Science and engineering task force issues preliminary recommendations
Ten strategic positioning task forces issued their preliminary recommendations March 31, including the academic task force on Collegiate Design: Science and Engineering.
According to the task force's preliminary findings, the structure of the sciences and engineering at the University is ideally suited for greater collaboration across disciplines and department boundaries. As result, the task force concluded, changes to the current organizational structure of the Institute of Technology and the College of Biological Sciences are unnecessary.
The task force recommended strengthening research collaborations among the sciences and engineering, particularly those involving the Institute of Technology, the College of Biological Sciences, and the Academic Health Center. The recommendations identified focused investments in three intercollegiate areas—materials, energy, and environmental genomics—as top priorities.
The science and engineering task force was not alone in calling for more interdisciplinary collaboration. In its preliminary report, the task force on Graduate Reform: Discipline Evolution recommended the establishment of a named, high-profile institute and internal exchange programs for faculty and graduate students, all designed to foster interdisciplinary scholarship.
The preliminary recommendations are available online for review and public comment. In addition, a public meeting on Fri., April 21, will present an overview of the science and engineering task force’s recommendations with an opportunity to offer comments and suggestions. The meeting is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in Room 105, Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics, on the St. Paul campus. The meeting is open to the University community, alumni, and the general public.
The public commentary period ends April 30. Revised recommendations are due to team leaders by May 5 and will be posted shortly thereafter.
Minnesota Cup competition seeks innovative business ideas
The second annual Minnesota Cup, a statewide competition, is seeking the newest, most innovative business ideas from anyone in Minnesota. Top prize includes $25,000 in seed capital and professional services to help bring the idea to fruition. A student award of $5,000 is also given as part of the competition.
Entries will be judged on originality, viability, and the quality of presentation. They may be submitted individually or as a group of up to four people. Entry deadline is May 26, 2006.
Last year's Minnesota Cup top prize winners were Institute of Technology alumni John Berger and David Emmons. Their invention, Arcswitch, is a new low-cost optical switch and attenuator for rerouting information carried on fiber-optic networks.
Primary sponsors of the competition are Wells Fargo and the University of Minnesota, including the Institute of Technology, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Carlson School of Management. Last year's inaugural competition received 608 entries from 48 counties in Minnesota. More...
Design of Medical Devices Conference offers perspectives on the industry
Medical devices take center stage April 19–21 during the fifth annual Design of Medical Devices Conference (DMD), hosted by the University of Minnesota. The conference brings together designers, manufacturers, University researchers, public-sector representatives, and students to share perspectives on all facets of the industry. Topics include emerging and clinical technologies, business development, and regulation.
The agenda includes technical/clinical sessions, student poster sessions, student/industry job fair, and the third annual President's 21st Century Interdisciplinary Conference on Medical Device Policy and Planning. Conference organizers expect a crowd of more than 600 participants.
DMD is sponsored by the Biomedical Engineering Institute and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. On-site registration is available each day of the conference, which is at the Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis.
Kohlstedt to head School of Earth Sciences
Institute of Technology Dean Steven L. Crouch has appointed Professor David Kohlstedt head of the Newton Horace Winchell School of Earth Sciences, with a concurrent appointment as head of the Department of Geology and Geophysics. Both appointments are effective July 1, 2006.
A internationally renowned researcher in rock deformation processes, Kohlstedt studies the physics and chemistry of minerals. He and his research group explore a range of problems, including planetary core formation, diffusion in Earth materials, interactions of deformation and melt migration, and the role of water on olivine deformation.
Kohlstedt joined the University of Minnesota's Department of Geology and Geophysics in 1989. In addition to his research, he teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has served as a graduate advisor and mentor to many younger scholars in the field.
He is a member of Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and a member of the American Ceramic Society and the Mineralogical Society of America. He is author or co-author of more than 150 refereed publications. His recent honors include election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science.
Kohlstedt will succeed Professor William Seyfried, Jr., who has held the post for 13 years.
