Spotlight: Bryce Campbell

Year: Freshman
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Mathematics

Why did you choose Drexel University?

The first reason was that I was given a full tuition scholarship.  A close second was the renown co-op.  I like the idea of having numerous co-op opportunities available to me.

What made you choose Mechanical Engineering as a major?

Ever since I was a child, I have been taking things apart and trying to figure out how they work.  Mechanical Engineering will simply let me do this for a profession.

Are you in an accelerated degree program (BS/MS or BS/PhD)?  If yes, what made you choose to do this/benefits of the program?

I am not currently a participant, but wish to participate in the BS/MS program.  I plan to do this because, before I leave college, and join the work force, I will have a BS, MS, and PhD.  This is simply the fastest way to get started.

Are you a member of any engineering organizations?

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Mechanical Engineering Student Advisory Board (SAB)

What has been your most valuable class at Drexel?

Systems I & II,  The concepts and techniques that are introduced in this class are amazing because of the true power and potential they have. 

Science Fair Competitions:

My Project Topic:
In this project, I studied a phenomenon known as vortex-induced vibrations.  These vibrations are common on a number of marine structures and have been known to cause problems if the amplitude becomes large enough.  To predict if these vibrations will be a problem, researchers conduct model tests where they try and determine over what range of velocities and with what amplitude the cylinder will vibrate.  My research found an error in one of the assumptions that is used to conduct the tests. 

The assumption is that a flexible cylinder will vibrate the same as a rigid one with the same dimensions.  This is done to simplify the model testing process.  I found that this assumption, which had never been proven, was invalid.  Flexible cylinders vibrate over a much large range of velocities.  This could lead to problems when they are trying to predict the motions of their offshore structures.  Also, over the course of this research, I may have found at least two designs that can suppress some/all of the vibrations. 

Intel International Science Fair
More than 1,200 students from 38 countries competed for $3 million in scholarships and prizes at the 54th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

•       This is where a Drexel representative found me and gave me a full tuition scholarship for my research:

On the Importance of Cylinder Flexibility in Vortex-Induced Vibrations Model Testing

Siemens Westinghouse Competition
The Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science & Technology recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school. It is administered by The College Board and funded by the Siemens Foundation.  I was ranked as one of the top 30 researchers in the country. 

Intel Science Talent Search
The Semifinalists of the 62nd Intel Science Talent Search 300 students were chosen from among 1581 entrants and represent 164 high schools in 47 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. The three hundred Semifinalists and their schools will receive matching awards of $1,000.

Awards Won for Research on Vortex-induced Vibration

2003 Awards

• Huntsman special award for ingenious research (Second Year Recipient)

  • First time this has been won by a person twice in the award's 23 year history

• Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist - Top 300 in the United States

2002 Awards

• Regional Finalist Siemens Westinghouse Math, Science and Technology Competition ? Top 30 in the United States

• Intel International Science Fair -

• 3rd Place in Engineering

• Awarded a $74,000 scholarship to Drexel University

• Awarded a $43,000 scholarship to Polytechnic University

• 2nd Place award from the Acoustic Society of America

• Houston Science & Engineering Fair

• Grand Award For Physical Sciences from Science & Engineering Fair of Houston

• 1st Place in Engineering

• 1st Place Award from American Society of Non-destructive Testing

• 1st Place Award in Senior Physical Sciences

• Huntsman special award for ingenious research

• 1st Place in Senior Engineering

• Top 20 researchers in 2002 Texas for Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

• Alumnus Award From California Institute of Technolog