Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and tireless advocate for science and technology, is the keynote speaker at the 2008 Science & Technology Banquet on Thursday, April 24 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. The registration deadline is April 16.
Kamen is best known for his inventions that include the first wearable insulin pump, the IBOT Mobility Systems and the Segway Human Transporter. Kamen also is the founder of the FIRST organization that sponsors robotics competitions for school-aged kids around the world.
The Science & Technology Banquet, hosted by the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society, is a premier science and technology industry networking event and scholarship fundraiser. Read more>>
Walk-ins welcome at medical devices conference
It’s not too late to attend the University of Minnesota’s seventh annual Design of Medical Devices (DMD) Conference April 15–17, at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. Online registration is closed, but walk-ins are welcome each day of the conference. The conference includes two days of technical/clinical sessions and the one-day Annual President's 21st Century Interdisciplinary Conference entitled “Lifelong Learning of the Medical Device Engineer.”
The entire three-day event features more than 100 presenters and keynotes and more than 30 sessions. The conference promotes the medical device industry and provides a forum to bring together medical device designers, manufacturers, researchers, and representatives from the public sector. The Institute of Technology is one of the sponsors of this event along with a multitude of medical device companies and other University of Minnesota partners. Read more>>
Legislative bonding bill includes funding for most of U’s projects
This year’s legislative bonding bill includes funding for most of the University’s requested capital investment projects and approves a Minnesota Biomedical Research Program. Projects approved include $48.3 million for a new Science Teaching and Student Services Building, $3.5 million for research and outreach centers around the state, and $3.3 million for laboratory renovations. Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed two projects that the legislature had approved for the University—funding for a new Bell Museum of Natural History ($24 million in state funding) and for classroom renewal projects ($2 million). Pawlenty did support the Minnesota Biomedical Research Program, a plan that will authorize the construction of four new biomedical research buildings at the U of M over the next several years. Read more>>
Young Professional Series event set for May 6
The Institute of Technology Alumni Society presents the third in a series of networking and professional development events for young professionals on Tuesday, May 6 at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, 2 Third Ave., S.E., Minneapolis. The networking reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. The event is free and open to all Institute of Technology alumni and guests. Space is limited. Register now.
Department of Geology and Geophysics professor Chris Paola will present “Building a Sustainable Delta.” The session reflects on his direct experience in rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and research at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory in relation to the Mississippi Delta. The program will also include a short presentation by St. Anthony Falls Laboratory education director Karen Campbell who will provide an overview of the lab’s history, an update on current environmental projects, and a tour of the unique, world-renowned facility. Read more>>
Volunteers needed for LEGO League robotics international competition
More than 60 LEGO League robotics teams from around the world will compete at the University of Minnesota’s Williams Arena and Sports Pavilion on May 1-3 at the first-ever High Tech Kids FIRST Lego League International Open. The event is free and open to the public. The University’s Initiative on Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) is the presenting sponsor of the event that focuses on a renewable energy theme this year.
Students in grades 4-9 involved in the LEGO League competition present research on this year’s theme and build an autonomous robot using LEGO technology, including elements such as sensors, motors and gears, to demonstrate energy management and conservation. Teams competing in the Minnesota event are from countries in Europe and South America, as well as Canada and Mexico. In addition, teams from more than 20 states will compete.
Hundreds of volunteers and judges are needed during the competition. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities visit the High Tech Kids Web site and review the daily volunteer guides posted on the site. To volunteer, contact Deb Mans at debmans@hightechkids.org or Vicky Coaty at vcoaty@aol.com.
University Alumni Association Annual Celebration features heart researcher
Dr. Doris Taylor, Director of the University of Minnesota Center for Cardiovascular Repair and lead scientist on the breakthrough research that created a beating heart in a laboratory, will be the keynote speaker at the University of Minnesota Alumni Association Annual Celebration on Thursday, May 29 on Northrop Mall. The evening includes a reception and dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. If you would like to be seated with other Institute of Technology alumni and friends, you may purchase discounted tickets for $60 each. To purchase tickets, e-mail stadt001@umn.edu or call 612-626-1802 by Friday, April 18. You may also purchase open seating tickets on your own via the UMAA order form.
