2008 Woodie Awards
Student Technology Organization Engraves Their Place at UCM
Michelle Wood: Muleskinner
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Features
The Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) is paying its own way to conferences and other activities, thanks to its purchase of a laser engraving system used for fundraising efforts.
The laser is located in Grinstead and is an automated tool with an automated manufacturing program. It takes images created on a computer and engraves them onto a surface.
The idea for this system came about when someone asked TECA to engrave something for them. After the organization applied for the laser with the University, TECA received it and became a certified vendor. The laser is also part of the curriculum because about 25 to 30 percent of high schools in Missouri have one, and it provides good training for students.
Aaron Dalton, graduate student in technology education and president of TECA, said he has an advantage because he has experience using the laser.
"I will use it in the classroom to teach the students and there will most likely be a laser in the high school I work at," Dalton said.
Jeff Mullen, junior technology education major, said he is positive having experience with the laser will help him in his professional career.
"[The laser] will be a vital asset because most schools love to have somebody that knows how to use laser engravers," Mullen said.
Ben Yates, assistant professor in the department of career and technology education and faculty advisor for TECA, said just about anything can be engraved using the laser.
"It's basically like a printer," Yates said. "It can engrave many surfaces including, wood, aluminum, glass, ceramic tile and brass plates."
Although the department has had the laser for a little over a year, projects did not really get going until this semester.
Yates said TECA has made nametags, room numbers and plaques for fraternities, sororities, different departments on campus and one for Magic Johnson when he visited campus. He said most of the jobs have just been lettering, but graphics can be done, as well.
The laser is located in Grinstead and is an automated tool with an automated manufacturing program. It takes images created on a computer and engraves them onto a surface.
The idea for this system came about when someone asked TECA to engrave something for them. After the organization applied for the laser with the University, TECA received it and became a certified vendor. The laser is also part of the curriculum because about 25 to 30 percent of high schools in Missouri have one, and it provides good training for students.
Aaron Dalton, graduate student in technology education and president of TECA, said he has an advantage because he has experience using the laser.
"I will use it in the classroom to teach the students and there will most likely be a laser in the high school I work at," Dalton said.
Jeff Mullen, junior technology education major, said he is positive having experience with the laser will help him in his professional career.
"[The laser] will be a vital asset because most schools love to have somebody that knows how to use laser engravers," Mullen said.
Ben Yates, assistant professor in the department of career and technology education and faculty advisor for TECA, said just about anything can be engraved using the laser.
"It's basically like a printer," Yates said. "It can engrave many surfaces including, wood, aluminum, glass, ceramic tile and brass plates."
Although the department has had the laser for a little over a year, projects did not really get going until this semester.
Yates said TECA has made nametags, room numbers and plaques for fraternities, sororities, different departments on campus and one for Magic Johnson when he visited campus. He said most of the jobs have just been lettering, but graphics can be done, as well.
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