U conference focuses on nanotechnology research
Last year, the University of Minnesota was ranked among the top five U.S. universities in nanoscience research and nanotechnology industry outreach. But the University isn’t resting on its laurels. On May 3, 2006, the Investment Community Workshop: Nanotech will bring together individuals from the business and science community to discuss current nanotechnology research at the University. The event, which is organized by the Office of Business Development, also includes presentations from several Institute of Technology faculty and an opening speech by Dean Steven L. Crouch.
Beautiful U Day
A tradition since 1997, Beautiful U Day is an annual initiative celebrating the University of Minnesota's natural resources, buildings, and grounds. The University community will celebrate Beautiful U Day April 20 with hands-on beautification efforts and activities. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) received one of 36 Beautiful U Day grants awarded to University departments and student groups across the state for projects taking place on or around Beautiful U Day. CEMS will use its grant to beautify the Amundson Hall entrance and foyer to make it more welcoming. You're invited to visit the Piercy Wing entrance to Amundson Hall on Beautiful U Day and see the new look for yourself.
UMAA offers new membership benefit
The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) is offering a new membership benefit in conjunction with University of Minnesota Libraries. Libraries Publications Online allows UMAA members free access to two databases, Academic Search Alumni Edition and Business Source Alumni Edition. The databases include full-text magazines, business and academic journals, and trade publications. Among the many general-interest publications offered are Time, Newsweek, Fortune, Health, Popular Science, Money, and Child. Registration with a valid UMAA membership number is required to use this benefit, which is intended for personal research and educational use. To learn more and to join the UMAA, see the UMAA's Web site.
Undergraduates showcase research
A third or more of undergraduates in several University colleges are involved in research and independent projects. On April 26, these students will showcase their work at the 2006 Undergraduate Symposium at Coffman Union's Great Hall. The schedule includes student poster displays and presentations from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and student plenary sessions from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The Institute of Technology is one of the symposium's collegiate sponsors. For more information e-mail symposium@umn.edu.
SPA to enforce 24-hour deadline for proposal submissions
Beginning May 1, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) will require principal investigators to deliver proposals to SPA at least 24 hours before the sponsor's submission deadline. This requirement will streamline the University's proposal-submission process and allow the SPA to fulfill its fiduciary and regulatory obligations to review all proposals on behalf of the University. SPA will not accept proposals delivered after 5:00 p.m. the day before the sponsor's deadline.
In memoriam
Professor Emeritus George Greenlees died March 16, 2006, at age 83. He joined the University of Minnesota faculty as a professor of physics in 1964. His research was in the area of experimental nuclear physics, and he contributed significantly to the understanding of the structure of atomic nuclei. He retired from the University in 1993.
A memorial service to honor Greenlees is Tues., April 18, at 4:00 p.m. at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 7100 France Ave. South, in Edina, Minn.
Honors
Professor Gary Balas (aerospace engineering and mechanics) and Tomas Keviczky (ControlSci Ph.D. ’05) received the 2006 O. Hugo Schuck Award for Practice from the American Automatic Control Council (AACC) for their paper “Flight Test of a Receding Horizon Controller.” They will be presented with the award at the 2006 American Control Conference, which is June 14–16 in Minneapolis.
Professors Stephen Campbell (electrical and computer engineering) and Catherine French (civil engineering) have been named Institute of Technology Distinguished Professor. This award is given to a select group of Institute of Technology faculty to recognize their contributions to research, teaching, and service in their professions and in the college.
Assistant Professor Kevin Dorfman (chemical engineering and materials science) will receive a 2006 Career Development Award from the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO), based in Strasbourg, France. HFSPO promotes intercontinental collaboration and training in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research focused on the life sciences. Dorfman, who is studying biophysical mechanisms underlying DNAzyme catalysis, will receive $100,000 annually for three years. He is one of the first two American scientists chosen to receive the competitive Career Development Award, which supports young scientists during the critical period of setting up their independent laboratories.
