UWM mechanical engineering junior Jenna Van Hoogstraten took home first prize at a national competition showcasing original casting research.
The competition—the International Journal of Metalcasting’s-Foundry Education Foundation Student Research Competition—was part of the American Foundry Society’s Metalcasting Congress, held April 26 in Cleveland.
Van Hoogstraten also was awarded a $2,000 cash prize for her groundbreaking study, which focused on the effect of cooling rates on the microstructure and physical properties of hypereutectic Al-Ce alloys. The research garnered a lot of interest at the conference, which brought together professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends and advancements shaping the metalcasting industry.
Van Hoogstraten conducted her research in UWM’s Foundry lab under the supervision of Pradeep Rohatgi, UWM distinguished professor in materials science & engineering, biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering, and Swaroop Behera, a doctoral student in the Materials Science & Engineering Department. This research was funded by UWM’s Support for Undergraduate Fellows Program.
In addition to this award, she has also received Foundry Education Foundation Scholarships throughout her time at UWM.
Her study has been accepted for publication by the International Journal of Metalcasting and will be included in AFS Transactions, an AFS publication.
At UWM, Hoosgtraten presented her research at the campuswide Undergraduate Research Symposium in late April and took home one of 23 Outstanding Presentation awards.