Starting with a pile of rebar and some bags of concrete, the Big Beam Team is engaged in a real-world competition designed to test their knowledge before they enter the workforce by participating in the Engineering Student Design Competition, sponsored by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). The contest is designed to help Civil Engineering students gain the knowledge to design and build concrete girders for bridges.

The students must design and build a 15-foot long concrete beam capable of supporting a minimum load over its span. After the beam is built and cured, the team completes a load test and writes a final report for submission. Their beam design is judged based on accuracy, cost of construction, overall weight, largest measured deflection before failure, most accurate prediction of applied load, cracking load and deflection at maximum load. They are also judged on the quality of their report and the practicality, innovation and conformance to code.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ganesh Thiagarajan

Members of the American Concrete Institute Student Chapter (ACI) have the opportunity to participate in the Concrete Bowling Team and compete against other universities.  While concrete bowling is the flagship competition for this team, they compete in a different concrete competition every semester, testing their skills and knowledge in a variety of areas.  These competitions focus on construction, and on the workability, flowability, and stability of mortar mixtures.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. John Kevern

As part of the Design Build Institute of America Student Chapter (DBIA), students also have the opportunity to participate in their competition team.  The DBIA competitions bring together teams from various universities to compete against each other in a solution-based design contest.  These competitions test their skills and ability to create and deliver design solutions for proposed facilities.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ceki Halmen

Human Powered Vehicles are aerodynamic, highly engineered transport vehicles that encompass the use of only human muscles as their source of power and not motorization. These vehicles can travel on land, water or in the air.

Every year, a team of Mechanical Engineering Students participate in the single rider vehicle class of the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC), sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gregory King

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world’s largest scientific and educational computing society. The International Collegiate Programming Contest pits teams assembled at various universities against each other to solve algorithmic programming problems. The contest fosters creativity, teamwork, and innovation in building new software programs, and enables students to test their ability to perform under pressure.

Faculty Advisor: Brian Hare

Members of the Robotics Team compete against other university teams for prizes at the national Robotics Competitions. For many years the team competed at the IEEE Region 5 Business Meeting and Student Conference  but in 2019, began competing at the National Robotics Competition in Marion, Ohio.

Faculty Advisor: Gina Campbell

UMKC’s School of Computing and Engineering Steel Bridge team, the SteelRoos, competes in the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) National Student Steel Bridge Competition every year. This inter-collegiate challenge requires civil engineering students to design, fabricate and construct a steel bridge. Conference competitions are held in conjunction with the eighteen ASCE conferences. Winners and first runners-up from most conferences are invited to compete at the national level.

Faculty Advisor: Ganesh Thiagarajan, Ph.D., P.E.

Association for Computing Machinery 

Mission

ACM is an educational and scientific society uniting the world’s computing educators, researchers and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources and address the field’s challenges. ACM strengthens the profession’s collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.

Activities

The UMKC chapter of ACM participates in the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), the CCSC Programming Competition, and most recently, the IEEEXtreme Programming Competition. In addition, the ACM Student Chapter also hosts weekly Programming Practices and semesterly Nerd Nights, and Book Sales. They also bring in technical speakers and tour local companies.

Faculty Advisor: Brian Hare

Interesting Facts

The Association for Computing Machinery, or ACM, was founded in 1947 as the world’s first scientific and educational computing society. Its membership was approximately 83,000 as of 2007 and is headquartered in New York City. ACM is organized into over 170 local chapters and 35 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), through which it conducts most of its activities. Additionally, there are over 500 college and university chapters. The first student chapter was founded in 1961 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Many of the SIGs, like SIGGRAPH, SIGPLAN, SIGCSE and SIGCOMM, sponsor regular conferences which have become famous as the dominant venue for presenting new innovations in certain fields. The groups also publish a large number of specialized journals, magazines, and newsletters. ACM also sponsors other computer science related events such as the worldwide ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), and has sponsored some other events such as the chess match between Garry Kasparov and the IBM Deep Blue computer.

American Public Works Association

Mission

The American Public Works Association (APWA) exists to develop and support the people, agencies, and organizations that plan, build, maintain, and improve our communities. Working together, APWA and its membership contribute to a higher and sustainable quality of life. The Student Chapter of APWA exists to bridge the gap between UMKC students and professionals through internships, mentorships, networking, and full-time opportunities and bring awareness of Public Works to UMKC students.

Activities

The UMKC student chapter of ASCE hosts value-added events for student members and non members including construction site tours, resume and interview workshops, meet-and-greets with APWA professionals, young professional combined events, annual student chapter Trivia Night, informational sessions on local public works projects.

