ITems | November 2007

School of Physics and Astronomy receives $45.6 million from Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science has awarded a $45.6 million, four-year cooperative agreement to the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy to build a new international physics research laboratory near the Ash River, about 40 miles southeast of International Falls, Minn. Building the lab is the first step in an estimated $250 million project to be funded by the Department of Energy to further study neutrinos, fundamental building blocks of matter that can help researchers discover how the Universe was formed and how it will develop in the future.

This new laboratory expands the University’s international reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research on neutrinos. The University of Minnesota currently runs the Soudan Underground Science Laboratory near Tower, Minn., the only laboratory of its kind in the United States. Read more>>

IT incoming students are more prepared

A recently released profile of the 801 new first-year students in the Institute of Technology’s 2007 freshman class shows that the incoming students are better prepared academically than previous classes.

The average ACT composite score of incoming Institute of Technology students increased from 27.8 last year to 28.7 in fall 2007, the highest of any college at the University. Almost 97 percent of the 2007 IT freshman class graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school class (compared to about 93 percent last year), and 41 incoming IT students are National Merit Scholars, more than any other college at the University. In addition, the Institute of Technology saw an 11.9 percent increase in women enrolled in the incoming class. This year women make up 22 percent of the first-year students compared to 19.6 percent last year.

Across the University, the average ACT composite score continued a six-year trend of improvement, reaching 25.9 this fall, up from 25.2 last year. The number of National Merit Scholars in the University’s freshman class increased from 74 in fall 2006 to 96 this semester. Read More>>

Nanotech conference in November expands upon last year’s success

The Institute of Technology’s Center for Nanostructured Applications hosts the Third Annual Minnesota Nanotechnology Conference 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Nov. 13–14 at the Radisson University Hotel–Minneapolis, 615 Washington Ave. S.E. The conference features presentations by the country’s leading nanotechnology researchers on nanoenergy, nanodevices, nanosensors, and nanomaterials. This year's conference also includes a reception and poster session after Tuesday's talks where those attending can network and talk one-on-one with researchers about their work. The event is free, but registration is required by Thursday, Nov. 8. Read more>>

U of M hosts premier energy, economic and environmental conference

The University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) and the Institute on the Environment present E3 2007, the region’s premier energy, economic and environmental conference, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. Renewable energy and environmental researchers, students, government officials, non-profit and business/industry leaders will join together to share knowledge and discoveries through keynote addresses, breakout sessions, research posters, and exhibitor booths. Registration required. Read more>>

IT hosts homecoming event

Join Dean Steven L. Crouch, alumni and friends for a special Institute of Technology homecoming celebration on Saturday, Nov. 3. Bring the whole family! Make a day of it by attending the homecoming parade at 2 p.m. along University Avenue, followed by the IT celebration in the Mississippi Room (third floor) of Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. The IT event will feature a performance by the Physics Force. Free shuttles will be provided to and from the homecoming game, as the Golden Gophers take on the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. Those attending are asked to RSVP. Read more>>

University sets 2008 bonding request

A new science teaching and student services building on the Twin Cities campus, funds for building maintenance, and a variety of classroom and laboratory renovations are among the items on the University of Minnesota’s $238.9 million 2008 legislative capital request. Combined with $69.4 million in University investment, the plan would result in a total capital bonding investment of $308.3 million. Read more>>

$1 Million Commercialization Challenge event

The University's Office for Technology Commercialization is kicking off its $1 Million Commercialization Challenge with an event for University researchers, 12:30–2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, Ski U Mah Room, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St S.E., Minneapolis. Those attending will learn more about this unique opportunity to help turn University technologies and innovations into real-world products or services. Up to $1 million in commercialization funding is available per project for “green” technologies and up to $100,000 per project for other innovations.

