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WCU Stories

Sinus device

WCU engineering program partners with healthcare provider for sinus device patent

What started as a project concept ended up coming full circle for one Western Carolina University alumna.   

Gretchen Dietz working with engineering students

WCU launches engineering discovery program with new director Gretchen Dietz

Upbeat music plays as students walk into an introductory engineering class with Western Carolina University faculty member Gretchen Dietz, who smiles as she checks in with students: “How’s everyone doing? Any fun facts to share? Today, we are 3D CAD modeling. Does anyone already know how? Let’s use this knowledge to help your classmates and learn from each other!”  

Kennedy and Hardin with potable energy model

Electrical engineering students create a portable energy model for Duke Energy

Ben Griffith and Hardin Kennedy, two seniors majoring in electrical engineering at Western Carolina University, have created a portable educational model for Duke Energy.   

Bora Karayaka

WCU professor secures $3 million in scholarships for students entering nuclear engineering field

Bora Karayaka, a professor at Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology, has secured $3 million in scholarship funding from the Department of Energy through the University Nuclear Leadership Program.  

machine shop at wcu

College of Engineering and Technology awarded $524,000 grant from IACMI to fund machining education

Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology recently received a $524,000 grant from the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation to fund a computer numerical control (CNC) machining program.  

CM student with Jim Dean

WCU students plan and build outdoor steps for HOMEBASE

Western Carolina University construction management students planned and built a set of frame-and-gravel steps into a hillside this fall for HOMEBASE at Western Carolina, a campus ministry serving students who need physical, emotional or spiritual support.   

Chris and Josh

College of Engineering and Technology hosts German exchange student for research collaboration

Western Carolina University is hosting Christopher Reinsch, a graduate student from the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld of the Trier University of Applied Sciences in Germany, for a month-long exchange program with the WCU College of Engineering and Technology.   

WCU students with Brown Haven Homes reps

WCU Construction Management Students Partner with Community Leaders to Support Project FIRE

Western Carolina University construction management students planned and built four shelters this fall for Project FIRE, which gives firewood to low-income, elderly Jackson County residents who rely on it for heat.  

Bora Karayaka and students

WCU’s Karayaka, Yu receive $45K grant for research

Western Carolina University College of Engineering and Technology professor Bora Karayaka knew it was a shot in the dark — but that shot ended up paying off.  

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