May 29 reception honors Institute of Technology Dean's Club members
A reception honoring members of the Institute of Technology Dean's Club will precede the University of Minnesota Alumni Association Annual Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. in the Mississippi Room of Coffman Memorial Union on May 29. The Dean's Club recognizes donors who support the Institute of Technology with annual gifts of $1,000 or more. Discounted dinner and program tickets for the UMAA Annual Celebration are available to Dean's Club members by contacting Liz Stadther at stadt001@umn.edu or 612-626-1802.
Minnesota Cup competition seeks innovative business ideas
The fourth annual Minnesota Cup is seeking the newest, most innovative business ideas from anyone in Minnesota. Due to the past success of the contest, the Minnesota Cup has doubled the prize money awarded to the top three entrants. The top prize includes $50,000 in seed capital and professional services to help bring the idea to fruition. Second and third place winners will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. A student award of $5,000 is also given as part of the competition.
Since the Minnesota Cup’s inception in 2005, more than 1,800 contestants have entered the competition from 50 different counties in Minnesota. The initial entry form is brief and all entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter—whether they are just putting ideas into a vision or whether they have been building their venture. This year’s entry deadline is Friday, May 23, 2008.
Institute of Technology alumni won the top prize in the first two Minnesota Cup competitions. Primary sponsors of the Minnesota Cup competition are Wells Fargo and the University of Minnesota, including the Institute of Technology. Read more>>
U of M study finds you get what you pay for with online Q & A sites
A new study by University of Minnesota computer science and engineering researchers revealed that the answer quality provided by online question-and-answer Web sites, such as Yahoo! Answers and Google Answers, depends on two factors—how much you pay and how many people contribute to your answer. University of Minnesota researchers involved in the study include computer science and engineering professor Joseph Konstan and graduate student Max Harper. Their study examined a variety of questions eliciting facts, opinions, and advice on topics spanning entertainment, technology, and business. Read more>>
Study finds late-model vehicles not affected by 20 percent ethanol blend
A 13-month study conducted by professor Dave Kittelson (mechanical engineering) shows that E20—a blend of fuel containing 80 percent gasoline and 20 percent ethanol—has no negative impact on the drivability and maintenance of late-model cars and trucks. The findings come as a response to the state, which has requested a waiver to allow E20 to be used in Minnesota. The more commonly used fuel blend of ethanol and gasoline in the United States, known as E10, contains 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. Read more>>
Student’s Web site nominated for a ‘Webby Award’
University of Minnesota computer science graduate student Jesse Vig's Web site, geoGreeting.com, has been nominated for the Best NetArt Website as part of the 12th annual Webby Awards. Vig’s Web site, which was nominated in the same category last year, uses satellite images of letter-shaped buildings from Google Maps that users can form into messages and e-mail to friends. The site boasts more than 1.2 million visitors. To help Vig’s Web site win the People’s Choice award, visit the Webby Web site at pv.webbyawards.com and vote before May 1. Read more>>
Honors
Professor Douglas Arnold (mathematics) was awarded a 2008 Guggenheim Fellowship as one of only five mathematicians in the U.S. and Canada to receive the prestigious award. The fellowship will support his research with collaborators in Italy and Norway on a burgeoning new approach known as the Finite Element Exterior Calculus, which builds on sophisticated theoretical tools from pure mathematics. In addition, Arnold has been named a McKnight Presidential Endowed Professor of Mathematics, a position to which he was recently appointed by University President Robert Bruininks.
Professor David Blank (chemistry) has been awarded the collegiate 2008 Charles E. Bowers Faculty Teaching Award for his exceptional teaching.
Professor Vladimir Cherkassky (electrical and computer engineering) is one of only 10 national winners of the A. Richard Newton Breakthrough Research Award from Microsoft External Research. The award will provide nearly $100,000 for Cherkassky's research pertaining to new machine learning methodologies for estimating predictive models from data, and their applications to medical diagnosis. Specific medical applications include more accurate predictions of the success of bone and marrow transplant treatment, and improved diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Professor Georgios Giannakis (electrical and computer engineering), the ADC Chair in Wireless Telecommunications, has been elected a Fellow of the European Signal Processing Association (EURASIP) in recognition of his many years of important contributions to the field of signal processing. A select group of no more than five signal processing researchers per year are elevated to Fellow, the Association's most prestigious honor.
