Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

UWA engineering technology major turns lessons from the field into a future in construction

For Owen Vander Wal, the past year has blurred the line between football and the job site. Being coachable on the field, he’s found, translates directly to the workplace—a lesson he’ll put to the test this summer.

Building on the experience he gained during last summer’s internship at Smurfit Westrock folding carton plant in Eutaw, Vander Wal decided to pursue a new challenge in civil construction engineering. He’ll get that opportunity in June through a postgraduate internship with Brasfield & Gorrie, based in Birmingham.

His internship with Brasfield & Gorrie is guaranteed for at least six months and is designed to help determine where he fits best within the company, particularly as he continues building his construction experience.

Engineering Technology students do plenty of hands-on work, but for Vander Wal, seeing projects move from paper to reality was eye-opening.

“We do a lot of AutoCAD work at UWA,” he said, “but when I saw how that was used at Westrock—I saw the real-world connection for the first time.”

That opportunity is a long way from where he started just a few years ago. Although football brought him from Fairhope to Livingston, Vander Wal said he nearly transferred after his freshman year. Looking back, he’s glad he stayed.

“I know everyone says, ‘There’s something about this place,’” he said, “and it really has been true for me.”

That sense of connection has carried over into the classroom.

For his senior capstone project, Vander Wal and fellow seniors Sabino Galvan, Alexis Davis, and Kasey Coleman found another way to apply their skills: converting a mountain bike into an e-bike.

“We started talking about how far the Engineering Technology building is from the rest of campus, especially the Math & Science building,” he said, “and we wanted to find a better way for students to get back and forth. We thought an e-bike would be a cool solution.”

The group laid the foundation for future teams to build on. Once they mapped out the process, they purchased key components, including a wheel hub and battery, then began testing the bike’s viability. The project drew on skills from across the program, including mechanical and electrical work as well as project management.

“We were able to get from the ET building to the Math and Science building in three minutes,” Vander Wal said. “If a student walked, it would take the full 15 minutes between classes, and they’d be late. I think it would be great if the Division could start converting bikes for students, maybe for a small fee. It’s something that could be explored in the future.”

That same drive to apply what he’s learned has also led to recognition in the classroom. At the Division’s recent Honors Day, Vander Wal received three honors, including Pro-Certified Scholar, 2026 University Scholar for Engineering Technology, and induction into the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society for Professions in Technology.

As his time at UWA winds down and he prepares to receive his diploma on May 8, Vander Wal is focused on carrying those lessons into the next phase of his career.

“Being coachable and trainable are two sides of the same coin,” he said. “Brasfield & Gorrie is taking a chance on me, even without a deep construction background, because I’m willing to listen, learn, and put in the work. I’m hoping that mindset helps turn this internship into a full-time job by next fall.”

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Kay Lucas

On game days at Tiger Stadium in Livingston, Alabama, the inside of the University of West Alabama’s mascot, LUie the Tiger, gets hot. Thanks to three UWA engineering technology graduates, however, a cool solution is now within reach.

Last spring, then-seniors Matthew Mosley, Tyler Lovering, and Ishmael Naylor designed a high-tech prototype mascot head for their senior capstone project. Their innovative design featured an integrated cooling system, improved ventilation, and a lightweight structure, all aimed at making mascot duty more comfortable in the Alabama heat.

Dr. Narendra Datta, chair of the Division of Engineering Technology, explains that the annual capstone project challenges seniors to develop real-world, hands-on projects integrating everything they’ve learned throughout their degree program. Guided by Dr. Datta, Mosley, Lovering, and Naylor selected this unique project topic.

Assistant professor Robert Miller provided valuable support to the team and Naylor, who led the initial phase of scanning LUie’s existing mascot head and importing the model into Fusion 360, the AutoCAD software used in their coursework. The team then integrated a compact water-to-water cooling system using a hydration vest, tubing, and a mini water pump, applying principles of fluid power, heat transfer, and motor controls.

Lovering focused on heat transfer calculations and conducted temperature reduction tests to validate the prototype’s effectiveness.  The team also replaced the internal helmet with an adjustable hard hat for better fit and enhanced ventilation, while enlarging the eye openings for improved visibility. Tests showed the prototype lowered internal temperatures by 5–7°F.

Mosley managed the project timeline, ensuring tasks were completed on time and parts were ordered on schedule.

“This project used many skills I developed over my four years at UWA,” Mosley says. “Project management provided a blueprint that helped me plan, prepare and organize our project, while computer applications like Excel kept our materials and progress in order. Our engineering courses supported the design and mathematical aspects of the project.” 

Since graduating in May, Naylor has worked for Steel Dynamics’ Columbus Division in Mississippi, starting as an electrical engineering intern and moving to a full-time position as a millwright technician by August. He credits UWA’s engineering technology program for thoroughly preparing him for his career.

“I can’t say enough about the excellent instruction from Datta and our professors and instructors,” Naylor shares. “They genuinely care about our success, combining classroom learning with hands-on labs that give us the practical experience we need on the job. Our senior project proved we have what it takes to succeed in any challenge.”

Mosley, now a mechanical engineer at Phifer, Inc. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, echoes this sentiment. “At Phifer I handle projects from design to repair, creating drawings and ordering parts, then leading maintenance crews during installation.  My drafting and mechanical motor classes have been invaluable in these tasks.

Although the prototype isn’t ready for permanent use, Datta believes their work showcases the students’ creativity and ability to apply engineering principles to practical challenges at the University. Building on their success, a new senior team, guided by Datta, Miller and assistant professor Dr. Ikechi Ukaegbu, will explore new materials to enhance durability without sacrificing cooling efficiency.

“We intend to continue this project with future senior teams, allowing each group to build on the work of the last,” Datta says. “This ongoing effort will drive the development of a more comfortable mascot head for LUie, creating a lasting legacy of innovation and student achievement.”

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Betsy Compton

Dr. Narendra Datta has been named chair of the Division of Engineering Technology at the University of West Alabama.

Datta has served as interim chair since June 2024, leading the Division through a successful ABET re-accreditation process, submitting materials for both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance programs, according to the announcement from UWA Provost Dr. Tina Jones.

“I’m honored to step into his new role,” says Datta, “and excited to continue working alongside such dedicated faculty, staff, and students.”

Under his leadership, the Division has acquired new instructional equipment and expanded both industry and academic partnerships. Collaborations now include companies such as Phifer Inc., Georgia-Pacific, AM/NS Calvert, Continental Aerospace, and the Engineer Research and Development Center. Academic partnerships with institutions including the University of Alabama, UAB, and UAH continue to be strengthened.

Datta has launched several key initiatives including a guest lecture series, enhanced capstone projects, and new co-op opportunities with industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz and Lavender Inc. He has also been active in recruitment efforts, coordinating campus visits with area high school groups.

Under Datta’s guidance, the Division recently established the Epsilon Beta chapter of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, while also expanding fundraising and international study opportunities.

Looking ahead, Datta says his focus will remain on strengthening industry partnerships, expanding applied learning opportunities, and aligning engineering technology programs with workforce needs.

“We’re working on several initiatives to give our students greater access to real-world projects, modern equipment, scholarships, and career pathways in high-demand technical fields,” notes Datta. “We’re also engaging our alumni network. I’m excited to continue the momentum we’ve built and lead the Division forward.”

Dr. Datta earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India, and both a master’s and doctorate in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Alabama.

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