Associate Professor Douglas Ernie (electrical and computer engineering) has been awarded the 2006 George W. Taylor Award for Distinguished Service. Ernie is being honored for his pioneering service to the continued development of the UNITE distributed learning program, his major contributions to the use of technology-enhanced learning throughout the University, his services as interim director of the Center for Development of Technological Leadership, and involvement in the UROP and REU undergraduate research programs.
Assistant Professor Christy Haynes (chemistry) has been named a 2006 Searle Scholar. The Searle Scholars Program was established 1980 to support research in medicine, chemistry, and the biological sciences. Awards are made to outstanding scientists who are in the first or second year of their first appointment at the assistant professor level and whose current appointment is a tenure-track position.
Professor William Garrard (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has received the John Leland Atwood Award from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Aerospace Division and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The Atwood Award is bestowed annually upon an outstanding aerospace engineering educator. Garrard will be presented with the award at the ASEE Annual Meeting in Chicago in June 2006 and at the AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting in Reno, Nev., in Jan. 2007.
Garrard was also elected chair of the National Council of NASA-funded Space Grant Consortia, a network of 52 university-based consortia (one in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico). The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program is NASA’s largest higher-education program, and as chair of the council Garrard will serve as liaison between NASA and the various state directors.
Professor Vipin Kumar (computer science and engineering) has been selected to receive the IEEE Computer Society's 2005 Technical Achievement Award for his contributions to the design and analysis of parallel algorithms, graph partitioning, and data mining. This annual award is presented for outstanding and innovative contributions to the fields of computer and information science and engineering or computer technology.
Assistant Professor Kristopher McNeill (chemistry) has received the 2006 George W. Taylor Career Development Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to teaching by a candidate for tenure.
Professor Wayland Noland (chemistry) is the 2006 recipient of the Charles E. Bowers Faculty Teaching Award, which recognizes an outstanding Institute of Technology professor who has demonstrated exceptional interest and commitment to teaching.
Professor Serge Rudaz (physics) has received the 2006 George W. Taylor/Institute of Technology Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Professor Guillermo Sapiro (electrical and computer engineering) has received the 2006 George W. Taylor Award for Distinguished Research. He is being honored for his contributions to the area of image processing and computer vision, including his lossless image compression technique used by the Mars Rover to transmit images from the surface of the Red Planet, image inpainting work that has been incorporated into Adobe Photoshop, the application of mathematical analysis to imaging the HIV virus, and compression and analysis of digital elevation map.
Graduate student Shana Watters (computer science and engineering) is one of 19 students nationwide who have received the 2006 Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. The award is a $10,000 scholarship for outstanding female students completing degrees in computer science or related fields. The scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Dr. Anita Borg and her efforts to encourage women to pursue careers in computer science and technology.
Professor Xiaoyang Zhu (chemistry) has received a Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany. The Humboldt Foundation grants approximately 20 Bessel Research Awards annually to young, top-flight scientists and scholars from outside of Germany who are already recognized as outstanding researchers in their fields. The award winners are also invited to work on research projects of their own choice in cooperation with colleagues in Germany for periods of between six months and one year.
Media watch
U student's vision is to bring light to Nicaragua
Electrical engineering student Patrick Delaney visited a remote mountainous region of Nicaragua and found people frustrated by their lack of electricity to provide light for nighttime activities such as reading and cooking. Back in Minnesota, Delaney and other engineering students are now in the process of developing a reasonably priced solar lantern. March 27: Pioneer Press.
Career center director discusses job outlook for college grads in technical fields
Mark Sorenson-Wagner, director of the Career Center for Science and Engineering, discusses the job outlook for technical college graduates and the economy. March 27: KSTP-TV News (Minneapolis-St.Paul).