Three Institute of Technology faculty have been named recipients of the 2008 Distinguished McKnight University Professorship, which recognizes and rewards outstanding mid-career faculty. They are honored with the title Distinguished McKnight University Professor, which they hold for as long as they remain at the University. They are:
Professor Jeffrey Derby (chemical engineering and materials science) for Development and Application of Computational Models to Understand and Improve Crystal Growth Processes. Derby is a world leader in the growth of crystals, materials upon which the entire electronics industry is based.
Professor Sachin Sapatnekar (electrical and computer engineering) for Computer Aided Design: Shaping the Semiconductor Industry with Fundamental Research. Sapatnekar is an international leader in research and education in the important, challenging, and high impact area of computer-aided design (CAD) of integrated circuits.
Professor Andreas Stein (chemistry) for Design and Synthesis of Functional Porous Materials and Nanostructures. Stein is an internationally recognized expert in syntheses of porous solids with designed architectures.
University of Minnesota sophomore honors student Angela Holmberg has received a prestigious 2008 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Holmberg, who is majoring in chemistry and chemical engineering, will receive a two-year scholarship of $7,500 per year. An Honorable Mention was awarded to U of M junior honors student David Christle, a student pursuing a double major in physics and mathematics.
Professors James Leger (electrical and computer engineering) and Carol Shield (civil engineering) are co-winners of the 2008 George W. Taylor Distinguished Service Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding service to the college by faculty. Leger is the first Institute of Technology faculty member to win all three Institute of Technology Taylor awards for teaching, research, and service.
Professor Susan Mantell (mechanical engineering) has received the 2008 George W. Taylor/IT Alumni Society Award for Distinguished Teaching. This annual award recognizes outstanding contributions to undergraduate and/or graduate teaching by a member of the Institute of Technology faculty.
Mathematics graduate student Alex Miller has been awarded the 2008 John Bowers Teaching Assistant Award in recognition of his commitment to and success in teaching Institute of Technology students.
Professor Guillermo Sapiro (electrical and computer engineering) has been named Editor-in-Chief of new SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences. Imaging science will soon be getting more exposure as the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) launches its newest journal, SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences (SIIMS).
Professor Michael Tsapatsis (chemical engineering and materials science) has been awarded the 2008 George W. Taylor Award for Distinguished Research from the Institute of Technology. Established in 1928, the Taylor Award recognizes younger faculty members who have shown outstanding ability in research.
Media Watch
Report shows high rates of data theft at University
Professor Nicholas Hopper (computer science and engineering) gave expert tips on computer security. Hopper said the key to securing data are password and encryption protection measures. Feb. 21: Minnesota Daily
Federal grants will boost biofuels research at the University of Minnesota
Three ongoing research projects at the University of Minnesota have been awarded approximately $2.27 million over the next three years as part of a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy to encourage biomass research and development. March 5: News Release
Alumni create Web software to monitor time wasted on the Internet
Professor Marvin Marshak (physics) comments on alumni Zack Garbow and Dave Fowler's creation of software designed to monitor time wasted on the Internet. March 7: Minnesota Daily
U of M student receives research grant
Undergraduate research assistant Bryan Youngwoo Yoon (mechanical engineering) has received a $1,400 University of Minnesota Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) Grant. March 9: Asian American Press
Birth control pills spark an environmental debate
Associate professor Paige Novak (civil engineering) comments on the recent claim by some experts who are blaming birth control for water contamination. March 9: Great Reporter.com; March 10: KSTP-TV; March 15: Star Telegram
Video road hogs stir fear of Internet traffic jam
Professor Andrew Odlyzko (mathematics), director of the University’s Digital Technology Center, estimates that digital traffic on the global network is growing about 50 percent a year.
