Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Kay Lucas

On game days at Tiger Stadium in Livingston, Alabama, the inside of the University of West Alabama’s mascot, LUie the Tiger, gets hot. Thanks to three UWA engineering technology graduates, however, a cool solution is now within reach.

Last spring, then-seniors Matthew Mosley, Tyler Lovering, and Ishmael Naylor designed a high-tech prototype mascot head for their senior capstone project. Their innovative design featured an integrated cooling system, improved ventilation, and a lightweight structure, all aimed at making mascot duty more comfortable in the Alabama heat.

Dr. Narendra Datta, chair of the Division of Engineering Technology, explains that the annual capstone project challenges seniors to develop real-world, hands-on projects integrating everything they’ve learned throughout their degree program. Guided by Dr. Datta, Mosley, Lovering, and Naylor selected this unique project topic.

Assistant professor Robert Miller provided valuable support to the team and Naylor, who led the initial phase of scanning LUie’s existing mascot head and importing the model into Fusion 360, the AutoCAD software used in their coursework. The team then integrated a compact water-to-water cooling system using a hydration vest, tubing, and a mini water pump, applying principles of fluid power, heat transfer, and motor controls.

Lovering focused on heat transfer calculations and conducted temperature reduction tests to validate the prototype’s effectiveness.  The team also replaced the internal helmet with an adjustable hard hat for better fit and enhanced ventilation, while enlarging the eye openings for improved visibility. Tests showed the prototype lowered internal temperatures by 5–7°F.

Mosley managed the project timeline, ensuring tasks were completed on time and parts were ordered on schedule.

“This project used many skills I developed over my four years at UWA,” Mosley says. “Project management provided a blueprint that helped me plan, prepare and organize our project, while computer applications like Excel kept our materials and progress in order. Our engineering courses supported the design and mathematical aspects of the project.” 

Since graduating in May, Naylor has worked for Steel Dynamics’ Columbus Division in Mississippi, starting as an electrical engineering intern and moving to a full-time position as a millwright technician by August. He credits UWA’s engineering technology program for thoroughly preparing him for his career.

“I can’t say enough about the excellent instruction from Datta and our professors and instructors,” Naylor shares. “They genuinely care about our success, combining classroom learning with hands-on labs that give us the practical experience we need on the job. Our senior project proved we have what it takes to succeed in any challenge.”

Mosley, now a mechanical engineer at Phifer, Inc. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, echoes this sentiment. “At Phifer I handle projects from design to repair, creating drawings and ordering parts, then leading maintenance crews during installation.  My drafting and mechanical motor classes have been invaluable in these tasks.

Although the prototype isn’t ready for permanent use, Datta believes their work showcases the students’ creativity and ability to apply engineering principles to practical challenges at the University. Building on their success, a new senior team, guided by Datta, Miller and assistant professor Dr. Ikechi Ukaegbu, will explore new materials to enhance durability without sacrificing cooling efficiency.

“We intend to continue this project with future senior teams, allowing each group to build on the work of the last,” Datta says. “This ongoing effort will drive the development of a more comfortable mascot head for LUie, creating a lasting legacy of innovation and student achievement.”

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Betsy Compton

Dr. Narendra Datta has been named chair of the Division of Engineering Technology at the University of West Alabama.

Datta has served as interim chair since June 2024, leading the Division through a successful ABET re-accreditation process, submitting materials for both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance programs, according to the announcement from UWA Provost Dr. Tina Jones.

“I’m honored to step into his new role,” says Datta, “and excited to continue working alongside such dedicated faculty, staff, and students.”

Under his leadership, the Division has acquired new instructional equipment and expanded both industry and academic partnerships. Collaborations now include companies such as Phifer Inc., Georgia-Pacific, AM/NS Calvert, Continental Aerospace, and the Engineer Research and Development Center. Academic partnerships with institutions including the University of Alabama, UAB, and UAH continue to be strengthened.

Datta has launched several key initiatives including a guest lecture series, enhanced capstone projects, and new co-op opportunities with industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz and Lavender Inc. He has also been active in recruitment efforts, coordinating campus visits with area high school groups.

Under Datta’s guidance, the Division recently established the Epsilon Beta chapter of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, while also expanding fundraising and international study opportunities.

