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Helping To Make CSU, Chico Better

IMAGINE THIS
At the end of a day in the not-too-distant future, you think how good life's been of late. After a recent medical scare, you consulted an exercise physiologist for help in making some lifestyle changes. The exercise plan you worked out has been easy to follow, and you feel better than you have in years. In fact, you feel so good tonight that you're driving into the city to see the new musical everyone's raving about. The roads are torn up with construction, but your car's new shock absorbers can handle the bumps, keeping the ride smooth. This fantasy becomes reality through the efforts of graduates of three new majors at CSU, Chico.

SMART SHOCKS
The "smart" shock absorbers, although not yet available, were a recent project by mechatronic engineering students who developed a shock absorber that learns to recognize and respond to changing road conditions. "A smart shock absorber ensures that you will have a very smooth ride," said Ramesh Varahamurti, professor of mechatronic engineering.

"Mechatronic engineering basically is a marriage between mechanical engineering and computer engineering," Varahamurti explained. A mechatronic engineering degree gives students skills that translate to jobs in the automobile, aerospace, appliance, and even toy industries. Mechatronic engineers are in demand anywhere people are developing applications combining mechanical devices and computers. For example, the automotive dream of smart cars running on smart roads with sensors is being tested by engineers in Southern California. Smart missiles and interactive toys are also products of mechatronic engineering.

While there are graduate programs in mechatronic engineering, CSU, Chico's is the first undergraduate degree program in the United States. The degree was built through cooperative efforts of the campus engineering departments, using classes and faculty already available, and is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology.

THE SOUND OF MUSICAL THEATRE
Watching that new musical, you see CSU, Chico musical theatre graduates. Only two years old, this degree offers students an opportunity to focus on performance. "A degree in musical theatre is helping to gear young actors into a career immediately after college," said Tim Herman, assistant professor in musical theatre. Almost half of the job opportunities for young actors are for musical theatre. "In summer stock, backstage is nothing but auditions for musicals," said Herman.

"The key element for me in this performance degree for musical theatre was that we found the balance in equal thirds in acting, singing, and dancing," said Herman. Students are required to study all three. Herman expects to attract students who are already strong in at least one of these areas and are ready to explore the other two. At the end of their second and fourth semesters, they are evaluated for continuation in the program.

JUST DO IT
You feel healthy enough to attend the performance because of your newly found commitment to exercise. That puts you in the 12 percent of the population who exercise regularly, according to Tom Fahey, professor of exercise physiology. While there has been a certificate in exercise physiology for many years, the bachelor's degree at CSU, Chico is new. Students study basic science and the science of exercise-theory and practice.

"In exercise physiology, we take physiological systems and find out what they do when you turn up the volume a bit," explained Fahey. Graduates use that information as they go on to graduate work in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and physician assistant training. Others go directly to work in testing centers, health clubs, corporate fitness, and private practice as personal trainers.

BACK TO THE FUTURE
That night you dream of marathons, catchy tunes, and toasters that never burn the bread.

Barbara Alderson, University Publications