March 13: New York Times
Happy Pi Day
Professor Douglas Arnold (mathematics), director of the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications commented on mathematicians' interest in March 14, also known as Pi Day. March 14: MinnPost
NTSB 35W bridge inspection update
The National Transportation Safety Board contracted with the University of Minnesota's Department of Civil Engineering to construct a 1/200th scale model of the I-35W bridge to provide investigators with a three-dimensional representation of the bridge's supporting structure. March 17: KSTP -TV; March 18: New York Times
The number of master's degrees awarded nationally has increased 55 percent since 1975, according to associate professor Doug Ernie (electrical and computer engineering), the associate dean of the Graduate School. March 27: Minnesota Daily
Fun with rehab
The Sister Kenny Research Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis bought a Wii system last summer and is working with the University of Minnesota to design a study that will measure patients' function before and after this "Wiihab." March 31: Chicago Daily Herald
Two new star systems are first of their kind ever found
Astronomers have spied a faraway star system that is so unusual, it was one of a kind—until its discovery helped them pinpoint a second one that was much closer to home. April 2: Space Daily
Bill to compensate bridge victims also would shelter U
Deep inside a legislative plan to compensate the victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse is a proposal that would also take care of someone else—the University of Minnesota, whose engineering researchers authored a 2001 study of fatigue cracking that confidently stated there was no need to replace the bridge. April 2: Star Tribune
Math tourney begins
A math tournament, that also features chess, was held at the University of Minnesota. April 3: WCCO–TV
What is the biggest star in the Universe?
Professor Roberta Humphreys (astronomy) recently calculated the largest known star's (VY Canis Majoris) upper size at more than 2,100 times the size of the Sun. April 6: Universe Today
Defending E85 study
Professor Mark Jacobson (civil and environmental engineering) rebuts Robert Moffitt's opinion piece about Jacobson's published research and health risks of 85 percent blended ethanol (March 31 Minnesota Daily "Against E85, for windmills"). April 7: Minnesota Daily
Minnesotans get Webby nominations
A Web site developed by computer science graduate Jesse Vig called geoGreeting.com is one of five finalists this year for the Best NetArt website for the 2008 Webby awards. April 8: Star Tribune
Events
Fluid Power Documentaries
April 13, May 10 and May 17: The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, along with Twin Cities Public Television and the National Fluid Power Association, has produced two half-hour documentaries that will be broadcast locally on Twin Cities Public Television. "Fluid Power - A Force for Change" airs 8 p.m., Sunday, April 13, and 9 p.m., Saturday, May 17, "Discovering Fluid Power" airs 9 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
Design of Medical Devices Conference
April 15–17: This conference will promote the medical device industry, provide a forum to bring medical device designers, manufacturers, researchers, and representatives from the public sector together to share perspectives on medical devices, and raise funds from corporate sponsorships to endow graduate fellowships in medical device design. Registration is now closed, but walk-ins are welcome. Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis. Visit the Web
site.
Biomass '08 Conference and Trade Show
April 15–17: This show aims to facilitate the advancement of near-term and commercial-scale
manufacturing of biomass-based power, fuels, and chemicals. Register online. Minneapolis Convention Center. Visit the Web
site.
William E. Larson and Raymond R. Allmaras lecture on Emerging Issues in Soil and Water
April 16: The annual Soil, Water and Climate department lecture features speakers Robin O’Malley of the Heinz Center, Washington, D.C., who will present “An Environmental Information System for the 21st Century” and Bob A. Stewart of West Texas A&M University, who will present “National Indicators of Changes in Soil Quality.” 2–4:30 p.m.305 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul campus. For more information e-mail Satish Gupta or call 612-625-1241.
Greenhouse Gas Seminars
April 16: This seminar, entitled "What States Can Do to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions" features Dr. Alan C. Lloyd, President, International Council on Clean Transportation and former Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency. 3:30–4:30 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center. Visit the Web site.
IT Mentor Program—Connection Appreciation Reception
April 16: The Institute of Technology Mentor Program matches current science and engineering students with professionals in technical fields. UMAA Mentor Connection invites all mentors and students participating in any University of Minnesota mentor program to attend this festive event. 5:30–7 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center. Visit the Web
site.
Digital Technology Center (DTC) science and technology innovators lecture series
April 16: Anil Jain, Michigan State University, will present "Biometric Recognition: A New Paradigm for Security." The lecture presents an overview of biometric recognition, its advantages and limitations, and the challenges in dealing with accuracy, individuality, fusion and security issues. 4:30 p.m. Reception; 5 p.m. Seminar.402 Walter Library. Visit the Web
site..
