6%)
49,000 openings
74 Total
13 Nonresident
56.2 Over 50
50-60
$85,700
52% Bachelor’s
25% Associate’s
19% some
college, no degree
29% Bachelor’s
42% some
college, no degree
25% High School
Grad
DATA SOURCES:
O*Net Online. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections.
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Internet: http://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/occ/alloccs.cfm
ALEXsys. Internet: https://alexsys.labor.state.ak.us/default.asp
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment E: DOL Data
Attachment F: Letters of Support
This Attachment contains letters of support from engineering employers, Deans, Directors and
Chairs from within UAA, BSE ME alumni and current BSE ME students.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Table F.1
List of Letters Written by Employers
Name
Boggs, David, MS, PE
Brown, Chris
Call, Catherine
Jemison, Jenny
Leman, Loren
Position
Principal Mechanical
Engineer
AK Regional Manager
Owner
Reservoir Engineer
Vice President
Struempf, Connie
HR Specialist, Recruitment
Thompson, Ron
Public Works Director
UA New Program Prospectus
Company
AMC Engineers
Location
Anchorage, AK
MWH Global
Blue Sky Studio
BP
Michael L. Foster &
Associates
Chugach Electric
Association
Municipality of
Anchorage
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Eagle River, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 7, 2012
Interim Provost E lisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
RE:
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
SUBJ:
Letter of Support
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
AMC Engineers enthusiastically supports the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. AMC Engineers is an Anchorage based mechanical and electrical
consulting engineering firm that has been providing services throughout Alaska for over 30 years.
AMC Engineers has hired numerous graduates ofthe UAA BSE program and has found them to be talented and well
educated. Hiring graduates from Alaska is an advantage. The opportunity for engineers to continue their formal
education with their on the job training is a benefit to all parties. We have had experiences of engineers leaving
Alaska to obtain advanced degrees.
AMC Engineers actively supports the UAA BSE program and encourages our engineers to continue their eng ineering
education. A MSME program at UAA will allow AMC, Anchorage, and the State to develop their hidden talent and
will encourage outside resources to join us. The excellent res ults of the BSE program and the support for a new
eng ineering building are impressive indicators of the need for more, better educated engineers. An UAA MSME
program will provide the required Masters level courses, research, and support the engineering community needs to
continue to grow. The UAA MSME program will have the potential to exponentially impact eng ineering in Alaska.
Personally, 1 have been active in s upporting the Alaskan engineering community with involvement in professional
engineering societies and supporting eng ineering programs at UAA and UAF. The university supp011 includes
American Society of Mechanical Engineers scholarships at UAF and UAA, presentations to students, and served as an
Adjunct Instructor for the UAA BSE program. I know of a recent UAA BSE graduate who would like to obtain a
MSME and still stay in Anchorage.
AMC Engineers has also been active in supporting the Alaskan engineering community and UAA by supporting
Mechanical and E lectrical scholarships at UAA, and providing mechanical and electrical engineering for numerous
UA projects including the new eng ineering buildings at UAA and UAF, the new Seawolf Sports Arena, and the new
Health Sciences Facility.
I can state without reservations, it is an important requirement for the future growth of Alaska that UAA provide a
Master of Science in Mechanical Eng ineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
AMC ENGINEERS
David L. Boggs, MS, PE
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Adams, ~orgenthaler and CompaniJ, Inc.
70 I East Tudor Road • Suite 250 • Anchorage, A.K 99503 ·
fax 907.257.9191 • www.amc-englneers.com • phone 907.257.9100
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
e
MWH
BVILDI NG A BETTER WORLD
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
321 1 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am sending you this letter to express my strong support for the creation of a Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. As an
engineering consulting frrm, MWH relies on UAA to educate our future employees. Further,
Alaska needs well-trained engineers to help develop our infrastructure and resources .
My personal experience with locally trained staff is that they are more readily retained and have
a stronger connection to Alaska, resulting in a higher level of professionalism and commitment.
We need more highly qualified engineers, scientists, and technically skilled managers who
possess mastery and autonomy gained through graduate education.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
S incerely,
Chris Brown
Vice President, Alaska Regional Manager
1835 S. Bragaw Street
Suite 350
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
UA New Program Prospectus
TEL
907248.8883
907.248.8884
www.mwhglobal.com
FAX
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
6 December 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am a 27 year resident of the State of Alaska, the mother of three Alaskans planning to make their lives here as
adults, and an active member of my community, especially in my profession, Architecture. I received my Master of
Architecture degree in 1985 from the University of Orgeon, became a registered architect in the State of Alaska in
1990, and started my own architecture firm, Blue Sky Studio, in 2002. I have served on the AlA Alaska Board for
ten years, and currently serve on the UAA School of Engineering Advisory Board.
I am writing in support of the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the
University of Alaska Anchorage. Anchorage is a center of employment and recruitment, and it makes sense to
incorporate the degree program into the educational infrastructure already in place. It is a natural outgrowth of
the strengths of the existing program, and there is enough demand for engineering education programs at both
campuses to support this growth.
I think a key reason to support the program is the opportunity it will provide for the mechanical engineering
community already in Anchorage to advance their education and career through the pursuit of a master's degree.
Relocation for education becomes very difficult once you are employed and have a family to consider.
As a member of the design community of Alaska, I understand the emphasis on having home grown engineers. It
is hard to find employees when construction is in a boom. And when there's a glut of people seeking to move to
Alaska, as in recent years, you are faced with the large expense of training someone who may decide to jump ship
in a year or two if the Alaska adventure turns sour for the employee or the employee's family. This is a very real
cost to the business community. The environmental awareness an Alaskan brings to the design and construction
industry is also very important. Furthering that exploration through an MSME degree will be a very real benefit to
the local community and to the state.
As a parent, I am would like to add how very excited I am about what is happening at UAA. Three of my nephews
started school outside, and ended up finishing their degrees at UAA- one in engineering, and two in the
construction management program. My daughter started in the WWAMI program this fall. The school is
becoming a brain trust for the community, in the same way the UAF has long been for Fairbanks. A MSME degree
program would be a natural evolution of current curricula.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at
the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Catherine Call
CC:
Richard Reich, Chair, UAA SOE
BLUE SKY STUDIO
6771 Lauden Circle Anchorage AK 99502-9873
907 677 9078 [email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Jenny L. Jemison
BP Alaska, Inc
900 E Benson Blvd, MB5-1
Anchorage, AK 99508
November 30, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am pleased to send a letter of support for the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical
Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
In 2008, I graduated from UAA with a BS in Civil Engineering. I took a job in the petroleum industry, and
was forced to pursue graduate studies through UAF due to the lack of suitable programs available at our
local university. I was surprised to find that most of my colleagues, though hired with undergraduate
degrees, desired to further their engineering education while working. Because UAA does not offer
graduate programs in Engineering outside of Civil, Arctic and Project Management, many of my
colleagues take online graduate courses, or move to the Houston office to be closer to a large selection
of graduate programs. I am passionate about retaining local talent in Alaska and I believe academic
opportunity through graduate studies is a key factor in improving our retention.
It is for this reason that I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical
Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
J:~~~
Rese.fvoir Engineer (recruiter, proud alumni, College of Fellows and Advisory Board member)
BP Alaska, Inc
[email protected], 907-564-5623
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Loren Leman, P.E.
2699 Nathaniel Ct
Anchorage, AK 99517
December 5, 2012
Anthony Paris, Ph.D., P.E.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
sent via email to [email protected]
Dear Dr. Paris:
I support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at UAA. My
reasons are numerous, but I will focus on three thoughts:
•
•
•
UAA has seen incredible growth in the BSE in Mechanical Engineering program. The
marketplace likes what you are doing and is asking for more. The MSME degree is becoming
increasingly more important;
The MSME program will give engineers from southcentral Alaska a convenient way to pursue an
advanced degree and otherwise get continuing education credits, a necessity for professional
development and maintenance of registration; and
Your very gifted faculty, working in soon to be renovated and built facilities with improved
laboratories will be able to accommodate graduate students who in turn will collaborate with
and help undergraduates. This will be a win-win.
I was raised in Alaska; have practiced engineering for 39 years; met luminaries in the business like Paul
Crews, Joe Hayes, Eb Rice and Frank Nyman; and now am helping recruit middle and high school
students into engineering-and specifically to choose UAA. If we respond to what students and the
marketplace need, the University of Alaska will continue to lead the world in cold regions engineering.
Please pass my sentiments on to Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker. I expect to say more on Friday
through a resolution from our Advisory Board. Continue leading the way.
Sincerely,
Lor0VV L0WJ..C(.,V\;
Loren Leman, P.E.
Member, School of Engineering Advisory Board
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
------------CHUG~~~~
,OWIIING AlASKA'S IUFUII
-----
December 6, 20 12
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
20 I Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Let me tell you about myself, including my affiliation with the UAA ME Department, and my
interest in the program. As a corporate recruiter for over I 0 years for engineering positions with
both utility and oil related companies, I am wholly in favor of more qualified Alaska candidates
which this program will provide.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
'i
I ft·'v!,Ltq
C~nie Struempf
biv~H··"]
V
Recruitment Specialist
Chugach Electric Association
Connie [email protected]
907-762-4428
Chugach Electric Association, Inc.
5601 Electron Drive, P.O. Box 196300 Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6300 • (907) 563-7494 Fax (907) 562-0027 •
(BOO) 478-7494
www.chugachelectric.com • [email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
MUNICIPALITY
F ANCHORAGE
Mayor Dan Sullivan
PUBLIC WoRKS DEPARTMENT
4700 ELMORE ROAD •!• P.O. BOX 196650•!• ANCHORAGE, AK 99519-6650
(907) 343-8120•!• (907) 343-8200 FAX
November 28, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear, Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Let me tell you about myself, including my affiliation with the UAA ME Department,
and my interest in the program. I am a licensed Mechanical PE that has worked within
Anchorage's Mechanical Engineering community for the past 23 years. I did attend UAA for
some undergraduate classes as well as some graduate classes. At the time UAA really only had
the Civil Engineering program and therefore my jobs lead me toward taking classes in that
discipline. I currently know several students in the Engineering School at UAA and hear nothing
but positive things about the direction UAA is pursuing. I think the next logical step is the
Masters program in Mechanical Engineering. Although I am probably past the time I would lean
toward obtaining a Masters degree myself, I really think it is a great time for a ME masters
program to be considered for UAA based upon the following.
Alaska is unique with a major need for high level Mechanical Engineers with the oil
industry driving such a large amount of Mechanical design. In addition to that the cold climate
we have throughout our state dictates a major industry built on the HV AC field which is usually
lead by the Mechanical Engineering discipline. These two major industries need high level
Mechanical Engineers to keep the industry flourishing. So, I enthusiastically support the
creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of
Alaska Anchorage which will continue to make UAA be a leader in the community and keep
Alaska growing.
R nald J Thompson, P .E.
Public Works Director
Municipality of Anchorage
P.O. Box 196650 •!• Anchorage, Alaska 99519·6650 •!• http://www.muni.org
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Table F.2
List of Letters Written by Deans, Directors, Chairs, Faculty, Administrators and Staff
Name
Abaza, Osama
Hussein, Zaid
Berner, Barbara, EdD, APRN,
FNP-BC, FAANP
Foster, Larry
Furilla, Robert
Position
Civil Engineering Dept. Chair
MS Student, advisor O. Abaza
Director
Academic Unit
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
School of Nursing
Professor of Mathematics
Associate Director
Gordon, Kate
Assistant Dean of Library
Administration and Professor
Geomatics Department Chair
College of Arts and Sciences
WWAMI School of Medical
Education
UAA Consortium Library
Hazelton, N.W.J., B. Surv.,
Ph.D. (Melb), L.S. (Vic)
Lund, John
Riggs, Kimberly
Shelby, Jane
Assistant Professor of Electrical
Engineering
Professor of Computer Science
Electrical Engineering Dept.
Chair
Department of Physics and
Astronomy Chair
Engineering Science and Project
Management Department
Interim Director
Facilities Manager
Director
Hinterberger, Tim
Associate Professor
Smith, Orson
Thiru, Kanapathi “Sam”
Interim Dean
Mathematical Sciences Dept.
Chair
Associate Vice Chancellor
Mock, Kenrick
Munk, Jens
Pantaleone, James
Piccard, LuAnn
Turletes, Christopher
UA New Program Prospectus
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
College of Arts and Sciences
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
WWAMI School of Medical
Education
WWAMI School of Medical
Education
School of Engineering
College of Arts and Sciences
Facilities and Campus Services
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
~ U\J\ School of Engineering
. , UNNERSITY of ALAsKA ANCHORAGE
3211 Providence Or..
Anchorage, Alaska 9 9506
Tel 907- 76 6 -1900 • Fa)( 907- 766 - 1079
www.engr.uea.alaska .edu/
December 4, 20 I 2
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker
I would like to express my support for the proposed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Program. In my many years of experience as a practicing engineer and as a faculty member, I have
observed the presence of a graduate program fosters an environment of scholarship and inquiry at all
levels, including at the undergraduate level. The establishment of the MSME Program will lead to a more
vibrant UAA School of Engineering with more opportunities for learning, research, design and
collaboration among faculty and students in all departments.
My colleagues within the ME Department are already active researchers, and carry on many projects in
collaboration with faculty in my department. For example, my graduate student (Zaid Hussein, MSCE
2012) and I worked on fiber rubberized concrete testing with Prof. Anthony Paris from the ME faculty
and undergraduate students in their Materials Testing Laboratory. Other areas that involve collaboration
between CE and ME faculty include cold regions engineering, including frozen soils analysis, energyrelated projects such as investigations into hydrokinetic devices and small cogeneration systems
appropriate for rural Alaska, and structures research including wood-polymer composites and fasteners
for high-mast light poles. Many of these projects provide research opportunities forCE graduate students,
and the addition of ME graduate students will allow these projects to be examined from additional
perspectives and areas of expertise. In addition, the establishment of the MSME Program will make
research by the ME Department faculty more competitive for external funding, which will further
increase research opportunities for all.
I have found the ME Department faculty to be extremely competent teachers and researchers who are
more than capable of initiating the MSME Program. Let me once again express my support for the
MSME Program and my eagerness to see it established as soon as possible.
