Pennsylvania College of Technology students earned honors at the 41st Annual Blow Molding Conference in Chicago, presented by the Society of Plastics Engineers’ Blow Molding Division.
A three-member team placed second in the Blow Molding Division’s student design contest, and two Penn College students received national scholarships.
Senior polymer engineering technology students Trevor J. Culbertson, of Huntingdon; Luke M. Springman, of Jersey Shore; and Nathan B. Zook, of Lewisburg, finished second in the contest, which required development of an original blow-molded product and documentation of its design, manufacturing process and feasibility.
A three-member team of polymer engineering technology students from Pennsylvania College of Technology recently captured second place in a design competition sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers’ Blow Molding Division at the organization’s annual conference in Chicago. Second from left are Nathan B. Zook, of Lewisburg; Luke M. Springman, of Jersey Shore; and Trevor J. Culbertson, of Huntingdon. At far left is Brady Rametta, a student at Penn State Behrend. Springman and Zook also were awarded $3,000 scholarships from the Blow Molding Division. (Photo by Mike Marcotte)
The Penn College trio designed a water-filled, blow-molded weight plate for athletic training options such as sled pushes, drags and resisted sprints. The weight of the plate is adjusted by adding or removing water, allowing it to provide multiple resistance levels. When empty, the plate is lightweight, facilitating easy handling and transportation.
“We are honored to receive second place in the student design competition,” Culbertson said. “This project allowed us to combine knowledge gained from multiple classes and apply it to create a new product. We appreciate the opportunity and had lots of fun making our water-filled weight design.”
“The performance of the Penn College polymer team is a testament to the students’ ingenuity and the comprehensive hands-on education they receive at the college,” said Kathy D. Chesmel, assistant dean of materials science and engineering technology. “Their recognition at the national level is well deserved.”
Springman and Zook were also honored with $3,000 scholarships. The Blow Molding Division presented Springman with the Carrie Fox Solin Memorial Scholarship, and Zook received the Willi Müeller Memorial Scholarship.
Four other Penn College polymer engineering technology students attended the three-day conference: Brian J. Collado, of Bishopville, South Carolina; Jonathan J. Conklin, of Millerton; Mac M. Holmgren, of Leesport; and Drake J. McGregor, of Waynesboro. The students were accompanied by Jose M. Perez, instructor of polymer technology. The conference brought together specialists, researchers, machinery makers and corporate leaders.
“Attending professional conferences is a great opportunity for students to get exposure to the frontier of the industry that they hope to join and network with professionals,” Perez said. “It broadens their horizons on what their career paths in their chosen field may look like.”
In addition to the bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology, Penn College offers an associate degree in polymer technology and a certificate in polymer processing. Both degree programs have a 100% graduate placement rate.
For more information about the polymer program and other majors offered by the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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