AME Student Career Talks

On the evenings of September 1st and 2nd, 2015, Dave Bert, AME Board of Advisor member, met with AME’s undergraduate and graduate students in the Engineering Practice Facility. On September 1st, Mr. Bert spoke with freshmen, sophomores and juniors about about résumé building, the importance of internships and how to choose elective courses. On September 2nd, Mr. Bert spoke with seniors and graduate students regarding important strategies to securing full-time employment including the interview process and résumés. Students were engaged throughout the evening by asking questions, leading discussion and taking notes.

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Dave Bert is the Vice President of Drilling at Chesapeake Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City. He is a proven oil and gas executive with significant expertise in drilling, completion, field development, operations management and engineering. Dave has been instrumental in Chesapeake’s achievement of industry-leading unconventional horizontal drilling, operational efficiency and production growth. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, an M.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California and is a licensed professional engineer. Dave was inducted into the University of Oklahoma Gallogly College of Engineering Distinguished Graduates Society. He serves as a member of the Gallogly College of Engineering Advisory Board and the AME Board of Advisors.

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AME Alumni Spotlight: Ahsan Choudhuri, Ph.D.

Choudhuri2Ahsan Choudhuri, Ph.D., was recently awarded a $5 million grant from NASA to develop the next generation of methane-based rocket engines. These said rocket engines will be used for in-space propulsion, ascent and descent engines for Mars and lunar landers. The advancement of the methane rocket engines is identified as a critically enabling technology in the NASA Space Technology Roadmap.

Choudhuri is a graduate of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He received degrees in mechanical engineering graduating in 1997 with his M.S. and 2000 with his Ph.D. working under mentorship of AME Professor S.R. Gollahalli, Ph.D. Choudhuri began working at The University of Texas at El Paso in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2001 where he is the chair and professor of the department and Mr. and Mrs. MacIntosh Murchison Chair II in Engineering. He is also the Director of the Center for Space Exploration Technology Research (cSETR).

“Among nearly 100 graduate students I have mentored, Ahsan certainly ranks very high,” said Gollahalli. “His motivation, focus, energy level and drive to succeed were unparalleled.”

With Choudhuri’s primary research efforts focused on propulsion technologies for next generation space missions and energy technologies for a low carbon future, Choudhuri has a broad range of federal and industry funded projects. Most of his research is conducted in the cSETR including the latest project funded by NASA for the development of methane-based rocket engines.

When Choudhuri first began working at UTEP, there was not a space engineering based program nor was there such research being conducted. Under his direction, the cSETR is now one of the top research groups in the nation focused on space exploration and technology. The cSETR has formed partnerships with organizations such as NASA Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center, just to name a few.

“Over the last five years, UTEP rocket propulsion research infrastructure has grown exponentially,” Choudhuri said. “This grant attests to the national preeminence of cSETR’s research and education programs. There is already a significant interest to utilize this region for commercial space exploration purposes, and we are placing ourselves as the strategic lead for propulsion research capabilities in the area.”

Each year the cSETR focuses on training over 60 undergraduate and graduate students in space and energy engineering education and research. Following graduation, many of the students begin their careers at NASA Johnson Space Center or other cSETR partners.

As an alumni, Choudhuri says his time at AME played a role in his successful career.

“OU played a big part in my career thus far. If I didn’t have a chance to work under Dr. Gollahalli’s mentorship, none of this would have been possible,” Choudhuri said. “I received a high quality education at AME as well as high quality research training working in Dr. Gollahalli’s Combustion and Flame Dynamics Lab.”

As for Choudhuri’s future goals, he hopes to continue his work and research in the cSETR by making changes for future generations in the country to continue advancements in space technology while growing diversity in the workforce.

Lastly, Choudhuri leaves some advice for our current undergraduate and graduate students beginning their careers.

“You can go where you want to go, as long as you aspire to be there,” Choudhuri said. “Aspirations combined with hard work and commitment will get you there.”

AME Board of Advisors hold Spring Meeting

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The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Board of Advisors attended their annual spring meeting on Friday, April 24, 2015. The BOA had a busy day with a full agenda. They held their meeting in the Hitachi Conference Room in Felgar Hall. In addition, they attended the Senior Luncheon at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Dave Bert, BOA Chair, was the keynote speaker for the event. Thank you to all for making the day a success!

