The Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics hosted the 2005 Joint Meeting of the US Sections of the Combustion Institute from March 20-23, 2005. The event was held on the campus of Drexel University and was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Army Research Office, and Drexel University's College of Engineering.

There were 438 total attendees at the conference, of which included distinguished faculty, students and engineering professionals from across the country. The symposium included a variety of technical sessions on emissions fuels, energy autonomy, and new technologies for energy conservation.

A variety of social events were held throughout the duration of the symposium. A Welcome Reception was held for attendees on Sunday, March 20 in Behrakis Grand Hall and featured a unique Philadelphia-style treat: a troupe of Mummers performed classic Philadelphia string band favorites for the crowd! On Monday evening, an optional sit-down banquet was held at The Down Town Club of Philadelphia where conference-goers could enjoy a taste of the fine cuisine that Philadelphia has to offer. Students attending the conference were given the opportunity to network and learn more about combustion research at the GE Job Fair & Combustion Research Overview held in the Hill Conference Room. The week's events concluded with a Poster Session Reception on Tuesday in the newly unveiled Bossone Research Center, followed by various tours throughout the Hess Combustion Laboratories as well as the Drexel Plasma Institute.

The conference was a complete success and the MEM department would like to thank the entire faculty, staff and students involved with the planning and execution of the conference!

If you are interested in obtaining more information on the on the 2005 Joint States Combustion Symposium, please visit the website http://www.mem.drexel.edu/ci2005 or contact Colleen M. Rzucidlo, Program Coordinator for the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics at 215-895-1482 or crzucidlo@coe.drexel.edu.