First Impressions of the Program

          I have to admit, when I was coming into this program back in January, I was a bit nervous.  At my last college I had heard, from other students, perceptions of what Iron Range Engineering was like.  From what I had heard, IRE’s program had a lack of direction and that due to the way the program is set up, that very little is learned.  However, after being a part of this program for a semester, I can confidently say that this isn't the case.  I will admit, initially, the program was hard to adapt to.  Going from a program that consisted of lectures that would last two to three hours, multiple times a week, to a program that uses, for the most part, one hour lectures a few times a week, was a drastic change for me.  However, after a few weeks in the program I realized why the program is set up the way it is; other programs that are made up of multiple hour lectures, give so much information that it is hard to determine which information is truly fundamental to understanding the subject being taught.  However, with IRE’s program the information being taught in these shorter lectures, or learning conversations, is information which is crucial to understanding the main concepts of that subject.  Most of the information learned applies directly to your group’s project.  This does require the students to do more independent research on the aspects not taught in lectures; but through this way of teaching, the waters aren't muddied by too much information, and it becomes clear which information is necessary knowledge and is needed for the core understanding of the subject.   With this type of educational guidance, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.  As a new student, as long as you apply yourself and understand the reasoning for the way the program is set up, you should have no issue completing the program and becoming a technical and professional engineer.

Written by Sterling Szymonowicz

Proofread by Justin Magnusen

Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) Update

In the spring semester of 2013, Iron Range Engineering started a student chapter of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME). Over the past three semesters, the number of students increased from 14 members to 21 members. Along with an increase in the amount of students, the amount of activities that the students participated in increased. This semester the students participated in; watching a mine blast at U.S. Steel’s Minntac site, a tour of Cliffs Hibbing Taconite facility, appearing in the SME video Iron in our Electric World, tour of the Soudan Mine, attended the SME National Conference, attended and volunteered at the Duluth SME Conference. During the semester some of the students also volunteered to design two obstacles for United Way’s Rampage at the Ridge event that will be held in the summer. As this semester comes to a close all of the executive members will be graduating. At the last bi-weekly meeting held during the semester, a vote was held to determine the new members of the executive board.  The new executive board for the Fall 2014 semester includes:

President – Kody Kamunen

Vice-President – James Wilson

Secretary – Brandy Maki

Treasurer - Matt Carlson

These new members of the executive board all have been members of the Iron Range Engineering chapter for a year now. As this semester comes to a close, the new members are being educated on the roles of each position by the exiting members of the executive board and look forward to the upcoming semester.

Written by Mike Carlson

Proofread by Michael Lynch

Sanford Mouse Project

Sanford Mouse Project

The Sanford Mouse Project is an ongoing collaboration from various individuals and Universities. I was given the opportunity to present the collaborative project with Tao Yang a student from North Dakota State University at the North Dakota Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Tao Yang (NDSU) and I presented our research and findings on cardiovascular dyssynchrony.  Our presentation contained a descriptive analysis of the endocardium radial displacement and radial strain from healthy and fibrotic mice. These new metrics allow regional dyssynchrony to be associated with regional fibrosis and quantification of global dyssynchrony, thereby creating a diagnostic tool that generates rapid noninvasive clinical diagnosis.

The EPSCoR was a wonderful experience. It was exciting to share our research and humbling to see what others are working on. Furthermore, through discussion at the EPSCoR we gained ideas for pattern recognition of our data.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Dan Ewert (NDSU), Dr. Greg Shearer (PSU), Julie Eclov (U of MN) and the remaining members of the Sanford mouse project and the staff of Iron Range Engineering for their guidance, support, and expertise.

-Todd Hanson

Reviewed by- Mike Carlson

Collaboration with other institutions and industry clients

As part of the educational experience here at IRE, students are able to work with mentors off campus to undertake competencies that wouldn’t otherwise be available. Over the course of this semester, several students, myself included, had the privilege of enrolling in a cardiovascular engineering course with Dr. Dan Ewert at North Dakota State University (NDSU). This course was held over teleconference meetings, where we were able to learn about cardiac function and the engineering principles behind it. It was fascinating to be able to apply the mechanical and electrical knowledge we had gained through other courses (e.g. fluid mechanics and electrical circuits) to a component of the body we all rely on. As with other IRE courses, we undertook a deep learning activity where we visited NDSU to participate in a cadaver lab. Using our working knowledge, we were also able to participate with the experimental cardiac research being conducted by graduate students.

One aspect that I think doesn't receive enough attention is the willingness of IRE to fulfill students’ academic ambitions by collaborating with other institutions and industry clients. Due to this collaboration, we as students are able to have an enriched and more diverse experience that I believe makes us unique.

- Kody Kamunen

Reviewed by Case Goodyear

SME Promotional Video Shoot

On Monday Jan. 20^th, 2014 three IRE students (who are also SME members), voluntarily attended a SME promotional video shoot at the United Taconite Forbes, MN facility. This video shoot was essentially a video recorded interview of knowledgeable college students answering questions regarding the mining process. Ultimately the video was designed to be informative for younger students interested in mining or mining based careers.

