Students unveil “magical” product designs
In the 20 years that David Wallace has been teaching the mechanical engineering course “product engineering processes,” known by its course number 2.009, he has spiced up the class by donning costumes ranging from an explorer in a pith helmet, to a princess in a blonde wig, to a wizard in a cape. The final course presentations by student teams have been no less dramatic, featuring a horse riding across the stage of Kresge auditorium, a bicyclist in a simulated rainstorm on stage, and a student immersed in a tank of water to demonstrate a rescue system. These presentations, delivered in a show with the flair of a Hollywood premiere and hosted by Wallace in a top hat and tails, have helped to make this class finale one of MIT’s most-anticipated annual events. Arguably exceeding expectations, this year’s finale included the sight of a pair of climbers rappelling down from the ceiling...