Armed with their innovative research, Noah Bretz and Zachary Rennard, engineering students from Southern Arkansas University, recently participated in a competition sponsored by Siemens and hosted by the University of the District of Columbia at the 9th Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) conference. This prestigious conference was held in Washington, D.C., June 4-6, 2024. Bretz and Rennard went up against tough competition, including several PhD, MSc, and BSc engineering students from 20 countries.
Rennard clinched two outstanding awards in the recent competitions. He placed first in the Siemens competition of Undergraduate Student Papers. In addition, Rennard also received the Outstanding Student Award at this prestigious conference. The winning research, titled “Power Consumption Optimization for Sustainable Subtractive Manufacturing Operation,” tackled the field of continuously optimizing the manufacturing operation’s power consumption to minimize environmental impact and avoid excess costs.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Hayder Zghair, Rennard developed an experimental model that promises significant advancements in saving operational power consumption in the material-cutting process. The model uses Minitab visual algorithms for analysis and optimization.
Rennard shared, “This study opened my eyes to how even small details can make a big difference over time. Understanding how power consumption efficiency can be altered and improved is key to creating a more sustainable work environment.” In appreciation, Rennard added, “I would like to first thank Dr. Zghair for providing his professional hand in my work and overall data collection. I would also like to thank Jeff Sumner for the use of his lathe machine. Finally, I thank the engineering department at SAU for providing the funds and the materials needed to complete this study.”
With his “Machine Variables Optimization for Sustainability Manufacturing ” project, Bretz garnered a second-place award in the Undergraduate Student Papers competition. This research explored the field of integration of sustainability principles into manufacturing operations to assess the carbon dioxide (CO2) result. Under the mentorship of Zghair, Bretz investigated three critical machining factors – rotational speed, feed rate, and lubrication, and examined their influence on CO2 using a full factorial design of experimentation to rigorously test and analyze the relationships among the factors and CO2 creation.
Upon reflection of his research, Bretz stated, “This study impacted me personally in numerous ways. It showed me that carbon dioxide emissions can be created in inconspicuous places. Even simple processes such as creating a bolt on a lathe machine can produce small amounts of emissions that can quickly add up when done on an industrial scale.” Bretz also noted that his research highlighted a need to consider sustainability and emissions in all designs and solutions that he creates in the future. Bretz plans to begin a master’s degree in mechanical engineering this coming fall. He shared, “The experience I gained from conducting this research will benefit me greatly as I enter a research-oriented graduate program.”
As these proud students enjoyed their well-deserved accolades for their work, their success serves as an inspiration to fellow SAU students. It is also a testament to the incredible potential of SAU students and academic programs. The achievements of Bentz and Rennard at the Siemens competition and IEOM conference highlights their brilliance and exemplifies the spirit of innovation that drives the engineering program at SAU in today’s world.
Dr. Zghair, assistant professor of industrial engineering and project supervisor, is an exceptional faculty member who is genuinely invested in taking the engineering program at SAU to another level. His passion for the field of study and his students is second to none. When asked about his work with these students and projects, he shared, “Working on a very engaging project relevant to the student’s future such as sustainability, step-by-step guidance, and technically communicating outcomes are the factors of the student success equation.” In reaction to the student’s success at the competition, Zghair reflected, “Winning a global competition of engineering research is a testament that SAU’s engineering program equips students to compete in the future workforce.”
For more information about the engineering program at SAU, please visit https://web.saumag.edu/engineer/.
