Nobody Said Penguins Could Fly
Engineering Sorority Competes in Offbeat Contest

This month, five members of a UCLA engineering sorority will launch one of their own from the Santa Monica Pier into the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean. But it isn't some bizarre hazing ritual; the women are taking part in Flugtag, a popular contest where teams compete to build eye-catching human-powered flying machines and then launch them into nearby bodies of water.

The team from Phi Sigma Rho, a social sorority for engineering students, was selected from more than 400 applicants to compete in Flugtag, or "Flying Day" in German, on September 20. Flugtag, sponsored by energy drink-maker Red Bull, began in Austria in 1991, and has since gained popularity in the United States. Earlier this year, in Austin, Texas, teams tipped a giant jalapeno, an oversized bowl of chips and salsa, and a 15-foot likeness of Willie Nelson into a local lake. The Santa Monica event promises to be just as whimsical.

"No one really expects these machines to fly very far," said Christina Yang, the founder of UCLA's chapter of Phi Rho and a participant in the event. "The contest is more about how outrageous you can make your craft."

An early draft of Phi Rho's flying machine, Sigmand.

Yang and her teammates will pilot a giant penguin named Sigmand, who also happens to be the sorority's mascot.

Phi Sigma Rho is the only social sorority for engineers in the nation, and the UCLA Chapter, founded in 2002, is the first in California. The group consists of 18 girls and hopes to grow this fall.

"I noticed that we have a fraternity for men in the technical professions but there wasn't a social sorority for women," said Yang, a fifth-year electrical engineering major. "I started Phi Rho to get girls together and create bonds between women in engineering."

The structure of Phi Sigma Rho is similar to a Pan-Hellenic sorority, and its members participate in many philanthropic and social events within and outside of the Greek community.

Phi Rho differs from the more career-oriented Society of Women Engineers (SWE), because it focuses primarily on providing a social outlet for women who, as engineering students, are engaged in highly demanding and competitive studies.

"The majority of our events are held on weekends to allow more time for academics during the week," said Yang. "We understand if you have that computer science project due the next day."

For the Flugtag event, four team members will be responsible for pushing Sigmand into the sea, while one lucky participant pilots the bird on its short-lived flight. The flying structure, which must be solely human-powered, will be constructed of wood, chicken wire and pvc piping. A large bobble head will be attached to a spring, and the entire machine will be covered in "something fuzzy."

As engineering students, the women could certainly create something more advanced, but the idea is not to be overly technical, according to Flugtag Team Captain, Kendra Titus, a second-year aerospace engineering major. "We just want to make it as memorable as possible," she said.

Phi Rho has members from every department in the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science except materials science and bioengineering. Most of the women study computer science, civil or mechanical engineering. "At the moment, we don't accept women in other science-related majors," said Yang, "but that will change in the next few years."

The team has experienced a few setbacks as it prepares for the Flugtag competition. "Our pilot Marzena had an accident recently and will be wearing a cast for the next several weeks," said Titus. "She can't run, jump and certainly can't go in the water." A search for a new pilot is ongoing.

Winners have the choice between a cash prize and taking actual piloting or skydiving lessons. Contestants are judged on their machine's flying ability, creativity and on the team's presentation skills.

Flugtag activities take place from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, September 20 at the Santa Monica Pier. If Sigmand survives its maiden voyage, it will join the women of Phi Rho on their float during Homecoming celebrations on October 24.

In addition to Yang and Titus, Phi Rho's Flugtag team includes Gina Beretta (this year's sorority president), Cindy Beck and Marzena Laskowska. The team received funding support from engineering alumni Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lawrence.

For more information about the Phi Sigma Rho sorority, go to http://www.phirhoucla.com/.

For more information about Flugtag, go to http://www.redbullflugtagla.com/.

-Christopher Sutton
09/10/03