Professor and Chair
Civil E ngineering Department
Transportation and Highway Engineering
School of Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage
321 1 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4614
907-786-6117; 907-786-1079 fax
b t tp: //www, uaa,aluska.cdu / schoolofcugmccong/
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
Office of the Provost
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker,
I am a 2011 graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), School ofEngineering,
with a Master's of Science degree in Civil Engineering (MSCE). I write this letter on behalf of
the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department, with my sincerest intentions to provide support
for the proposed MSME program.
I was fortunate to work with one of the ME faculty members, Prof. Anthony Paris, on the
experimental portion of my MSCE thesis. I would not have been able to complete the
experimental portion of my research without his assistance and instruction.
Prof. Paris showed a great concern and passion for my work, as well as generosity in spending
his personal time working with me on my research, which resulted in some very late nights at the
lab. Alex Bergeron (BSE ME 2010), who at that time was a Mechanical Engineering
undergraduate student, provided invaluable support as well. I was impressed at how students
from other programs such as the Mechanical Engineering would be willing to help others from
different disciplines.
I am thankful for the invaluable collaboration between the Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Departments at the UAA School of Engineering. I believe that at some point in many civil or
mechanical engineering research projects there is interaction between the two programs.
I felt that working in the ME Department's Materials Testing Lab was invaluable to my research
because of the very specific and advanced testing equipment available to me. My research
would have not been completed without this equipment. To this day, only a few materials testing
laboratories in the United States have the capability to perform such a test as I needed for my
research.
I completely endorse the proposed MSME program because this will provide the ME students
the opportunity to pursue their graduate study at UAA, and in doing so will enhance the
opportunities for CE students and others as well.
Sincerely,
Z~J,~
\'2.!512-ol~
Zaid S. Hussern, E.I.T.
Transportationffraffic Engineer
DOWLHKM
4041 B Street, Anchorage, AK 99503
[email protected]
Cell (801) 898-8150; Work (907) 562-2000 Ext. 1229
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
3)_! I llrovidence Drive
~
Anchorage. /\lasb
School of Nursing
99~)08-· 1161 11
I 907.7B6.tl550 • F 90T7H6.'1~/iB
h t I p:l/www. ua ;) ,,) Id~ k<t .ed u/ scI 10ol ofr 1u rsing/
UNIVERSITY of' AI ,J\SKA ANCHORAGE
November 29, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) Degree
Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. This program will strengthen the overall environment of
research and scholarship on the UAA campus and provide increased opportunities for student-driven
research and collaborative research between colleges and departments.
The UAA School of Nursing has great interest in focusing opportunities to collaborate with the
Department of Engineering in research related to the mechanics of injury, In fact, the School of
Engineering is currently conducting research in biomechanics, including research on the mechanics of
head impacts, specifically from soccer ball heading, material properties of spinal rods and others. These
areas are a strong focus of study nationally because of recent research suggesting potential significant
long-term risk from repetitive concussions, especially as they relate to sports injuries. The School of
Nursing could provide collaboration in relation to the physiologic consequences of impact injury,
including the potential for an evaluation system that could provide information about the neurological
changes related to impact injury and possibly offer guidelines for reducing risk.
Therefore, I fully support the creation of a UAA Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and look forward to developing a collaborative
relationship in creating future research activities between the School of Nursing and Mechanical
Engineering.
Sincerely,
Barbara Berner, EdD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Director, School of Nursing
University of Alaska Anchorage
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
3211
Department of
. Mathematical Sciences
Provi(h~1Ke
Anrhorage. /\l;-1ska
Drive
99~)08--'1614
T 907:78(,.1714 • F 907.786.6162
"----' UNIVERSITY r!f ALASKA ANCHORAGE
;[email protected] .edu
December 2, 2012
Elisha R. Baker, Ph.D.
Interim Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Office of Academic Affairs
University of Alaska Anchorage
REF:
Proposal for UAA Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering
Dear Dr. Baker:
I am pleased to join my many colleagues in strongly supporting a proposal for a Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering (MSME) at UAA, as was recently approved by the Faculty Senate's Graduate
Academic Board. My support is based on my own career experience in mechanical engineering, my now
professorial career at UAA, and the needs of Alaska.
Prior to joining UAA in 1999, I was employed in Juneau and Anchorage by Dames & Moore, an
international engineering firm now part of URS. Given I am graduate degreed in both mechanical and
civil engineering, my work involved fluid and thermal modeling, and geohydrology, all at a rather senior
level. The shortage of well educated, new MS engineering graduates was a constant irritation to my
firm; moreover, this complaint was a predictable topic whenever senior engineers in Anchorage
gathered, either professionally or socially. It was true that UAF did provide well qualified MS engineering
graduates. Regretfully, UAF produced too few. More important, and this is a salient point, managers at
Anchorage's many engineering firms needed a local university to send their own engineers to for
graduate engineering education. Given that there were none in Anchorage for mechanical engineering,
we routinely resorted to hiring MSME graduates from outside. Unfortunately, most of these new hires
remained in Alaska less than two years before returning to the lower 48. This was particularly true for
mechanical and chemical engineers. Hence, this recent proposal for an MSME at UAA is long overdue. As
an aside, prior to returning to Alaska many years ago, I was involved for almost two decades with
aerospace efforts at the Marshall Space Flight Center and its collocated Redstone Arsenal; a significant
number of my staff were mechanical and electrical engineers graduate trained at the neighboring
University of Alabama in Huntsville. We considered that university to be the "town jewel" because of its
contribution to the local economy, that of aerospace development. With this MSME proposal, UAA is
now poised to become Anchorage's "town jewel" in engineering.
I also support this proposal as an academic. Whilst my position at UAA is that of a mathematics
professor, most of my students are from our School of Engineering. Many of my best freshmen and
sophomores leave UAA for other institutions in the lower 48 because they do not believe we are serious
about providing a high quality, with accompanying reputation, engineering program. The most frequent
comment I hear centers on the fact that every good mechanical engineering program outside has an
accompanying graduate program. Ergo, since UAA does not, why stay? Moreover, during recent faculty
searches within my own department (Mathematical Sciences), our star candidates all noted that the lack
of a graduate program hampers professional growth and hence our hiring efforts were all the more
difficult. This connection, between having a graduate program and hiring I retaining quality faculty in
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
mechanical engineering, is equally true. Moreover, with a graduate mechanical engineering program,
grants and intellectual properties are more successfully pursued. Last, a fast track implementation of the
proposed MSME will have a positive collateral impact on the quality of my own college's (Arts &
Sciences) technical programs.
Most important, the State of Alaska needs an MSME program at UAA. More than one hundred high
technology firms and agencies, all needing graduate trained engineers, are located within the Anchorage
bowl. As a rule these firms and agencies prefer to hire locally. As Alaska's economy matures, the ratio of
mechanical to civil engineers is increasing. From all perspectives, the time is ripe for UAA to inaugurate
an MSME program. The institution already has the needed faculty, the coursework is mature, and the
feedstock of students is guaranteed.
Sincerely,
c;{Ci;;;Zor1V::er,~
Professor of Mathematics
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
_.,.
1
WWAMI
School of Medical Education
~ UNIVERSITY ofAlASKA ANCHORAGE
32 11 Providence Drive, HSB 301
Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4614
T 907.786.4789 • F 907.786.4700
www.uaa.alaska.edu/wwami
December 6, 2012
Elisha "Bear" Baker
UAA Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
3211 Providence Drive, ADM 214
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Provost Baker:
I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The two
biggest employers in the state of Alaska are engineering and medicine, and these are also two of the most
rapidly-growing areas on the UAA campus. As the Associate director of WW AMl, I see exciting
prospects for collaboration between WWAMI and mechanical engineering on graduate-level research.
WWAMI (Washington ~oming Alaska Montana Idaho) is a five state collaborative medical program
centered at the University of Washington, School ofMedicine. We are beginning a growth phase with the
inclusion ofthe second year of medical school here in Alaska. As we look toward a sizeable number of
new faculty hires, the possibility of collaboration between Engineering and Medicine will benefit both
programs. Having Master's-level engineering students working in collaboration with biomedical faculty
will lead to innovation in both basic and applied science. I have had the opportunity to work with the
School of Engineering on biomedical studies. These important studies would benefit from having
graduate students trained in and working on mechanical issues in the biomedical area.
This program will build on an already excellent School of Engineering. As journal articles and
conference papers are produced, the University of Alaska Anchorage will become recognized as an
important leader and innovator in mechanical and biomechanical engineering. The work currently being
done by the mechanical engineering faculty on the mechanics of injury, prosthetic devices and surgical
tools are particularly relevant to our very active population. The engineering faculty are well positioned
to develop a successful program. With the current faculty as the core for this program, I envision a
growth of the department both in new highly qualified faculty and highly trained students entering the
workforce in Alaska.
I see great opportunities for collaboration with WWAMI faculty joining together in training excellent
Master' s-Ieve) engineers, and I enthusiastically support this proposal.
Associate Director
WWAMI School of Medical Education
University of Alaska, Anchorage
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
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December 7, 2012
Dear Provost Baker,
As the Library Liaison to the School of Engineering over the last decade, I wish to enthusiastically support
the proposed UAA Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree program.
The UAA Consortium Library currently licenses a broad range of electronic resources which adequately
support the proposed MSME degree. In 2005, when the UAA School of Engineeri ng expanded many of
their engineering programs, the Consortium Library was able to add key engineering resources. Our
practice includes working closely with the UAF Library to leverage better pricing for mutually desirable
electronic resources. This has been a cost-effective practice which has enabled adequate library resources
for our engineering students, faculty, and community members.
I look forward to the significant benefits a M SM E degree will bring to the UAA educational experience and
the Southcentral Alaska community.
Sincerely,
l(cJ:L-G~~
Kat e Gordon
library liaison to UAA School of Engineering
Assistant Dean of library Administration/Professor
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Department of Geomatics
UNivERSITY ofALAsKA ANCHORAGE
30th November, 2012
3211 Providence Dr · Anchorage AK 99508-4614 • T 907.786.1920 • F 907.786.1079 • www.engr.uaa.alaska.edu
Prof. Elisha R. Baker IV,
Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs,
University of Alaska Anchorage.
Dear Bear,
re: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program
I am writing in support of the proposed Master of Science program in Mechanical Engineering, proposed
by the School of Engineering. I consider this to be an important and needed program, and on behalf of the
Department of Geomatics I wish to voice our support for, and encouragement for you to support, the
adoption of this program by the University.
There are several reasons why this program is important and needed, which I should like to outline. The
primary reason is the proliferation of technology and technical knowledge, which means that working
professionals today need to know more to achieve the same outcomes. More material needs to be covered,
but far less can be retired from programs than needs to be added . The Civil Engineering profession is
already debating the need for either the MS degree as the basis of professional registration, or a BS plus
30 credits (an additional year) of extra study . Mechanical Engineering faces the same problem, as do all
the technically oriented professions .
One important solution to this problem is the availability of advanced skills education in Alaska,
particularly where the bulk of the engineers in the state are located: Anchorage. Graduates of ABETaccredited programs are expected to meet certain standards of education, but the time limits of a
baccalaureate program mean that much material must be excluded. By developing the ability to offer
advanced skills education with a commensurate qualification, the UAA Mechanical Engineering program
is providing a critical bridge to the future for Alaska.
I should also point out that the University of Melbourne, one of the world's top 50 universities, has
recently moved to a model that offers only BA/MA or BSc/MSc combinations for entering undergraduate
students, and aims to produce tomorrow's professional leaders. With the implementation of the MS in
Mechanical Engineering at UAA, a path for the development of tomorrow's professional leaders in thi s
field will be available in Anchorage.
From the perspective of the Department of Geomatics, Mechanical Engineering is a critical resource for
the development of far more than their own program. Geomatics is a discipline with a significant
component of industrial metrology , which supports significant parts of the Mechanical Engineering
mission. Geomatics is also developing new systems for measurement and analysis, and many of these
already involve collaboration with Mechanical Engineering, e.g., critical aspects of our joint maglev
proposal and of our UA V efforts . UAA Mechanical Engineering is uniquely positioned to provide this
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
support, and the adoption of the Masters program will provide a core team of graduate students to be
involved in, and learn, from these cutting edge projects.
In my three and a half years at UAA, I have been very impressed by the quality, dedication and skills of
the Mechanical Engineering faculty. Among the undergraduate programs in the School of Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering faculty teach more students for more total credits than any other Department.
The breadth of their teaching, the diversity of their interests, their active involvement in not only the most
advanced courses, but also introductory freshman courses, tells me that this group has a very great deal to
offer Alaska. In addition, they are active in research and other scholarship, are developing laboratories
and workshops to support advanced study and research, and are looking at how to make their offerings
better. This dynamic and extremely capable group is ideally placed to develop and offer advanced courses
and programs that help develop the future of Mechanical Engineering in Alaska, and I have strongly
supported my own son in his decision to study Mechanical Engineering at UAA.
The proposed Masters program in Mechanical Engineering, implemented and promoted by this group of
outstanding faculty, will enhance UAA's strategic priorities: strengthen and develop the UAA
instructional program, in particular by attracting the best students and faculty from Alaska and beyond;
reinforce and expand the research mission by attracting high quality graduate students to a high quality
program; expand educational opportunities for all Alaskans; strengthening the UAA community by
increasing our intellectual diversity; and expand and enhance the public square role of UAA through
providing greater opportunities for partnerships between Mechanical Engineering and the Alaskan
community.
I therefore commend the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program to your most earnest
attention, and urge you in the strongest terms to support its adoption by the university.
Yours sincerely,
N.W.J. Hazelton, B.Surv., Ph.D. (Melb.), L.S. (Vic)
Associate Professor of Geomatics and Department Chair
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
3211 Providence Dr
U/\/\ School of Engineering
UNIVERSITY of ALASKA ANCHORAGE
Anchorage, AK 99506
Tel 907-766-1900 Fax 907-766-1079
www.engr.uaa.alaska.edu
December 7, 20 12
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
20 1 Engineering Building
321 1 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
It is with great hope for the future that I write to you in support of the creation of a Master of
Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I am an assistant professor in the Electrical Engineering department who works on a variety of
multidisciplinary projects. The Mechanical Engineering department is populated with a highly
motivated faculty that I have worked closely with in the past. I have also worked very closely
with many outstanding undergraduate mechanical engineering students and I am pleased to say
they are, without doubt or hesitation, among the finest students at any university in the country.
