2011-2012 Bulletin – PDF - SEAS Bulletin - Columbia University

processing for sample preparation and
analysis. (Yao)
A technology that couples the
power of multidimensional microscopy
(three spatial dimensions, time, and
multiple wavelengths) with that of
DNA array technology is investigated
in an NIH-funded project. Specifically,
a system is developed in which
individual cells selected on the
basis of optically detectable multiple
features at critical time points in
dynamic processes can be rapidly
and robotically micromanipulated into
reaction chambers to permit amplified
DNA synthesis and subsequent array
analysis. Customized image processing
and pattern recognition techniques
are developed, including Fisher’s
linear discriminant preprocessing with
neural net, a support vector machine
with improved training, multiclass cell
detection with error correcting output
coding, and kernel principal component
analysis. (Yao)
Facilities for Teaching and Research
The undergraduate laboratories,
occupying an area of approximately
6,000 square feet of floor space, are
the site of experiments ranging in
complexity from basic instrumentation
and fundamental exercises to advanced
experiments in such diverse areas as
automatic controls, heat transfer, fluid
mechanics, stress analysis, vibrations,
microcomputer-based data acquisition,
and control of mechanical systems.
Equipment includes microcomputers
and microprocessors, analog-to-digital
and digital-to-analog converters,
lasers and optics for holography
and interferometry, a laser-Doppler
velocimetry system, a Schlieren
system, dynamic strain indicators, a
servohydraulic material testing machine,
a photoelastic testing machine,
an internal combustion engine, a
dynamometer, subsonic and supersonic
wind tunnels, a cryogenic apparatus,
computer numerically controlled vertical
machine centers (VMC), a coordinate
measurement machine (CMM), and
a rapid prototyping system. A CNC
wire electrical discharge machine
(EDM) is also available for the use of
specialized projects for students with
prior arrangement. The undergraduate
laboratory also houses experimental
setups for the understanding and
performance evaluation of a complete
small steam power generation system,
a heat exchanger, a solar cell system,
a fuel cell system, and a compressor.
Part of the undergraduate laboratory is
a staffed machine shop with machining
tools such as standard vertical milling
machines, engine and bench lathes,
programmable surface grinder, band
saw, drill press, tool grinders, and a
power hacksaw. The shop also has a
tig welder.
A mechatronics laboratory affords
the opportunity for hands-on experience
with microcomputer-embedded control
of electromechanical systems. Facilities
for the construction and testing of
analog and digital electronic circuits
aid the students in learning the basic
components of the microcomputer
architecture. The laboratory is divided
into work centers for two-person
student laboratory teams. Each work
center is equipped with several power
supplies (for low-power electronics
and higher power control), a function
generator, a multimeter, a protoboard
for building circuits, a microcomputer
circuit board (which includes the
microcomputer and peripheral
components), a microcomputer
programmer, and a personal computer
that contains a data acquisition board.
The data acquisition system serves
as an oscilloscope, additional function
generator, and spectrum analyzer for
the student team. The computer also
contains a complete microcomputer
software development system, including
editor, assembler, simulator, debugger,
and C compiler. The laboratory
is also equipped with a portable
oscilloscope, an EPROM eraser (to
erase microcomputer programs from the
erasable chips), a logic probe, and an
analog filter bank that the student teams
share, as well as a stock of analog and
digital electronic components.
The department maintains a modern
computer-aided design laboratory
equipped with fifteen Silicon Graphics
workstations and software tools. The
research facilities are located within
individual or group research laboratories
in the department, and these facilities
are being continually upgraded. To view
the current research capabilities please
visit the various laboratories within the
research section of the department
website. The students and staff of the
department can, by prior arrangement,
use much of the equipment in these
research facilities. Through their
participation in the NSF-MRSEC
center, the faculty also have access to
shared instrumentation and the clean
room located in the Schapiro Center
for Engineering and Physical Science
Research. Columbia University’s
extensive library system has superb
scientific and technical collections.
E-mail and computing services are
maintained by Columbia University
Information Technology (CUIT) (http://
www.columbia.edu/cuit).
undergraduate program
The objectives of the undergraduate
program in mechanical engineering are
as follows:
The Mechanical Engineering
Department at Columbia University is
dedicated to graduating mechanical
engineers who:
1. Practice mechanical engineering in a
broad range of industries
2. Pursue advanced education, research
and development, and other creative
and innovative efforts in science,
engineering, and technology, as well
as other professional careers
3. Conduct themselves in a responsible,
professional, and ethical manner
4. Participate as leaders in their fields of
expertise and in activities that support
service and economic development
nationally and throughout the world
Highly qualified students are
permitted to pursue an honors course
consisting of independent study under
the guidance of a member of the faculty.
Upon graduation the student may
wish to enter employment in industry
or government, or continue with
graduate study. Alternatively, training in
mechanical engineering may be viewed
as a basis for a career in business,
patent law, medicine, or management.
Thus, the department’s undergraduate
program provides a sound foundation
for a variety of professional endeavors.
The program in mechanical
engineering leading to the B.S. degree
is accredited by the Engineering
Accreditation Commission of the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and
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engineering 2011–2012