Email: meclab@math.udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-6480
Return to MEC Lab home page Frequently asked questions about the MEC Lab Want to work in the lab? Current projects in the MEC Lab People associated with the MEC Lab Resources for faculty and students Links to other labs, suppliers, neat stuff, etc.

 

The primary goal of the MEC Lab is to enhance the educational experience of undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. One way in which the MEC Lab contributes to this experience is by providing a unique home for undergraduate research projects. MEC Lab associated projects are available for students at all levels; from freshman to seniors. If you are interested in mathematical modeling and its relationship to the real world a MEC Lab based undergraduate research experience might be right for you. The FAQ below provides additional information. Also below you'll find links to past and current student projects. Feel free to peruse these links stop by and visit, email, or call if you are interested.

 

Past and Current Student Projects
Link to a page on pendula and resonance. This was prepared by Laura Akl and Jeffery Price during Fall 2002 for Math 341. Their page contains a link to a neat Java applet demonstrating parametric forcing.
Link to a page on the hanging chain. This was prepared by Jirar Helou, Jesse Samluk, and Steven Samluck during Fall 2002 for Math 341.
Link to the report prepared by students in the 2003 MGM competition. These guys crushed boxes in the lab!

 

Q: MEC Lab? What does that stand for?

A: MEC is an acronym for modeling, experiment, and computation. The mission of the laboratory is to provide students with a balanced view of these three facets of applied mathematics.

Q: Where is the MEC Lab located?
A: The lab is located on the first floor of Ewing Hall, room 101c.
Q: What undergraduate research projects are currently available?

A: Currently, we're seeking students to particpate in projects concerning electrostatically actuated MEMS devices and self-assembly of mesoscale structures.

Q: What's the payoff?

A: We're flexible. Students can participate as volunteers, for course credit, work-study, or for pay. We will to be able to support one student next summer as a paid assistant. Wewill help any motivated student who wants to apply for a UD undergraduate research grant.

Q: What do I do if I'm interested in participating?
A: Send an email to meclab@math.udel.edu or stop by and visit John A. Pelekso in Ewing 406. We can talk about your background, your interests, and whether or not a MEC Lab project would be right for you.
Q: Speaking of background, what experience should I have?
A: Again, we're flexible. If you have completed Calculus I and/or II successfully I am sure we can find a project to fit your abilitites. If you have experience with programming, MATLAB, laboratory work, ODE's, PDE's, or just about anything else, so much the better. The more you know, the more interesting the project will be. If you have taken Math 302 you can fully participate in our MEMS or self-assembly projects.