Participants can include students, faculty, and community members who have identified research in the University that they want to commercialize. University of Minnesota investigators and students are welcome to partner with industry members to develop ideas. Submissions can be from a contributor to the intellectual property, but doesn’t need participation from all contributors. Read more>>

U of M researchers reveal new findings about Wikipedia authorship and vandalism

An ongoing study by University of Minnesota researchers has revealed that only one-tenth of 1 percent of Wikipedia editors account for nearly half the content value of the free online encyclopedia, as measured by readership. In addition, the computer science and engineering faculty and students have discovered that few edits inflict damage on the content and damage is typically fixed quickly.

The results of their study are reported in the academic research paper titled “Creating, Destroying and Restoring Value in Wikipedia.” The paper is being published in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Group 2007 Conference proceedings on Nov. 4. Read more>>

Two IT faculty members receive international science and engineering visualization award

University of Minnesota mathematics professor Doug Arnold and assistant professor Jonathan Rogness received an honorable mention award in the 2007 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge for their video “Möbius Transformations Revealed.” Set to classical music, the video demonstrates the beauty of complex mathematical functions. The video was featured along with the other winning entries in the Sept. 28, 2007 issue of the journal Science. The competition, sponsored jointly by Science and the National Science Foundation (NSF), highlights exciting visual elements of science and engineering. More than 200 entries were received for the 2007 competition from 34 states and 23 countries representing every continent except Antarctica. Read more>>

Honors

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has awarded the distinction of Fellow to the following Institute of Technology faculty members for their efforts toward advancing science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished:

Professor David Lilja (electrical and computer engineering) for distinguished contributions to statistical methodologies for the performance assessment, design, and verification of high-performance and parallel computing systems;

Professor Jeffrey Roberts (chemistry) for distinguished contributions to surface chemistry, particularly as they relate to complex chemical transformations on atmospheric cloud particles and on nanoparticle aerosols; and

Regents professor Lanny Schmidt (chemical engineering and materials science) for applying basic concepts of surface science toward the development and improvement of catalysts for the partial oxidation of fuels, particularly biofuels.

Professor Ellen Longmire (aerospace engineering and mechanics) was elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society, in recognition of her innovative experiments in turbulent and particle-laden flows, and the development of new and improved flow diagnostic techniques. Less than one-half of 1 percent of the American Physical Society membership receive this honor.

Associate professor Paige Novak (civil engineering) was awarded the Paul L. Busch Award by the Water Environment Research Foundation for her work investigating the presence of potentially ecologically-damaging compounds known as "industrial estrogens." The award includes a $100,000 research grant.

Professor Carol Shield has been elected a fellow of the American Concrete Institute. This is a prestigious honor that reflects the quality of her research on concrete and concrete structures.

Media Watch

Deep moss mystery in Oregon

Postdoctoral associate Amy Myrbo (geology) is part of a national research team that is collecting moss deep below the surface of Crater Lake in Oregon in an effort to answer questions about the lake’s ecosystem and the possible effects of global warming. Sept. 17: The News Tribune.

Internet traffic growth slower than thought

Digital Technology Center director Andrew Odlyzko released findings that as of mid-2007, bandwidth use both globally and in the U.S. is growing at about 50 to 60 percent. Sept. 18: Commsday–Australia. Sept. 18: Minnesota Moment; Sept. 27: Canada Free Press; Sept. 30: Star-Ledger; Oct. 8: Minnesota Moment.

Catalysis across a ring

Professor Thomas Hoye (chemistry) commented on reports of the first transannular Diels-Alder reaction to occur with the help of a highly selective asymmetric catalyst. Sept. 24: Chemical and Engineering News.

Americans now living on double the land

Assistant professor Julian Marshall (civil engineering) has studied census data and discovered that urban sprawl is leading people to settle on twice the amount of land as established residents. Sept. 24: U of M Moment; Sept. 28: Minnesota Daily.

Multiple groups investigate I-35W bridge collapse

Assistant professor Taichiro Okazaki (civil engineering) leads the University's team of engineers continuing to investigate the collapse of the I-35W bridge. Sept. 25: Minnesota Daily. Oct. 26: National Public Radio–Science Friday.

Gaming improves motor skills

Studies conducted by assistant professor Paul Schrater (computer science and engineering) show that playing video games can actually increase the player's motor skills. Sept. 25: Expert Alert News Service, Oct. 3: Minnesota Daily.

