For the past two weeks, Will Schneider and Owen Collier, two seniors from the Friends Academy in Locust Valley, have been spending their Independent Service Program (ISP) time volunteering at Webb Institute.

While at Webb, Will and Owen have been working on a variety of projects. So far, they have created an electric boat, a sailboat and a crane.  In addition to creating some great models, Will and Owen have been assisting in developing the curriculum for Webb’s new Summer Engineering Academy (SEA) Program.

After graduating from Friends Academy this June, both students will be heading off to college. Owen plans to study economics, while Will plans to major in mechanical engineering.

(photo: The Class of 2016 working on a diesel engine during a class trip to Kings Point, NY)

Parametric Optimization of a Kiteboarding Hydrofoil Using CFD

Zachary Backas

The goal of this thesis is to improve the performance of a kiteboarding hydrofoil, or kitefoil, by building a parametric model based on the initial geometry and optimizing it using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This thesis will outline a procedure for conducting optimization  of parametric models in CFD. Using base geometry donated by the kitefoil manufacturer Deltafoil, a parametric model will be developed in the optimization CAESES to be tested and improved using CFD. Ultimately, the final optimized geometry produced will be compared to the initial geometry in CFD to assess the effectiveness of the optimization procedure.

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On Saturday, May 7, 2016, Webb Institute welcomed sixth and seventh grade students from The Bridges Academy in West Islip, for a SeaPerch Fun Day event. Those students were enrolled in a full-year SeaPerch Program at their school, and the day’s event capped off their year-long project.

The SeaPerch program is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science and mathematics (STEM), while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum.

During the SeaPerch Fun Day, the students participated in a variety of fun in-water challenges and activities at Webb using the ROVs they built at their school during the year. The challenges, designed by Webb students, included locating a ship’s black box, retrieving objects, capping an oil well, and robot soccer. Webb students ran the events and served as technical advisors to the teams from The Bridge Academy. Once the challenges were completed, an awards ceremony took place to crown the winners.

“Our students really enjoyed working one-on-one with the kids from The Bridges Academy  and sharing their knowledge of engineering with them,” said Matt Werner, Dean at Webb Institute.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this great educational event, and helped to make it a fun day.

For more information about SeaPerch, please visit their website.

To view SeaPerch Photo Gallery 

This past weekend, Webb’s sailing team hosted the Engineer’s Cup at the Webb Yacht Club. Seven teams from various colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region trekked to Webb for the regatta. Webb placed third, behind local rivals, the Kings Point Mariners, and the Stony Brook Snailers.

Saturday started off with a glassy calm, followed by some hot burgers and a freshening sea breeze for some excellent afternoon sailing. Sunday was not so sunny and pleasant, but the wind held nicely all day and even built enough for some post regatta kite boarding.

Webb would like to thank everyone who assisted with setup, clean up and water assistance during the event. We would especially like to thank Zach Backas ‘16 for organizing the regatta and Tyler Gray-Hoehn ‘18 for getting both whalers working properly.

Glen Cove, May 5, 2016 – Webb Institute’s President Keith Michel ’73, Campaign Chair Joseph Cuneo ’57, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees George Campbell, Jr., Ph.D., are pleased to announce that $32 million (80%) of the $40 million goal has been raised to date in the Campaign for Webb.

The Campaign for Webb: America’s Most Unique College is the most ambitious fundraising effort in the institution’s history. Through this effort, Webb plans to raise $40 million to enhance the college’s programs, infrastructure, and financial resources to meet the growing challenges of an expanding marine industry.

The Campaign has generated momentum through six Cornerstone investments, representing contributions of $2.5 million or greater, with over three years left in the Campaign period.

“It is our absolute pleasure to give back to Webb on this historic occasion. Webb has made a remarkable impact on our lives, so we make this investment knowing that it will help shape the lives of future students,” said Dr. Alfred Zeien ’52 and Mrs. Joyce Zeien, Cornerstone donors.

Of the $40 million Campaign goal, $28 million will be raised to strengthen the endowment and ensure intergenerational sustainability of the full-tuition scholarship model, while $12 million will be earmarked for facilities updates and expansion.

“Alumni and friends of Webb should consider the Campaign a call to arms—to enhance the endowment and provide the funds needed to assure future students an education without the burden of tuition,” said Mr. Lenfest, who is an honorary member of the Campaign Cabinet and has made a Cornerstone level commitment.

About Webb Institute

Founded in 1889 by William H. Webb, Webb Institute is a top-ranked undergraduate engineering college specializing in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Webb provides full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students; admission to Webb is extremely competitive with a maximum of 28 students being accepted into the program each year. Webb Institute prides itself on a 100% placement rate for graduates who are highly sought after by all segments of the marine industry. The campus is located on a beautiful, waterfront site in Glen Cove, NY.  For more information, visit www.webb.edu.

General Contacts:

Keith Michel
President, Webb Institute
516-671-2277, ude.bbew@lehcimk

Anthony R. Zic
Director of Development, Webb Institute
516-403-5375, ude.bbew@ciza

Media Contact:

Kerri Allegretta
Director of Media Relations and Communications, Webb Institute
516-403-5392, ude.bbew@attergellak