Chelsea DuBose of Austin Designs Heating Systems for Mongolian Buildings for University of Evansville Mechanical Engineering Project

2012 Dec 11

In August 2012, a group of University of Evansville students spent their last days of summer break halfway around the world in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The data collection and research trip marked the beginning of a mechanical engineering senior project for Chelsea DuBose of Austin, TX, who is among eight UE students designing alternative heating systems for two buildings owned by G.O. Ministries, a nonprofit organization based in Louisville, Kentucky.

After spending a week in Mongolia working with G.O. Ministries, UE mechanical engineering students determined the need for sustainable ways to heat two buildings being designed by civil engineering students: a dormitory and business center for local craft businesses and a retreat center for the ministry.

Using the data collected on the ground, the students spent the Fall 2012 semester designing three heating solutions, which they presented to G.O. Ministries leaders yesterday in UE's Koch Center for Engineering and Science. During the Spring 2013 semester, the students will build and test prototypes, then give a final presentation to G.O. Ministries in May. The organization plans to implement the students' designs and begin construction in Ulaanbaatar in 2013 or 2014.

"One of the strengths of the University of Evansville's mechanical engineering program is the opportunity for students such as Chelsea DuBose to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to become engaged in real-world design projects," said Brian Swenty, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering.

"When students experience and serve a vastly different culture, they often return home with an increased sense of social responsibility and a passion for using their skills and knowledge to help others," added associate professor of mechanical engineering John Layer, who accompanied the student group to Mongolia. "They see the impact they can have on the world."

The University of Evansville thanks the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana and Kern Family Foundation for their generous support of this educational experience.