Looking ahead, Datta says his focus will remain on strengthening industry partnerships, expanding applied learning opportunities, and aligning engineering technology programs with workforce needs.

“We’re working on several initiatives to give our students greater access to real-world projects, modern equipment, scholarships, and career pathways in high-demand technical fields,” notes Datta. “We’re also engaging our alumni network. I’m excited to continue the momentum we’ve built and lead the Division forward.”

Dr. Datta earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India, and both a master’s and doctorate in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Alabama.

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Engineering Technology student makes her mark in non-traditional degree program at UWA

Kayla Holley doesn’t fit the typical mold most would assume for an engineering technology student.  A self-proclaimed “girly girl,” Holley attended a performing arts high school where she studied dance before carving out her path at the University of West Alabama (UWA). Now, she’s proving that traditional gender roles in male-dominated fields can be defied with determination and skill.  

Initially, Holley set her sights on computer engineering technology, a field often considered a more “traditional” choice for women. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize it wasn’t the right fit. Drawn to hands-on work, she switched to engineering technology after her first semester at UWA.

Growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, Holley was inspired by her father, a city mechanical inspector, who introduced her to construction and engineering. “I was always fascinated seeing how things work,” she says. That spark of interest only grew during her time at UWA.

Though the engineering technology degree covers a wide range of topics — everything from electrical and mechanical systems to technology—Holley’s true passion lies in construction and design. Courses like fundamental production planning, print reading, and applied strength of materials gave her a solid foundation and deeper understanding of the building process than she might have received in a traditional construction trades program at other universities, she notes. 

Her passion became even more apparent after a summer internship during her sophomore year. Thanks to Dr. Narendra Datta, assistant professor and interim chair of the Engineering Technology Division, Holley landed an internship with Rick Taylor, a project manager overseeing the construction of the University Charter School’s new facility.  “I was the ‘punch list girl,’ she recalls with a smile. “My job was to double-check that the construction company was executing everything the client (UCS) wanted, according to their specifications.” Through that internship, Holley discovered her eye for detail and design and gained hands-on experience in understanding the complexities of the building process.

With her newfound passion for construction, Holley sought out another internship that could open doors to her future career. She found one at Hensel Phelps, a global construction company headquartered in Colorado. The internship didn’t just provide invaluable industry experience, it also paved the way for her next career step. “I wanted an internship that would hopefully lead to a job after graduation, and it did,” she says. In January 2025, Holley will begin her new role as a field engineer with Hensel Phelps on an $8 billion project in her hometown of Montgomery.

Starting out, Holley admits that being the only woman in the program was challenging, especially at first. “I didn’t have the background some of my peers did when entering the field,” she says. “But through my personal growth as a woman and the knowledge I’ve gained, I’m much more confident in who I am.” While she may have raised a few eyebrows among her classmates and on the job site, she adds, “I have the same knowledge as men do. I’m just packaged a little differently.”

Being in a traditionally male-dominated industry isn’t easy, but Holley values her experience at Hensel Phelps for its openness and respect. “They were very accepting. I felt respected, and my voice was heard.” She advises young women entering similar fields to “stay true to your personality and who you are. I like wearing pink—lots of it,” she laughs. “And I wear makeup. I didn’t stop doing that during class or internships, and I certainly didn’t try to be ‘one of the guys.’”

Though she doesn’t consider herself a trailblazer, Holley feels pressure to succeed, knowing that her actions can impact women entering the field in the future. “I understand that being one of the first means the situation is bigger than just me, and everything I do is scrutinized,” she says. Whether in school or on the job site, she advises women to be mindful of how they carry themselves and “be professional in everything you do.”

As Holley prepares to graduate from UWA in December, she’s a shining example of someone who found her calling by embracing her unique interests and challenging societal expectations. From the classroom to the construction site, she’s proven that breaking barriers in male-dominated fields doesn’t mean sacrificing passion or femininity.

Choosing a non-traditional field, like construction for Holley or nursing for her brother, speaks volumes about the support system the siblings have at home. “We are blessed to have parents who motivate and support us to pursue our interests,” Holley says. “It’s not about fitting into a mold. It’s about doing what you love, even if it doesn’t look like what people expect.”

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