It is somewhat bittersweet to see these exceptional students leave the university to pursue further
education elsewhere, ordinarily outside of the State. An undergraduate degree is increasingly
becoming a rarity as the highest level of education for mechanical engineers. This trend is
reflected not only in student enrollment, but also in shifting requirements for professional
engineering licenses, which are currently seeing movement to require a master's degree or
equivalent across the nation.
It is in this light that the prospect of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
appears as a perfect opportunity for a perfect synergy. Research across the university would
benefit from the retention of these exemplary students. Students would benefit from the ability
to complete their education without relocating and while maintaining valuable connections to
rewarding research initiated and nurtured as undergraduates, and the State of Alaska would
benefit by maintaining an educated workforce of highly-skilled professional engineers who are
willing and able to build a career in a place they call home.
The Mechanical Engineering faculty has done nothing short of an amazing job of striving
towards excellence. Their efforts should, nay, must be nurtured and allowed the opportunity to
succeed lest they be relegated to the plain of hesitation on which lie the blackened bones of
millions who, at the dawn of victory, sat to rest.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
The great need, incredible opportunity, and the tireless dedication and commitment of those
involved all cause me to wholeheartedly support the creation of a Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering degree program.
Sincerely,
~~~ JohnLund,PhD
Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering
907-786-1 066
j [email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
((!:.!4 UNIVERSITY ofALASKA ANCHORAGE
School of Engineering
December 4, 2012
Kenrick Mock
Professor of Computer Science
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786- 1956
To Interim Provost Baker:
As faculty and the chair ofthe Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E),
I am pleased to write this letter in strong support of the proposed Master of Science,
Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program. There are many problems in mechanical
engineering that necessitate computing solutions. For example, Drs. Paris, Brock, and
Lund together with undergraduate students developed an instrumented mouth guard to
measure impacts to the head during sporting events. This project involves embedded
computing devices and wireless transmission, areas in which CS&E can play a significant
role. Examples of other existing mechanical engineering projects with a computing role
include the development of an ultrasonic instrument to measure the thickness of gum
tissue (with applications in dentistry) and the control of robotic devices. We have already
begun discussions for collaboration on future projects ranging from the control of
unmanned vehicles to a distributed framework of embedded computing devices to
facilitate real-time perception (vision, audio) with mechanical devices. The most
significant problems today require expertise in multiple disciplines. Establishment of the
MSME program will help us move in this direction.
We have already had some success in this area with the graduate program in Biological
Sciences. For example, computer science undergraduates have helped address computing
needs for a variety ofMS/ Ph.D. Biology projects, including custom development of a
map-based survey, implementation of a linear programming model for detennining
optimal moose forage, and development of an agent-based model of killer whales. With
the even closer tie between CS&E and MSME I am confident we will have great success
collaborating on projects that would have previously not been considered and am
extremely excited about the opportunities that will become available to our students.
Sincerely,
1~ !fVkrrj_
Kenrick Mock, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Computer Science & Engineering
J2 1I ProvuJcm:c Ori1·c • Anchorage. i\lnska 99508-46 14 • T 1)07. 7H6.1900 •
UA New Program Prospectus
r 907.7Hf>.l 079 • llllll.cng.r.uaa .•dasl-a .l'tht
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
~
U.A.A School of Engineering
~
UNIVERSITY of ALASKA ANCHORAGE
3211 Providence Dr.,
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Tel 907-786-1900 *Fax 907-786-1079
www.engr.uaa.alaska.edu/
November 30, 2012
Dr Elisha (Bear) Baker, Interim Provost
Office of Academic Affairs
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Re: Mechanical Engineering Masters of Science
Dr. Baker
I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Faculty and students from the Department of Electrical Engineering are currently involved in a number of
collaborative endeavors with our colleagues in Mechanical Engineering. These include a wireless mouth
guard for measuring accelerations to the head, a method for measuring the transfer function
(effectiveness) of various types of head protection, and a tissue gum sounder, to name but a few . Several
of these endeavors are currently in the initial stages of the patenting process.
Needless to say, the Department of Electrical Engineering would benefit greatly from the synergy this
new degree would afford us. We fully anticipate that a number of upper division/graduate courses could
be cross-listed with electrical engineering, specifically numerical modeling using the finite element
method. The School of Engineering would also benefit from having graduate students, both in terms of
research and as teaching assistants. The EE faculty expects to be active participants on graduate
committees, as well as advising on research projects.
Finally, given the large number of engineering firms in and around Anchorage, and as the population
center of Alaska, this new major would serve a clear and growing demand for engineers with advanced
degrees.
Respectfully,
Jens Munk, PhD.
Associate Professor
Chair - Department of Electrical Engineering
(907) 786-7754
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Department of
Physics and Astronomy
U N IVE RS ITY of ALASKA A NCHORAG E
December 7, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am pleased to support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
This program is good for the Alaskan economy becomes it expands and improves the loca l Engineering
workforce. The program is good for local engineers because the MS is increasingly seen as the terminal
degree in the field, but thi s degree is difficult to obtain for local practicing engineers because they are
far removed from other education institutions. Also this program is good for the University of Alaska
Anchorage because it increases its offerings in STEM fields, which wi ll help attract even more students
interested in these areas to UAA.
For these rea sons I enthusiastically support the creation of a Mast er of Science in Mechanical
Engineering degree program at the University of Ala ska Anchorage.
Sincerely yours
Prof. James Pantaleone, Chair
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage AK 99508
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Engineering, Science
& Project Management
UNIVERSITY ofALAsKA ANCHORAGE
321 I Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508-4614
tel: 907 786- 1924, fax: 786-1935
www.uaa.alaska.edu/pm
December 6, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a M aster of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I am the Interim Director of the Engineering, Science and Project Management Department in UAA's
School of Engineering. Our MSPM Program is the newest and largest graduate program within the SOE
and our Engineering Management Program is the oldest graduate program at UAA. Each of these
programs aspires to play a leadership role in fostering broadly scoped, cross-disciplinary
entrepreneurial, applied research and project initiatives within the SOE and in partnership with other
UAA graduate programs. UAA and the SOE are poised to initiate and lead these collaborative efforts and
to distinguish UAA as a key industry and public sector partner of choice to address key opportunities and
challenges in Ala ska.
I find it incredibly exciting to envision a future where UAA has a "seat at the table" working with leading
industry and public sector partners to create Alaska's future. Many of the needed solutions will require
the application of technology in creative, ground-breaking ways. In order to capitalize on this
opportunity, we must have strong foundational graduate programs within the SOE that each contribute
unique strengths, but together constitute a UAA competitive advantage. Over the past several years,
the Mechanical Engineering Department has built a strong, committed and talented team. Members of
the Mechanical Engineering faculty are conducting highly innovative research and scholarly activities
that have further distinguished their capabilities. The Mechanical Engineering t eam is also educating
and developing our problem solvers of the future . Imagine the contribution that could be made if these
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
unique talents could be expanded at a graduate level and united with other creative and advanced
thinkers across UAA?
There are many reasons to support the program, but I feel that a graduate program in Mechanical
Engineering would:
•
Expand and enhance innovative, collaborative cross-disciplinary research across UAA and within
the SOE
•
Educate and develop future leaders who can work at an advanced level to creatively address
difficult challenges and identify ground-breaking solutions in Alaska
•
Connect UAA and key industry and public sector partners to envision Alaska's future and apply
technology to meet unique needs here and in other polar regions
•
Retain our engineering brain-trust in Alaska by providing unique, graduate-level engineering
degree programs here at home
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
'~
LuAnn Piccard, PMP
Interim Director
Engineering, Science and Project Management Department
University of Alaska Anchorage
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
U/\/\ School of
Engineering
3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Tel 907-786- 1900 • Fax 907-786-10 79
www.engr.uaa.alask.edu/
UNIVERSITY of ALAsKA .ANCHORAGE
December 6, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear'' Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage .
I have recently joined the School of Engineering staff as the Facilities Manager for the school. In this
position I oversee the use of facilities including computers and equipment. I also coordinate closely with
UAA Facilities & Campus Services in the design and construction of new School of Engineering facilities.
As such, I am fully confident that the UAA Mechanical Engineering Department is equipped with the
appropriate faci lities, labs, and apparatus to initiate a high quality MSME program. The recent
renovation to the existing engineering building added three new Mechanical Engineering laboratories to
enhance teaching and research opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment. These opportunities will
be further enhanced upon completion of a new 75,000 sf building for the School of Engineering in 2016.
My interest in the program also extends beyond my involvement with UAA. I previously served as a civil
engineer in the US Air Force and continue to serve in the Alaska Air National Guard as a member ofthe
176th Civil Engineer Squadron. In both capacities I have been heavily involved with the construction of
numerous aircraft facilities on JBER requiring technical and complex mechanical solutions. Highly
qualified mechanical engineers that are familiar with the challenges presented by arctic conditions are
needed to support these systems. A MSME program at UAA will produce such capable engineers.
Again, I enthusiastica lly support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
£Y/4-
Sincerely,
I
/.
~~
Kimberly A. Riggs
Facilities Manager
School of Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage
907-786-5476 I kariggs@uaa .alaska .edu
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
WWAMI
School of Medical Education
::: _ __, UNIVERSITY o(ALASKA ANCJIORAGE
3211 Providence Drive. HSB 30!
1\nchorf!gc. Al<1ska 99S{)fl.l\()14
T 907.786.4789 • F 907.786.1700
www.uctil.illaskt~.edu/wwami
I 0 December 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
Office of Academic Affairs
Dear Provost Baker,
We write in support of the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program that is
currently under consideration for your approval. Aside from its merits as an addition to the
Engineering training opp01tunities at UAA, this graduate program and its faculty hold great
promise to interface with School of Medical Education activities and lead to growth of research
and graduate studies in biomedical engineering here.
The biomechanical/biomedical related research projects successfully undertaken in Mechanical
Engineering in the past three years (head impact and injury, ultrasonic gum tissue sounder, spinal
rod and construct testing, spinal rod bender) clearly demonstrate that biomedical problems are a
major interest area of their faculty and students. Several WWAMl and ME faculty members held
informal research discussions a few years ago to explore possible grounds for collaboration. Even
without joint research p1'ojects, ready access to and assistance with the use of each other's
research facilities (e.g., our cell culture facilities and light mici'Oscopes, their scanning electron
microscope) could be extremely helpful to existing individual projects and would broaden the
training of students on both sides.
There is also the possibility of Mechanical Engineering graduate students with an interest in
biomedical engineering enrolling in WW AMI courses, especially gross anatomy or microscopic
anatomy. This would be a natural first step towards the development of future courses explicitly
addressing biomedical engineering questions and appi'Oaches, potentially to be taught by teams of
faculty fi·01n both programs.
Sincerely,
cr
Jane Shelby, Ph.D.
Director
WW/tllOol of Medical Education
2JU~~~~-Tim Hinterberger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
WWAMl School of Medical Education
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
U.AvJ\ School of
Engineering
3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, Alaska 9950 8
Tel 907-786- 1900 • Fax 907-786 -1079
www.engr.uaa.alask.edu /
UNIVERSITY of ALAsKA ANCHORAGE
December 10, 2012
Elisha R. Baker, Interim Provost
Subject: Support for a new UAA Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree program
The history of engineering education in Anchorage began 51 years ago with graduate courses. The UAA
School of Engineering at present has more graduate than undergraduate Regents-approved degree and
certificate programs. A fundamental reason for this history and emphasis on graduate engineering
education is that the majority of Alaska engineers are living and working in Anchorage. These people
have personal continuing educational aspirations. They feel pressure from their own industry to achieve
graduate degrees to be considered fully competent and to be competitive for promotions and
competence-based selection for contract awards. The educational goals of increasing numbers of Alaska
mechanical engineers residing in Anchorage can be efficiently satisfied by providing graduate courses
and an MSME degree at UAA.
The present eight faculty members in the UAA School of Engineering's Mechanical Engineering
Department have proven themselves well-prepared for the challenge of presenting an MSME program.
The ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) program continues to
grow and UAA alumni are a prime source of future mechanical engineering graduate students. UAA
Mechanical Engineering faculty members have expanding research success involving undergraduate and
civil engineering graduate students. The UAA Civil Engineering Department presented and administered
graduate degree programs with similar resources for many years. The present strength of the UAF
Department of Mechanical Engineering is eight faculty members. The UAA mechanical engineering
team is ready and anxious to begin.
Physical resources are now sufficient and will soon substantia lly expand with completion of the new
UAA Engineering and Industry Bui lding in 2015. Subsequent renovation of the existing UAA Engineering
Building in 2016 will nearly triple the space of the School of Engineering. Much of the laboratory space in
these new faci lities will be applicable to mechanical engineering graduate teaching and research.
I urge without the slightest hesitation that the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program be approved at the earliest possible date.
Sincerely,
Orson P. Smith, PE, Ph.D.
Professor of Civil Engineering and Interim Dean
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Department of
Mathematical Sciences
UN IVERSIT Y of A u \S KA A NCHO RAGE
To:
Dr. Elisha "Bear'' Baker
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost
Cc:
Mechanical Engineering Department
From:
Kanapathi "Sam" Thiru
Chair of Mathematical Sciences Department
4
. '0'-----
Subject: Proposed MS in Mechanical Engineering
Date:
November 21, 2012
I am writing in support of the proposed MS in Mechanical engineering program. I am in close
touch with some of the faculty in th e Mechanical Engineering Department and I have a great
admirat ion for the faculty and the current BS in M echanical Engineerin g program.
The BS in Mechanica l Engineering program at the University of Alaska An chorage is a strong
program, providing students with top rat ed mechanica l engineering education at the
baccalaureat e level. In the last three years, the Mechanica l Engin eering program has been
strengthened by the revision of the engineering curriculum with mathematical ri gor. The faculty
in the Mechanica l Engineering Department has immensely contributed t o the professional
community through quality research and consulting, and publishing specialized t ext books.
