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College of Engineering news

PhD student Katherine Heidi Fehr and Associate Professor Peter Adamczyk conduct a 3D scan of a shoe outside
September 11, 2024

Out of the lab and onto the pavement: With wearable sensor, researchers study daily walking to mitigate tripping

Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands that count a person’s steps are ubiquitous today. Using a similar type of wearable sensor, University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have developed a new…

Phillip A Levy Engineering Center spelled out on the entrance of the new UW-Madison College of Engineering Building
September 11, 2024

With $75 million gift for new UW-Madison engineering building, brothers’ impact spans generations and transcends campus boundaries

A historic $75 million gift will fuel construction of a much-needed new engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With their lead gift—the largest single gift in college history—brothers and…

Associate Professor James Pikul, far right, with members of his research lab
September 10, 2024

Borrowing from biology, new liquid batteries store oxygen like blood to power robots

The human body’s circulatory system pumps oxygen and glucose to trillions of cells, providing them with essential energy and nutrients. Inspired by the body’s example, a team led by James…

A schematic from a study investigating the compaction and relaxation behavior of composite reverse osmosis polyamide selective layers
August 30, 2024

Study reveals membrane behavior impacting water-purification performance

Desalination can help provide much-needed freshwater to communities lacking access, but the process can be difficult at scale. Now, scientists have discovered one of the reasons behind that difficulty. Roughly…

Weiyu Li
August 14, 2024

Focus on new faculty: Weiyu Li harnesses computational modeling to enhance energy sustainability

To enable electric vehicles with greater range and electrified aviation, we need batteries with increased energy density that are safer and can last longer. Weiyu Li is leveraging her expertise…

Consortium for Holistic Steel Systems members John Klein, Hannah Blum, Andrea Hicks and Thomas Sputo
June 27, 2024

With a strong foundation, new steel consortium at UW-Madison blends sustainability with structural integrity

A new research consortium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison leverages structural engineering research excellence and the applied experience of industrial partners. Hannah Blum, an associate professor of civil and environmental…

A multifunctional sensing sticker
June 19, 2024

Printed sensors in soil could help farmers improve crop yields and save money

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have developed low-cost sensors that allow for real-time, continuous monitoring of nitrate in soil types that are common in Wisconsin. These printed electrochemical sensors could enable…

UW Crest with engineering background
June 14, 2024

Researchers distill the facts of a chemical separation process (and upend a decades-old theory)

Since it was developed a few decades ago, the chemical separation process of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN), has drawn attention for its potential to revolutionize vital industries, including those in…

Christian Franck discusses traumatic brain injuries in an interview
June 7, 2024

Ask an expert: Franck breaks down blast and bump injuries to the brain

Christian Franck is the Bjorn Borgen Professor of mechanical engineering. He studies traumatic brain injuries and leads the multi-institutional, interdisciplinary PANTHER research initiative. PANTHER’s work focuses on understanding, detecting and…

WiscWind team members demonstrate their wind turbine during 2024 Collegiate Wind Competition
May 21, 2024

Offshore wind: UW–Madison undergrads win national award with design for floating wind turbines on Lake Michigan

Winds on the Great Lakes could provide more than enough clean energy to meet the needs of the eight bordering states, yet logistical, social, and environmental challenges have stymied development…