ARI Showcase Reception

In recognition of the growth in Virginia Tech's research programs in Northern Virginia, the president's office held a reception at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center October 3, 2002.

The reception showcased research from the Alexandria Research Institute (ARI) and other centers in Northern Virginia.  The ARI presented 11 research projects / initiatives and specific information concerning the ARI.

The ARI presentation included information about the institute’s mission to be a leader in fostering a culture of innovative research, new technology development, high-tech manpower training and lifelong learning, and to be utilized as a catalyst to help Northern Virginia become an internationally recognized center of engineering research and development.

ARI partners with industry, other local universities and government laboratories to engage in multi-disciplinary projects of regional, state, national and global significance.

One of the presentations at the event was “Powering the Last Mile” submitted by Manisa Pipattanasomporn. This presentation, a research dissertation, discussed information and communication technologies or ICTs.

Pipattanasomporn said the development of ICTs in developing countries has the potential to improve the quality of life.  ICTs empower residents with access to basic communication services, such as Internet, thus opening new opportunities for knowledge and distance education.

The guest of honor, Congressman Jim Moran, who serves on the House of Representatives Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, was in attendance. In his speech, he deemed Virginia Tech’s current research as innovative and impressive. And, specifically mentioned two projects professors and students at the ARI are researching, including geothermal heat pumps for Virginia schools K-12, and the mechanical engineering department’s efforts to foster relations with industries in the area. 

Also in attendance were State Senator Patsy Ticer, Delegate Marian VanLandingham, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger, invited guests and other university researchers and administrators.

Mechanical Engineering Department Head, Walter O'Brien, left, presents John Sparks,  Atlantic Research Corporation, with a Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering pen.

Click on poster for full view

Left to Right: Merwin Jones, Mirant; John Pohl, ARI professor; Walter O'Brien,  ME Department Head; and Arthur L. Smookler, Geo-Centers

ARI's Mechanical Engineering Department Reception

To renew contact with and meet mechanical engineering alumni who live and work in the Greater Capital area, the Mechanical Engineering Department held a reception Monday, October 21, 2002 at the ARI.

The keynote speaker, Mechanical Engineering Department Head, Walter O'Brien, gave a brief overview of recent departmental activities and his perspective of the future in mechanical engineering in both Alexandria and Blacksburg. 

O'Brien also discussed the latest departmental and college rankings, the results of the recent student car team competitions and the needs of the upcoming College Annual Fund.

For more information, please contact Eugene Brown or John Pohl  or visit http://www.ari.vt.edu/mechshow.htm