Mechanical engineering's Cymerman crowned 'Mr. Engineer'

Mechanical engineering's Cymerman crowned 'Mr. Engineer'

Six male engineers showcased their brains and brawn Tuesday to compete for the title of "King of the Calculator" in this year's Mr. Engineer mock pageant, held by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

The event took place in Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. Half of the ticket proceeds benefited the Penn State Interfraternal Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) through the Four Diamonds Fund, an organization devoted to battling pediatric cancer.

Mike Cymerman, a junior in mechanical engineering, won the three-part pageant, earning the titles of Mr. Engineer and King of the Calculator.

The other student contestants included aerospace engineering's Wilson Claure, architectural engineering's Reinhardt Swart, chemical engineering's Atindra Garigipati, architectural engineering's Kieran Carlisle and nuclear engineering's Neil Huizenga.

The event began with the professional wear and "nerdy"-wear portion, where each contestant modeled two outfits.

"The nerdy-wear is always funny -- the guys always get into it," said Erin Miller, an architectural engineering student and SWE member.

The second part was a question-and-answer session, during which a moderator asked each contestant two questions -- one serious and one funny.

The final part of the competition was the talent portion, where contestants showcased skills such as ribbon dancing, piano playing and solving three Rubik's cubes in a matter of minutes.

"My favorite part had to be my talent -- getting up there and ribbon dancing was a dream come true," Carlisle said. "The energy was fantastic."

Cymerman said he wasn't expecting to win the competition.

"Everyone took it seriously and had good answers and talents," he said. Cymerman, who performed a rap song, added that the talent part was his favorite portion.

Miller said SWE had been preparing for the pageant since the middle of the fall semester, and she thought it went well, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. 

"It was a success, and I can't wait to do it next year!" she said.