Physics Force arrives Friday for show at Kennedy Elementary

The Physics Force, made up of University of Minnesota professors and high school teachers, recently demonstrated the fun of physics to elementary students in Southwestern Minnesota. Sept. 26: West Central Tribune.

U of M hosts Nobel Laureate

Nobel Laureate Dr. Roderick MacKinnon visited the University of Minnesota for the Honeywell-Nobel Initiative. The University is one of only a select number of universities worldwide chosen to participate in this program. Sept. 26: News Release; Oct. 1: MPR; Oct. 2: Minnesota Daily.

University professor listed in October METRO Magazine's 'Top 100'

Professor Nikos Papanikolopoulos (computer science and engineering) and his invention of the Scout robot were named as part of the ‘Top 100’ interesting things in the Twin Cities. Sept. 27: METRO Magazine; Computer Science and Engineering.

Students run Web service business for credit

Professor John Riedl (computer science and engineering) teaches a class that allows students to run a Web service business. Sept. 27: Minnesota Daily.

The best sights in science

Professor Douglas Arnold and associate program director Jonathan Rogness (mathematics) created an award-winning video "Möbius Transformations Revealed" demonstrating new twists on the mathematical concept. Sept. 28: Science; MSNBC.

Graduate student abstracts show impact of science

A recent poster session of research by Institute of Technology graduate students shows how their research seeks to change the world. Oct. 1: Asian American Press.

Local house designed to use energy efficiently

Committed to saving energy, scientist Rich Huelskamp (bioproducts/biosystems engineering) designed and built his house in Red Wing to run on about 95 percent renewable energy. Oct. 2: Rochester Post-Bulletin.

Flaming ball in the sky was just a meteor

Professors Bob Gehrz and Bob Pepin (astronomy) said the blazing orange and yellow fireball that Minnesotans reported seeing was probably a meteor. Oct. 3: Star Tribune; Oct. 4: Pioneer Press.

U profs call new science building too experimental

Faculty members, administrators, and University planners are debating the design of a new classroom building. Oct. 3: Pioneer Press; Oct. 4: The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Texas dinosaur misidentified

Dinosaur bones discovered in the 1990's were misidentified and actually came from a different species of dinosaur, according to University of Minnesota Ph.D. candidate Peter Rose's research. Oct. 4: Associated Press; The Dallas Morning News.

Sputnik and the beginning of the space age

Professor Bob Gehrz (astronomy) was a guest on MPR's Midday radio show, as they examined the 50th anniversary of the Soviet launch of Sputnik, and its historical and political role in starting the global space race. Oct. 5: Minnesota Public Radio.

Forest industry at a crossroads

Professor Shri Ramaswamy (bioproducts and biosystems engineering) commented on a report that rising oil prices, concerns about future supplies, and the role of fossil fuel emissions in climate change are adding up to the forest industry’s best untapped opportunity: producing fuels and industrial feedstocks from waste wood, or woody biomass. Oct. 5: Business North.

Discovery of enormous void in space discussed

Professor Lawrence Rudnick (astronomy) and a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota were the subject of an opinion piece about their discovery of an enormous void in space, propounding that the concept of "nothing" is extremely complex. Oct. 8: Hartford Courant.

Comic book fans unite

Professor James Kakalios (physics), who has been offering a freshman seminar on superheroes since 2001, presented at a recent comic book convention. Oct. 8: Minnesota Daily.

Students to build electric vehicle

A University of Minnesota student group, founded this summer, is researching how to convert a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck to run solely on electricity. Oct. 9: Minnesota Daily.

Therapeutic benefits of gaming

Associate professor Loren Terveen (computer science and engineering) noted the recently released Wii's software could possibly be used more extensively in the future for physical rehabilitation. Oct. 12: Minnesota Daily.

U senior is an innovation award winner in aerospace engineering program

Dave Hauth, an aerospace engineering student, was one of only 18 students in the world this year to win a Honeywell Innovator's Scholarship. Oct. 15: Pioneer Press.

