Source: Julia Keen, 785-532-3575, jkeen@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Tyler Sharp, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Monday, Aug. 30, 2010

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING TEAM TAKES FIRST PLACE IN INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION

MANHATTAN -- A team of Kansas State University architectural engineering students won first place in the 2010 Student Design Competition sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

The K-State team took first place in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems selection category. Student teams from across the world were represented in the competition. This was the second consecutive first-place finish for a K-State team and the university's third top finish in the last four years.

"I think it really represents the excellent instruction they've received from all of their classes and support from their faculty and staff throughout the College of Engineering and the architectural engineering and construction science department," said Julia Keen, associate professor of architectural engineering and construction science and student team adviser.

Also serving as a team adviser was Fred Hasler, assistant professor of architectural engineering and construction science.

Team members, all architectural engineering majors, included:

Joel Wheeler, May 2010 bachelor's graduate, Burden; Matt Kolins, May 2010 bachelor's graduate, Lenexa; Todd Kuno, senior, Manhattan; and Nicole Vogt, May 2010 bachelor's graduate, Wichita.

From out of state: Zac Buckmiller, May 2010 bachelor's graduate, and Jared Palan, senior, both from Kansas City, Mo.

"We are extremely proud," Keen said. "Continuously placing as one of the top entries in the competition just shows that our students are well-prepared for their professional career."

The systems selection category requires the team to perform an analysis to select the system that provides the lowest life-cycle cost while providing optimum performance. Projects were judged on such criteria as comfort and health, synergy with architecture and low environmental impact.

As the top finishers, the K-State team will receive a $2,000 award. One team representative will receive free transportation, two nights lodging and $100 for additional expenses to present at the 2011 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers winter conference in Las Vegas. The Kansas City chapter of the society generously has offered to help finance the five other team members so they can assist in the presentation, Keen said.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers sponsors the design project competition to encourage students to become involved in the dynamic profession, to apply their knowledge to practical design use and to promote teamwork.