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Creative, scientific disciplines interact in YSU lab
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
Visual arts and engineering seem like opposite ends of the educational spectrum, but Youngstown State University students from those disciplines work together on projects in the Collaborative Learning Laboratory.
Ajax Tocco Magnethermic Corp. of Warren and Fireline Inc. of Youngstown were recognized Friday morning for contributions to the lab.
Ajax Tocco designed and installed an induction furnace in the sculpture studio of Bliss Hall. The equipment and installation is valued at about $150,000.
Fireline provided metal vessels for the furnace and has committed to continue supplying them to YSU.
A plaque bearing both companies’ names will be installed in Bliss Hall.
“Who would have thought you would have a collaboration of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] and art students,” YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson said in thanking both companies for their contributions.
Ted Burke, research and development manager at Ajax Tocco, explained that the company’s president, Thomas Illencik, wanted YSU students to help build the furnace. About 15 students worked on the project.
Bryan DePoy, dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts, said the lab allows engineering students who are considered analytical thinkers to work with artists, who often are more conceptual.
But Roger Jones, founder and chairman of the board of Fireline, said the idea of art and engineering merging is an easy concept for him.
“I would come to the sculpture department every night and have a wonderful time,” he said.
The CoLab started about four years ago by Greg Moring, an art professor, and Brian Vuksanovich, assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology.
“You have learning that is process and technique,” Moring said. “But what I think is more critical is learning how to work with others in collaboration as a team.”
That trans-discipline work will help students in the work place.
Bob Cope, who works in quality control at Ajax Tocco, and Eric Amerine, development engineer at the company, donned protective silver suits to demonstrate the equipment.
Bronze, heated to nearly 2,000 degrees, flowed like lava from the furnace into a vessel.