On Thursday April 18, 2019, Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) hosted members from the Mercer University School of Engineering (MUSE) National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) for a MERC-wide tour and lunch. The MUSE NSBE members participating were Henri White – Chapter President – Mechanical Engineering, Myles Harris – Chapter Programs Chair – Mechanical Engineering/Computer Engineering, Tyler Sledge – Chapter Telecommunications Chair – Computational Science, DJ Watson, II – Mechanical Engineering, Jarrick Hillery – Computer Engineering.
The visit began with an introduction and greeting from Andi Mitchell, MERC’s Executive Director, Jim Hundley, Sr. Director of Engineering and Programs, Daniel Edwards, Deputy Director of Technical Resources and Charles Melvin, Chief Engineer – Energy/Electronics and a member of the Mercer University National Engineering Advisory Board (NEAB). The group then toured the MERC facility as Daniel and Charles discussed the diverse nature of MERC’s personnel, capabilities and facilities. Following the tour and discussion, the group adjourned for lunch with MERC’s own Ryan Snelling, past-President NSBE University of Notre Dame – Aerospace Engineering, Macie Franklin, MUSE – Technical Communication, Dr. Ken Taylor, Aeromechanical SME and Adjunct Professor MUSE, and Hillary Furman, Chief Engineer – Software/Cybersecurity joining the group. Over lunch a wide-ranging conversation of the engineering profession, career management and a discussion of MERC internship and employment opportunities continued. Each of the MERC participants expressed their pleasure at hosting these outstanding MUSE students and future MUSE engineers. Go Bears!