UAF ENGINEERS END WEEK LONG CELEBRATION
WITH OPEN HOUSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2001

Fairbanks, Alaska – Engineers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will end their week long celebration of the profession by sharing technology and demonstrations with the public at their annual open house, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2001 on UAF's main campus.

"We put on the open house to show the public what engineers do," said David Barnes, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering. It's an opportunity to show people that we have a strong engineering program at UAF."

Accredited in 1940 by the Engineers' Council for Professional Development, UAF's civil engineering program is one of the oldest and most established on campus. The open house will highlight engineering technology with demonstrations of: robotics, heat sensing camera, rocket, fluid flow, engineering materials testing, mining engineering and earthquake demonstrations.

Engineering students will continue a half century-old tradition by building an ice arch on lower campus. This year, Shawna Laderach and her team created a double-arch design. About 12,000 pounds of water is usually need to form the arch, which can reach as high as 40 feet.

"I think it's a great piece of UAF history that each spring since the 1950s, civil engineering students have tested their cold weather design and construction," said UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind. "It's always exciting to see the arch taking shape and equally as exciting to see it melt-a sure sign of spring."

The theme of this year's National Engineers' Week is "Turning Ideas into Reality," which creates some unique challenges in the Far North.

"Alaska with its distinctive landscapes and often unforgiving climate, presents unique engineering challenges and opportunities," according to Gov. Tony Knowles in a executive proclamation declaring Feb. 18 - 24 engineering week in Alaska. "The state's engineering professionals continue to play a crucial role in developing our state's tremendous potential, and deserve our sincere appreciation."

In addition, to the open house on campus, there will be a tour at 1 p.m. of the permafrost tunnel in Fox, Alaska. For the kids, there will be a room with civil engineering-related activities. Parking is free all over campus, with shuttle transportation from the Taku lot, nearest Farmer's Loop, to the Duckering and Brooks buildings, site of this years open house.

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CONTACT: Asst. Professor of Civil Engineering, David Barnes, 907-474-6126, or Chapter President of the Associated Students of Engineering, Ben Angel, at 907-474-2615.

CJB/02-20-01/01-052