A group of Millikin University students are working with a Decatur-based company on research that could have an impact on the wind turbine industry. The students are Kyle Leadlove, a senior physics major from Belleville, Ill.; James Seyfert, a senior physics major from Danville, Ill.; and Austin Evans, a senior physics major from Lovington, Ill.
The students are working with 300 Below Inc. as Millikin's first science entrepreneurship research fellows. Their main project is testing the structure of gear boxes for wind turbines.
Dr. Casey Watson, Millikin associate professor of physics and astronomy, says the research is intended to see if the gear boxes last 300 to 400 percent longer when its parts are cryogenically treated.
300 Below Inc. has been one of the biggest supporters of Millikin's Institute for Science Entrepreneurship. The institute was co-founded by Dr. Watson, Dr. David Horn, biology professor, and Dr. George Bennett, chemistry professor. The institute is seeking to provide opportunities for Millikin students and faculty to work with science-based companies on the invention of products.
The students see the research partnership as a chance to learn how a science-based business runs.
"It's been an awesome experience," Seyfert said. "We have a far greater understanding of what the real world is like."
Click here to read more about the partnership and research efforts in an article from the Herald & Review.
