College of Engineering’s fluids lab to see major upgrade

A matching gift donation from Mitch Winkler’80 fuels the lab’s modernization

This fall, civil and mechanical engineering students will engage in hands-on learning in a newly upgraded fluids lab, outfitted with the same advanced technology shaping today’s engineering industry—a project made possible by the support of generous alumni of the College of Engineering.

The Fluids Lab Modernization Project will transform the space with cutting-edge instrumentation, precise digital measurement systems, and powerful software platforms that dramatically expand opportunities for data analysis and visualization. With these upgrades, faculty can add new experiments to the curriculum that will introduce students to industry-standard tools and emerging technologies that they will encounter in the workplace.

The fluids lab serves required courses for both mechanical and civil engineering majors. New software platforms will give students hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and the latest methods in data analysis and visualization. Students will build skills in experimental design, data collection and interpretation, teamwork, and communicating technical findings, while also gaining valuable preparation for professional licensure exams.

Continuous enhancements like the Fluids Lab Modernization Project integrate emerging technologies into the classroom to create an academic experience that mirrors today’s professional engineering settings and equips students with technical knowledge and practical experience for long-term success.

“Evaluating our laboratories and investing in upgrades that keep the curriculum aligned with advances in the field and industry needs are critical to providing the preparation for our students to succeed in the workforce,” said Rob Griffin, dean of the College of Engineering.

Alumni contribute vital financial support

Spearheaded by Mitch Winkler ’80, engineering alumni have been instrumental in bringing this key lab’s upgrade to fruition. Winkler and his wife, Teresa, established a $75,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift for all cash gifts made to the project, a powerful incentive for alumni to help ensure that future engineers receive the same high-quality training and experiences that have empowered generations of alumni to thrive in engineering fields.

“The planned upgrade will sustain and grow the teaching excellence that has been a hallmark of the UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering and launched so many of us to successful careers,” said Mitch Winkler ’80.

Rooted in their appreciation for the strong foundational education that prepared them for careers a range of engineering roles and a commitment to UMass Dartmouth students, alumni responded to Winkler’s matching gift incentive. These contributions will allow the College of Engineering to purchase and install the equipment in time for use during the fall semester.

“The hands-on experience I gained in the fluids lab gave me a strong foundation and helped prepare me to take on complex challenges—from designing sustainable water systems to addressing environmental impacts around the world,” said Carol Rego ’82. “That is why I chose to support the Fluids Lab Modernization Project, so today’s students can benefit from the same kind of practical learning. Knowing that Mitch’s match would make my contribution could go twice as far made my decision even more meaningful.”

“We are grateful for dedicated alumni like Mitch, Carol, and many others who have invested in this project,” said Dean Griffin. “Their support demonstrates their dedication to ensuring that our students have access to the experiments and tools required to be competitive in engineering and that they are equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the future.”

A comprehensive suite of equipment and data analysis tools

The modernization of the fluids lab will feature a comprehensive suite of new equipment, including six hydraulic benches, each equipped with a pipe friction apparatus, a jet impact apparatus, a Venturi apparatus, a system to evaluate center of pressure, and equipment to allow for experiments requiring discharge through a notch and flow through an orifice. The Fluids Lab will also include a new tabletop water flume with integrated force sensor and low-cost particle tracking velocimetry system.

“The upgraded fluid mechanics lab is a significant addition to our civil and mechanical engineering programs and a key element in the delivery of real-world experience that has earned the College of Engineering its ranking in the top 150 engineering schools among doctorate granting universities,” said Griffin.

Your support of the Fluids Lab Modernization Project can help ensure that our students have the same extraordinary academic experiences that allowed previous generations of alumni to have engineering careers. To make a gift, click here or contact a member of our giving team at giving@umassd.edu to discuss how you can contribute to modernizing the fluids lab.