Middle Bucks proudly announces a groundbreaking invention by its talented students from the Engineering-Related Technology program. In partnership with the Ornithology Department at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the students have successfully designed, developed, and patented a collapsible hide tumbler.

A hide tumbler is a device that is used to process bird skins by tumbling them in sawdust to soften and dry the hides for further processing. Hide tumbling is an important process in preserving a wide selection of bird specimens for research. The bird collection at the Academy is the largest in the western hemisphere, containing over 200,000 samples.

In the Fall of 2021, MBIT Engineering students collaborated with Dr. Nate Rice, the Ornithology Collection Manager at the Academy, to discuss the construction of a motorized hide tumbler. Dr. Rice conveyed to the students the limits of the available lab space for such a machine as well as the technical requirements for the device. The students began to prototype their designs in order to create a hide tumbler that met the form factor and specifications of the Academy.

The Academy was looking for alternatives to installing a larger, industrial tumbler in order to preserve limited lab space while still automating what had been a labor-intensive, manual process.

“A hide tumbler is a critical tool for preparing and preserving bird specimens at the Academy,” Dr. Rice said. “But our challenge, as is the case with most labs and taxidermy shops, is that space is at a premium. The students did a great job of taking the time to learn about the problem and to come up with a viable solution. It was an honor to work with the students and Mr. Ostrow and I’ll look forward to more collaboration in the future.”

The Engineering students took this on the design challenge and invented a collapsible hide tumbler that was custom-built to the available space. After many design meetings and revisions, the students completed a prototype in May of 2022. They brought the machine to the Academy in May 2022 for Dr. Rice to review and critique.

The students created a machine that is collapsible, has very a small footprint, is simple and safe to operate, and can be powered by a wall outlet, battery, or manual hand crank. By having various options to power the device, it is able to be used both in the lab at the Academy and in the field.

In March 2023 the students met with MBIT Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) member and Intellectual Property Engineer, Dave Shoneman. Mr. Shoneman spoke about the Patent Process and Intellectual property rights. The students realized the unique and innovative nature of their design, and filed for a provisional patent for the tumbler.

“It's been a great journey for our Engineering students and a point of pride for the program. This is a great story of a high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) program working in partnership with such a great science institution,” said Engineering Related Technology Instructor, Mr. Alan Ostrow

“Middle Bucks Institute of Technology was thrilled to partner with the Academy of Natural Sciences on this project. Students in career and technical education thrive when given the opportunity to complete live work as students must hone their technical skills and their employability skills with customers and clients. In this case, our Engineering Related Technology students had to solve two problems, how to automate a process and how to design the automation to fit into a limited footprint. The result is a hide tumbler that the Ornithology Department can use to support their incredible work. The students’ vision, with the support of their incredible teacher Mr. Alan Ostrow, is so unique and innovative it was awarded a provisional patent. Career technical education is more than just “hands-on” learning, it is real-world learning with authentic experiences for students. I am so proud of these students and their teacher for their ingenuity, determination, and problem-solving ability. Not many high school students will graduate with a patent in their name; at MBIT, three students will have this distinct honor,” said Administrative Director of Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Dr. Mark Covelle

A huge THANK YOU to Representative Brennan for taking the time to visit and learn about the invaluable work being done in our school. Your support means the world to us!

Together, we are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals and empowering students to achieve their dreams. Let's continue to invest in quality education and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.

MBIT School Carnival! Students having fun and making unforgettable memories!

Adult Education courses at MBIT this Spring 2023 semester was a family affair with six father-son teams pairing up to take classes together. Three sets of fathers and sons were in all three Welding courses offered during Spring semester, while a father and son built a structure in the Carpentry class, a father and son paired up in the Plumbing class, and father-son auto technicians took the PA Safety class together.

MBIT Adult Education offers affordable, hands-on courses in the Spring and Fall to allow adult students to learn new skills or upgrade current skills for employment. Fall semester begins the week of Sept. 12 with classes starting throughout October and November. Courses available are Auto Body Repair, Dental Assisting and Oral Radiology Test Prep, Electricity, Emissions, Landscape Design, Medical Insurance Billing, and Small Engine Repair. New courses include Newsletter Design, Graphic Design, and Photography/Photo Editing.

To see the complete listing of course offerings, please visit our website at www.mbit.org under the Adult Education. For more information, please contact Nancy Lawson, Adult Education Coordinator, at 215-343-2480, ext. 108 or via email- nlawson@mbit.org.

Check out Tucker, the therapy dog, who paid us a visit during Staff Appreciation Week! He melted our hearts with his cuddles and wagging tail We couldn't have asked for a better way to destress and relax during this hectic time. Thanks for the visit, Tucker!