The Alas kan community has a growing need for highly trained and well educated enginee rs who
are able to solve the engineering challenges of the future. The Mechanical Engineering
Department is highly productive and we need to enhance the program by est ablishing a MS
degree. If the proposed MS in M echanical program is established, the graduating students of
th e program may be able to contribute to the society by exploring new sources for renewable
energy, developing new tools for the arctic, devising new w ays to create cleaner environment,
and solving many of humanity' s great challenges.
In conclusion, I fully support the efforts of the Mechanica l Enginee rin g Department as they see k
the approval of the proposed MS in M echanica l Engineering program. The M ast er's program
will consequently benefit our students, ca mpus and community at large. I earnestly request you
to approve th e proposed graduat e program.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
.rJll l'mvrdcrKe
Facilities & Campus Services
c~----' UNIVERSITY of' AI .ASKA ANCHO!u\(;Jo
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December II, 2012
TO:
Interim Provost Elisha Bear Baker IV, University of Alaska Anchorage,
3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508
SUBJECT: Letter of Support for a Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering Program at
UAA
Provost Baker,
I take this opportunity to strongly endorse the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical
Engineering (MSME) program here at UAA. Since the establishment of the BSE degree around
2005, UAA has continned to develop an outstanding Mechanical Engineering program and is
now realizing graduates interested in returning for a master's degree offering specific subject
areas of emphasis. The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), School of Engineering
continues to grow in program diversity and in numbers of engineering undergraduates. With a
high density of engineering firms and businesses that hire engineers being in Anchorage, UAA is
appropriately suited to add the MSME program.
It has been my experience in my current capacity and in my career with the US Army Corps of
Engineers that it was good to have entry level engineer with a fairly broad education. After a
few years of work in the field it is great for these engineers to be able to return to school to hone
their skills or to add some new areas interest Many of these Master's degree seeking students
will be working while taking classes which aligns with our Master's program teaching model.
Mechanical Engineers continue to be highly sought after in the Alaska workforce. As resource
recovery systems, medical systems, transportation systems, utilities and building systems
continue to get more sophisticated designers, constructors and operators need to have employees
. with advanced training and experience.
I think the time is now to get the wheels in motion for adding this MSME Program to UAA's
offerings. We have favorable strategic language, an accredited Engineering program, some
outstanding recent engineering accomplishments and opportunities, the new engineering space
coming on line in the next couple of years and Engineering Phase 2 in the Campus Master Plan
for the not too distant future.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
I strongly support the development of this program with the currently available resources and
think it prudent to include future expected administrative and academic/research space needs and
requirements of this program and other UAA Engineering programs in the justification for Phase
2 Engineering building.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Turletes
Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities and Campus Services
University of Alaska- Anchorage
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Table F.3
List of Letters Written by BSE ME Alumni
Name
Graduation
Date
2010
Position
Company
Location
Not given
Anchorage, AK
Cochrane,
Andrew
Coolidge, Dustin
DelSignore, Julia
2012
Graduate Student
2011
2011
Process Engineer
Server
Nabors Alaska
Drilling
University of New
Mexico
CH2M Hill
First Watch
Hershey, Eric
Johnson, Micah
2010
2012
Lloyd, Michael
2010
Nichols, Sarah
2010
Rodrigues, Talisa
Slater, Brian
2012
2010
Project Engineer
Associate
Geoscientist
Mechanical
Engineer II
Project
Superintendent/
Project Engineer
n/a
Engineer
Bergeron, Alex
UA New Program Prospectus
Alaska DOT
Fugro Geoservices
Albuquerque, NM
Anchorage, AK
Panama City
Beach, FL
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
MBA Consulting
Engineers, Inc.
Alaska Ship and
Drydock
Anchorage, AK
n/a
BP
Anchorage, AK
Eagle River, AK
Ketchikan, AK
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Alex John Paul Bergeron, EIT
7745 Upper De Armoun Road, Anchorage, AK 99516 + 907.830.4008 +
[email protected]
November 28, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am writing to express my wholehearted support of the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical
Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I am a 2010 alumni of the UAA Mechanical Engineering Department. Since graduation I have worked in
the oil and gas well drilling industry. I need a Masters degree to progress in my career and open avenues
that currently are blocked by job prequalifications requiring a Masters degree and out of state workers that
have the degree are filling these rolls. I am accepted to two out of state distance masters programs and will
have to pursue my Masters out of state since UAA does not have a program yet--I cannot wait longer, I
need a program now.
It's blatantly clear to see the demand and support for a Masters program. It should not go without
mentioning that the undergraduate program has been a major success, all of the students I worked along
side in college have meaningful engineering jobs or are continuing their education outside of the state.
There are hundreds to thousands of industry professionals in the community. Local employers range from
small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, two of which are on the top 10 list. There are more operators
than ever drilling right now on the north slope of Alaska; this trickles down to the need for support roles in
process and facility engineering and down to a spiderweb of support contractor engineering roles. We need
highly educated professionals, and now.
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at
the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Respectfully,
Alex Bergeron, 2010 UAA ME Alumni
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 5th, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear'' Baker IV
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
Let me tell you about myself: I graduated magna cum laude from UAA with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering
degree with dual concentrations in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering In May 2012, right after having received
the 2012 UAA Discovery Award. I am currently a Master's student in the Nanoscience and Microsystems
Department of the University of New Mexico, and I feel that I have been well-prepared by my experience at UAA. I
intend to eventually pursue Ph.D. studies, and I hope to ultimately return to Alaska where this program will create
opportunities for current students, but also for new professors as well. My experience In Anchorage presented me
with numerous research opportunities, and I can see projects of the type I worked on translating well to graduate
research.
While at UAA, I had the opportunity to participate In several research projects with Mechanical Engineering and
Electrical Engineering faculty. I participated in a research and design project with Drs. Anthony Paris and Jeff
Hoffman of the UAA ME Department, as well as three of my fellow undergraduate students, on designing an
ultrasonic gum sounder for dental imaging. Dr. Paris and I filed an intellectual property disclosure based on this
work. I also worked with Drs. Paris and Hoffman on studying fatigue crack initiation in laser-etched titanium spinal
rods. This type of biomechanical research makes sense with the location of the College of Health on the UAA
Campus. In addition, I participated in a project on making auroral imaging more efficient with Drs. Jens Munk and
Todd Peterson of the UAA EE Department, and Dr. David Hysell of Cornell.
A masters program at UAA, especially in the Mechanical Engineering department, will be a beacon to industry
leaders who are interested In Investigating new Ideas. The cadre of UAA Engineering faculty has proved Itself
capable of a high level of research pursuits. The proposed program will serve to enhance industrial interaction.
These Interactions will undoubtedly be Instrumental in the growth of local industry. This masters program will
expand both the awareness and the capability of the university to produce the highly technical people needed for
such technical pursuits. Anchorage, being centrally located, and home to the majority of Alaska residents is the
ideal locus for academics and Industry to share pursuits in technological and economic advances within the state.
Alaska is a unique place, and this program will facilitate and stimulate the pursuit of science and engineering with
an emphasis on the many unique engineering problems that provide opportunities for Innovation in our state.
Andrew Cochrane
Graduate Student
University of New Mexico
NanoSclence and Mlcrosystems
[email protected]
(505) 876-7420
120 Cornell Dr SE #303
Albuquerque, NM 87106
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
,
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the
University of Alaska Anchorage.
I was cautious about UAA's Mechanical Engineering program when I applied for it in 2007. The program was
fairly new, was not yet accredited, and little was known about it. While attending, I watched the program grow
drastically, in both size, and resource.
New staff was added, all of which were (and still are, of course) excellent professors; people that have kept me
coming back for additional classes, even after graduating; people that have given me a stronger desire to learn,
to ask questions, and to recommend the program to anyone willing to listen. They are professors who really
care about their students.
The things these professors have taught me have really stuck, and I am often surprised in talking with
graduates of other (larger and more prestigious) programs, of how much more I seem to have learned in
college than they have. I have learned to state my affiliation with UAA with pride, because UAA provides
Alaska with high quality engineers, and employers are quickly becoming aware of that fact.
Looking back, I can honestly say I made the right choice in trusting UAA's Mechanical Engineering program,
and whether or not a Mechanical Master's program is created, I will continue taking graduate level classes
there, because of the immense knowledge that I know is available.
I can only hope that a Master's program will be created, so that more potential students may experience the
life changing experiences that UAA's Mechanical Engineering program has thankfully given me.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Dustin Coolidge
Process Engineer
CH2M Hill
[email protected]
907-762-1632
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 6, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I attended University of Alaska Anchorage from Fall 2009-Fall 2011, graduating in December 2011 from
the ME Department. While there, I noticed a lack in high level, specific interest classes. Since 2009 the
ME Department has added several 600-level classes to meet the need of students with specific career
goals, which have been well received by students. The ME Department has also added eight faculty
members, new ME lab space, and continues to be ABET accredited.
I believe that the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree will encourage
engineers in Alaska to continue their education and progress in their career field, while living and
working in Anchorage. Companies would be able to hire highly skilled engineers with an MSME from
UAA without having to hire outside of Alaska, allowing for higher employee retention rates for the
company and more employment for Alaskans. More than 100 engineering, energy, utilities, and
construction employers operate within a five-mile radius of the UAA main campus, and Anchorage is the
center for Alaska's mechanical engineers. Given the density of engineers and engineering companies, I
believe that UAA needs an MSME program in order to support local engineers. Through UAA engineers
would be able gain their PE and be awarded a masters degree, which is increasingly seen as a
requirement for engineers to progress in their careers.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Julia DelSignore
610 Breakfast Point Blvd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
[email protected]
(508) 740-8051
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Eric Hershey, E.I.T
Project Engineer
State of Alaska Department ofTransportation and Public Facilities
Statewide Public Facilities
2200 East 42'' Ave
Anchorage, AK 99508
[email protected]
December 8, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
cfo Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I strongly support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the
University of Alaska Anchorage.
I graduated from University of Alaska Anchorage in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering/
Mechanical Engineering. Following my freshman year of college in 2007, I was hired on as an
engineering intern with the Public Facilities section of ADOT&PF. Throughout my college career, I had
the opportunity to continue working as an intern in Anchorage, part-time during the school year and
full-time during the summers. Immediately following graduation, I was hired on full-time as an
Engineering Assistant for ADOT&PF. I plan on continuing to work for the state and taking the
Professional Engineering license exam in the next couple years.
By having the opportunity to take a Master's program in Mechanical Engineering locally, I could
continue to work for the state as I expand on my education. It is a long-term goal of mine to earn a
Master's degree, however it would not be feasible for me to start a Master program out of state while
continuing to work in my current position.
Again, I strongly support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
::e~
Project Engineer
State of Alaska, ADOT&PF, Statewide Public Facilities
[email protected]
907-841-7450
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Micah Johnson
UAA Alumni, Class of 2012
2996 Midnight Sun Ct.
Anchorage AK. 99507
December 1, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am completely in support of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the
University of Alaska Anchorage. There a numerous benefits that I can foresee a MSME program could
bring to the UAA School of engineering. However, I would like to tell you about the ones most personal
to me and my experience at UAA.
I graduated from UAA last year with a B.S.E. emphasizing in mechanical engineering. I wanted to attend
graduate school to pursue a master of science and I was presented with the opportunity. Unfortunately
it ended up being too expensive because of out of state tuition and some other logistical issues. I did not
want to apply to UAA because they did not offer anything that was interesting to me. But if UAA had
presented me with a MSME program I probably would have applied. But my situation is not unique
Last Fall when I was I applying for various schools, I collaborated with a few other M.E. students who
were also applying for graduate schools. They faced similar problems as I did. Now, a year later, I only
know of 1 person from that same group of individuals who is attending graduate school. I believe that if
UAA had an MSME program that most of the individuals would be attending school.
The University Of Alaska Anchorage School Of Engineering could greatly benefit from having a MSME
degree program. Such a program could bring new funding through research, help keep Alaskan
engineers in Alaska, and increase the quality of learning at the institution. But most importantly it would
provide an opportunity to students who want to continue to their education.
Thanks for taking the time to read my letter of support for implementing a MSME degree program at the
University Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Micah Johnson, EIT
Associate Geoscientist
Fugro Geoservices Inc.
Cel. 541-880-6368
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Michael P. Lloyd EIT
1342 E. 27th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99508
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
As a recent graduate from the UAA Mechanical Engineering program and as a working professional in
the engineering community of Anchorage, Alaska, I have a vested interest in the education opportunities at
UAA, especially the development of graduate courses and programs in my field of study. Continuing
education is an integral facet of my career, and being able to obtain that education locally is more
beneficial to my schedule, to UAA's income, and to Anchorage's local economy than the present
alternatives of correspondence coursework or relocation to out of state programs. These considerations
weigh particularly heavily on my mind as I prepare to sit for the Professional Engineering exam, which will
require a Masters degree of all Alaskan applicants beginning in 2015.
There are several reasons to support the program, but I support it primarily because it would allow UAA
to provide Alaska with even fiuther advancements in mechanical engineering research as well as
producing incredibly qualified and skilled engineers to fill local positions in the public workforce.
Again, I ardently support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Lloyd EIT
Mechanical Design Engineer/Building Information Modeling Manager,
MBA Consulting Engineers, Inc
michaelprattlloyd@grnailcom
(907) 240-3303
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Sarah Nichols
466 Forest Park Drive
Ketchikan, AK 99901
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear'' Baker
cjo Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I grew up in Alaska and decided to stay in-state to get my college education. I graduated from the
University of Alaska Mechanical Engineering program in 2010. I wanted to continue on with my
education and get my Master's Degree; however I did not want to attend UAF. Therefore, I left Alaska
to attend the University of Washington. I would have preferred to stay at UAA. I think it would be great
for other students to have the opportunity of continuing on with their Mechanical Engineering
education at UAA.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the main reason I support it is employers want to
hire Alaskans; they know that if they hire someone from Alaska then the person is more likely to stay.
Two of the main reasons I got my job at Alaska Ship and Drydock are because I grew up in Ketchikan and
I had a Master's Degree.