Engineering Stem Cell Symposium
April 22: This symposium aims to connect University researchers in stem cell biology and engineering to highlight stem cell science as a new frontier leading toward regenerative medicine. The event is sponsored by the Institute of Technology and the Stem Cell Institute. 1–5 p.m.Room 1-110 McGuire Translational Research Facility. Visit the Web
site.
Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) Open House 2008
April 23: MSI will hold an open house to increase awareness of its services throughout the University of Minnesota community and to showcase the work of researchers who use its resources. Register online. 1–4 p.m.Walter Library. Visit the Web
site.
Environmental Roundtable: Challenges of Climate & Land Use and Land Cover Change Modeling at a Regional Scale
April 24: This roundtable focuses on the integration of climate modeling and LULCC modeling at spatial and temporal scales. Free and open to the public. 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.105 Cargill Building, St. Paul Campus. Visit the Web site.
Science & Technology Banquet
April 24: The University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society presents Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and tireless advocate for science and technology, as the keynote speaker at the 2008 Science & Technology Banquet on Thursday, April 24. Register online. Networking reception, 5 p.m.; Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Program, 7:30 p.m. Minneapolis Hilton, 1001 Marquette Avenue South, Minneapolis. Visit the Web site, call 612-626-1802, or e-mail stbanquet@umn.edu.
"Innovation: The New Global Currency"
April 24: Join the growing number of technology business executives who gather each year at the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) Spring Conference and examine how your organization measures up in a 24/7/7 world. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Minneapolis Hyatt Regency. Visit the Web site, e-mail Valariya Garber, or call 952-230-4555.
Looking Ahead
FIRST Lego League International Open
May 1–3: More than 60 LEGO League robotics teams from around the world will compete at the first-ever High Tech Kids FIRST Lego League International Open. The event is free and open to the public. Williams Arena and Sports Pavilion. Visit the Web site.
Quantum Magnetism
May 2–4: This workshop will bring together some of the most active researchers throughout the world in the field of quantum magnetism. Due to limited space, participation is by invitation only.Visit the Web site, or e-mail the organizers.
IT Young Professional Series Event
May 6: The Institute of Technology Alumni Society (ITAS) presents the third in a series of networking and professional development events for the next generation of leaders. This session entitled "Building a Sustainable Delta" focuses on environmental research at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. Register online. 5:30–8 p.m.St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.
Institute of Technology Commencement
May 9: The Institute of Technology holds one undergraduate commencement each year. This event will begin with a faculty procession leading the graduates into Northrop Memorial Auditorium and will conclude with the presentation of degree candidates. Faculty, graduates, and honored guests will hear remarks from the dean, a student from the graduating class, and a commencement address delivered by Eric Jolly, President, Science Museum of Minnesota. 7-9 p.m, Northrop Memorial Auditorium.
Intelligent Storage Workshop (ISW 2008)
May 13–14: The sixth annual Intelligent Storage workshop will include such topics as: green storage systems, power management in the data center, future impacts of hybrid and solid state disk drives, quality of storage service in exabyte storage systems, moving data to knowledge—eScience and storage systems, and more. Register online. Networking reception, 5 p.m; Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Program, 7:30 p.m.Room 402 Walter Library. Visit the Web site.
Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and tireless advocate for science and technology, is the keynote speaker at the 2008 Science & Technology Banquet on Thursday, April 24 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. The registration deadline is April 16.
It’s not too late to attend the University of Minnesota’s seventh annual Design of Medical Devices (DMD) Conference April 15–17, at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. Online registration is closed, but walk-ins are welcome each day of the conference. The conference includes two days of technical/clinical sessions and the one-day Annual President's 21st Century Interdisciplinary Conference entitled “Lifelong Learning of the Medical Device Engineer.”
The Institute of Technology Alumni Society presents the third in a series of networking and professional development events for young professionals on Tuesday, May 6 at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, 2 Third Ave., S.E., Minneapolis. The networking reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. The event is free and open to all Institute of Technology alumni and guests. Space is limited. 
More than 60 LEGO League robotics teams from around the world will compete at the University of Minnesota’s Williams Arena and Sports Pavilion on May 1-3 at the first-ever 
Dr. Doris Taylor, Director of the University of Minnesota Center for Cardiovascular Repair and lead scientist on the breakthrough research that created a beating heart in a laboratory, will be the keynote speaker at the 
The fourth annual