Space Systems & Mission Design class hosts Keith Reiley

On Monday, April 6, 2015, the Space Systems and Mission Design class of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering hosted Mr. Keith Reiley, a Boeing Project Manager. Mr. Reiley spoke with students about current projects and advancements in the space industry, including some current projects at Boeing. Mr. Reiley is a University of Oklahoma graduate from 1982 with a degree in Engineering Physics.

Keith Reiley is currently the Boeing Commercial Crew Transportation System Program Manager. He has been managing the development efforts for Boeing’s Commercial Crew program since it’s inception in 2009. Prior to working at Boeing, Mr. Reiley was Director of the NASA ISS Mission Integration office, responsible for overall configuration and assembly planning, management of assembly missions and integration of international partners.

AME Alumni Spotlight: Jacob Anderson

Jacob Anderson

Jacob Anderson is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma. In fact, Jacob is a three-time alumnus. He graduated from OU and the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in the spring of 2007, followed by his Masters of Science also in mechanical engineering in the summer of 2009. Lastly, Jacob graduated with his Doctor of Philosophy in mechanical engineering in the fall of 2013. Since then, he has worked with M. Cengiz Altan, AME Professor and Director, as a postdoctoral researcher.

Jacob recently accepted a job with PPG Industries working at the Fiber Glass Science and Technology Center. He will hold the title of Senior Researcher and Development Engineer in North Carolina. His job duties include identification, development and testing of textile composite materials for commercial development, work with customers to develop new applications, oversee production trials to evaluate material performance and more. Jacob believed working hard in both the classroom and the laboratory were key in landing his new job.

What do you enjoy most about your job/working in your field?

Composite materials are very exciting to work with because they allow materials to be developed that are optimized for a specific application or use. As such, the combinations/challenges are endless.

How did your education at AME help you to be successful in your career?

AME gave me the opportunity to pursue and overcome challenges both in and out of the classroom. As such, I have had many experiences and opportunities that have helped me grow as both a professional and a person. I feel very prepared for my career.

Why did you choose OU to pursue your degree?

The research being conducted by several members of the faculty aligned with my own interests.

What advice would you give to a current AME student?

I would tell the students:

  1. Your time at AME is what you make of it.
  2. Work hard, keep your eyes on your goal and keep pushing forward to achieve the goal, whether the distance traveled is measured in kilometers, meters or millimeters.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

Dr. M.C. Altan: He has the ability to present material from many different directions. As a result, he makes even the most complicated material approachable. In addition, his mentorship over the years has been invaluable and greatly appreciated.

AME would like to wish Jacob great success as he begins his new job!

Charles W. Bert, 1929-2015

Charles BertThe AME family lost one of its valuable members, Dr. Charles W. Bert, on February 3, 2015. Bert began his journey at the University of Oklahoma in 1963, where he served the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering as a Professor for 41 years before retiring in 2004. During this time, Bert served as Director from 1972-1978 and again in 1990-1995. He also held the Benjamin H. Perkinson Chair during his time at AME. In 1981, he was the recipient of the highest recognition for research at the University of Oklahoma—the George Lynn Cross Research Professorship. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I am deeply saddened to lose one of our best. Charlie was a giant in the broad field of mechanics and composite materials,” said M. Cengiz Altan, AME Director. “He has been such a positive influence on me since I started my career at OU. He has always been supportive and provided encouragement to many AME faculty, as well as to countless undergraduate and graduate students. I will miss him greatly as a mentor and a friend.”

Charles Bert

Bert’s work in composite materials earned him an international reputation in the field; he authored and co-authored 205 papers in refereed journals, published one monograph, edited three books, produced 13 book chapters and 158 other papers. In connection with his research, he mentored 26 doctoral students and over 40 master’s students. He was a registered Professional Engineer, and consulted on numerous projects including the design of the propulsion clutch for the USS Nautilus (first nuclear submarine), first annular air-oil shock absorber, steel-belted radial tires and NASA Space Shuttle payload-bay doors. Charlie was elected as Fellow to seven technical organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society for Composites.

“Dr. Bert was a great mentor and guided me well throughout my career. His reputation and research accomplishments were spread worldwide. In international or national meetings I attended, there were always people who enquired about him when they saw my name tag mentioning OU,” said Subramanyam R. Gollahalli, AME Professor. “Above all, he was a great person. We miss him very much.”