Unique experiments at Café Scientifique

Professor Ed Cussler (chemical engineering and materials science) discussed some of his unique research projects at Café Scientifique. Oct. 16: Minnesota Daily.

U of M hosts 150 middle school students to learn about renewable energy

More than 150 Minnesota middle schoolers learned about renewable energy during a recent visit to the campus by participating in hands-on activities with faculty who are recognized as international experts in renewable energy. Oct. 18: News Release.

U of M hosts unique high school math competition

The University hosted a high school math competition called "Who Wants to be a Mathematician?" to show that math can be fun and interesting. Oct. 22: WCCO TV; News Release.

More money for science, from science

The North Star STEM Alliance, led by the University of Minnesota, will receive $2.45 million over the next five years from the National Science Foundation to increase minority graduates in engineering and science. Oct. 22: Minnesota Daily.

University, others see lack of female faculty in the sciences

An absence of female faculty in scientific fields at the University and nationwide is now under the congressional spotlight. Oct. 23: Minnesota Daily.

Study reports math and science teacher shortages

Professor Larry Gray (mathematics) comments on the shortage of math and science teachers throughout the state's elementary and high schools. Oct. 23: Minnesota Daily.

Transportation center celebrates 20 years

The University's Center for Transportation Studies, which includes research by several Institute of Technology faculty, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Oct. 24: Minnesota Daily.

Defect suspected in fabric of space-time

Associate Professor Liliya Williams and Professor Lawrence Rudnick (astronomy) discuss their discovery of an enormous hole in our galaxy, devoid of stars, gas and even dark matter. Oct. 25: Fox News.

Events

Fifth Annual Chemical Engineering All-Class Gathering 2007

Nov. 2: All chemical engineering alumni are invited to this gathering, partially sponsored by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society (ITAS). Contact Marsh Riebe or call 612-625-4356. 4:30–6:30 p.m.; Amundson Hall.

Homecoming 2007 IT Alumni Event

Nov. 3: Join Institute of Technology Dean Steven L. Crouch at this IT alumni event, and then cheer on the Golden Gophers as they take on the University of Illinois Fighting Illini at the 2007 Homecoming Football Game! Purchase game tickets at Gophersports.com or 800-UGOPHER. The free IT event is open to all alumni, family, and friends. Register online. Call Alumni Relations at 612-626-1802 for more information. 3 p.m., Pre-game party; 4 p.m., Welcome from IT Dean Crouch; 6 p.m., free shuttle to and from the Metrodome; 7 p.m., Homecoming Football Game: Minnesota vs. Illinois. Pre-game party at Coffman Memorial Union.

$1 Million Commercialization Challenge Event

Nov. 5: The University's Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) is hosting this event for University researchers to learn more about turning "green" technologies and other University innovations into real-world products or services. Visit the Challenge. 12:30–2 p.m., Ski U Mah room, McNamara Alumni Center.

WindEnergy Business 2007: US-German Opportunities for Cooperation in Wind Energy

Nov. 6: This conference will open a dialog for partnership between two of the world's leading countries in developing and implementing new wind energy technologies. Free for the first 120 participants. Register at German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest Inc. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Des Moines, Iowa.

SAFL Distinguished Seminar: Barr Engineering Distinguished Seminar

Nov. 7: Dr. Robert J. Conzemius, WindLogics, Inc., Grand Rapids, Minn., will speak on "Using large eddy simulations to improve wind energy resource assessments and forecasts." Visit St. Anthony Falls Seminar Series. 3:30 p.m., St. Anthony Falls Auditorium.

Masonry Design and Construction Fundamental Series

Nov. 7, 14, 28: This series provides the most current information available on sound masonry practices for all design and construction professionals. Contact Kay Syme, call 612-624-4938, or visit Masonry Design and Construction Fundamental Series. Continuing Education and Conference Center.

Cray Distinguished Speaker Series

Nov. 12: Michael Jordan, University of California Berkeley, will speak on "Machine Learning from the Nonparametric Bayesian Point of View." Cray Distinguished Speaker Series. 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building 3-180.

