Contact: Bob Ratliff
A team of Mississippi State University chemical engineering majors is preparing to ship out in a quest for national exposure and a $15,000 top prize.
They are entered in Energy Challenge '99, an Atlanta competition where university teams will race one-person kayaks constructed totally from paper products. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Institute of Paper Science and Technology and the pulp and paper industry, the race takes place May 22 at Sweetwater Creek State Park in the Georgia capital.
The vessels may be made of wood fiber, wood pulp, secondary wood cellulose, linerboard, or corrugated board, as well as epoxy paste, glue or other commonly used paper chemicals. Each can be no more than nine feet long, two-and-a-half feet wide and 35 pounds in weight, however.
"The purpose of Energy Challenge is to foster education and awareness of pulp and paper industrial processes," said professor Clifford E. George, team adviser. "These include such areas as manufacturing design efficiency, recycling, waste minimization, liquid penetration resistance, wet strength, and environmental impact considerations."
Seniors David E. Bigner of Summit, Lance A. Jarrell of Hattiesburg and Solomon Tavai of Lumberton, along with junior Dimeji Ibitayo of Jackson, make up the Mississippi State team.
Other universities represented include Clarkson, Georgia Tech, Miami of Ohio, North Carolina State, State University of New York, Colorado at Denver, Maine, and Minnesota-St. Paul. Each is receiving a $2,000 grant to assist with construction expenses.
"Whether they win or not, each participant will receive valuable lessons in creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, teamwork, fund-raising and project management," George said.
In addition to the kayak's performance during the timed race, a team is judged on the basis of a written report of its work, safety considerations and adherence to design specifications.
The Energy Department's support of the competition is part of its effort to enhance the economic competitiveness of the American forest products industry. The agency's goal is to help the industry develop more energy efficient manufacturing processes by 2020.
IPST president Jim Ferris said his organization is working with DOE to reach that goal.
"While the contest is an event, the teams learn and visibly demonstrate a process for designing energy-efficient products," Ferris said. "These skills and experiences will move with them into the industry as they begin their careers."