Eighteen ASU Retirees spent about six and a half hours having a wonderful tour of the ASU Polytechnic campus. Some arrived via the ASU shuttle service which is a good way to travel.  The tour began at about 10 AM. We started at the Technology Center and were given a short overview of the ASU Polytechnic campus from its conception to present. We then visited a wearable robotics lab (assisted human movement, like walking) which was followed by a presentation about manufacturing assistance from engineering and technology and how that is advancing with interaction with private industries including the medical professions. Also included in the Technology center was a show and tell about Graphics Information and current printing technologies. We then went to the chemistry and biological science labs in the Santan Hall, seeing modern laboratory settings. We had a good lunch (all you can eat!) at the Citrus Dining facility, and this provided some rest (the Polytechnic campus has a big footprint). We proceeded to ISTB 3 where we heard about Human Systems Engineering projects dealing with “big data” for detecting computer hacking and managing drone aircraft. Our last, but not the least presentation was at the algae / biofuels lab. We learned there that algae are in our lives daily and by selecting algae species they form oils that can be easily be converted to diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline. Once processed for biofuel, the algae bodies that can be used as organic fertilizers or livestock feeds. We finished the tour by seeing some of the outdoor algae production facilities, and the site is a national “test bed” for this developing industry. Another item that was impressive is the campus landscaping which is dominated by desert vegetation, with many native trees. We want to thank our hosts, especially Anna Wales, of the Polytechnic School, who helped arrange the tour.

John Brock, ASU RA Travel Committee Chair

Pictures by John Brock, Elmer Gooding, and Barry McNeill