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BYU Engineers Collaborate with Toyota on Advanced Welding Technique

Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo
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By Mike Romero

Brigham Young University engineers have partnered with Toyota to develop a new welding method aimed at improving automotive manufacturing. The technique, called refill friction stir spot welding, uses 40 times less energy, reduces emissions, and creates welds 10 times stronger than traditional methods.

Designed for aluminum body panels, the process helps address challenges in joining lightweight materials like those used in Toyota’s popular Sienna minivan. Unlike conventional welding, which melts metal, the new method joins aluminum without melting, resulting in stronger, more efficient bonds. The innovation also reduces the need for filler material, making the process more sustainable.

“Ultimately, we’re focused on doing things more efficiently, greener, and cleaner,” said BYU professor Yuri Hovanski, who led the project.

The collaboration began after Toyota saw a demonstration of the technology at a conference. BYU researchers and Toyota engineers tested the new process at Toyota’s Indiana plant, finding that the method could enhance the production of aluminum sliding doors, used in the Sienna and other vehicles.

BYU graduate student Damon Gale, who contributed to the research, said the method could become the new standard for joining aluminum body panels in the automotive industry.

The project aligns with Toyota’s commitment to clean technologies, Hovanski said, adding that the partnership reflects BYU’s mission to foster environmentally conscious engineering.

Learn more at engineering.byu.edu.

Refill friction stir spot welding joins the metal without ever melting it.
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University News

New President of BYU Inaugurated

Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

On September 19, 2023, C. Shane Reese officially became the 14th president of Brigham Young University (BYU). This occasion not only marked his formal inauguration but also unveiled his unwavering commitment to help BYU realize its full potential, which Latter-day Saints believe is divine.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, along with President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and first vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, presided over President Reese’s installation.

After taking office, President Reese gave a speech that emphasized his dedication to the university and the crucial role that faculty and students play in fulfilling BYU’s “spiritual mission.” He reiterated the visions of previous leaders (regarded as prophets in the faith) regarding BYU’s future.

Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU.

BYU is unique from other educational institutions because it was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is still overseen by the government and leadership of the faith. President Reese explained that this unique connection allows the university to benefit from the guidance of the faith’s prophets, including the vision of President Spencer W. Kimball, who articulated a compelling roadmap for BYU’s future.

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“Our task is to become the university that prophets foretold — to become the world’s ‘greatest institution of learning,’ ‘the fully anointed university of the Lord about which so much has been spoken in the past,’ to become the BYU of prophecy and promise,” Reese said. “This, then, is the challenge of our generation and the burden of my administration: becoming BYU.”

President Reese stressed that achieving this vision requires enhancing the student experience and reinforcing the student-centric approach. Each student’s “eternal progression” remains BYU’s top priority. He also emphasized the Latter-day Saint belief that each person is a child of God who can be connected to Jesus Christ, and the importance of inclusion and kindness.

Those in attendance in the BYU Marriott Center for the inauguration of C. Shane Reese. Photo by Brooklynn Jarvis Kelson/BYU.

According to Reese’s philosophy, “Becoming BYU” will also demand maintaining a strong religious identity, even when it means standing alone. That means supporting research aligned with the Church’s mission. It will be interesting to watch BYU pioneer discovery and innovation while balancing tradition, transparency, and intellectual honesty.

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Expressing his love and dedication to the BYU community, President Reese committed to making Provo’s university a unique learning environment, fostering peacemakers in an increasingly divided society.

Following President Reese’s remarks, Elder Christofferson and Elder Ronald A. Rasband recognized BYU’s special connection with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and expressed confidence in President Reese’s leadership.

C. Shane Reese took the place of Kevin J. Worthen, who served from 2014-2023. Watch highlights from the inauguration below.

