Systems Tech Challenges Prove Rewarding

Written byHope Aucoin

For Rayne native Blake Hussey, the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 online M.S. in Systems Technology had a dual appeal.

小蝌蚪APP淚 felt like it would give me better job opportunities, and I wanted to complete more research into composite materials,小蝌蚪APP says Hussey.Blake Hussey, online master of science in systems technology graduate

As an undergrad, Hussey had the opportunity to work under College of Engineering Dean Dr. Ahmed Khattab in the Department of Industrial Technology小蝌蚪APP檚 Laboratory for Composite Materials. Hussey saw the opportunity to keep exploring the capabilities of 3D-printed materials by enrolling in the Master of Systems Technology. 

Hussey leveraged that interest into his thesis, creating a lightweight, self-interlocking polymer structure using 3D printing and advanced materials. Hussey then scaled the structure to test its energy efficiency performance while analyzing its tensile and compression properties, or how it withstands compression force.

That material, he says, could have aerospace applications.

In addition to having the opportunity to complete research into those materials, Hussey says completing his thesis was an opportunity to challenge himself. 

"It was rewarding for me because I'm not a strong writer,小蝌蚪APP he says. 小蝌蚪APP淎dditionally, I was able to collaborate with other students and faculty members from different departments on my research.小蝌蚪APP

The M.S. in Systems Technology online degree program is unique in its approach, combining business course electives with systems technology courses covering lean manufacturing, design processes, project management, and other concepts to help students excel in energy, manufacturing, chemical production, and aerospace industries. 

Hussey says he was able to gain a holistic perspective of both the design life cycle and associated impacts. 

小蝌蚪APP淲e researched manufacturing processes from the beginning of the product lifecycle all the way to the end 小蝌蚪APP cradle to grave,小蝌蚪APP says Hussey. 小蝌蚪APP淲e had to see what the environmental impact of each process was, including carbon emissions and how it affected the environment. 

"It was challenging but rewarding.小蝌蚪APP

With graduation around the corner, Hussey is looking to grow within Acadiana小蝌蚪APP檚 manufacturing industry, possibly as an automation process engineer or project coordinator. 

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