| Students from North Carolina State University soared to first place in Energy Challenge 2003, a contest held on Saturday, April 5, at Nags Head, N.C., to help commemorate the Wright Brothers’ pioneering flight 100 years ago. Seven NC State students – competing against teams from nine other universities -- launched their paper-winged glider from an 80-foot sand dune near Kitty Hawk and swooped to a $15,000 first prize. Dr. Richard J. Spontak, faculty sponsor and professor of chemical engineering and materials science and engineering, had predicted in February that “Team AeroPack” would do well. Representing the state where the Wright Brothers made history was their incentive, he said. “I am very proud of what these students have achieved together, erasing traditional disciplinary lines, in the dauntless spirit of Kitty Hawk.”
Combining several research specialties of NC State, the student team includes Jody Moss (featured interview in video), Daphne Wang, Trey Hathaway and Josh McCall, seniors in chemical engineering; Brandon Teague, a senior in mechanical engineering; Bryan Ransom, a senior in pulp and paper science; and Sarah Mertens, an aerospace engineering senior and original pilot. Due to high-wind conditions, Teague was the glider’s pilot on Saturday. |