Each student was interviewed individually for about a half an hour, from a pool of questions (as well as unplanned questions) according to their knowledge base.  Some examples of questions asked are listed below:

1. Describe the overall goal of ore processing and how that relates (helps) to steel makers downstream.

2. In a few sentences describe the extraction of Taconite and Hematite.

3. Walk us quickly through the order of operations from crushing onward.

4. Tell us about the magnetic separators (general purpose)

5. What are some amazing facts/statistics about the mags?

6. What are the stages which happen after the mags (in chronological order) leading to pelletization and shipment?

7. Why is iron pelletized? (mobility)

8. What happens to the ore from a molecular standpoint during processing/beneficiation (this content will be useful to HS chemistry teachers, so mentioning of basic chemistry terms is great.) (diagrams will be created to illustrate the behavior of ore molecules and atoms as you speak)

9. Why is iron special and important to the world? (make sure to mention that it is the 2nd largest commodity in the world after oil)

10. Do you know what percent of iron production is used in: structural steel production, electrical purposes, other major uses?

11. Would you like to make any comments on geology? Why the Mesabi Range is special?

12. What are some cool things about working in iron mining? (possibly mention design/operation of immense machines, interesting problem solving (engineering), working in areas with great outdoor recreation nearby)

13. Define 'Gangue', what are the impurities left behind during the mag separation process and flotation process.

The YouTube video has not been made public yet, but should be available within a month. Please search “Iron in our electrical world” if you are interested in watching it.

Reviewed by Kody Kamunen

Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Opportunity

When I sent out invites to volunteer for 'Feed My Starving Children' event to pack food for starving children around the world, most people were interested but only a few could attend the morning opening. I therefore reserved another opening for another group and a total of 32 people showed up. Each time slot was 3 hours making it a total of 6 hours in one day.

We packed Manna pack rice which is a formula that includes rice, extruded soy nuggets, vitamins, minerals, a vegetarian flavoring, and dehydrated vegetables in small bags. A bag provides food for 6 meals. The bags were then loaded into a box that accommodates 36 bags.

Both groups packed a total of 82 boxes which is a total of 17,712 meals. This was enough food to feed 49 kids for a whole year. The food then departed for Haiti.

It was a great and fun experience especially because we did it for a good cause. 

Group 1

Group 2

                                                

Anne Mongare.

Proofread by Leon Peter Kyalo, non-IRE.

            Coming into Iron Range Engineering in the eighth generation of students, I was unsure of what to expect of the IRE experience. Having almost completed my first junior semester here at IRE, I have become much more comfortable in my new surroundings. I have my fellow students and especially my project team to thank for this. The IRE student body has been very friendly and has assisted me with becoming acclimated to the learning model here at IRE. From the very beginning, my project team helped guide me along and were open to questions any time that I asked for assistance in understanding a topic or the expectations of IRE students. When I come back in the fall for my second junior semester, I will be sure and repay the favor by assisting the next generation of students coming into the Iron Range Engineering program.

Proof read by: James Simpson.

ME Elecmetal and Barko tours.

On Friday April 25^th, IRE students took a trip to Duluth, MN and Superior, WI to tour two companies involved in manufacturing. The first tour was to the ME Elecmetal foundry in Duluth. Afterwards, students toured the Barko production facility in Superior, WI. 

ME Elecmetal foundry in Duluth produces metal castings, starting from raw material. Students were able to see first-hand the process that raw materials take while being converted into a usable product.  Students also had a chance to interact with engineers in the field, and discuss aspects of their jobs.

Barko specializes in building equipment used in tree harvesting and removal. Their location in Superior takes parts that were assembled elsewhere and combines it with in-house production to create a complete industrial vehicle, ready to be put into service. After touring the facility, and watching different models being produced, students had a chance to talk with the engineers and find out some of the necessary skills needed to perform their jobs.

Students gained valuable experience from both of these tours. By being able to see how a finished product is created from raw materials, students gained a better understanding of how their designs might be produced. Students were also able to see another form of production while touring the assembly plants. This information, along with being able to speak with real world engineers, provided students with valuable information that will serve them well both while in school and as they progress through their career.

Proofread by James Simpson

Team Fast Visit

On April 22nd the Baja team at Iron Range Engineering went on a tour of the Team Fast facility in Eveleth, MN. The company specializes in manufacturing custom snowmobiles and suspensions for other companies snowmobiles. This was a great experience for the team to learn more about suspension designs and relate this knowledge to the design project.

Iron Range Earth Fest is Saturday April 26

This Saturday April 26 is the 6th annual Iron Range Earth Fest. The event takes place from 9am to 4pm at the Mountain Iron Community Center, Merritt Elementary School, and Messiah Lutheran Church--on the Hwy 169 corridor across from Perkins restaurant in Mountain Iron. Please go to  http://irpsmn.org/events-3/ for a schedule of events. In addition to the events there is lunch and entertainment as well as a host of exhibitors to visit and converse with. Further, IRE's Aquaponics project group will be presenting their project. They will be in booth #54 in the gym at the Merritt Elementary School. If you attend, be sure to stop by and give them your support.

