The University of Memphis will host the 55th Annual SoutheasternRegional Aeronautics Student Conference April 5 and 6 at the FedExInstitute of Technology.
More than 200 students from across the Southeast are expected toattend and present research on aeronautics and astronautics.
"This is the first year we've held the event in Memphis," saidJeff Marchetta, student branch faculty adviser of the AmericanInstitute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. "It was a luckycoincidence that we're hosting it this year with the FedExForum."
The conference was created to attract AAIA student chaptermembers from across the state, in addition to students fromFlorida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and the Carolinas.
"These are 200 of the best and brightest students in theSoutheast," said Marchetta. "There are lucrative awards for bestresearch and design. The winner will be sent to the NationalConference in Reno, Nev."
This is also an excellent opportunity for students to makecontacts within the industry, said Marchetta.
"In many cases, the students' research has led to careers," hesaid. "Some companies come to recruit employees."
Sponsors, recruiters and participants include NASA's MarshallSpace Flight Center, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, DeltaAirlines, the U.S. Air Force and the United Space Alliance.
"There will be an industry panel where sponsors and participantswill answer students' questions and advise them about theirresearch," Marchetta said.
The event should attract a number of students from The U of M,according to Ben Simmons, mechanical engineering doctorate studentand chair of the organizing committee.
"We're expecting a big draw from all engineering disciplines,"he said. "I'm expecting great presentations from the students.Plus, I know everyone will be impressed by the FedExInstitute."
Jim Phillips, former executive director of the FedEx Institute,is scheduled to lecture at Monday's luncheon. John Swihart, retiredvice president of The Boeing Co., will speak at the evening awardsbanquet.
"We're expecting a great conference, and the turnout should begreat. The research and presentations will be informative and thesponsors diverse," said Marchetta.