Faculty Advisor: Ganesh Thiagarajan

American Society of Civil Engineers

Mission

ASCE’s mission is to provide essential value to its members and their careers, to its partners and to the public. ASCE seeks to provide value by developing leadership skills in its members and supporting civil engineer leaders, facilitating advancement of the technology utilized by the profession, encouraging and providing tools for lifelong learning within the profession, advocating infrastructure and environmental stewardship, and promoting professionalism and the civil engineering profession.

Activities

The UMKC chapter of ASCE participates in the annual ASCE Steel Bridge competition. The UMKC chapter of ASCE is also very involved with the local Kansas City chapter by participating in several community service projects, attending the Annual Civil Engineering Conference, and the Mid-Continent Conference.

In 2015, the UMKC ASCE student chapter will be hosting the National Student Steel Bridge Competition.  For more information, visit the competition website.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. John Kevern

Interesting Facts

Our Steel Bridge team, the SteelRoos, have placed first the last four years at the regional competition, and placed in the top 15 the last two years at nationals. ASCE is the oldest national engineering society in the United States. Founded in 1852 with 12 members, the Society was created to distribute information among engineers who were building the roads, canals, bridges and railroads of a rapidly expanding nation. ASCE is a way for civil engineering students to meet with peers, prospective employers and professors. The ASCE Student Chapter holds monthly meetings in which we host other groups whether it is student or local chapter groups.

Design-Build Institute of America

Mission

The purpose of the Design-Build Institute of America Student Chapter is to the promote the value of design-build project delivery and teaches the effective integration of design and construction services to ensure success for owners and design and construction practitioners.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ceki Halmen

Engineers Without Borders

Mission

Engineers Without Borders – USA supports community-driven development programs worldwide through the design and implementation of sustainable engineering projects, while fostering responsible leadership. Our vision is a world in which all communities have the capacity to meet their basic human needs.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Antonis Stylianou

Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers

Mission

The purpose of this organization is to disseminate information relative to the theory and practice of all aspects of electrical engineering, electronics, allied branches of engineering, or related to computer sciences, as well as the advancement of the professional development of the student. The organization and operation of this student chapter shall be in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the IEEE.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ahmed Hassan

Missouri/National Society of Professional Engineers

Mission

The object of this organization shall be to develop and maintain the beginning student’s interest in the engineering profession, to develop the student’s understanding of the professional aspects of engineering, and to direct the graduating senior toward definite steps to obtain professional status through certification and registration.

Advisor: Jane Vogl

National Society of Black Engineers

Mission

NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

Activities

The Kansas City NSBE Jr. Program is designed to stimulate the interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, or STEM. The goal is to encourage students in grades 9-12 to attend college and pursue technical degrees. Our NSBE Jr. Program provides activities to help students discover firsthand how engineering and technology relate to the world around them and discover the excitement of academic excellence, leadership, technical development and teamwork.

Advisor: Selena Albert

Interesting Facts

The symbol of NSBE has been given great thought and consideration. The torch symbolizes members’ everlasting, burning desire to achieve success in a competitive society and positively affect the quality of life for all people. The lightning bolt represents the striking impact that will be felt by the society and industry due to the contributions and accomplishments made by the dedicated members of the National Society of Black Engineers. NSBE has over 31,000 members. NSBE has 99 active NSBE Jr. pre-college, 250 student and 68 alumni/technical professional chapters. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., NSBE offers academic excellence programs, scholarships, leadership training, professional development and access to career opportunities for thousands of members annually. With over 2000 elected leadership positions, 18 regional conferences and an annual convention, NSBE provides opportunities for success that remain unmatched by any other organization.

School of Computing and Engineering Student Council

Mission

The purpose of this organization is to represent, support, and provide an orderly method for government that represents all students duly enrolled in the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Activities

The council promotes engagement and unity for the SCE students by hosting events to bring the student body together. Student Council also partners with student affairs to put on E-Week each year.

How to Join

For freshmen interested in joining Student Council, visit the SCE Student Council RooGroups page to inquire about the Freshmen Liaison position.  This position serves on the SCE Student Council and is the President of the SCE Freshmen Council.

The SCE Freshmen Council represents and supports the enrolled freshmen class in the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  If you are interested in joining the SCE Freshmen Council, visit the SCE Freshmen Council RooGroups page.