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University News

BYU Secures Top Spot for Best Library in the US

The BYU Harold B. Lee Library. Photography by Nate Edwards/BYU © BYU PHOTO 2023.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

The latest edition of The Princeton Review’s renowned “Best Colleges” rankings for 2024 has been unveiled, and Brigham Young University (BYU) has made the list. The annual rankings, now in their 32nd year, are produced by The Princeton Review, a prominent education services company. Unlike traditional rankings that rely solely on academic data and input from college administrators, The Princeton Review’s rankings are exclusively based on surveys completed by college students, providing an authentic reflection of their experiences.

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Presented in 50 distinct categories since 1992, the “Best Colleges” lists spotlight 25 outstanding institutions in each category. These lists are accessible on PrincetonReview.com, and they are also published in the latest edition of The Princeton Review’s college guide, titled The Best 389 Colleges, published by Penguin Random House.

Photography by Nate Edwards/BYU © BYU PHOTO 2023

The data operations team at The Princeton Review processed a substantial 165,000 student surveys from The Best 389 Colleges. On average, this translates to approximately 424 surveys per school. The surveys were administered over the academic years 2022-23 and the two preceding years, with students offering insights into their professors, campus amenities, administrative support, financial aid, and various other aspects of their college lives. Detailed information about the survey methodology and ranking criteria is available on PrincetonReview.com.

This year, Brigham Young University was awarded the top spot in the Best Library category, solidifying its reputation as the premier destination for library resources in the nation. BYU also ranked #1 in another (less surprising) category: Most Religious Students.

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University News

BYU Engineering Releases Spaceport America Documentary

Photo by BYU Rocketry
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By Mike Romero

What does it take to compete in the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket engineering competition? A new documentary from the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering answers that question. Shot by BYU students and filmmakers Sawyer Nunley and Heber Stanton, it tells the story of BYU’s High-Power Rocketry Team as their rocket, Maverick, prepares for launch at the 2022 Spaceport America Cup.

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Maverick was built with an Aerotech M2400 motor and a machine-learning module to prevent water from sloshing within the rocket’s payload. Despite mechanical difficulties ahead of launch, the rocket reached a height of 10,432 feet, earning the BYU team a rank of 11th out of 46 teams in their category at the 2022 Spaceport competition. The team also received 2nd place for the Barrowman Award for Flight Dynamics and 2nd place for the Sportsmanship Award.

The BYU rocketry team returned to take 1st place in the 2023 Spaceport America Cup with their rocket, Solitude (named for the Utah-based ski resort). They also received 1st place for Modeling and Simulation. BYU beat out 157 other collegiate teams from 24 countries for the title.

Check out the documentary below.

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University News

BYU Is Finally In The Big 12

BYU fans celebrated at an on-campus party on June 30, 2023. Photo courtesy of BYU Athletics
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By Mike Romero

It’s been a long 22 months. After nearly 2 years of waiting, BYU will end its era of independence by uniting with the elite Big 12 for the 2023-2024 season. Celebrations among students, fans, and alumni took place this past weekend.

A massive gathering was held in Provo, Utah. Fans gathered and counted down until midnight, when the BYU Cougars were officially admitted into the conference. BYU even made a massive announcement on a digital display at Times Square in New York City.

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BYU’s sports teams will compete in 20 of the 23 sports sponsored by the Big 12. The school won’t participate in wrestling, rowing, or equestrian. Since the Big 12 doesn’t support men’s volleyball, BYU’s men’s volleyball team will stay in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

In a major win for Latter-day Saints and a gracious move on the part of the Big 12, BYU will not compete in athletic events on Sundays – a holy day for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

BYU football begins their 2023 season with three non-conference home games. Then they’ll hit the road to take on Kansas on September 23. Home games this year include Cincinnati on September 29, Texas Tech on October 21, Iowa State on November 11, and Oklahoma on November 18.

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Provo City News

Provo Celebrates July Fourth Through Tradition

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By Richard Provost

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest, most festive times of the year for Provo residents. Steeped in tradition, the Fourth in Provo, Utah is a bright, cheery, and magical time with plenty to do. Provo’s Freedom Festival is one of the largest in the United States.

