Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation date: May 23, 2004

Work history (if any): Currently, Dan is working as an intern at the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center (ATMC), in Fall River MA, and is involved with many projects. His work there is on the technical side of engineering, i.e., building prototypes and machining various parts. His AutoCad skills are put to good use in this work. He is most proud of his work in building a height-adjustable wheelchair that was designed by the handicapped individual to allow him to reach objects the same as a standing 6-foot tall person. Dan machined all the parts, assembled and tested the device which is in use now.

Goals after graduation: After graduation, Dan plans to remain at UMass Dartmouth to pursue his Masters degree. His project will involve research to optimize the automated spray paint process for the Acushnet Company. The company wants to reduce the cost of painting golf balls by minimizing the amount of paint wasted by overspray. Through research and experimentation, Dan feels that he will be able to address and eventually remedy the problem, while taking advanced courses toward his graduate degree.

Faculty comments: Dan Hoeg completed two courses under my instruction, Thermodynamics I and II. He was the top student in Thermo I and ranked third in Thermo II. He is a very bright fellow with a wealth of practical knowledge to complement his theoretical understanding of basic concepts. His exceptionally high GPA is a tribute to his mastery, focus and perseverance across a wide variety of courses. He deserves to be recognized as one of the best mechanical engineering graduates in the class of 2004. [Dr. Ron DiPippo, Chancellor Professor of M.E.]