Again, I entirely support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Sarah Nichols
Project Superintendent/Project Engineer
Alaska Ship & Drydock
(907)228-5344 (work)
(907)225-8992 (home)
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Talisa Rodrigues
Po Box 242752
Anchorage, AK 99524
December 6, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
cfo Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Let me tell you about myself, including my affiliation with the UAA ME Department, and my interest in
the program. I began my tenure at UAA in 2005 as a biology major, after two years I realized biology was
not giving me the challenges I knew I was capable of handling. While in search of a new major I came
across engineering. I had a meeting with Professor Baker and had immediately realized that engineering
was the degree for me. I began as a pre-engineering major in the Fall of 2006 and finished my
mechanical engineering degree in Spring 2012. In my time with the ME department, I have seen many
changes. As any student may be, I was worried about the quality of faculty that was going to be
recruited when the department started to expand; my worries were quickly struck down when I
experienced the knowledge, expertise, and genuine compassion for every student to learn and
understand the material that the new teachers expressed. In my opinion, the introduction of Professors
Brock, Peuker, Cullin, and Hoffman were the best decisions that the engineering department has ever
made and a great addition to the existing professors. I have had the opportunity to have classes with all
of the faculty and have witnessed firsthand their amazing ability to explain the topics thoroughly and
concisely as well as being more than willing to spend time out of class to discuss the topic that is still
confusing.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the following are the reasons I support it:
•
UAA, hands down, possess' the skilled and experienced Professors to handle the job.
•
The program will draw students and professionals alike to continue education and research,
thus boosting UAA's and Anchorage's economy.
•
There is only one option for a ME master's program in Alaska, we would like another.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
•
The undergraduate ME department has already shown you it's ability to grow, expand, and
produce successful professionals, let's take it to the next level and dominate the graduate arena
as well.
•
Other comparable institutions have shown to have a successful Master's program, but they
haven't seen what Anchorage can do.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Talisa Rodrigues
Associate Geoscientist
Fugro GeoServices
[email protected]
907-561-2218
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Brian A. Slater
17517 Palos Verdes Dr.
Eagle River, AK 99577
November 28, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
As a recent UAA Alumni, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical
Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Although I have only lived in Alaska since 2004, I consider Alaska my home. I started attending the
University Alaska Anchorage as a degree seeking student in 2006 and graduated Magna Cum Laude in
2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering Specialty. I started
working for BP full time shortly after graduation and have been working there ever since. My wife
Debbie and I have been married for three years and just had our first son in November of this year.
look forward to watching him grow up as the first real Alaskan in my family.
There are many reasons to support the program, but perhaps the most compelling reason for me is the
fact that it would allow me to further my education and training without having to leave home. UAA is
only a short drive from where I work, which means I will not have to look into out of state educational
resources to accomplish my academic goals. The energy industry is aging, and many of the skilled
engineers in BP are reaching retirement age. Having a MSME available at UAA would allow me to
enhance the technical education that I receive on the job, and would enable me to better replace an
outgoing retiree.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Brian Slater
Mechanical Engineer
BP Exploration Alaska
UA New Program Prospectus
(907) 354-3222
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Table F.4
List of Letters Written by Current BSE ME Students
Name
Birmingham, Grant
Byrd, Taryn
Clark, Jacob
Daley, J. Doss
Doty, Morgan
Fernando, Milca
Hamman, Caleb
Hamman, Michael
Hayes, Philip
Raiha, Andy
Schultz, Jacob
Shulman, Mark
Slone, Maxwell
Smith, Lilan
UA New Program Prospectus
Anticipated
Graduation
2012
2014
2012
2013
2013
2013
2012
2013
2013
2014
2012
2013
2013
2013
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 3, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
University of Alaska Anchorage
Dear Interim Provost Baker,
I wholeheartedly support the establishment of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I have been enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Concentration in
Mechanical Engineering program at U AA for three years. During this time, I have had nothing
but positive experiences. From my perspective, all of the faculty endeavor to create an engaging
and stimulating learning environment.
I will be graduating this month and have accepted a full time position with AMC Engineers.
This is a local firm which supports the development ofUAA's engineering program. I am
interested in pursuing a graduate degree. The availability of a MSME program at UAA would
greatly facilitate this personal goal.
For the past year, I have been involved in an undergraduate research project with faculty
members from both the Mechanical Engineering Department and Electrical Engineering
Department. This project is investigating the "Accelerations of the Head Due to Soccer Ball
Impacts." This project continues to be extremely rewarding and is a direct application of the
engineering skills I have learned.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the following represent my personal
interests:
o
o
o
Practicing engineers need an outlet for continuing education. I have accepted full
time employment with a local firm upon graduation and would like to pursue a
graduate degree.
I would like to be able to continue the previously mentioned undergraduate
research program at a graduate degree level.
A graduate degree program will increase the stature ofUAA's engineering
programs and thus the value of my UAA BSE ME degree.
Concluding, I suppmt the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
G II_
/C:,'
Grant Birmingham
6421 Quiet Circle
Anchorage, AK 99502
303-947-1680
UA New Program Prospectus
7
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Taryn Byrd
P.O. Box 210981
Anchorage, AK 99521
December 6, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
cjo Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3 211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I will be a junior in the Mechanical Engineering program this coming spring semester. I began my
college education in Arizona as a pre-med major. When I made the decision to switch to mechanical
engineering I also did the research for what areas ofthe country had the best job markets for
engineering and engineering schools, which is when I chose UAA and transferred here 2 years ago. I
took a short break from my mechanical engineering degree to attend UAA's community and
technical college and earn the AAS in Architectural and Engineering Technology. While I was
earning this degree I started work for Alaska Anvil and was hired as a designer after graduation.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the ones that resonate most with me are my
desire to continue my education beyond a BSME and the current need of employers for more local,
qualified workers.
My parents went to college but they only reached the AAS level and have wanted me to go much
farther in my educational career than they have. I have always planned to but after moving to
Anchorage to join the BSME program because of the unique industry advantage that UAA has with
having more than 100 engineering, energy, utilities, and construction employers operate within a
five-mile radius, I have been wondering how I will be able to reach that goal without relocating and
without having to choose a different discipline to continue my education in. I was excited to hear
we will be getting a new engineering building and an MSME program would increase my
excitement, be a great use for the new space, utilize the talent and experience of the professors we
already have staffed, and there would be upgraded equipment available that is more than capable
to support graduate projects.
While I was working at the Anvil office I noticed that there were quite a few employees at the time I
that were out of state contractors. They kept a primary residence out of state and lived in cheap
housing until a large portion of the project work was completed and then they would go back home.
In February of this year I began working as an internal contractor for Alyeska Pipeline Service
Company and noticed the same thing. Employees with a lot of oil and gas industry or highly
educated employees worked field schedules (3 weeks on, 3 weeks off) and actually lived in states
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
like Washington, Louisiana, and Texas. Additionally, out of all of the engineers working in the
Anchorage office for Alyeska there are only about 6 licensed as professional engineers. From what I
hear, this issue is not specific to those companies but an industry wide problem. I believe an MSME
program at UAA would increase this number and be beneficial to myself, other students, current
engineers, employers, and our economy which is largely supported by a successful oil and gas
industry.
Lastly, I'd like to add that I've heard some people mention there opposition to adding an MSME
program to UAA because UAF has one already and that would be a duplication of efforts. From the
perspective of an Anchorage resident and UAA student, I would like to respond, who wants to drive
6 hours to commute there? Who wants to endure the -60°F winters? Who wants to leave their job,
their current residence, their family, and their friends to move to Fairbanks while they continue
their pursuit for higher education or continuing their professional education? Finally and perhaps
the most important question, why doesn't the city with the largest population in Alaska have a
university with an MSME program especially considering that same city employees the largest
amount of mechanical engineers in Alaska?
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Best regards,
Taryn Byrd
Civil/Structural Designer
Alaska Anvil
[email protected]
Work: 907-787-8983
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
If a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
were to be implemented the attributions to Alaska would be significant. With an aging work force
Alaska will need fresh minds to be able to engineer the future of our state. Having a Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering will open up opportunities for students who do finish the program that will
advance Alaska.
The more I have learned about engineering the more I understand I actually know nothing. Once the
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is accredited and ongoing I will be taking
classes that will be offered to further my interest in what I care to understand.
Sincerely,
Jacob Clark
Applications Engineer (EIT)
Alaska Pump and Supply
{907) 223-9441
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 3rd, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I am a senior Mechanical Engineering student at UAA and will be graduating this spring. I have been
more than pleased with my education experience here at UAA and in the Mechanical Engineering
program. I feel a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree would be beneficial to anyone
interested in furthering their education in Mechanical Engineering. I am planning on getting a job once I
graduate, but I would be interested in a master program if one was available at UAA.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the following are the key reasons I support it. As I
said I would be interested in attending a Masters program if I did not have to leave town to complete it.
There are thousands of Mechanical Engineers working in Alaska many of whom are working in the area
of bringing Alaska natural resources to market. Many large companies running here in Alaska often hire
out of state engineers for more technical positions, saying there are not enough qualified engineers here
in Alaska to fill the positions. A masters program would give more Alaskan engineers the skill to compete
for these jobs, and keep these jobs in state.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
J Doss Daley
[email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Let me tell you about myself, including my affiliation with the UAA ME Department, and my interest in
the program . I am a fifth year mechanical engineering student, on track to graduate in May 2013. Since
enrolling in the program in 2008, my interest in the engineering field has continued to increase. I would
love to continue my education here at UAA as a graduate student. With the growth I have seen within
the mechanical engineering department, I am confident a master's program would be highly successful.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the following are the key reasons I support it:
•
I want to further my education while living in Anchorage.
•
I am confident in the UAA ME Department and the faculty.
•
There are already a number of successful master's level courses available, I would like to see the
entire program put in place.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Mast er of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Morgan Doty
[email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
20 I Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
Please accept this letter as my support for the creation of a Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I am a student of the Mechanical Engineering program at UAA. I am happy to say that I
am nearing the end of my undergraduate years as a senior. I chose to attend UAA immediately
after high school primarily because it was local and I had no wishes to leave the state. My
interest in a MSME program ultimately boils down to my desire to continuously learn without
having to leave Alaska. For any engineer, I believe it's key that we never stop learning. A
MSME program would provide an avenue for Alaskan engineers to expand their knowledge.
Alaska being a unique state with its set of unique conditions, the program would attract
non-residents who are very inclined in doing research and finding solutions that are exclusive to
our environment. A Master program would be a great benefit for UAA to create new and
stronger relationships with local companies and organizations, who are always seeking newer
and better innovations.
I believe growth is not only reserved for individuals but also institutions and I commend
the department for taking a step towards advancement. I hope that this letter conveyed my
wholehearted support for a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the
University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Milca Fernando
M.E. Student
University of Alaska Anchorage
907.306.3054
mdfcrnando(cil,alaska.edu
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha " Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiastically support the creation of a M aster of Science in Mechanical Enginee ring degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Let me t ell you about myself, including my affiliation with the UAA ME Department, and my interest in
the program. I am a senior in the program and am graduating this semester. I plan on working as an
engineer here in Anchorage for the next 5 years, at least. During that time, I plan to get a Masters and
my Professional Engineering License. I have not decided on what to get my Masters in at this point, but I
am very likely to choose to get a Master of Science in M echanical Engineering.
There are many reasons to support the program, but the following are the key reasons I support it. For
me, the advantage is having a local graduate program in Mechanical Engineering so t hat engineers
working in Anchorage can get their graduate degree without using a distance program. I would prefer
not to get my graduate degree through a distance program, although I would if no other options existed.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Scie nce in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
;7_1/ ;J /Z.J
( Jftxe,x..,
.
lltyr}/..1/tfl at- It'\_
Caleb Hamman
Corrosion Technician
ENSTAR Natural Gas
[email protected]
(907) 775-1789
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
November 28, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I strongly support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the
University of Alaska Anchorage.
Let me tell you about myself, including my affiliation with the UAA ME Department, and my interest in
the program. I am a senior in the school of mechanical engineering program here at UAA and will be
graduating this spring. My current plan is to pursue a M.S. in mechanical engineering this coming fall to
further my career goals.
There are many reasons why one should support the program's creation, but the following are the key
reasons I support it. First, it will provide for a more economical means of obtaining an advanced
technical degree for Anchorage mechanical engineers. Second, it will foster better addition industry and
university collaboration. Third, it will enrich the under graduate experience by creating more research
opportunities. And finally, it will encourage the industrial development of Alaska.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Michael L Hamman
1.907.744.0950
[email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Ph ilip M . Hayes
580 Ocean Point Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907}382-7708
Dece mber 4, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anth ony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Provi dence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I enthusiast ica lly support the creation of a M aster of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program
at the University of Alaska Anchorage. As a working professional that has made Anchorage my home
the opportunity to achieve higher ed ucation appea ls to me greatly. I am nearly complet ed with my
undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at UAA and am faced with the choice of moving to a
new location to achieve higher education or t o simply join the work force and abandoning my hopes of a
master's degree.
Through the years of achieving my undergraduate degree I have developed a strong working
relationship with my instructors. The instructors at UAA t ake great pride in their teaching and have
always bee n there for me through my educational experience. Having a fo undation oftrust with the
faculty at UAA would greatly encourage me to proceed with my master's degree there, if it was offered.
The re are many reasons to suppo rt the program, but the following are some key reasons to support it.
There are many enginee ring firms based out of anchorage allowing the program to closely follow what is
needed by industry. The location of anchorage also allows for professionals to pursue higher ed ucation
while working. Lastly with t he addition of the BP Asset Integrity & Corrosion Lab and Conoco Philips
Integrated Scie nce Building UAA now has adequate facilities to support key research needed in
advanced degrees.
Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Maste r of Science in Mechanical Engineering degre e
program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Since rely,
·/~z- ~~
Phili p M . Hayes
Lead 30 Laser Scanning Technician
CH 2M HILL
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 4, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
As a current student in the Mechanical Engineering program I was ecstatic to hear that there was the
possibility of a Masters Degree program in this discipline at UAA.
With the Anchorage area being the major base of all industrial activity in Alaska, it was something of a
surprise to me that UAA did not have a wider curriculum to support those business needs.
I am well aware of the necessity to have engineers trained to the master's degree level to meet the
requirements of industry and the public sector.
