By Brian Tynes

Staff Writer

Tech's Society of Automotive Engineers petitioned the Student Government Association for $200 to help fund its participation in two competitions later in the school year.

The group has requested money from the SGA twice before and received it both times. According to SGA bylaws, one week must pass before the issue can be discussed.

"[The] SGA is happy to assist students through organizations such as SAE, because the leadership and skills these students are utilizing will increase their marketability when they graduate," Lindsey Mencacci, SGA vice president and a junior biology major said. "Students are educated in the classroom, but practical experiences are going to be the things that set them apart."

Seth Winn, SAE team design leader and a senior mechanical engineering major, said the group is trying to raise $10,000.

"Each year, money has been the problem," Winn said. "Money will always be the main problem with any senior design project."

Winn said SAE receives no university funds and must turn to corporate sponsors to meet the monetary requirements.

He said his team received sponsorship from companies that have given free bolts and building equipment, and the College of Engineering and Science donated a room in Bogard Hall for the teams' use.

Winn said the competition garners recognition for the university.

"Every time Louisiana Tech competes, whether it's in football, basketball, powerlifting, etc., it receives national attention, and our competition is no different," Winn said. "Last year everybody knew our car because we had orange racing numbers."

For the competition, students must build an all-terrain vehicle (not including the engine) from scratch. They will compete in three areas: dynamics, design and static testing. The vehicle must meet certain requirements and safety aspects. The car will be evaluated by graduates and practicing engineers.

Approximately 140 teams from around the world will be at the competition.

Winn said he is honored to represent Tech on such a large stage.

"I grew up an hour from here so I had always heard about Tech, but people from Pennsylvania and Illinois haven't, and it's a real humbling experience for me because now they have," Winn said.

Nicole Kumse, COES senator and a sophomore mechanical engineering major, said Tech can only benefit from the exposure.

"Any time we have competition against other universities if we can come out on top it makes us look better," Kumse said. "For us to put up big numbers makes us more appealing and will hopefully draw students in."

SAE will meet at 7 p.m. tonight in Bogard Hall, Room 326, and all students in all majors are invited. For more information, contact Winn at wsw009@latech.edu.