Dental Occupations student, Lorelai Smiley has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Pennsylvania Cooperative Education Association (PCEA) Outstanding Student Award for the Eastern Career and Technical Education (CTE) Region. As one of only three recipients of this award in the entire Commonwealth, the association recognizes the hard work and dedication and has distinguished Lorelai amongst the graduating class of 2023.

Lorelai has applied to and been accepted at multiple colleges. She is leaning towards attending Kutztown University in Pre-dental and as a biology major. She mentors the younger students in the classroom and is a role model for them. When on the job she is a true asset to every person in her office and has been extensively cross-trained making her an asset to the team in the workplace. She plans to continue working for her practice throughout college and hopes to continue her training with Dr. Mercando.

“Lorelai is a student who chose to come to MBIT and take advantage of all the opportunities available to her in the school and classroom. She excelled in the classroom by applying her academics to the clinical skills, passed her radiology license and started a summer internship in her junior year with Dr. Mercando. She continued this internship through her senior year, Dr. Mercando inspired her to become a dentist. Lorelai has applied and was accepted into Kutztown University's Biology program, when she completes her undergrad degree, she will continue on the dental school. The connections she has made in the dental industry through the community partnerships at MBIT will only help enhance her post-secondary experiences. Congratulations Lorelai, your MBIT family is proud of you,” said Dental Occupations Instructor, Ms. Cindy Midgett.

Congratulations to Samantha Bredow on being awarded the Pennsylvania Foundation for Housing and Endorsed Trade Program Student Recognition Award! As a student in the Electrical Technology program and a senior at Central Bucks West, Samantha has shown incredible dedication and hard work in learning the Electrical trade. This recognition is well-deserved and a testament to her commitment to excellence.

The Professional Women in Building, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Builders Association, recognize Samantha's outstanding achievements and potential as a future leader in the industry. We can't wait to see what she accomplishes next!

Congratulations again, Samantha, on this well-deserved award

At our May Executive Council Meeting, winning students from the SkillsUSA State, Multimedia students from the Greenfield Youth Film Festival, and Automotive students from the Greater Philadelphia Top TECH Challenge Competitions were recognized for their achievements.

Congratulations to all!

How AMAZING ! Our Philanthropy Today students had a successful breakfast and presented checks to some amazing organizations! We are thrilled to be able to support their impactful work in the community.

Congratulations to Connor Morocco!

We are thrilled to announce that Connor has been awarded the prestigious Greater Bucks Mont Chamber of Commerce Scholarship! This remarkable achievement recognizes Connor's outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence.

Connor is currently enrolled in the Collision Repair program and is a bright student at Central Bucks West. Their passion and drive in the field are truly commendable. This scholarship is a well-deserved honor, reflecting Connor's hard work and determination.

We wish Connor all the best as they continue to pursue their dreams in the world of Collision Repair. This accomplishment is just the beginning of an incredible journey!

We are thrilled to announce that The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Bucks and Montgomery counties has recognized the outstanding achievements of five Middle Bucks students in our construction programs!

The students have been awarded $1,000 scholarships each, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey.

We want to extend our congratulations to these talented students for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills that have earned them this well-deserved recognition.

• Owen Brackbill- Building Trades Occupations-Central Bucks East
• Bryan Hernandez Velazquez-Electrical Technology- William Tennent
• Samantha Bredow-Electrical Technology- Central Bucks West
• Nathan Urban-Residential Construction Carpentry- Council Rock North
• Paul Stuckert-Plumbing and Heating Technology-Central Bucks South

Congratulations to our Medial & Health Professions seniors who are now First Aid and CPR certified! Onto Patient Care Technician!

Summer is just around the corner, and so is your chance to explore your dream career with our Summer Career Exploration program! There are only a few spots left, so don't wait! Join us and take the first step towards your dream career!

• June 5 - Senior Recognition Ceremony 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓🎓
• June 6 - Committee of the Whole meeting
• June 12 - Executive Council Meeting
  
• June 13 - Last Day of School 😀

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) is located in Warwick Township on York Road (Rt. 263) in Jamison, Pennsylvania. A The picturesque high school campus sits on 58 acres and is supported by Centennial, Central Bucks, Council Rock, and New Hope-Solebury School Districts. Middle Bucks Institute of Technology operates as a school of choice designed for students who are seeking to enhance their educational program with a highly relevant career and technical experience connected directly to the real world of business and industry. Over 400 business and industry advisors review and update the school educational program annually.

Email: Jdimitri@mbit.org
Website: www.mbit.org
Location: 2740 York Road, Jamison, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 343-2480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Middle-Bucks-Institute-of-Technology-36525737284/posts/
Twitter: @middlebucks