I completed a 24-year career in the US Coast Guard and was in a position to support or reject the
opportunities of people trying to attain higher education within the service. The service members that
were practicing engineers almost without exception needed a master's degree to remain competitive.
This is an indicator to me of the value of this level of education.
Having a Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree Program makes a lot of sense to me and will serve the
community, industry, UAA, and the public sector extremely well. This addition to the curriculum is an
absolute must!
Andy Raiha, CDR, USCG (ret)
2051 W Glacier Ave
Wasilla, AK 99654
[email protected]
503-440-9835
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 05, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I wanted to write and express my support for the creation of a Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
I am currently a senior in the undergraduate Mechanical Engineering program
and am graduating this semester. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in
the program and am currently doing research on an engineering project for the
school.
I support the creation of a master's program because I believe it will attract
more students to the Mechanical Engineering discipline. I believe a master's
program would be beneficial to the school because it will create more research
opportunities for undergraduate students and the new graduate students. It
will also show outside donors and contributors that the Mechanical Engineering
program is evolving to meet their needs, which will result in more support from
them.
Again, I would like to express my support for the creation of a Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sincerely,
Jacob Schultz
UAA Mechanical Engineering Student
[email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
MarkS. Shulman
3336 Cottonwood Street
Anchorage, AK 99508
December 5, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
My name is Mark Shulman and I strongly support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical
Engineering (MSME) degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).
I have a diverse background in Mechanical engineer. My engineering career ranges from US patent
examiner, HVAC design, US Army combat engineer and currently working for the State of Alaska DOT &
PF in aviation design. I have a bachelor in Mechanical Engineering and I'm currently taking the corrosion
engineering course (ME A664). I'm an Iraq War Veteran and former US Army officer. When I moved to
Anchorage a few years ago, I wanted to use my Gl Bill to get a Masters degree. With my mechanical
background my selection of Masters degrees were limited. I had to choose from Civil, Environmental or
Petroleum (via UAF). I decided to get my Master in Petroleum engineering, even with the numerous
challenges of taking most classes as a video conference. Having the Masters in Mechanical engineering
option at UAA would likely have influenced my decision to get my degree at UAA.
There are many reasons to support the program, but one big reason is because you already have the
infrastructure for the program. You have the classrooms, professors, undergraduate students and a
number of engineers that working the Anchorage area. The overhead cost would be low and your
investment would be in the course material. You would need only one administration personal for the
program. You could shaped program to research the needs of the vast industries located in Anchorage
(i.e.: corrosion research). Also, the large organizations around Anchorage are always trying to save
money. I recently went through the hiring process. During my interviews, one common theme was that
companies wanted people that were going to stay in Alaska. The cost and benefits of hiring local
personal are quite low compared to moving a person up to Alaska from the lower 48. Also, the demand
for qualified talent is growing. ConocoPhillips for the first time in five or more of years held interviews
for Mechanical engineers. BP holds interviews at least twice a year. The MSME program will provide
more students with the skills that these companies need. As I'm sure you are well versed in the benefits
to the State and UAA that more local hiring will create.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
As for myself, I just accepted a position with a large oil company, but I had to attend a school in
Fairbanks to get a job in Anchorage. Again, I enthusiastically support the creation of a Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the UAA.
Sincerely,
/)
'' , :
I
>~):iv----/
.~
Mark Shulman
Engineer Assistant II
State of Alaska DOT&PF
{907) 929-9061
[email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 5, 2012
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I wholeheartedly support the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at
UAA. While I am all for the development of higher learning programs in general, being a current student
of the ME bachelor program my desire is far greater for a Master's program for mechanical engineers.
The initial plan I had for myself after graduation is to get a job and make some money. But I have always
relished the idea of furthering my knowledge of engineering and my education in general. As it stands, if
I decide a few years down the road to go back to school to pursue a Master's, I will have to go to a
different school. I cannot accurately describe the quality of instruction and guidance that the ME faculty
has provided to me thus far in my schooling and if ever I do go back to school after I graduate, I would
like for it to be at UAA. I think it is unfortunate that this option does not currently exist, and would very
much like to see that changed.
Once again, I vigorously support the creation of a Mechanical Engineering Master program. It would
benefit the businesses and communities of Anchorage, as well as those pursuing a higher education in
the field of engineering.
Sincerely,
Maxwell Slone
Mechanical Engineering student
University of Alaska Anchorage
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
December 4, 2012
Interim Provost Elisha "Bear" Baker
c/o Professor Anthony Paris
201 Engineering Building
3211 Providence Drive
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dear Interim Provost Baker:
I am a student in the mechanical engineering department and strongly support the creation of a Master
of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Being a
part of UAA's undergraduate program for mechanical engineering has afforded me the opportunity to
participate in undergraduate research. While the strength of the undergraduate research program plays
testimony to the department's ability to expand to the graduate level, the quality of research would be
significantly enhanced by having a graduate program. With students more deeply committed to
research, the University will make great strides in innovation.
Upon graduation this spring I will be working at BP Exploration Alaska in Anchorage and would be more
likely to attend graduate school if there were a program in Anchorage. Currently, students who wish to
pursue a graduate degree in mechanical engineering must leave Anchorage to do so. Since students
often obtain employment and settle in the city in which they finish their schooling, this leads to a loss of
talented and technically qualified individuals for the Anchorage area industries. This phenomenon has
become prevalent enough as to be recently termed 'brain drain.' Adding an MSME program strengthens
the academic environment of the University as a whole, thus attracting more of Alaska's best and
brightest students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Having a graduate program in mechanical engineering would not only retain good engineers, but also
attract ones from elsewhere. Employers can be more confident in the retention of new-hires when
hiring locally because students at UAA are reasonably comfortable with the lifestyle in Anchorage. Since
Alaska's industries employ a significant number of mechanical engineers, strengthening the local-hire
applicant pool in the mechanical engineering field is of significant benefit to the local industry and
economy.
Thank you for your time and consideration for the creation of an MSME degree program at UAA.
Sincerely,
Ulan Smith
[email protected]
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment F: Support Letters
Attachment G: Active research and community engagement within the UAA ME
Department
Project Title
Faculty
Investigators
Products
Student Involvement
Abrasion Analysis
of Bearing
Materials Used in
Hydrokinetic
Devices
Tom Ravens (Civil
Engineering - PI),
Muhammad Ali,
Todd Petersen
(Electrical
Engineering)
Anthony Paris (PI),
Jennifer Brock,
John Lund
(Electrical
Engineering)
• One journal paper
in preparation
• Research experience
for four
undergraduate
students
• Two conference
proceedings
• One journal paper
in preparation
• Two intellectual
property
disclosures
• Internal funding
through faculty
development
grants and an
INNOVATE
Award
• Undergraduate
research experience
for five students
since 2009
• Alaska Heart
Institute Fellowship
for undergraduate
research, 2010
• Two Undergraduate
Research Grants
(URGs) awarded
through OURS, 2012
• Cindy Armstrong,
UAA Dental
Assisting Clinic,
School of Allied
Health
• Keith Parks,
Precision Dental
Designs,
Anchorage, AK
• External grants
pending
Biomechanical
properties of spinal
rods and spinal
constructs
Anthony Paris (PI)
• One conference
proceeding
• Two journal
papers in
preparation
• Howard King,
MD
• $175k supplies
grant from J&J
DePuy Spine
Compliance of
flexure hinge
mechanisms
Nicolae Lobontiu
(PI), Matt Cullin,
Muhammad Ali,
Jeff Hoffman,
Jennifer Brock
Matt Cullin (PI),
Todd Peterson
(Electrical
Engineering)
• One journal paper
• One invited
conference
proceedings
• Five URGs awarded
through OURS
• Research experience
for five
undergraduate
students
• URG awarded
through OURS, 2012
Accelerations to
the skull due to
soccer ball heading
DOE EPSCoR:
Making Wind
Work for Alaska
Effect of Laser
Etching on the
Fatigue Life of
Titanium Spinal
Rods
Jeff Hoffman (PI),
Anthony Paris,
Todd Petersen
(Electrical
Engineering)
Energy Absorption
of non-Newtonian
fluid filled honey
comb structures
Muhammad Ali
(PI), Jeff Hoffman
UA New Program Prospectus
• One workshop
presentation
• One paper in
preparation
• One Best
Practices Guide in
preparation
• n/a
• Two journal
papers
Outside
Collaborators/
Funds
• ORPC - Ocean
Renewable Power
Company,
Portland, Maine
• n/a
• Funding for one
research technician
• $200k EPSCoR
funding over 3
years
• One Faculty
Development Grant
• Research experience
for one
undergraduate
student
• Two URGs awarded
through OURS
• Research experience
for four
undergraduate
students
• n/a
• n/a
MSME, Attachment G: Active Research
Project Title
Faculty
Investigators
Products
Student Involvement
Frozen Soil Lateral
Resistance for the
Seismic Design of
Highway Bridge
Foundations
Monitoring the
Wind Turbine
Tower-Foundation
System Loads in
Warm Permafrost
Investigation of
High-mast Light
Pole Anchor Bolts
Joey Yang (Civil
Engineering – PI),
Anthony Paris
• One conference
paper submitted
• Two MSCE graduate
students
Joey Yang (Civil
Engineering – PI),
Anthony Paris
• n/a
• One MSCE graduate
student, one BSCE
undergraduate
student
• $230,106
Office of Naval
Research
Scott Hamel-Civil
Engineering (PI),
Jeff Hoffman
• Two MS theses in
Civil Engineering
(Fall 2013)
• Department of
Transportation
(DOT)
Monoethylene
Glycol (MEG)
Corrosion
Matt Cullin (PI)
• One paper in
preparation
• One DOT grant
supporting two full
time Civil
Engineering graduate
students
• n/a
Research and
development of a
spinal rod bender
Anthony Paris (PI),
Jeff Hoffman
• Two intellectual
property
disclosures
• Internal funding
through a
Supplemental
INNOVATE
Award
• Research and
development
experience for seven
undergraduate
students since 2009
Research and
development of an
ultrasonic gum
tissue sounder
Anthony Paris (PI),
John Lund, Joe
Mixsell, Jens
Munk, and Todd
Peterson (Electrical
Engineering)
• Two intellectual
property
disclosures
• Filing of one or
two provisional or
full patent
applications
• One journal paper
in preparation
• Research experience
for four
undergraduate
students since 2009
• Alaska Heart
Institute Fellowship
for undergraduate
research, 2009
• URG awarded
through OURS, 2010
• Faculty Development
Grant, 2009
UA New Program Prospectus
Outside
Collaborators/
Funds
• $99k from Alaska
University
Transportation
Center
• Jointly funded
through faculty
development grant
and in-kind support
(~$10k) from
BPXA
• n/a
• Bruce Morrison,
DDS
• Kevin Kempers,
MD, DDS
MSME, Attachment G: Active Research
Attachment H: Selected Products of Creative Activity and Scholarship with Current ME
Department Faculty (Bolded) and Students (Underlined)
Type
Conference
Proceedings
Journal
Papers
Reference
Clark J., Jenson S., Schultz J., Hoffman J., Ali M., Takak S., Kara T., 2012, “Study of Impact
Properties of a Fluid-filled Honeycomb Structure,” Proceedings of the 2012 ASME
International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, November 9-15, Houston,
TX.
Lobontiu N., Cullin M., Garcia E., Brock J.M., Ali M., 2012, “Compliances of Symmetric
Flexure Hinges for Planar Compliant Mechanisms,” Proceedings of 2012 IEEE International
Conference on Robotics and Automation, May 14-18, 2012, RiverCentre, Saint Paul, MN.
Clark, J. Ali, M. Hoffman, J. Kara, T. Takak, S., 2012, "The effects of functionally graded
structures on contact stress distributions in metal hip joints," Bioengineering Conference
(NEBEC), 2012 38th Annual Northeast, pp.11-12, 16-18 March.
Kara T.M., DelSignore J.A., Brock J.M., Lund J., Paris A.J., 2012, “Evaluation of an
Instrumented Mouthguard to Measure the Accelerations of the Head due to Soccer Ball
Heading,” 12th Pan-American Congress of Applied Mechanics (PACAM XII), January 2-6,
Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Soria, A., Hoffman, J., 2011, “Efficiency, Limitations and Considerations for Appropriate
CHP System Implementation,” 2011 Alaska Wood Energy Conference, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Ali M., Hoffman J., Clark J., Kara T., Takak S., 2011, “Modeling of Impact Response of
Composite Graded Structure,” Proceedings of IMECE11, ASME International Mechanical
Engineering Congress and Exposition.
Kara T., Takak S., Ali M., Hoffman J., 2011, “The Effects of a Functionally Graded Cellular
Structure on Impact Properties of a Hip Joint: A Finite Element Study,” Proceedings of the
ASME 2011 Summer Bioengineering Conference.
Paris A.J., Antonini K.R., and Brock, J.M., 2010, “Accelerations of the Head During Soccer
Ball Heading,” Proceedings of the ASME 2010 Summer Bioengineering Conference
(SBC2010), June 16-19, Naples, Florida.
Paris, A. J., Bergeron, A. J., Cullin, M., and Munk, A., 2010, “Fatigue behavior of stainless
steel, titanium, and cobalt chromium molybdenum spinal rods.” ASME 2010 Summer
Bioengineering Conference (SBC2010), Naples, Florida, June 16-19.
Paris, A. J., and Gunderson, J. D., 2010, “DCB test for the interlaminar fracture toughness of
composites.” Proceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Composites
Engineering (ICCE-18), Anchorage, Alaska, July 4-10.
Antonini, K., Chaffin, B.M., and Paris, A.J., 2008, “Soccer ball heading model.” ASME 2008
Summer Bioengineering Conference (SBC08), Marco Island, Florida, June 25-29.
Chaffin, B. M., Holden, A. P., Paris, A. J., 2007, “Fusing parameters effect on gloss.”
Proceeding of the IS&T's 23rd International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies
(NIP23), September 16-21, Anchorage, Alaska.
Brock J.M., Peuker J.M., Peuker S., “Effect of multiple choice testing on student
performance in an introductory engineering course,” in preparation for submission to the
American Society for Engineering Education 2013 Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2326, 2013, Atlanta, GA.