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On Saturday, July 1, legendary rock group, Journey, returned to Provo for the second time. They played LaVell Edwards Stadium to a large audience. F-35s from Utah’s Hill Air Force Base flew over the stadium, and the night concluded with the nation’s largest stadium fireworks spectacle.

This morning, the Grand Parade will take place at 9 AM. Marching bands, professionally crafted floats, giant balloons, horseback riders, and musical performers will all appear in downtown Provo. Provo’s Balloon Fest will conclude this morning before the parade. Hot air balloons have filled the sky the entire weekend, taking off from Fox Field at 6 AM each morning.

Freedom Days, Provo’s Fourth of July carnival, will take place today from 11 AM to 7 PM. Food trucks, musicians, vendors, and rides will be situated on Center Street and University Avenue, across from the Provo Temple.

“I invite each and every one of you to come and experience the patriotic spirit that fills our city during the Freedom Festival,” says Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “It is a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors, friends, and family, and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy in our beautiful nation.”

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University News

Kenneth Rooks of BYU Secures Consecutive National Championship

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By Charlie G. Patreus

In an impressive display of skill and determination, Kenneth Rooks, a junior at Brigham Young University (BYU), has claimed the coveted national men’s steeplechase title for the second year running. Rooks achieved this feat during the recent NCAA championships held in Austin, Texas, with a remarkable finishing time of 8:26.17. This accomplishment not only solidifies his place among the nation’s elite athletes but also establishes BYU as the first institution in history to produce back-to-back winners in this event.

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Rooks asserted his dominance by finishing more than six seconds ahead of the runner-up, Duncan Hamilton. Throughout the race, he reserved energy in the middle of the pack before a final burst during the last 400 meters, which propelled him towards the championship.

With his stellar performance on Friday, Rooks has now earned the title of three-time steeplechase All-American and holds the fastest recorded time in BYU’s program history for this event. He joins an esteemed group of previous BYU champions, including Kyle Perry (2009), Josh McAdams (2006), and Bob Richards (1966), and becomes the first male athlete from BYU to claim an individual steeplechase championship since Clayton Young in 2019.

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University News

BYU’s Annual China Conference Strengthens Cultural and Diplomatic Ties

Photo by Kurk Fullmer.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

On March 11, 2023, BYU students, faculty, and members of the Chinese community united for the highly anticipated BYU China Conference. This annual event featured academic and diplomatic speakers, including Xiaofeng Wang, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations, a networking luncheon, and an engaging question-and-answer panel session.

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Since its establishment in 2015, the conference has been dedicated to promoting the core values of BYU: faith, lifelong learning, and service – all while fostering an inclusive community. Its primary goal is to provide educational, professional, and cultural opportunities that strengthen the bonds between the United States and China. The conference is organized and hosted by a student committee. It is overseen by an advisory board consisting of faculty and staff from various departments, including the College of Humanities Chinese Flagship Center and the Center for Language Studies.

Photo by Kurk Fullmer, BYU
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Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Chan, Chair of the advisory board, commended the exceptional work of the student committee, emphasizing their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit.

Each year, the conference invites speakers from both the BYU community and esteemed Chinese associates. These experts cover a wide range of topics, like demographics, business and finance, politics, history, and current events. Notable speakers in 2023 included Counselor Wang, Changyun Kang (Associate Dean at Beijing Normal University), and Zhihong Yi (Professor of Finance and former Vice President of Renmin University of China).

Additionally, three speakers from BYU also presented: Robert Griffiths (political science adjunct faculty in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and former consul general at the US Consulate General in Shanghai), Renata Forste (International Vice President of BYU), and Kirk Larsen (Associate Professor of History in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences).

The overarching theme of the 2023 conference centered on fostering friendly international relations between China and the United States, exploring the past, present, and future while highlighting the importance of a liberal approach to education in China.

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Attending as a member of the Chinese Flagship Program, BYU student Alex Keogh expressed his appreciation for the conference’s diplomatic focus, emphasizing the significance of cross-cultural understanding. Keogh recognized the positive atmosphere that emphasized collaboration, effective communication, and mutual understanding.

