MWRD Mechanical Engineer offers expertise to UIC students

Senior-level engineering students at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) have the opportunity to develop and display a project they design during the school’s annual senior design competition known as "Engineering Expo," and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) associate mechanical engineer WaShawn Brooks has served as a mentor and judge at the annual event since 2005.

With the guidance of a faculty and/or industry advisor, UIC College of Engineering senior design students develop a project from conception to product design culminating with their presentation at the Expo. While WaShawn is willing and able to judge projects in a variety of engineering fields, this year he judged four chemical engineering department projects.

"This experience is a crucial one for seniors as it combines group collaboration, creativity, and commitment," WaShawn said. "The students present their projects as they would in industry and their work is judged by professional engineers."

The projects range in various levels of complexity, from the design of a single component to the process design of a plant. The projects WaShawn judged required each team to complete one part of a project that centered on the design of a natural gas refinery and chemical production plant.

WaShawn’s participation in the UIC Engineering Expo offers students and other industry professionals the opportunity to learn more about the MWRD and the array of engineering positions that are needed. Based at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), WaShawn began his career with the MWRD after serving as an intern in 2003. In his current capacity, he is in charge of air compressors, cranes, lubrication testing, secondary treatment, and city water at both the Calumet and Lemont WRPs.

Chris Kuypers, Expo Chair and Associate Director in the UIC College of Engineering, said that senior design students appreciate having a judge who combines this understanding of their dedication and hard work with their current knowledge as an engineering professional.

"The students are very fortunate to have alumni and industry judges contributing to their corporate and professional expertise," said Kuypers. "As an engineering student, WaShawn was actively engaged in college activities and presentations. Every year I receive extensive positive feedback from students who have been judged by WaShawn—known as the ‘judge from MWRD.’ He provides valuable insight into this dynamic and critical field."

"My participation at the Expo shows the District’s dedication to the public by protecting its water infrastructure and also shows that we care about educating students and perhaps future employees," said WaShawn.

"WaShawn Brooks is an exemplary employee who understands the importance of not only working to protect the water environment but also of giving back to the community by nurturing future engineers who could go on to shape the future of the District," said MWRD Commissioner Frank Avila, Chairman of the Engineering committee.

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Established in 1889, the MWRD (www.mwrd.org) is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for wastewater treatment and stormwater management in Cook County, Illinois.

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