Adam Simpson ’04 Researches Ways to Make Gasoline Environmentally Friendly

Mechanical engineering major Adam Simpson ’04 (Aston, Pa.) is using his love of cars and the environment to make their coexistence cleaner and healthier by studying the effect that certain fuels have on elements of internal combustion.

He is using the department’s equipment to the full advantage, setting up a “lab” for his yearlong honors research project.

“The labs are well equipped and have top-of-the-line computers,” says Simpson. “For my project, I’ve been allotted space in the engines lab and essentially have my own small engines lab set up, which is amazing as an undergraduate.”

He is working to discover whether ethanol fuel blends have an effect on the performance and exhaust gas properties in internal combustion.

“My love of cars had a major influence in why I chose to become a mechanical engineer,” he says. “I have always been an outdoors enthusiast and strongly believe that we should do everything we can to preserve earth’s natural beauty.”

Richard Merz, associate professor of mechanical engineering, is mentoring Simpson in this project, which, if successfully completed and defended, will enable him to graduate with honors in mechanical engineering. Ira Katz, director of mechanical engineering laboratories and chemical hygiene coordinator, is also providing guidance.

“I am very excited to work with them both,” Simpson says. “They are very enthusiastic about my project. I’ve had both as professors and am completely confident in their knowledge. They both care about what I am trying to accomplish and sincerely want me to succeed.”

Simpson is quick to credit the mechanical engineering department with influencing his academic career.

“Mechanical engineering at Lafayette has been absolutely amazing,” he says. “The professors are always willing to answer questions and help out in any way they can.”

“Lafayette is an excellent place for a project like mine,” he adds. “The small school environment allows me to work one-on-one with professors, which is almost unheard of at the undergraduate level. One of Lafayette’s best attributes is how it is an undergraduate college, which allows students to participate in research that would normally only be offered to graduate students.”

Last summer, Simpson held a position in computation flow research at the University of Michigan, which helped him to become familiar with automotive research.

“My research at the university was automotive-based; however, it dealt with diesel particulate emissions and was primarily computer-based, whereas my thesis involves more experimental hands-on research,” he says. “I’m excited that I have the opportunity to combine both of my top engineering interests, engines and the environment, into one project.”

Prior to that experience, he spent two summers working in project management internships at West Chester University.

Simpson participated in Lafayette’s study abroad program in Brussels. He plays intramural soccer, racquetball, and softball, and is a participant in the ski and soccer clubs. He coached a youth soccer team the last two fall seasons.

He is a graduate of Salesianum High School.

Honors thesis projects are among several major opportunities at Lafayette that make the College a national leader in undergraduate research. Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty-two students were accepted to present their work at the annual conference this month.