A university student/faculty interaction grant recently helped aerospace and mechanical engineering students get updated on current research in the College of Engineering while getting to know their instructors a little better.

AME students and faculty cook out and discuss research under way in the department.

The event, which connected aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering students with faculty for mingling and discussion about some of the research being conducted in the UA department, was organized by AME department head Jeff Jacobs, helped by the student chapter of the national American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

"Participating in research is an excellent way to gain valuable experience, forge relationships with faculty, and improve your standing with future employers… not to mention the many research positions which are also paid," Jacobs said. "Beyond talking about research, this was an opportunity for fellow students, staff, and faculty to relax and mingle outside of the classroom environment," he said.

AIAA students teamed with AME department faculty and staff to grill hot dogs and hamburgers, and serve ice cream, to students hungry for more information on the latest aerospace engineering research being conducted at UA. The event, dubbed the Welcome Back BBQ and Research Fair took place Sept. 14 and was open to all AME students. The research fair was made possible by a grant from the UA Office of Student Affairs.

"The event provided a good way for students to connect and build their relationships with professors outside of the classroom environment, which is absolutely essential given the size of the AME department," said Ryan Crompton, AME improvements coordinator and aerospace engineering senior. "There was definitely an air of excitement in most conversations, and I know that at least a few people walked away from the evening with research positions," he said.