Dr. Prasoon Diwakar leads the Laser Plasma Lab in the ME Department at Mines. Thanks to the Stensaas Lab Endowment, he was able to purchase two cold plasma lasers to allow more students to have hands-on experiences in the lab. Mines student Taylor Bright is expanding his research on using cold plasma to target cancer cells to treating wounds on Type II Diabetes patients, applying engineering concepts to biology and health areas.
Over the years, Aaron Lalley and Chuck Shilling have seen tremendous changes to the labs in the ME department. From the first saw in the machine shop to the first CNC machines, they understand the importance of project-based learning on industrial equipment. They both agree however, that the greatest strength of the department are our smart, curious, and tenacious Mines students!
Elden Stensaas began his 36-year career at South Dakota Mines in 1938 teaching mechanical engineering classes at a time when the campus was still heated by steam engine. After serving as a civilian instructor in the Air Force Tech Training Program during World War II, Stensaas became the first Professor and Head of the newly formed Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1946, where he was provided no equipment and worked in a former government surplus barracks. Having once taught every class in the department during a single semester, Stensaas eventually grew the Mechanical Engineering Department into the largest on campus, earning the admiration of students and faculty for his openness, engagement, and active involvement in activities such as the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.