Computer model predicts nanotube breaks
A new computer modeling approach developed by materials scientists at Rice University and the University of Minnesota is allowing researchers to create a "strength map" that plots the likelihood or probability that a nanotube will break—and how it's likely to break—based on four key variables. Traian Dumitrica, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is co-author of the study. March 28: Physicsorg.com; March 31: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Learning science by the [comic] book
Physics professor James Kakalios discovered that using examples from comic books instead of the inclined planes and pulleys found in most textbooks is a better way to reach students. His book, The Physics of Superheroes, also inspired The Marvel Super Heroes Science Exhibition in San Bernardino, Calif. Fargo Forum(Fargo–Grand Forks). April 11:San Bernardino Sun.
Physic circus goes to Fergus Falls
The Physics Circus used ping-pong cannons, floating beach balls, human rockets, and all sorts of other science and math magic to amaze audience members at Fergus Falls Middle School. March 30: Fergus Falls Journal (Fergus Falls, Minn.).
First results of MINOS experiment announced
The first results of the Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS) experiment were announced March 30. The experiment found a clear observation of muon neutrino disappearance and therefore neutrino mass, according to University of Minnesota researchers working on the project. March 30: Mesabi Daily News (Virginia, Minn.); April 1: Duluth News Tribune
Four U students named Goldwater Scholars
Four University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students, including three from the Institute of Technology, have been named 2006 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars. Goldwater scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding sophomores and juniors in mathematics, science, and engineering who intend to pursue graduate study and research-oriented careers. The scholarships provide up to $7,500 per year for up to two years of undergraduate study. March 28: Pioneer Press.
U students join space race
A group of aerospace engineering students is the first University of Minnesota team to compete in the University Nanosatellite Program, a unique national student competition to create a mini-satellite. The winning team’s design must be flight-ready by June 2007 and will be launched into low Earth orbit. The University's Nanosat team has been working on the satellite since April 2005. April 6: The Minnesota Daily.
Keller predicts that gas prices in U.S. will keep rising
Gas prices in the Twin Cities and in the rest of the country keep inching up. Many experts, including chemical engineering and materials science professor Ken Keller, believe that the world's oil supply will continue to be a problem in the long term. "There seems to be nobody who would disagree with the idea that ultimately the supply of oil is limited," said Keller, a former University president who now teaches energy policy. "And we're going to run out." April 7: WCCO-TV (Minneapolis-St. Paul); April 11: WCCO-TV; April 12: Minnesota Public Radio; April 15: WCCO-TV.
Pollution study produces wealth of data
A team of Mexican and U.S. researchers has been working 14-hour days to measure the giant plume of gases, dust, and particles that rise out of Mexico City each day. The researchers are collecting data and tracking the regional movement of urban pollution. In an equipment-packed trailer, Professor Peter McMurry, head of mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota, collected data for studying the transformation of airborne particles. April 8: El Universal (Mexico City).
Nanoparticles effective in killing cancer with one-two punch of chemotherapeutics
Research studies based at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrate that biodegradable nanoparticles containing two potent cancer-fighting drugs are effective in killing human breast tumors. Among the co-authors on these findings are Distinguished McKnight University Professor Frank Bates and graduate student Aaron Brannan. April 11: Nano Techwire.
Cheaper fuel: A pipe dream?
Money makes the world go ’round. But those who attribute an era of petroleum addiction as the culprit of major global conflicts might argue that oil does. Professor Chris Paola (geology and geophysics), Regents Professor Lanny Schmidt (chemical engineering and materials science), and Professor David Kittelson (mechanical engineering) are among the researchers whose energy-related research is profiled. April 12: The Minnesota Daily.
Good Question: How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Hybrid cars burn less gas and emit fewer pollutants into the air. But how do hybrids work and are they a good deal?… “Around town is where you get the gain,” said Dr. David Kittelson, director of the Engine Research Center at the University of Minnesota. April 14: WCCO-TV (Minneapolis-St. Paul).
