School of STEAM

Schlumberger , the world’s leading supplier of technology solutions in the oil and gas industry once again made a generous donation of their nearly $60 million software package to be used by Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering undergraduates at Saint Francis University. The donation provides 15 licenses and a maintenance contract for the next three years for different Schlumberger software products such as PETREL, ECLIPSE, PIPESIM, VISAGE, MEPO,INTERSECT, and MANGROVE. Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Seniors, Zach Rohland and John Sheesley, started working with the software PETREL in

Students in the Environmental Studies program can now apply their lessons in homesteading and sustainability in a newly built greenhouse—or its proper term, hoop house. The steel-framed, tented tunnel was built on the university grounds near Torvian Dining Hall—a fitting location, as the Torvian chefs will soon be cooking with the fresh produce grown inside the modern structure. Dr. Lauri Chose , Director of the Environmental Studies program, is looking forward to the many opportunities the hoop house will provide for her students. “It allows us to work with our growing seasons instead of

Dr. Alireza Shahkarami, Assistant Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering program, received a $70,000 grant from the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Petroleum Research Fund for Undergraduate Research. The three-year grant allows Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering students to conduct research titled “An Experimental Investigation of Microemulsion Phase Behavior at High Pressure and High Temperature Conditions.” Dr. Shahkarami’s research proposal aims to investigate the effect of the water/oil ratio, pressure, temperature, and oil composition on surfactant phase behavior.

Saint Francis University students looking to study abroad have another option this year to go global: spring break in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion for Biology students departs March 2nd and returns March 10th, 2018 and will fulfill a three credit Field Biology course requirement. Professors Dr. Gail Drus and Dr. Melissa Meadows will accompany ten students on the nine-day excursion. Before departing for the islands off the coast of Ecuador, students will research the ecology and learn about the conservation efforts. Once there, they will experience firsthand the stark differences in

A tiny house phenomenon is sweeping the nation. The typical American home is about 2,600 square feet, but more Americans are choosing to downsize into tiny homes with less than 400 square feet. Tiny houses enable people to live a smaller, simpler life in an efficient space. The idea to build a 160 square foot, tiny classroom was developed in the spring of 2017 by Allison Rohrs, Director for the Institute of Energy at Saint Francis University. “The idea is to utilize the tiny house model in order to educate students and the community about renewable energy, efficient living and producing a

More than 530 high school students from 30 local schools celebrated science on the Saint Francis University campus for the 24th Annual Science Day event. Dr. Pete Skoner , Professor of Physics and Science Day organizer, started the morning off with the inspiring story of Maurice Stokes and Jack Twyman and the “Become That Someone” theme embraced by the University. New this year, Dr. Skoner invited students to “Become That Scientist” on Instagram throughout the day to share their science day experiences. Participants chose from a variety of prizes at the end of the day. Hands-on Science

Saint Francis University hosted the 7th Annual Student Research Day on November 16th in the John F. Kennedy Student Center. Fifty-four posters and four talks were presented by students from all majors. The event gave students an opportunity to showcase and discuss their research with the university community .

Meet Dr. Michael Cosh ‘95, a 2017 winner of an Arthur S. Flemming Award , a national award given to federal government employees who are committed to public service. Using satellites to improve soil moisture measurements, Cosh’s research allows for better crop yield, and wildfire projections, as well as improvements in predicting weather. As a Research Hydrologist, Dr. Cosh is a major contributor to NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission and ESA’s Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity mission. His research led to a data set for the verification of an essential climate variable. The application of

The Saint Francis SCUBA Club volunteered on SFU’s annual R.E.D. (Reaching Every Door) Day to clean up the lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park. Nine students under the direction of Master SCUBA Diver Trainers, Nick Weakland and Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald donned wet and dry suits to dive into a portion of Glendale Lake practicing their search and rescue skills to remove any trash or unnatural debris polluting the beautiful park. R.E.D. Day is an annual day of service in which our students go into local communities to show appreciation for their support by giving of their time and talents. Students

The Saint Francis University Engineering Department hosted its’ 2nd Annual “Meet and Greet” networking event last Thursday to connect current engineering majors with successful engineering professionals. At the event, students and faculty enjoyed a one-on-one opportunity to listen and learn about responsibilities, workflow and management from engineering professionals working in the field. Kelsea Green , Engineering Laboratory Manager and Instructor at SFU who organized the event this year says, “The event provided students with experience speaking professionally and networking in a casual