MACON—Mercer University School of Engineering students recently swept the Undergraduate Research Competition at the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Southeastern Section Conference in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Mercer biomedical engineering students Kala Cartwright of Milan and Stephanie Jackson of Bartlett, Tenn., were awarded the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award for Undergraduate Research for their research poster, entitled “Impact of Atherosclerotic Occlusion Position on Hemodynamic Parameters in the Coronary Artery.” The two students used advanced computer programs to model blood flow in coronary arteries and examined the effects on hemodynamics caused by plaque occlusions.
At the same competition, Mercer biomedical engineering students Christopher Basciano of Spring Hill, Fla., Adam Land of Ellijay and Emil Pham of Warner Robins received the First Place Award for Undergraduate Research for their research poster, entitled “Computational Fluid Particle Dynamics Modeling and Simulation in Human Lung Airways.” The students used advanced computer programs to simulate air traveling through tracheobronchial airways, and they examined where inhaled particles deposit in the lungs.
A third team of Mercer biomedical engineering students took second place in the ASEE undergraduate research competition. Stacie Hamel of Valdosta, Travis Blackburn of Rincon and Christal Garner of Griffin won second place for their research poster, entitled “Computational Particle Hemodynamics Simulations in Carotid Artery Bifurcation.” Using advanced computer programs, these students simulated the flow of blood through the carotid artery. They examined correlations between the blood flow and atherosclerotic buildup.
All of these winning students are enrolled in Dr. Sinjae Hyun’s “Advanced Biofluids” class at the School of Engineering, and they did this research in conjunction with the course. The Mercer students’ research was made possible through a grant from the Keck Foundation.
Named one of the top engineering schools in the Southeast by U.S. News & World Report for the past six years, Mercer University School of Engineering is known for producing graduates ready to work in the industry and government. The innovative Mercer School of Engineering curriculum emphasizes teamwork as well as opportunities to gain hands-on experiences. Mercer engineering graduates are known for their strong communication skills, as Mercer is one of few engineering institutions in the nation to house a Technical Communication Department within the Engineering School.
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