Work on second neutrino detector could begin by fall
Construction of a massive new neutrino detector on the Ash River Trail near Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota could begin as early as this fall, following a successful review of the project this past week. “The question right now is whether things will get straightened out in time to start this fall, or if we’ll have to wait until spring,” said physics professor Marvin Marshak of the University of Minnesota, which is collaborating on the project. “As far as operationally, we are going forward as of this point. We’re certainly looking towards significant construction by this time next year.” April 17: Timberjay News(Tower/Ely/Orr, Minn.).
Winter 2006 creates worst pothole season in years
If you’ve driven on any one of Minnesota’s roads or highways these past few weeks, you’ve probably gone out of your way to a avoid a pothole. Some experts are calling this the worst pothole season in years. Mihai Marasteanu, assistant professor of civil engineering, says this past winter’s abundance of freeze-thaw cycles are to blame for the pothole outbreak. April 17: University of Minnesota Moment.
Events
Design of Medical Devices Conference
April 19–21: The fifth annual Design of Medical Devices Conference (DMD) brings together designers, manufacturers, University researchers, public-sector representatives, and students to share perspectives on all facets of the industry. Topics include emerging and clinical technologies, business development, and regulation. On-site registration is available each day of the conference. Fee. For more information call 612-626-2230 or e-mail dmd@me.umn.edu.Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis.
IMA Public Lecture: Mathematics and Magic Tricks
April 19: Persi Diaconis, Mary V. Sunseri Professor of Statistics and Mathematics, Stanford University, will illustrate the mathematics of magic tricks with some feats that seem to fool magicians. The math involved has application to robot vision, cryptography, random number generation, and DNA sequence analysis. For more information call 612-624-6066. Free. 7:00 p.m., 125 Willey Hall.
William E. Larson and Raymond R. Allmaras Lecture on Emerging Issues in Soil and Water: Defining a Future Bioeconomy
April 19: Dr. Bruce Dale of Michigan State University and Dr. Richard Cruse of Iowa State University are the featured speakers in the Larson-Allmaras lecture series. Dale will discuss “Biomass Supply and Biofuels: Some Perspectives," and Cruse will present a lecture entitled “Future Bioeconomy and its Impacts on Soil and Water Resources." Free. For more information call 612-625-1241 or e-mail sgupta@umn.edu. 2:00–4:30 p.m., 335 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul campus.
Task Force on Collegiate Design: Science and Engineering
April 21: This information session is a presentation, summary, and discussion of the task force's preliminary recommendations. Open to the public. 3:30–5:30 p.m., Room 105, Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics, St. Paul campus.
2006 Abigail and John Van Vleck Lecture: Sir Anthony J. Leggett
April 20: Nobel laureate Sir Anthony J. Leggett, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Chair and the Center for Advanced Study Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will deliver the 2006 Van Vleck Lecture, “Does the Everyday World Really Obey Quantum Mechanics?” The lecture is free and open to the public. 4:00 p.m., Van Vleck Auditorium, 150 Tate Laboratory of Physics; reception follows lecture, 216 Tate Laboratory of Physics.
Cray Lecture Series: Dr. Leo Guibas
April 24: Leo Guibas of Stanford University's Department of Computer Science will discuss Point-based Geometric Modeling and Physical Simulation. Gulbas heads the department's Geometric Computation Group and is a member of the Computer Graphics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratories. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information call 612-625-4002. 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., 3-180 EE/CSci.
Distinguished Teaching Awards Ceremony
April 24: All members of the University community are invited to a special ceremony and reception honoring this year’s recipients of the Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education and the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and Professional Education.
Associate Professor Mark Distefano (chemistry) and Professor Jim Leger (electrical and computer engineering), both of whom received the Morse-UMAA Award, are among those being honored.
This occasion recognizes the significance of excellent teaching by inducting the faculty members into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Register by April 19. For more information call 612-625-9174 or e-mail brek0045@umn.edu. 3:30–6:00 p.m., Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center.
