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Engineering students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville took part in a regional conference designed to help students compete in an increasingly demanding world. The competitions were held April 18 in New Orleans at the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Region 5 Conference. Three SIUE teams competed in the categories of circuit design, robotics and ethics.

"The competition definitely helped prepare me for some ethical dilemmas I could encounter in my career, as well as helped me build confidence speaking in front of a group of people," said Daniel Bugger of Highland. Bugger and his teammate Samuel Baker of St. Charles, Mo., took third place in the ethics competition.

The IEEE Conference contests provide students the opportunity not only to compete against other regional teams, but to develop technical skills and a personal brand that defines their individual talents and strengths. The contests are designed to encourage the development of skills and abilities in two areas critical to success in engineering environments: agility under pressure and project-oriented design.

Engineering students Frank Cobian of Plainfield and Austin Cox of Casey competed in the circuit design contest.

"I enjoyed the circuit design competition because it simulated a real life situation where an engineer would be handed a project, and then be asked to come up with a solution that is most efficient and cost effective, with little to no outside help," Cobian said. "It definitely tested our knowledge and better prepared us for thinking quickly in any given situation."

A four-person team of SIUE students, comprised of Ryan Brinkley of Fairview Heights, Ben Hanley, Mitch McKay and Alex Bridges, placed sixth in the "fast rat" division of the robotics contest. 

"It is incredibly important that our students participate in these types of events," said Dr. George Engel, electrical and computer engineering professor, and advisor to SIUE's IEEE chapter. "A student-oriented conference such as this not only provides a great challenge to the students who participate, but it is the first time that many of them have an opportunity to interact and share ideas with a large group of professional engineers."

The SIUE School of Engineering offers one of the most comprehensive and affordable engineering programs in the St. Louis region with seven undergraduate degrees, five master’s degrees and a cooperative doctoral program, all housed in a state-of-the-art facility. Students learn from expert faculty, perform cutting-edge research and participate in intercollegiate design competitions. Companies in the metropolitan St. Louis area provide students challenging internships and co-op opportunities, which often turn into permanent employment. All undergraduate programs are accredited by their respective accreditation agencies.

PHOTO: (L-R) Daniel Bugger and Samuel Baker with their third place award