Merrill L Ebner Fund

The Merrill L. Ebner Fund provides support for student-based programs that foster creative design and innovation within the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  There are several major initiatives supported by the Fund, which impact both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.   

At the undergraduate level, the Fund sponsors an annual Undergraduate Design Portfolio Contest, which is open to all sophomores and juniors within the College of Engineering.  Funds are also used to improve the design-related software in the Mechanical Engineering computing laboratories and to showcase student design projects.

The Ebner Fund sponsors two initiatives at the graduate level: Design Fellowships and an award for the Graduate Thesis with the Greatest Commercial Potential.  The Design Fellowships are co-sponsored by a corporation and involve design work at the sponsoring company and a design practicum within the Mechanical Engineering Department, leading to an M.S. degree.