New Electricity and Magnetism Design Lab Dedicated at UNCA;
Eaton Foundation Honored for Gift

Thanks to a helping hand from the Eaton Foundation, UNC Asheville's mechatronics and physics students have a sophisticated Electricity and Magnetism Design Lab in which to pursue their studies. The lab, now equipped with computers, design software and electronic instrumentation, will be dedicated at 4 p.m. March 7.

The Eaton Corp., through its foundation, has contributed $80,000 to UNCA's Mechatronics Program. The initial $20,000 was used to create an endowed scholarship fund for mechatronics students.  The remaining $60,000 is being used to create the lab, where courses in electronics, robotics and circuit design are being taught.

"Our students and faculty are very grateful for Eaton's help," said Randy Booker, chair of UNCA's Physics Department. "Students who are taking physics classes to prepare for the Mechatronics Engineering Program and our Mechatronics students truly benefit from this gift."

Mechatronics is a combination of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering and information technology. While mechatronics is a relatively new field, many inventions in daily use, including automatic teller machines and electronically activated door lock systems, are typical mechatronics products.

The joint UNCA-NCSU program, designed for people already working full-time, is the only undergraduate mechatronics program in the country.

Media Contacts:

• Alex Comfort, UNCA Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, 828/251-6080
• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676