Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University can get an insider’s preview of this year's University of Minnesota legislative capital request at the 2008 Legislative Briefing from 5:30–8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23, at McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis. A reception with a light dinner and cash bar is from 5:30–6:30 p.m. with the program following at 6:30 p.m.
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 included in the University of Minnesota's capital request. Those planning to attend the briefing are asked to RSVP online by Jan. 17. To learn more or to get involved, visit the University of Minnesota’s Legislative Network Web site www.supporttheu.umn.edu.
IT receives gift to establish environmental engineering chair
Efi Foufoula-
Georgiou
The Institute of Technology has received a gift from chemical engineering alumna Rose Ling to establish the Joseph T. and Rose S. Ling Chair in Environmental Engineering. The $2 million endowment fund will support outstanding faculty involved in environmental engineering research and education. Efi Foufoula-Georgiou, a McKnight Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, will be the first faculty member to hold the chair. Ling established the endowed chair in honor of her late husband, Joseph, who received his Ph.D. in civil engineering at the University in 1952 and went on to a long and distinguished career as an environmental engineer at 3M. Read more>>
Physics Force to perform public show at Northrop
The Institute of Technology’s Physics Force will present a unique mix of physics demonstrations and humor in its annual “Physics Circus” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis. The show is suitable for adults and children of all ages. It is free and open to the public. Demonstrations include dropping one of the team members from a 20-foot gantry while shooting a ball at him to demonstrate the effect of gravity on projectiles, collapsing a 55-gallon drum to show the force of air pressure and much more. Read more>>
Ted Davis to head the University of Minnesota's BioTechnology Institute
University of Minnesota Regents Professor Ted Davis has been named director of the BioTechnology Institute (BTI), a joint effort of the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences and the Institute of Technology. Davis began his duties as director of the BioTechnology Institute on Jan. 7.
Davis, a faculty member at the University since 1963, is a former dean of the Institute of Technology and a former head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. In his new role as director of the BTI, Davis will lead efforts to boost interdisciplinary research for new and innovative sources of renewable energy. Read more>>
U of M narrows research funding gap
The University of Minnesota won $595 million in research expenditures and awards in 2006, the Board of Regents learned at their meeting in December. Up from $548 million in 2005, the 8.4 percent increase represents the second highest growth rate among top public universities. The increase in research expenditures and awards moves the University from 10th to ninth among public universities, ending a stretch of several years where its growth rate lagged behind its competitors. Read more>>
Volunteers needed for high school robotics competition at the U in March
More than 50 high school robotics teams from Minnesota and surrounding states will gather at the University of Minnesota’s Williams Arena and Sports Pavilion March 27–29 to compete in the first-ever Minnesota Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The University’s Institute of Technology is one of the hosts of the event.
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges each team of high school students and their mentors to build a robot in six weeks and enter the robot in competitions designed by a committee of engineers and other professionals. Due to sponsorships from the University of Minnesota and local companies such as Medtronic, Boston Scientific, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, and many others, the number of robotics teams in Minnesota has grown from about 20 teams last year to more than 50 teams this year.
Team mentors and volunteers for the regional competition are still needed. To get involved, send an e-mail with your name, background and contact information to Ken Rosen at ken.rosen@mimtec.org.
Honors
Professor Doug Arnold (mathematics) has been elected President of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2009.
Professor Graham Candler (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has been elected a fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The distinction of fellow is bestowed by AIAA and its Board of Directors upon members who have made notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics.
Assistant professor Ryan Elliott (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has been awarded a five-year National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant to develop new tools for the identification of “active materials” that could be incorporated into a new generation of sensors and actuators.
Professor Efi Foufoula-Georgiou (civil engineering) received the "2007 Hydrologic Sciences Award" of the American Geophysical Union for her important and far-reaching contributions to space-time rainfall modeling and scaling analysis in hydrology.
Professor Daniel Joseph (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has published his latest book "Potential Flows of Viscous and Viscoelastic Fluids," with co-authors Toshio Funada and Jing Wang through Cambridge Press.
