Contact: Bob Ratliff
Five Mississippi State student researchers are being honored for achievements in preparing visual displays as part of the university's 2002 observance of National Engineers Week.
The exhibits illustrated the individual scientific investigations in which each student is engaged under the supervision of a faculty member. Organized annually by the College of Engineering, the competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Junior chemical engineering major Michael A. Bestor of Lacey's [cq] Spring, Ala., took first-place honors for "Green Ammunition: Environmental Solutions to Small Arms Training." Working with associate professor Mark Bricka, he is studying improved methods for removing spent lead rounds from ammunition firing ranges.
Chemical engineering graduate student Julio A. Martinez of Starkville finished in second place for explaining the use of microorganisms to treat poultry waste. His research is directed by professor Donald Hill.
Chemical engineering graduate student Fangzhu Liu of Starkville and mechanical engineering junior Paula Jean Runge of Perkinston shared third place. Liu's research is directed by professor Mark Zappi, while Runge is a student research assistant in the mechanical engineering department.
Liu's presentation dealt with chemical treatment of TNT contaminated soil. Runge detailed her work with various types of grass to create a new generation of bailing twine that reduces risks to animals and the environment.
Chemical engineering senior Susan Davenport-Sierra of Meridian was fifth for her depiction of zinc's use in treating TNT-contaminated water. Mark Zappi and instructor Rafael Hernandez directed her research.