The BYU China Conference serves as a platform for fostering understanding and forging connections, with attendees often referred to as “young ambassadors” by the speakers. This inclusive event takes place every winter semester, and individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to participate, regardless of their language experience.

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University News

BYU Graduate Programs Garner Top Rankings in 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report

Photography by Nate Edwards/BYU Photo
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By Mike Romero

BYU graduate programs continue to impress as the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings are unveiled. The J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU achieved its highest ranking to date, solidifying its place among the top law schools in the nation.

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In the 2023-2024 rankings, BYU Law soared to No. 22 among all law schools, surpassing its previous best performance. Additionally, the Marriott School of Business demonstrated remarkable progress, climbing to No. 35 among MBA programs.

While BYU Law and BYU’s MBA program take the spotlight, seven total BYU graduate programs secured positions in the Top 100 across their respective fields. It’s important to note that the U.S. News & World Report primarily focuses on graduate programs, excluding undergraduate rankings from this list. Here are the notable rankings for BYU’s graduate programs:

  • No. 22: Law
  • No. 35: MBA
  • No. 57: MPA
  • No. 63: Speech-Language Pathology
  • No. 86: Mathematics
  • No. 89: Nursing
  • No. 97: Computer Science
J. Reuben Clark Building on BYU Campus. Photography by Carter Bennett/BYU © BYU PHOTO 2020
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BYU Marriott’s expertise also received recognition in specialty graduate program rankings. Notably, it claimed No. 4 in Accounting, No. 19 in Leadership, and No. 23 in both Entrepreneurship and Non-Profit Management. Similarly, the Law School earned impressive rankings in various specialties:

  • No. 17: Business/Corporate Law
  • No. 31: Tax Law
  • No. 38: Contracts/Commercial Law
  • No. 48: Constitutional Law

Furthermore, several engineering programs at BYU earned positions in the Top 100 within their respective categories:

  • No. 77: Civil Engineering
  • No. 79: Computer Engineering
  • No. 80: Mechanical Engineering
  • No. 90: Chemical Engineering
  • No. 100: Electrical Engineering

The U.S. News & World Report has been publishing annual college and university rankings since 1983. The organization meticulously evaluated over 10,000 graduate programs and specialties during the ranking process. These rankings consider expert opinions on program excellence, alongside statistical indicators that gauge the quality of a school’s faculty, research, and students.

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University News

BYU Students Engineer The Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicle in North America

Photo by Brooklynn Jarvis/BYU Photo
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By Mike Romero

Engineering students at Brigham Young University (BYU) have achieved a remarkable feat by constructing the most fuel-efficient vehicle not only in the United States but also across the Americas. Their creation, known as a Supermileage vehicle, can travel an astounding distance of 1,915.83 miles per gallon. This remarkable achievement earned them the first-place title at the prestigious Shell Eco-marathon, an international competition that brings together teams from North and South America to develop the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the planet.

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The Shell Eco-marathon took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a distance of 1,531 miles from Provo, where BYU is located. BYU’s car could have easily coasted to Indianapolis on less than a gallon of gas. Despite its remarkable fuel efficiency, the vehicle can only reach a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. However, for the BYU Supermileage Team, speed is not the focus; their goal is to excel in long-distance efficiency.

Photo by Brooklynn Jarvis/BYU Photo
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Throughout the competition, BYU’s car consistently outperformed other vehicles, surpassing the second-place car by over 100 miles per gallon. BYU had previously participated in the Eco-marathon but had not competed for four years due to the pandemic. Given their absence, the team’s expectations were modest. However, they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the competition, demonstrating unwavering focus and determination.

Overall, the BYU Supermileage Team’s triumph at the Shell Eco-marathon showcased their remarkable engineering skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Their accomplishment not only earned them recognition as the best in the country but also solidified their position as the leading fuel-efficient vehicle builders on this side of the globe.