WKU News & Events

May 21, 2002

Off-Road Vehicle A "Legacy"
For Engineering Program

Bowling Green, Ky. - Students in Western Kentucky University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program have experienced a few bumps in the road this spring as they completed their senior project.

But that's OK. They've been working to build an off-road vehicle, the latest competitive creation from WKU's project-based engineering program.

The vehicle, "Legacy 2002," will compete at the Society of Automotive Engineers Midwest Mini Baja on May 30-June 2 in Milwaukee.

" 'Legacy 2002' was chosen for the name because these students are among the last students in our Mechanical Engineering Technology program and they're leaving a legacy for the students in our Mechanical Engineering program," said Joel Lenoir, the James L. "Bud" Layne Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

The legacy includes student achievement in the classroom, in competitions and on the job, he said.

In recent years, mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology students have entered Mars Rover competitions, have built small steam engines and have completed projects for area industries.

"All of these projects have built credibility for our students and our program," Lenoir said.

Western's off-road vehicle will be among 122 competing in the Midwest Mini Baja. Vehicles will compete in acceleration, braking, weight pull, hill climb and a four-hour endurance run. The competition also includes design, cost and safety reports.

Members of the "Legacy 2002" team are Paul Chambers of Owensboro, Casey Honaker of Alvaton, Matt Singleton of Louisville, Brad Hale of Franklin, Otto Miessner of Bowling Green, Ray Stemmle of Crestwood, Kevin Hetzer of Cecilia and Brian Polson of Louisville.

For more information, contact Joel Lenoir at (270) 745-6858. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.