With our Future-Ready Labs campaign launched, I want to share exciting progress on improvements already underway in two of the department’s most critical labs. Please take a moment to catch up on these and consider contributing to the campaign.
Aerospace Experimental Labs
With the help of AMAE member Jacopo Frigerio and Van’s Aircraft, we have received a wing and center section that will be used to upgrade the wing bending experiments. The upgraded experiment is scheduled to be available to students at the start of the 2025 Fall semester.
Mechanical Controls Labs
Meetings with the department have generated layouts and investments required. The goal is to have the lab in Rolla completed by August 2025. Dr. Doug Bristow, director of the Control Systems Lab, shared his enthusiasm for the planned improvements: “The upgrade to the Control Systems Lab will update the lab with new PLC automation experimental platforms and a refreshed space with new furniture. The update will expose students to the latest hardware and software for automation, and provide them with the ability to explore advanced networked automation solutions so that the lab, and our graduates, will be future-ready.”
Building on our Momentum
We’re off to a strong start but still need your help. To date, the campaign has received $121,000 including funds allocated from our existing AMAE accounts and generous matching gifts from Craig Barnes. That is one-third of the way to our target.
You can donate to one or more of the lab upgrade funds in many ways including using the button below:
Your gift will be automatically matched by Craig Barnes as long as funds remain in his $150,000 matching gift. Be sure to request any company or other matching support. Also, remember that your donations may have tax benefits if made this calendar year.
Using Jacopo’s work with Van’s Aircraft as an example, leveraging your networks and relationships to engage companies and others beyond our Academy is an excellent way to help. Tom Turpin in S&T Advancement would be glad to help you navigate any non-cash donations.
Do remember that you can stay up to date on the latest happenings on our Academy website.
On behalf of our AMAE Board, I wish you a very happy holiday season with friends and family.
John DeRuntz
President, AMAE