Professor Christopher Macosko (chemical engineering and materials science) has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society for his pioneering work on the rheology, compatibilization, processing, and properties of polymer blends.
Dennis Polla (Center for the Development of Technological Leadership) received a DARPA Award for "Outstanding Portfolio of Programs."
Assistant professor Thomas Schwartzentruber (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has joined the AEM faculty in the area of Fluid Mechanics.
Associate professor Jerry Sobelman (electrical and computer engineering) has been selected to serve as an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer for 2008-09 by the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota, including professor Jim Leger (electrical and computer engineering) have introduced a prototype hyperspectral imaging system. Dec. 1: Laser Focus World.
Professor Bill Arnold (civil engineering) is studying the effects of triclosan—a bacteria-killing chemical found in 75 percent of hand soaps—in several rivers and lakes throughout the state. Dec. 5: Minnesota Daily
Reducing carbon emissions
by lowering speed limits
University of Minnesota researchers awarded more than $4.5 million for renewable energy research
Five renewable energy projects led by University of Minnesota researchers have been selected to receive more than $4.5 million from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. Dec. 6: Reuters; Dec. 10: News Release
Girls say YES to science and math!
Fifty girls from the seven Minneapolis public high schools came to the University of Minnesota to learn from professors and graduate students about science, math and engineering. Dec. 7: KARE 11–TV
University honors Earl Bakken
Earl Bakken, an Institute of Technology alumnus who invented the battery-powered, wearable pacemaker and co-founded Medtronic, received an honorary degree from the Medical School—the only one in its nearly 120 year history. Dec. 7: Pioneer Press; Dec. 8: Star Tribune; Dec. 13: Minnesota Public Radio
Student robot show
Professor William Durfee (mechanical engineering) led 210 engineering students as they created computer-controlled machines that "do something interesting." Dec. 10: Student robot show; WCCO–TV
Ethics an important factor in technology
Teaching specialist Jeff Hammer (aerospace engineering and mechanics) said a strong dose of ethics is a critical part of teaching engineering and technology. Dec. 10: Minnesota Daily
U wants LRT tunnel under Washington Avenue
Paul Weiblen, a retired University geology professor, said the Twin Cities is lucky to have a geological makeup that would make excavating a below-ground tunnel feasible for light-rail. Dec. 11: Minnesota Daily
Two locations considered for magnet lab
Researchers at the University's Center for Interdisciplinary Applications in Magnetic Resonance are one step closer to finding a new home for their magnets after the closing of the lab near the site of the I-35W bridge collapse. Dec. 12: Minnesota Daily
University of Minnesota study to focus on lung disease in Iron Range mine workers
Professor Virgil Marple (mechanical engineering) discussed a device that can be used to determine whether tiny fibers or particles generated by taconite mining are killing people on the Iron Range. Dec. 18: Minnesota Public Radio
U of M study says safety attitudes behind the wheel are vastly different between rural and urban drivers
U of M researchers develop new online tool in fight against spread of HIV
A multidisciplinary team of researchers led by professor Joe Konstan (computer science and engineering) is embarking on a clinical trial to test a software program that aims to reduce risk-taking behavior associated with the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Dec. 18: News Release, Dec. 19: The Hindu, Tech Tree, Web India, KMSP–TV
Antibacterials are popular, but plain old soap and water will do
Associate professor Kristopher McNeill (chemistry) is studying the effect of triclosan on the ecosystem and says it might be a source of certain types of dioxins. Dec. 30: Nashau Telegraph
10,000 Earths' worth of fresh dust near star explosion
University astronomers, including professor Lawrence Rudnick (physics and astronomy), have found definitive evidence that the universe's first dust—the celestial stuff that seeded future generations of stars and planets—was forged in the explosions of massive star. Dec. 31: Spaceflight Now
The Great Nothing may be something
Earlier this year astronomers from the University of Minnesota discovered a massive void of space that measured nearly a billion light years across. Dec. 31: Pioneer Press; Jan. 2: Morris Sun Tribune