Still B.A., Yang Z., Ge X., Paris A., “Sampling, Machining and Testing of Naturally Frozen
Soils,” submitted to the ASCE 10th International Symposium on Cold Regions Development,
June 2-5, Anchorage, AK, 2013.
Bromaghin, A., Ali, M., Ravens T., Petersen, T., “Abrasion Analysis of Critical Sliding
Components of Hydrokinetic Devices: An Empirical Study”, under review by Marine Energy
Technology Symposium, Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference, April 10-11, 2013,
Washington D.C.
Lobontiu, N., Cullin, M., Ali, M., and Hoffman, J., 2013, “Planar Compliances of Thin
Circular-Axis Notch Flexure Hinges with Midpoint Radial Symmetry,” Mechanics Based
Design of Structures and Machines, (accepted September 2012, to be published in 2013).
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment H: Products of Research
Type
Intellectual
Property
Disclosures/
Patent Apps
Text Books
and Book
Chapters
Theses
Reference
Lobontiu, N., Cullin, M., Petersen, T., Alcazar, J., and Noveanu, S., 2013, “Planar
Compliances of Symmetric Notch Flexure Hinges: the Right Circularly Corner-Filleted
Parabolic Design,” IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, (accepted
November 2012, to be published in 2013).
Lobontiu, N., 2012, “Bending Compliances of Generalized Symmetric Notch Flexure
Hinges,” Review of Scientific Instruments, 83(1), pp. 016107-1 −016107-3.
Lobontiu, N., 2012, “Symmetry-Based Compliance Model of Multisegment Notch Flexure
Hinges,” Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, 40(2), pp. 185-205.
Lobontiu N., Cullin M., Ali M., Brock J.M., 2011, “Three-Segment Notch Flexure Hinges
with Midpoint Transverse Symmetry: The Right Elliptical Corner-Filleted Design,” Review of
Scientific Instruments, 82 (10), pp. 105116-05116-9.
Hoffman, J.A., 2010, “Ice Dam Analyzed,” The Journal of Light Construction, March.
Chaffin, B.M., Holden, A.P., and Paris, A.J., 2010, “Effect of Fusing Parameters on Print
Gloss.” J. Imaging Sci. Technol., Nov.-Dec.
Paris, A. J. 2009, “Elasticity approach to load transfer in cord-composite materials.” ASME
Journal of Applied Mechanics, 76, 06002-1-6.
Paris, A. J., 2009, “Bending of two-ply cord composite cylindrical shells.” Mechanics Based
Design of Structures and Machines, 37, 283-298.
Gunderson, J. D., Brueck, J. F., and Paris, A. J., 2007, “An alternative test method for
interlaminar fracture toughness of composites.” International Journal of Fracture, 143, pp.
273-276.
Lobontiu, N. and Cullin, M., “In-Plane Elastic Response of Two-Segment Circular-Axis
Symmetric Notch Flexure Hinges: the Right Circular Design,” under review by Precision
Engineering: Journal of the International Societies for Precision Engineering and
Nanotechnology.
Kara T.M., DelSignore J.A., Brock J.M., Lund J., Paris A.J., “Evaluation of an Instrumented
Mouthguard to Measure the Accelerations of the Head due to Soccer Ball Heading,” in
preparation for submission to Journal of Biomechanical Engineering.
Brock J.M., Chaffin B.M., and Paris A.J., “An Impulse-Momentum Model of the Impact of
Soccer Balls with Flat Surfaces,” in preparation for submission to Journal of Biomechanical
Engineering.
Cochrane, A., Paris, A., 2012, “Dental Tool To Simultaneously Measure Gum Tissue
Thickness and Quality,” Intellectual Property Disclosure.
Paris, A. J., and Gunderson, J. D., “Test method and apparatus to determine materials
fracture properties.” United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), April 23, 2010.
Paris, A.J., Wu, G., Glasheen, B.P., and Thompson, J., “Bending Instrument and Methods of
Using Same.” United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Application number
13078546, Patent Pending.
Johnson W.E. and Brock J.M., 2010, “Method for Tactile Signaling of Touches in the Sport
of Fencing,” Utility Patent Application Number 12/845,963.
Paris A., Munk J., Lund J., Franklin J. D., Kempers K, Morrison B., Harckacz O., Goode K.,
2010, “Ultrasonic Gum Tissue Sounder,” Intellectual Property Disclosure.
Gunderson, J. D., Paris, A. J., Stevens, M., Brasher, C. “Self-closing hinge.” Provisional
Patent, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), April 5, 2007.
Paris A., Munk J., “Instrumented Mouthguard and/or Helmet for Determining the Linear and
Angular Accelerations of the Head,” Intellectual Property Disclosure.
Paris A., Lund J., Brock J.M. “Biosensor Instrumented Mouthguard and/or Helmet,”
Intellectual Property Disclosure in preparation.
Lobontiu, N., 2010, System Dynamics for Engineering Students, Academic Press, Burlington,
MA.
Lobontiu, N., 2014, System Dynamics for Engineering Students: Concepts and Applications,
2nd Edition, Elsevier, under contract and development.
Lobontiu, N., 2014, Compliant Mechanisms: Design of Flexure Hinges, 2nd Edition, CRC
Press, under contract and development.
Hoisington, D., "Investigation of an Anchor Nut Loosening Phenomenon in High Mast
Lighting Poles," MSCE thesis in progress, with Hamel S. (CE) and Hoffman J.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment H: Products of Research
Attachment I: Estimation of Enrollment Projections
The enrollment projections for the proposed MSME program were estimated by assuming that
growth in the MSME program will follow a similar trend with respect to the graduate programs
in Civil Engineering to that which the BSE ME program followed with respect to the
undergraduate CE program. It is further assumed that the MSME program will ultimately reach
levels of enrollment and number of graduates similar to that which currently exist in the CE
graduate programs.
Table I.1 shows the enrollment and degrees awarded statistics that were used to estimate the FTE
enrollment, enrollment headcount and graduates of the BSE ME program as a percentage of the
enrollment headcount, FTE enrollment and graduates in the Bachelor of Science, Civil
Engineering Program.
Table I.1
Enrollment and Degrees Awarded Statistics for the ME and CE Undergraduate
Programs Over a Five-Year Period
AY
AY
AY
AY
AY
Statistic
07-08
Enrollment
Headcount
FTE
Enrollment
Degrees
Awarded
08-09
09-10
10-11
11-12
Total SOE Undergraduate1
Total CE Undergraduate 1
Total Engineering Undergraduate1
Estimated ME Undergraduate
ME UG as percentage of CE UG
Total SOE Undergraduate 2
Total CE Undergraduate
Estimated ME Undergraduate
ME UG as percentage of CE UG
Total CE Undergraduate 3
4
Total ME Undergraduate
ME UG as percentage of CE UG
685
271
234
117
43%
747
263
292
146
56%
848
274
376
188
69%
942
258
470
235
91%
1052
286
542
270
94%
306
121
52
43%
351
124
69
56%
351
113
78
69%
400
110
100
91%
440
120
113
94%
26
5
19%
29
8
28%
37
23
62%
31
9
29%
20
24
120%
In Table I.1, numbers in regular type are statistics collected from the source referenced, and
underlined numbers are estimates. For the enrollment headcounts, CE undergraduate numbers
include both Bachelor of Science, CE and Pre-major CE. ME is a concentration within Bachelor
of Science in Engineering (BSE). Total BSE undergraduate numbers are readily available and
include both Bachelor of Science, Engineering and Pre-major Engineering. A careful count of
majors and pre-majors with declared concentrations in Mechanical Engineering has revealed an
enrollment headcount of approximately 270 students, or 50% of total BSE enrollment, for AY11.
1
UAA 2011-12 Fact Book (2012, UAA Institutional Research), Table 1.07 Headcount Trend by Major, Award Type,
and Campus/College, Fall Closing 2001-2011, p.43.
2
Banner Report SFR2ENR, A EN Enrollment FTE Hours, prepared by Janelle North, 11/28/2012.
3
UAA 2011-12 Fact Book (2012, UAA Institutional Research) Table 3.04 Degree and Certificate Conferred by
Programs and Awards Type Academic Years 2003-2012, p. 102.
4
UAA 2011-12 Fact Book (2012, UAA Institutional Research) Table 3.10 Degree/Certificate Awards of Concentrations
by College and Program-Trend Academic Years 2003-2012, p. 121.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment I: Enrollment Projections
Enrollment headcounts for the other academic years were estimated by assuming that the
percentage of total Engineering enrollments for ME was maintained at 50%. FTE enrollment
numbers were collected from Banner for the entire SOE, and FTE enrollments for both the CE
and ME undergraduate programs were estimated by assuming that they follow the same
percentage of the total FTE enrollment for the SOE as the percentage of each program’s
enrollment headcount to the total SOE enrollment headcount. Actual numbers of awarded
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering degrees are readily available.
Figure I.1
Data used to project probable enrollment headcounts, FTE
headcounts and degrees awarded for first five years
ME Statistics as a percentage of CE
140%
120%
Enrollment and
FTE headcounts
100%
y = 0.3645e0.206x
80%
Degrees
awarded
60%
y = 0.1344e0.3713x
40%
Expon.
(Enrollment and
FTE headcounts)
Expon. (Degrees
awarded)
20%
0%
1
2
3
4
5
Year
The ratio of total ME undergraduate to total CE undergraduate numbers are plotted in Figure I.1.
Notice that FTE enrollments and enrollment headcounts have the same percentage values
because the FTE enrollments were estimated based on the enrollment headcounts. Both the
enrollment and degrees awarded values were fit with exponential curves to smooth out
variations. The exponential functions were used to re-calculate the projected ratios of ME
enrollments and degrees to CE enrollments and degrees, and these values were multiplied by
total enrollments and awarded degrees for the Civil Engineering graduate programs to produce
the initial rough estimates presented in Table I.2.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment I: Enrollment Projections
Table I.2
Initial Estimates of MSME Enrollments and Degrees Awarded based on CE Graduate
Statistics
AY 1
AY 2
AY 3
AY 4
AY 5
Statistic
Enrollment
Headcount
FTE
Enrollment
Degrees
Awarded
Total CE Graduate1
ME as a percentage of CE (curve fit)
Estimated ME Graduate
Total CE Graduate
ME as a percentage of CE (curve fit)
Estimated ME Graduate
Total CE Graduate3
ME as a percentage of CE (curve fit)
Estimated ME Graduate
(07-08)
(08-09)
(09-10)
(10-11)
(11-12)
42
45%
19
42
55%
23
46
68%
31
58
83%
48
70
102%
71
19
45%
8
20
55%
11
19
68%
13
25
83%
20
29
102%
30
15
19%
3
5
28%
1
8
41%
3
13
59%
8
18
86%
15
Total CE graduate enrollment headcounts and degrees awarded include the Master of Civil
Engineering, Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Applied Environmental Science
and Technology, Master of Science in Applied Environmental Science and Technology, Master
of Science in Arctic Engineering, Master of Science in Environmental Quality Engineering and
Master of Science in Environmental Quality Science degree programs. These values were
collected from the sources cited. FTE enrollments for the CE graduate programs were estimated
from the total SOE FTE enrollments in a manner similar to that described for the CE
undergraduate program.