The Earth Fest, which is a "celebration of local traditions and practical resources for sustainable living" is hosted by the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability (IRPS). We, the Aquaponics Project Team, hope to see you there.

http://ironrangeearthfest.org/about/

Superior Rock Bit Company tour

On Thursday April 24th, several students from the Mechanical Design class at Iron Range Engineering went on a tour of Superior Rock Bit. The company specializes in manufacturing large drill bits used to dig blasting holes for the mines. This was a great experience that related the knowledge and skills we have leaned in class to real world applications and industry.

 

IRE presents at the Undergraduate Research Symposium

This past week, 11 Iron Range Engineering students traveled to the Minnesota State University Mankato campus to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. The students presented on various IRE projects including: Wireless Power Transfer for Cardiac Re-synchronization Therapy, Applying the Systems Engineering Principles to the Design Process of a Mobile Aquaponics System, Design of a Power Substation: Technical Learning in the Context of an Industry-Sponsored Project, Arc-Flash Study of a Manufacturing Facility in Northern Minnesota, and Sun-Tracking vs. Stationary Solar Panels.

More information can be found about the Undergraduate Research Symposium at http://www.mnsu.edu/urc/

Many students enjoyed a much needed break to visit Duluth for the weekend. The activities started with a trip to Vertical Endeavors for some rock climbing. Students enjoyed the climbing so much that IRE is now looking into building a bouldering wall at the school.

Other activities included visiting the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center and the Park Point Beach. Even though it was cold and windy, the view from the beach was amazing. The evening consisted of having dinner and experiencing the night life in Canal Park. Thanks to Jim for organizing the trip!

Soudan Underground Mine-Physics Lab Tour

On April 4^th, along with two instructors, thirteen SME students from the Iron Range Engineering chapter visited the Soudan Underground Mine State Park, and toured the physics laboratory that is located on the 27^th level of the mine. The idea to have a physics lab at the lowest level of the Soudan Mine all started when Dr. Marvin Marshak, a professor at the University of Minnesota, went on a tour at the Soudan Underground Mine and discovered this would be a perfect spot for his research. After discussions with the DNR, Marvin built the first lab called Soudan 1 on the 23^rd floor to study neutron decay.  After five years of study Marvin realized that the detectors needed to be much bigger and a lot more sensitive. So in 1986, the second physics lab, Soudan 2, was built to handle bigger and more sensitive equipment. Then in 1999, excavation for MINOS began and was finished 18 months later. The MINOS laboratory was built next to the Soudan 2 laboratory on the 27^th floor of the mine. This is the laboratory that the IRE students and faculty members were able to tour. The Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS) laboratory was built to study neutrinos as they pass through the Earth. The neutrinos are sent from Fermilab, located in Warrenville Illinois, which uses its high intensity particle beam to send new generations of neutrinos towards the Soudan laboratory daily.

The students learned much more information on the process of tracking neutrinos passing through the Earth and hitting the 6,000 ton detector located in the physics lab. The group was also amazed at how the laboratory was built a half a mile underground. Everything in the lab needed to be disassembled above ground, sent down the mine shaft, and re-assembled individually once it was brought down the shaft.

Figure 1: Students and faculty members standing in front of the 6,000 ton particle detector

Proofread by Mike Lynch

SME National Conference

In February, four students from Iron Range Engineering had the opportunity to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah for the national SME (Society of Mining and Metallurgical Exploration) conference. The students spent three days at the conference; networking, attending speakers, and learning more about mining all over the United States. One of the sessions the students attended was about leadership and project management. It made them feel good to know that professionals at the conference were teaching what they were hearing from the IRE faculty and staff. The time the students were not at the conference, they spent visiting the Salt Lake and eating fantastic food. It was a great experience for the students and they recommend that all students try and attend a conference of some sort as students before they attend one as professionals.

By: Kali O’Brien

Proofread by: Kate Olafson and Kylie Harer 

Trip to Seattle

Last week four IRE students traveled to Seattle for a teamwork building conference.  The conference took place above the Pike Place Fish Market, organized by bizFutures a company which helped make the Pike Place Fish Market world famous!

At the conference we were able to learn innovative tools to help us reach breakthroughs in our personal and professional lives.  As a part of this conference we received the once in a lifetime opportunity to help set up the Fish Market and work side by side with the world famous crew!

Post by: Kate Olafson
Edited by: Kylie Harer

Trampled by Turtles

 On March 28th, Iron Range Engineering students took a much needed break from the grind of engineering school. Students and faculty road tripped to the Sanford Center, located in Bemidji, MN, to watch the performance of Trampled by Turtles.  Trampled by Turtles is a local favorite, having their roots based in Duluth, MN.  The group has had much success, including 52 weeks straight in the Billboard Bluegrass Top 10.  They put on an amazing show, and many sounds of Trampled by Turtles are expected to be lingering about the project rooms at IRE.

    

Written by: Travis Eddy

Proofread by: Justin Magnusen