Astronomers imagine comet's birth
In the wee hours of our solar system, massive explosions on the sun might have sent free-floating gases whizzing at such high speeds that they embedded into tiny rock particles. New research "further characterizes the environment that they were in at the time they were formed," said study professor Robert Pepin (physics and astronomy). Jan. 3: News Release, Space; Space.com; Jan. 5: Spaceflight Now
NOvA project on life support following budget bombshell
Plans to build a giant neutrino detector at Ash River are on hold in the wake of a budget bombshell delivered by Congress. Jan. 4: Timberjay News
DNR Roundtable fueled by fuel talk
Jim Bowyer, a professor emeritus in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, told the crowd of nearly 200 that the need to develop sustainable bioenergy sources now is vital. Jan. 5: Mankato Free Press, Jan. 6: St. Cloud Times; Jan. 8: Rochester Post-Bulletin
New Wikipedia-related open-source search engine called Wikia
Professor John Riedl (computer science and engineering) discussed a new Wikipedia-related open-source search engine called Wikia. Jan. 7: KTLK FM Radio
Events
Code Freeze 2008: 'Innovation'
Jan. 17: Code Freeze, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Software Engineering Center (UMSEC) will examine business and technology innovations. Topics will range from how to rethink or change your business to ways you can use new technologies to improve your software production. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 11. 8
a.m.; McNamara Alumni Center.
A Briefing Event on Applications of Nano Technology in Health Sciences
Jan. 23: Speakers from Medtronic, Nanocopeia, Receptors LLC, and the University of Minnesota will discuss drugs and drug delivery systems, biocompability, and molecular recognition. Hosted by MN Nano. Breakfast: 7
a.m.; Program: 8–11 a.m. University Enterprise Lab (UEL) Dorsey Ewald Conference Center.
2008 Legislative Briefing
Jan. 23: Join other University supporters and President Bruininks in this annual event to get an insider's preview of the U's 2008 capital bonding request. Reception: 5:30–6:30 p.m.; Program: 6:30–8 p.m.; McNamara Alumni Center.
Masonry Design and Construction Fundamental
Series
Jan. 26: The University of Minnesota Alumni Association brings some of the U of M's top professors (and U President Bob Bruininks) to the southwest Florida Minne-College for an afternoon learning experience. Professor Jane Davidson (mechanical engineering) will present "Solar Energy is Hot." 12:30–5:30 p.m.; Naples Hilton Hotel.
Science Olympiad Division C Regional Competition
Feb. 2: More than 150 students and their parents and coaches will attend a regional Science Olympiad at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, vying for advancement to state and national competitions on science knowledge and practical science skills. Visit Minnesota Science Olympiad for more information. 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Tate Lab of Physics, 116 Church St S.E., East Bank.
Looking Ahead
IMA Public Lecture
Feb. 13: Professor Alfio Quarteroni presents “Mathematical
Modeling in Medicine, Sports, and the Environment.”
Quarteroni will discuss leading a team that has harnessed
mathematical modeling to design improved cardiac surgical
interventions and to optimize the design of the America’s
Cup yacht Alinghi. Free and open to the public. 7 p.m.; Willey
Hall 125.
TechFest
March 1: Bring your children and grandchildren to this interactive event where they can build their own working catapult, enjoy a visit from Goldy Gopher, and watch exciting demonstrations. The celebration is sponsored by the IT Alumni Society. The topic of this year’s event is mechanical engineering. Free museum admission. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; The Works, Edina Community Center.
Institute of Technology Public Lecture–Bernard Amadei
March 4: Bernard Amadei, the founding president of Engineers Without Borders-USA, will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with practicing engineering in developing nations. Visit the Web site. 7 p.m.; Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics.
Biomass '08 Conference and Trade Show
April 15–17: The first International Biomass Conference and Trade 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.
Design for Medical Devices Conference
April 15–17: This annual conference brings together medical devices researchers, designers, and manufacturers for two days of technical/clinical sessions. Register online. Radisson University Hotel.
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