Innovations in Solar and Renewable Energy in Architecture: Minnesota Architecture Transitions to a Renewable Future
April 25: The 2nd Annual Earth Day forum will focus on the topic of innovations in solar and renewable energy in architecture. The lecture is by internationally renowned architect Thomas Speigelhalter, who specializes in solar and renewable energy in sustainable design. He will share his experience and understanding of the ecological, technological, cultural, and political forces that foster and support renewable energy in architecture. The lecture is followed by a discussion on how Minnesota architecture can transition to a renewable future. Free and open to the public. No registration. Sponsors include the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, the Department of Architecture, and others. For additional information call 612-624-9017 or e-mail guzow001@umn.edu. 4:00 pm-5:30 pm, Auditorium, Rapson Hall.
2006 Undergraduate Symposium
April 26: Discover the the broad scope of student research, scholarship, and creativity at the University of Minnesota Undergraduate Symposium. The event includes poster displays and plenary presentations. The symposium is sponsored by a number of University colleges, including the Institute of Technology. Free. 1:00–6:00 p.m., Great Hall, Coffman Union.
Distinguished Women Scientists and Engineers Speakers Program: Jane Maienschein
May 3: This workshop will bring together individuals from the business and science community to stimulate conversation about current nanotechnology research at the University. Institute of Technology Dean Steven L. Crouch is one of the opening speakers. Faculty presenters, a majority of them from the college, will discuss their research, and more than 30 displays and information tables will be set up and staffed throughout the entire workshop. Register by calling Lisa Ingemansen at 612-626-3438 or e-mail ingem009@umn.edu. Sponsored by the Office of Business Development. 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center.
Distinguished Women Scientists and Speakers Program: Iwona Jasiuk
May 5: In his new book, The Physics of Superheroes, physics professor James Kakalios shows that comic book heroes and villains get their physics right more often than you might suspect. Kakalios discusses his book and what comic books can teach us about the physics of forces and motion in a free event sponsored by the University Libraries. For more information e-mail james052@umn.edu. 1:30–2:30 p.m., Arthur Upson Room, Walter Library.
2006 Institute of Technology Commencement
May 5: Celebrate commencement with graduating students, their families and friends, and the Institute of Technology community. Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman will be the keynote speaker. No reservations are necessary. 7:00 p.m., Northrop Memorial Auditorium.
ISW4: Fourth Intelligent Storage Workshop
May 9–10: The Fourth Intelligent Storage Workshop focuses on applications and architectures for intelligent (object-based) storage but also includes presentations on storage and high-performance computing. Register online. For more information call 612-624-9510 or e-mail isw4@dtc.umn.edu. Digital Technology Center, Walter Library.
IREE Conference: Renewable Energy North of the Border
May 11: The conference focuses on biotechnology as it relates to renewable energy research and development in Canada. Keynote speaker is Denis Tanguay, executive director of the Canadian Geoexchange Coalition. Program features three panels of experts who will discuss hydrogen production and application, biofuels, and carbon sequestration. Fee includes lunch. Register online. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) and the Consulate General of Canada-Minneapolis.For more information e-mail amayhew@umn.edu. 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Campus Student Center.
UMAA 2006 Annual Celebration
May 23: Sandra Day O'Connor, recently retired justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, will be the special guest and featured speaker at the University of Minnesota Alumni Association’s Annual Celebration. Tickets for the pre-program reception and dinner are sold out, but seats still remain for the program and O'Connor's speech. For information or to order tickets call the University of Minnesota Arts Ticket Office at 612-624-2345. 8:00 p.m., Northrop Memorial Auditorium.
New dinner option: The Campus Club, located on the fourth floor of Coffman Memorial Union, is offering a special May 23 dinner open to the public. The meal, with menu to be determined, is available for $40 and includes tax and tip. The price does not include a program ticket to O’Connor’s speech. Reservations are required. Call Barbara at 612-626-1510 for information and reservations.
