25 Nov 2024

In the fast lane: Partnership helps collegiate motorsport team bring home trophy

Many kids dream of one day becoming a race car driver. Few will actually achieve it, but for those who have a knack for science and technology, designing a race car might be a more achievable goal – a chance to live life in the fast lane. For students involved in Powercat Motorsports at Kansas State University, this dream is a reality. Powercat Motorsports is the university’s Society of Engineers Formula Race team. Open to any student enrolled at Kansas State University, the team designs and builds a brand-new formula one race car every year. They compete with their car at various events throughout the year, but the biggest competition occurs at Michigan International Speedway.

5 Dec 2023

Years of partnership and perseverance leads to historic osprey nesting

Osprey, a bird of prey, is the only species of raptor that dives feet first into the water to catch its prey—mainly fish. It’s no surprise then that osprey typically nest in and around bodies of water like rivers, lakes and on the coasts of North America. In Kansas, it’s not uncommon to see these majestic birds as they pass through the Midwest as part of their migratory habits. However, osprey have not historically bred in this area of the country. Until now. In the summer of 2023, Perry Lake, located in northeast Kansas, recorded the first successful osprey nesting and fledging in the state of Kansas’ history. Much like other raptor species, osprey experienced declining populations during the 1950s to 1970s due to the prevalence of lead and harmful insecticides. And just like other raptor species, osprey populations have begun to make a come-back after being protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.