First place winner Andrew Wiendarno of Franklin, Tennessee (center) is presented a plaque and a check for fifty dollars by Mandy Carter-Lowe, Associate Professor of Biology (left) and Jim Watson, Adjunct Physics Instructor (right).

(Columbia, Tenn. - May 11, 2011) - - - Columbia State Community College's Science, Technology and Mathematics Division recently held a Physics and Engineering Science Competition for students enrolled in Physics and Engineering Mechanics. Students were required to write a paper and give a presentation, generally with a working demonstration, on an approved topic of personal interest using physics and/or engineering principles covered in their physics, engineering and mathematics studies.

"My objective is to provide a competitive environment for Columbia State Physics and Engineering students to do hands-on research in an area of personal interest that will benefit them in their future studies or careers," said Jim Watson, Adjunct Physics Instructor. "Theory from books best comes alive when put into practice."

(Left to right) Students recognized for their projects included David Atmajaya of Franklin for his project entitled Remote Aircraft Control, First place winner Andrew Wiendarno of Franklin for his examination of A Functional Humanoid Robot, Evan Rector of Columbia for Physics of the Potato Gun and Matthew Patterson of Pulaski for Physics of a Gasoline Motor. Certificates were presented by Jim Watson, Adjunct Physics Instructor.

Entries were judged by a panel of Columbia State faculty and staff including: Mandy Carter-Lowe, Associate Professor of Biology; Dr. Marilia Gerges, Director of the University Center and Michael Darrell, Assistant Professor of Mathematics.

First place winner, Andrew Wiendarno of Franklin, Tennessee, was recognized for his construction, programming and in-depth examination of A Functional Humanoid Robot. This year's Physics and Engineering Science Competition was sponsored by Marcus Insurance located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

For more information on programs offered in the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division contact Dearl Lampley, Dean of Science, Technology and Mathematics and Associate Professor of Agriculture at (931) 540-2678 or by emailing dlampley@columbiastate.edu.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

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