Environmental Roundtable: Biofuels and Environmental Quality

Nov. 12: What are the expected impacts of non-cellulosic and cellulosic ethanol production on environmental quality? The Environment Roundtable experts share their perspectives on this complex and timely topic. Visit Institute on the Environment. 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.; 105 Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.

Incorporating and Protecting Intellectual Property

Nov. 12: This seminar will present the key legal and intellectual issues for your
technology/science-based business. A question and answer session will follow. Space is limited. Registration required. Visit CSOM. 5–7 p.m.; Executive Conference Center at the Carlson School of Management.

3rd Annual Minnesota Nanotechnology Conference

Nov. 13–14: This workshop brings together some of the country's leading nanotechnology researchers from top institutions. The conference offers presentations and discussions on topics including nanoenergy, nanodevices, nanosensors and nanomaterials. Register by Nov. 8. Visit Nano Conference. To reserve exhibit space in the poster session, or to register for the conference, e-mail Becky von Dissen or call 612-625-3069. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union.

MPGI's Fall Colloquia Series: Biofuels and Bioenergy

Nov. 14: Professor Roger Ruan will discuss "Biofuel Production Overview," and Associate Professor Romas Kazlauskas will discuss "Unnatural Reactions to Make Biofuels: Enzymatic Generation of Peracetic Acid." For a complete list of speakers and topics, please visit IREE. Noon–1 p.m.; 105 Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.

University Forum on Research and Professional Ethics

Nov. 14: Associate professor Melissa S. Anderson will discuss “Trying to Maintain Integrity in a Contrary Research Environment.” Visit Research. 4–5:30 p.m., President's Room, Coffman Memorial Union.

Advanced Biomass Energy Workshop

Nov. 15: Speakers and panelists will provide practical information to farmers, business/home owners, public officials, students and citizens interested in their role in biomass energy. For more information and to register, please contact Jean or Joel at 320-589-1711. Pre-registration is requested by Nov. 8. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Morris Campus.

Civil Engineering Open House

Nov. 15: The open house will include a tour of the Civil Engineering building, and a keynote seminar, titled "Bioinspired Design of Structures: Tough Composites at the Seashore," by professor Roberto Ballarini. For more information, call 612-625-5522 or visit Civil Engineering. 3 p.m.; Civil Engineering.

Advanced Wind Energy Workshop

Nov. 16: Speakers and panelists will provide practical information to farmers, business/home owners, public officials, students and citizens interested in their role in wind energy. For more information and to register, please contact Jean, Cory or Joel at 320-589-1711. Pre-registration is requested by November 9. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Old No. 1 Bar and Grill, Morris.

Café Scientifique: Computational Biology

Nov. 20: Professor Marc Riedel (electrical and computer engineering) will discuss his research, which uses computational models and methods inspired by biological systems. Admission $5. Café Scientifique. 7 p.m.; Bryant Lake Bowl.

E3 2007: The Midwest’s Premier Energy, Economic, and Environmental Conference

Nov. 27: The University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) hosts this major regional conference focusing on the intersection between innovative technologies, visionary policies, environmental benefits, and emerging market opportunities as they relate to developments in the renewable energy sector. Contact Sarah Schmitz or call 612-624-6566. Registration. 9 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; Coffman Memorial Union.

MPGI's Fall Colloquia Series: Biofuels and Bioenergy

Nov. 28: Mark Toso will discuss "Cleanup of Ethanol Spills," and Nick Jordan will discuss "Sustainable Development of Biomass Production Systems." For a complete list of speakers and topics, please visit IREE. Noon–1 p.m.; 105 Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.

Looking Ahead

Design of Medical Devices Conference 2008

April 15–17, 2008: Mark your calendar for the seventh annual Design of Medical Devices Conference at the Radisson University Hotel–Minneapolis, 615 Washington Ave. S.E. The conference will bring together medical device designers, manufacturers, University researchers, and other medical device representatives from both the private and public sectors. Two days of technical sessions will include topics such as neurotechnology, image-guided surgery, dental engineering, product and business development, and much more.