Finally, the estimated MSME enrollment headcounts, FTE enrollments and degrees awarded
from Table I.2 were each fit to exponential curves a second time to smooth out variations and
capture trends. Final enrollment headcount, FTE enrollment and graduate projections for the first
five years of the MSME program, based on these curve fits, are provided in Table I.3. Table I.3
contains the enrollment and graduate projections that are presented in section 11 of this
Prospectus.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment I: Enrollment Projections
Figure I.2
Curve fits for final estimated projections of MSME enrollments and
graduates
80
70
Enrollment
headcounts
Estimated MSME statistics
y = 12.305e0.3404x
60
FTE Enrollment
50
Degrees awarded
40
30
Expon. (Enrollment
headcounts)
y = 5.7295e0.3171x
20
Expon. (FTE
Enrollment)
10
Expon. (Degrees
awarded)
y = 0.968e0.5033x
0
1
2
3
4
5
Year
Table I.3
Enrollment Projections for the MSME Program
Enrollment Headcount
FTE Enrollment
Graduates
UA New Program Prospectus
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
17
8
2
24
11
3
34
15
4
48
20
7
67
28
12
MSME, Attachment I: Enrollment Projections
Attachment J: Mechanical Engineering Department Four-Year Course Offering Plan for the BSE ME and Proposed MSME Programs
2012-13
Brock
Paris
Fall
M E441
ES346
4
3
7
Fall
M E459/659 3
ES209
3
S pring
ES 346
M E442/642
S pring
ES331
M E334
4xM E334L
6
2013-14
3
3
6
3
3
4
10
Fall
S pring
M E414
3 M E455/655
3
ENGR151 1 3XENGR151
3
S. Peuker
1XM E414L 1
5
6
Fall
S pring
ES341
3
M E 403
3
ES341L
4
M E 280
3
Hoffman
M E280
3
10
6
Fall
S pring
M E438
3
Ali
M E450
3
6
0
Fall
S pring
M E408/608 3
M E306
3
Lobontiu M E/EE471 3
ES210
3
6
6
Fall
S pring
ES208
5 M E453/653
3
Cullin
M E664
3
ES208
5
8
8
Fall
S pring
M E313
3
Lu
M E438
3
0
6
Fall
S pring
ENGR105 2x3 ENGR105
2x3
Foster
6
6
Fall
S pring
ENGR161 3x3 ENGR161
3x3
J. Peuker
9
9
Fall
S pring
ESM 450
3
ESM 450
3
Jordan
3
3
Fall
S pring
M E685
3
Lang
3
0
Total:
UA New Program Prospectus
Brock
Fall
M E441
ES346
13
Paris
16
11
16
6
12
16
6
12
Fall
M E459/659
ES209
4
3
7
3
3
6
S pring
ES 346
M E442/642
S pring
ES331
M E334
4xM E334L
2014-15
3
3
6
3
3
4
10
Fall
S pring
M E414
3 M E455/655
3
3XENGR 151 3 3XENGR 151
3
S. Peuker
4XM E414L 4
10
6
Fall
S pring
ES341
3
M E 403
3
ES341L
4
M E 280
3
Hoffman
M E280
3
10
6
S pring
Fall
M E615
3
M E630
3
New Hire
M E450
3
M E438
3
for Ali
6
6
Fall
S pring
M E408/608 3
M E306
3
Lobontiu M E/EE471 3
ES210
3
6
6
Fall
S pring
ES208
5 M E453/653
3
Cullin
M E664
3
ES208
5
8
8
Fall
S pring
ENGR161 3
M E313
3
Lu
M ENEW
3
M E438
3
6
6
Fall
S pring
ENGR105 2x3 ENGR105
2x3
ESM 450
3
ESM 450
3
Adjuncts
M E685
3
M E685
3
15
15
Total:
Brock
Fall
M E441
ES346
13
Paris
Fall
M E459/659
ES209
16
16
Hoffman
Fall
ES341
ES341L
M E280
16
New Hire
for Ali
Lobontiu
Fall
M E615
M E450
Fall
M E408/608
M E/EE471
12
Cullin
Fall
ES208
M E664
16
Lu
Fall
ENGR161
M ENEW
12
Adjuncts
30
143
3
3
S pring
ES331
M E334
4xM E334L
6
Fall
M E414
3XENGR 151
S. Peuker
4XM E414L
12
4
3
7
2015-16
S pring
ES 346
M E442/642
Fall
ENGR105
ESM 450
M E685
3
3
4
10
3
4
3
10
3
3
6
3
3
6
5
3
8
3
3
6
2x3
3
3
15
S pring
M E455/655
3XENGR 151
3
3
6
3
3
4
10
S pring
M E306
ES210
S pring
M E453/653
ES208
S pring
M E313
M E438
S pring
ENGR105
ESM 450
M E685
Paris
Fall
M E459/659
ES209
16
4
3
7
3
3
S pring
ES 346
M E442/642
S pring
ES331
M E334
4xM E334L
6
3
3
6
13
3
3
4
10
16
Fall
M E414
3XENGR 151
S. Peuker
4XM E414L
16
3
3
6
S pring
M E630
M E438
13
3
3
6
S pring
M E 403
M E 280
Brock
Fall
M E441
ES346
Hoffman
16
3
3
6
12
3
3
6
12
3
5
8
16
3
3
6
12
New Hire
for Ali
Lobontiu
Cullin
Lu
2x3
3
3
15
30
Total: 143
Adjuncts
S pring
3
M E455/655
3
3 3XENGR 151
3
4
10
6
Fall
S pring
ES341
3
M E 403
3
ES341L
4
M E 280
3
M E280
3
10
6
Fall
S pring
M E615
3
M E630
3
M E450
3
M E438
3
6
6
Fall
S pring
M E408/608
3
M E306
3
M E/EE471
3
ES210
3
6
6
Fall
S pring
ES208
5
M E453/653
3
M E664
3
ES208
5
8
8
Fall
S pring
ENGR161
3
M E313
3
M ENEW
3
M E438
3
6
6
Fall
S pring
ENGR105 2x3 ENGR105
2x3
ESM 450
3
ESM 450
3
M E685
3
M E685
3
15
15
Total:
16
16
12
12
16
12
30
143
18
6
3
135
Note that BS E ME coursework selection and sequencing will be done by the student and his/her academic advisor and follow the BS E ME Flowchart for that student's
Catalog Year of Admission.
MS ME coursework selection and sequencing will be done by the student and his/her graduate committee and appear on the student's Graduate S tudies Plan.
MSME, Attachment J: Four Year Plan
Attachment K: Support Resolutions from UAA Advisory Boards
Table K.1
Members of UAA SOE Advisory Board
Name
Aho, John
Brooks, Paul
Call, Catherine
Christianson, Derek
Colonell, Jack
Davison, Bruce, J.D.,
M.S., P.E.
Position
Principal Project Manager & V.P.
Government Liaison Director,
Anchorage Division
Owner
Project Manager
Vice President & Technical Director
Company
CH2M Hill
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aero-Metric, Inc.
Anchorage, AK
Blue Sky Studio
Michael Baker Jr. Inc.
Entrix, Inc.
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Attorney and Partner
Davison and Davison
Anchorage, AK
Aero-Metric, Inc.
Anchorage, AK
RSA, Inc.
UAA
Alyeska Pipeline Co.
Carnegie Mellon University
BP Alaska, Inc.
ENSTAR Natural Gas
Michael L. Foster &
Associates
AMC Engineers
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
ConocoPhillips
Anchorage, AK
Staser Consulting Group, LLC
Anchorage, AK
Alaska Communications
Anchorage, AK
Frischkorn, Mark
Gill, Tom
Hendee, Mikal
Hills, Alex, Ph.D
Jemison, Jenny
Lau, John
Senior Vice-President and Alaska
Region Manager
Vice President
CE Student
Civil Engineer
Distinguished Service Professor
Reservoir Engineer
Director of Transmissions Operations
Leman, Loren
Vice President
Morgenthaler, Boyd
Retired, past President/CEO
Greater Kuparuk Area Project
Manager
Principal
Senior Vice President, Technology
Services
Follett, Anthony B.
Pessetto, Scott
Staser, Jeff
Todd, Michael
Weaver, Steve
Senior Director
Zufelt, John
Civil Engineer
Alaska Native Tribal Health
Consortium Division of
Environmental Health &
Engineering
ERDC-CRREL Anchorage
Eagle River, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Table K.2
Members of the UAA ME Advisory Board
Name
Chaffin, Brandon
Fawcett, Daniel, P.E.
Hart, Daniel
Linford, Christopher, P.E.,
CDT
Morgenthaler, Boyd, P.E.
Parkinson, Christina
Turner, Joseph
Worthington, Monty
UA New Program Prospectus
Position
Supplies Program Manager
President
Operations Supervisor
Division Manager, Mechanical
Engineering Division
Retired, past President/CEO
Mechanical Engineer and UAA ME
alumna
Professor, Dept. of Mechanical and
Materials Engineering
Director of Project Development,
Alaska
Company
Hewlett-Packard Co.
ATS Alaska
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Location
Boise, ID
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
USKH Inc.
Anchorage, AK
AMC Engineers
Anchorage, AK
Coffman Engineers, Inc.
Anchorage, AK
University of NebraskaLincoln
Lincoln, NE
ORPC Alaska, LLC
Anchorage, AK
MSME, Attachment K: Advisory Boards
UAA SOE Advisory Board Resolution
Support for Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Degree Program
Approved by the UAA School of Engineering Advisory Board on 7 December 2012.
WHEREAS Alaska benefits from having a pool of highly qualified in-state engineers:
•
Hires from within Alaska have a higher retention rate and direct cost savings over hires recruited
from outside Alaska; and
•
Master’s level engineers offer greater levels of technical skill and specialization.
WHEREAS Anchorage employers benefit from a strong local university:
•
More than 100 engineering, energy, utilities, and construction employers operate within a five-mile
radius of the UAA main campus;
•
Employers need more highly qualified engineers, scientists, and technically skilled managers who
possess mastery and autonomy gained through graduate education;
•
Anchorage employs the largest number of Alaska’s mechanical engineers; and
•
Replacement of skilled mechanical engineers who retire requires a level of knowledge and maturity
that can be accelerated through completing an MSME program.
WHEREAS Professional Engineers (PEs) are required to meet continuing education requirements to
maintain their licensure:
•
Engineers need access to opportunities for professional growth, development and advancement;
•
Coursework outside of the Anchorage is not an option for most local engineers. Employed engineers
have job and family commitments that limit their ability to travel for extended periods of time;
•
A strong need exists for a locally-available graduate degree program in Mechanical Engineering
within the Anchorage area; and
•
A Master’s degree is increasingly seen as the terminal degree for practicing mechanical engineers.
WHEREAS UAA Mechanical Engineering faculty and students have a proven record:
•
UAA Mechanical Engineering graduates are well received in the marketplace and are increasingly
filling engineering positions in Alaska;
•
UAA Mechanical Engineering faculty have an active outreach program of beneficial collaboration
with community partners that is effectively strengthening the BSE ME program;
•
Research and projects involving Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty are collaborative
with faculty and students in other departments both within the School of Engineering (SOE) and
throughout UAA, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Health; and
•
Research and projects involving UAA ME faculty and students are of high quality and have resulted
in numerous conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journal publications, and funding through
internal and external grants and donations.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment K: Advisory Boards
UAA SOE Advisory Board Resolution
WHEREAS an MSME Program will strengthen UAA:
•
An MSME Program will foster an environment of scholarship and inquiry that will benefit
undergraduates as well as graduates;
•
An MSME Program will lead to further opportunities for community collaboration and industry
partnerships; and
•
An MSME Program will raise the stature of the BSE ME program and thereby attract more Alaskan
high school graduates to UAA.
WHEREAS the UAA Mechanical Engineering Department is fully capable of the task:
•
UAA School of Engineering’s BSE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Program is producing quality,
well-prepared graduates. The ME undergraduate program was established in 2005, has a strong
curriculum, is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and currently
has approximately 300 students enrolled and 100 alumni;
•
UAA currently offers a sufficient number of 600-level ME courses to constitute a Master’s degree;
•
A diverse set of graduate-level course offerings already exists in complementary fields including
Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, and Project Management;
•
UAA has eight ME faculty members with expertise in a broad range of areas within the discipline of
Mechanical Engineering;
•
ME faculty are supported by other UAA School of Engineering faculty with related engineering
expertise;
•
Summer 2012 construction produced 2,745 square feet of new ME lab space, including a new
Thermal System Optimization Lab, a new Heat and Mass Transfer Lab, and an addition to the
Materials Testing Lab;
•
The Mechanical Engineering Department’s developing Machine Shop and Rapid Prototype Modeling
and Manufacturing Lab are of high quality and are able to support both undergraduate and graduate
projects;
•
The Mechanical Engineering Department’s facilities, including classrooms, labs, and offices, will
improve further upon completion and occupancy of the new engineering building in 2016; and
•
Peer institutions with this level of faculty support have successful Master’s programs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UAA School of Engineering Advisory Board enthusiastically
supports the creation of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of
Alaska Anchorage.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment K: Advisory Boards
UAA ME Advisory Board Resolution
Support for Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Approved by the ME Advisory Board on: 7 December 2012
WHEREAS over 100 engineering, energy, utilities, and construction employers operate within a five-mile
radius of the UAA main campus;
WHEREAS Professional Engineers (PEs) are required to meet continuing education requirements to
maintain their licensure;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize the need for employees to have access to
opportunities for professional growth, development and advancement;
WHEREAS a Master’s degree is increasingly seen as the terminal degree for practicing mechanical
engineers;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize the need for engineer scientists and
technically skilled managers;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize the need for engineers who possess the
mastery and autonomy that are gained through graduate education;
WHEREAS a prosperous economy depends on having highly-qualified engineers at all levels;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize the benefit to the economy of having a
pool of engineers who possess greater levels of technical skill and specialization that are gained through
graduate education;
WHEREAS the replacement of skilled engineers who retire requires a level of knowledge and maturity
that can be acquired through completing an MSME program;
WHEREAS MSME hires educated locally have a higher retention rate than MSME hires recruited from
elsewhere;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize the direct cost savings of hiring local
graduates for positions that require an MSME;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize an advantage to hiring locally for
positions that require a Master’s degree;
WHEREAS the ME Advisory Board recognizes that a UAA MSME program will provide opportunities
that would otherwise not be available to many Alaskans to continue their education;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize a need within the UAA community for a
locally-available graduate degree program in Mechanical Engineering;
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board find that the UAA SOE ME Department, through
the BSE ME Program, is producing quality, well-prepared graduates;
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment K: Advisory Boards
UAA ME Advisory Board Resolution
WHEREAS the members of the ME Advisory Board recognize that the creation of a UAA MSME
Program will foster an environment of scholarship and inquiry that will benefit undergraduates as well as
graduates and lead to further opportunities for community collaboration and industry partnerships;
WHEREAS the UAA SOE Mechanical Engineering Department currently offers 600 level Mechanical
Engineering (ME) courses in sufficient number to constitute a Master’s degree;
WHEREAS a diverse set of UAA upper level undergraduate (400) and graduate-level (600) course
offerings already exists in complementary fields including Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry,
Civil Engineering, and Project Management;
WHEREAS the faculty of the Mechanical Engineering Department have expertise in a broad range of
areas within the discipline of Mechanical Engineering;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program was established in 2005;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program currently has approximately 300
students enrolled;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program has approximately 100 alumni;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program curriculum is strong;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program is fully accredited by the Engineering
Accreditation Commission of ABET;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering Department has eight faculty members whose teaching and
research efforts are supported by other School of Engineering faculty with related engineering expertise;
WHEREAS peer institutions with this level of faculty support have successful Master’s programs;
WHEREAS construction during the summer of 2012 has resulted in the creation of approximately 2745
ft2 of new ME lab space, including a new Thermal System Design Lab (approximately 1430 ft2), a new
Heat and Mass Transfer Lab (approximately 875 ft2), and an addition to the Materials Testing Lab
(approximately 440 ft2);
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering Department’s developing Machine Shop and Rapid Prototype
Modeling and Manufacturing Lab are of high quality and are able to support both undergraduate and
graduate projects;
WHEREAS the Mechanical Engineering Department’s facilities, including classrooms, labs, and offices,
will increase substantially upon completion and occupancy of the new engineering building in August
2016;
WHEREAS research and projects involving Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty are
collaborative with faculty and undergraduate and graduate students in other departments both within the
School of Engineering (SOE) and throughout UAA, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the
College of Health;
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment K: Advisory Boards
UAA ME Advisory Board Resolution
WHEREAS UAA Mechanical Engineering faculty and students have a proven record of beneficial
collaboration with community partners;
WHEREAS research and projects involving Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty and students
are of high quality and have resulted in numerous conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journal
publications, and funding through internal and external grants and donations;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the University of Alaska Anchorage Mechanical Engineering
Advisory Board adopts this resolution of full support for the creation of a Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering degree program.
UA New Program Prospectus
MSME, Attachment K: Advisory Boards