Jacquelyn Pohl (Portfolio Copy)

myoglobin - ribbon model

Attending the American Chemical Society regional meeting for an undergraduate poster session, representing both Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Chemical Technologies for College of Applied Science at University of Cincinnati was a growing experience. The atmosphere was enlightening and the environment was friendly. The backgrounds of the attendees at the conference varied from industry to academia including students themselves. The sessions that were attended related to alternative energies and were very interesting. The main reason for attendance at the conference was my poster, “Molecular Modeling Using Rapid Prototype Technology – An Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Experience.”

            The poster session was two hours long and was very interactive. Most undergraduates did basic water sample procedures, nothing that stepped outside the box. This poster on Molecular Modeling was ahead of the curve. The professors and even some members from industry were very interested in the work. Industry members would ask, “When will you have a price list up?” and “Do you know the size limitations?” and “Can you do all types of molecular models?” There was a very high level of interest from all ages and backgrounds. One member that had particular interest was the American Chemical Society President-Elect for 2009, Thomas Lane, Ph.D. He was very pleased with the work and highly suggested that the completion of the research and work be shown next year at his national meeting in Washington D.C. Also, a professor from Cleveland State University, Alan Riga, Ph.D. had high interest in the rapid prototype work. He mentioned on several occasions what a great business rapid prototyping could be for the University. Alan Riga has a large part to do with entrepreneurship on his campus with undergraduate and graduate students. He gave his business card as a possible mentor and possible consumer as well.

            David Harwell, the assistant director of the American Chemical Society’s Department of career management and development even offered a job as a speaker for the American Chemical Society because of the drive and passion of such a young student. He was impressed with the research and hopes to see the results very soon. According to the members of industry spoken to and professors as well, molecular modeling is a much demanded market with little competition for supplies. The Z-Corp 2510 rapid prototype machine is a very useful machine and with the updated binder and powder the machine should be very productive. The other consideration is to buy a plastics rapid prototype machine where more fragile or complex models are able to be produced with little or no risk of destruction. For molecular modeling the plastics machine is a beneficial piece of equipment allowing for a larger range of products. Overall, the conference was a success for both departments and the speaker herself. The interests were peaked and now a follow through is needed.

prototype_abstract.doc

poster_5.29.ppt