Advisors: Darian Johnson Potts & Jason Foster

Society of Automotive Engineers

Mission

To provide students with real-world engineering experience. The whole experience of the buggy relates to what students will face in their engineering careers: Design, manufacture, problem solving, and time management, working with a team, budgets, and networking skills (just to name a few).

Activities

The Baja Buggy Team competes annually at national and international competitions sponsored by SAE. Team members design, build and race a new car each year.

Faculty Advisor: Antonis Stylianou

Society of American Military Engineers

Mission

The purpose of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Student Chapter is to promote the mission and values of SAME through the networking of college students and industry professionals and government professionals.

These goals will be conducted through active participation of Student Chapter members:

• Lead efforts to foster trust and understanding through communications and collaboration among military, public, private, academic, and professional organizations.
• Leverage SAME’s culture of service to develop sustainable growth of students for professional professions.
• Develop opportunities and resources to train, educate, and promote professional growth of students.
• Contribute to government and private sectors at student appropriate levels to minimize the impacts of and enhance effective response to natural or man-made threats.
• Establishing partnerships with other Student Organizations in collaboration of outreach and professional student growth.

Faculty Advisor: Christina Davis

Structural Engineer’s Association of Kansas & Missouri

Mission

The purpose of the Structural Engineer’s Association of Kansas & Missouri Student Chapter is to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public with respect to the design, analysis, construction and inspection of structures by improving the practice of structural engineering.

These goals will be achieved by:

• Serving as the collective voice for structural engineers in Kansas and Missouri.
• Advancing the technical competence of structural engineers through seminars, meetings and other programs.
• Aiding structural engineers in the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to employ successful professional, business and administrative practices.
• Establishing and maintaining a network of structural engineers to exchange and disseminate information of common interest.
• Aiding in the adequate educational preparation of students in Kansas and Missouri who intend on becoming practicing structural engineers upon graduation.

Faculty Advisor: Ganesh Thiagarajan

Society of Women Engineers

Mission

To “stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and to demonstrate the value of diversity.” SWE preserves its historical heritage through collections that document the national organization’s origins, activities, and members. These collections reflect our main focuses on: career guidance, using conferences, scholarships, awards and other programs to encourage women to enter or return to the engineering profession and to attain high levels of educational and professional achievement; publicizing the role of women in engineering, placing them in engineering jobs and promoting them in industry and professional circles; serving as a center of information on women in engineering; and allying itself with other organizations to promote equal opportunities and equal rights for women.

Faculty Advisors: Megan Hart, Ph.D. & Sarvenaz Sobhansarbandi, Ph.D.

Biomedical Engineering Society

Mission

The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is the world’s leading society of professionals devoted to developing and using engineering and technology to advance human health and well-being. Our mission is to promote education and professional development to engineering, medical, and academic communities at large with specific activities designed to communicate recent advances, discoveries, and inventions.

Activities

BMES is your connection to the latest in research and bioengineering advances in technology from the worlds leading investigators. The Society also keeps you connected to your peers through professional development, networking, and industry events.

At UMKC we plan to:

• Educate our members on the latest advancements, technologies, and findings in the biomedical engineering field in an engaging manner.
• Allow members to network with relevant industry professionals and other members.
• Host workshops that will professionally develop its members as well as give opportunities for leadership positions.

Faculty Advisors: Ganesh Thiagarajan

The Experimental Rocketry Club

Mission

The Experimental Rocketry Club aims to provide a fun and exciting way for students to collaborate on projects that require use of fundamental engineering practices. Rockets are a symbol of engineering prowess, and the experimental rocketry club is a great way to help develop technical competence. In an attempt to build a skyward rocket around varying requirements for different competitions, coupled with creating unique payloads, the Experimental Rocketry Club is a fun way for students to team up and create something powerful.

Bachelors of Information Technology Club

Mission

The purpose of the organization is to help future Systems and Network Engineers prepare for certifications and other IT, Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering career fields such as MySql Database Administration, UNIX, CCNA, CCNP, CISSP and other IT/CS Network Engineering certifications and to help the Computer Scientist who isn’t pursuing a career in Software Engineering gain knowledge, training aids, and support for the transition from college to his/her career.

Faculty Advisor: Kendall Bingham

Computer Networks and Communication Systems Doctoral Student Organization

Mission

• Increase cooperation between the Ph.D. students with major or co-discipline in Computer Networks and Communication Systems.
• Assist students to better represent UMKC in national and international conferences.
• Improve the experience of learning and teaching by providing specific training for doctoral students.
• Celebrate achievements of its members.

Faculty Advisor: Cory Beard, Ph.D.