The AME family would like to send its deepest condolences to the Bert family. Charlie’s kind heart, his encouraging words and supportive attitude along with his teaching, excellent research contributions and his friendship will be dearly missed by all.

Bert Family

CHARLES WESLEY BERT, III—Obituary

Charles Wesley Bert, III was born November 11, 1929 in Chambersburg, PA to Charles W. and Gladys R. Bert. He passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 3, 2015 in Norman, OK. Charlie was a quiet gentleman who truly cared for others. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. Charlie grew up in Greencastle, PA and graduated from Greencastle High School in 1947. He received two mechanical engineering degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951 and a Master of Science degree in 1956 from Pennsylvania State University. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve, proudly served on active duty during the Korean War from 1952-54 and retired as a Captain in 1963. Charlie worked at Fairchild Aircraft in Hagerstown, MD where he met his wife, Charlotte. They were married in 1957 and moved to Columbus, OH to pursue a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics at Ohio State University, graduating in 1961.

They moved to Norman in 1963 where Charlie served for 41 years as a Professor in the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, retiring in 2004. He served as Director of the School from 1972-78 and 1990-95. He was named a George Lynn Cross Research Professor in 1981 and held the Benjamin H. Perkinson Chair.

Charlie’s work in composite materials earned him an international reputation in the field; he authored or co-authored 205 papers in refereed journals, published one monograph, edited three books, produced 13 book chapters and 158 other papers. In connection with his research, he mentored 26 doctoral students and over 40 master’s students. He was a registered Professional Engineer, and consulted on numerous projects including the design of the propulsion clutch for the USS Nautilus (first nuclear submarine), first annular air-oil shock absorber, steel-belted radial tires and NASA Space Shuttle payload-bay doors. Charlie was elected as Fellow to seven technical organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society for Composites. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2011. He was a longtime member of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church and the Norman Club of Rotary International. Charlie was a huge Sooner football and basketball fan for over 50 years.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte Bert, Norman; a sister, Grace Cannon of Walnut Creek, CA; two sons, Charlie Bert and his wife Pam Bert of Oklahoma City, and David Bert and his wife Susan Bert of Edmond; granddaughters Bailey, Brianna and Alyssa Bert; grandson Michael Maples, US Navy and his wife Miranda Maples; and a great granddaughter, Mia Maples.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 12 at 2 p.m. at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Blvd. in Norman, OK. Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service, Norman, OK. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to The Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma, 720 W. Wilshire Blvd., Suite 109, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or The University of Oklahoma Foundation (Bert Family Scholarship in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering), 100 Timberdell Road, Norman, OK 73019.

AME Newsletter 2014

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR:

Greetings from the OU School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. It’s been a busy year with exciting developments in research, renovation, student success and faculty accomplishments. I would now like to share with you our annual e-newsletter for 2014.
Happy Holidays from all of us at AME!
Best regards,
Altan medium black copy

 

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Click Here to Read

 

 

AME Board of Advisors hold 2014 Fall Meeting

BOA Fall 2014The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Board of Advisors attended their annual fall meeting on Friday, November 7, 2014. The BOA had a busy day with a full agenda. They held their meeting in the Hitachi Conference Room in Felgar Hall. In addition, the Chesapeake Scholars were invited to the luncheon with the BOA and received their Chesapeake Scholars certificate from BOA Chair and Chesapeake Vice-President, Dave Bert. The Chesapeake Scholars are Morgan Andersen, David Doshier, Cameron Riney and Timothy Willis.

David Doshier & Dave Bert

David Doshier & Dave Bert

Timothy Willis & Dave Bert

Timothy Willis & Dave Bert

Career Talks with AME Board of Advisors and Students

On the evening of August 26, 2014, Dave Bert and Matt Green, both AME Board of Advisors, met with some of AME’s freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in the Engineering Practice Facility. During the evening, Mr. Bert and Mr. Green spoke to students about resume building, the importance of internships, and how to choose elective courses. This information was very valuable as both men graduated from AME and have a great deal of experience in the industry. Students were engaged throughout the evening by asking questions, leading discussion, and taking notes. There was roughly 40 students total in attendance.

Tonight Tommy Lear and Matt Green will speak with AME seniors and graduate students regarding important strategies to secure full-time employment. The event will take place in REPF 200 from 7:00-8:30pm.

For more information, please contact Danielle Geier by e-mail dgeier@ou.edu.