Recently, I got to go to MechSE’s Student Societies Luncheon. Basically the class presidents and heads of student societies get together to talk about what they’re doing and discuss things they want to change or work on. Leaders from Pi Tau Sigma, Eco-Illini, SAE Baja, Formula SAE, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society for Engineering Mechanics (SEM), Engineers Without Borders (EWB), iRobotics, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Student Aircraft Builders (SAB) were among the people in attendance.
One thing I got out of the lunch is that everyone needs to come to the Engineering Open House in March. Seriously, don’t miss this. Most of the societies are in their build phase right now, which includes EOH projects. Baja built a rolling chassis and wants to drive at EOH. Eco-Illini will also have their car running by EOH, and will be participating in the SAE competition this summer in Michigan. SEM is working on a project for EOH: a pumpkin catapult. The SAE leaders were talking about having a track set up at EOH where people can see the formula cars run. iRobotics, PTS, SAB, and ASME are all working on exhibits for EOH as well.
In other news, EWB has a new team following their board elections, and is currently working on four projects. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) recently had their Region H conference in Michigan (for details on this, read my future blog post). SAB is working on their plane. All these groups are doing great things. If you feel like being more involved, any of them would be a good place to start.