ITems | March 2008

Medical devices conference early-bird registration ends March 9

Early-bird registration ends March 9 for 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. 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 will promote the medical device industry and provide 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. Register online. Read more>>

Young Professional Series event set for March 25

The Institute of Technology Alumni Society presents the second in a series of networking and professional development events for young professionals on Tuesday, March 25 at the University Enterprise Laboratories, 1000 Westgate Drive, St. Paul. 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.

Mechanical engineering professor Jane Davidson will present “Hot and Hotter: Solar Thermal Technology,” an easy-to-understand look at two emerging technologies—solar heating and solar-chemical energy conversion. The program will also include a short presentation about the University of Minnesota’s Academic and Corporate Relations Center and a tour of the University Enterprise Laboratories facility. Read more>>

University hosts regional robotics competition March 28–29

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, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., March 28–29 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 event is free and open to the public. Bring the whole family to enjoy this exciting competition.

Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. each day. Championship matches are 1–3 p.m., Saturday, March 29. 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.

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. The competing robots are nearly 3 feet by 4 feet and stand almost 5 feet tall. Some robots will unfold to be 9 feet tall. Read more or watch a video simulation of this year’s game>>

Tickets on sale now for April 24 Science & Technology banquet

Tickets are now on sale for 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 banquet, hosted by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society, is the Institute of Technology’s premier annual networking event and scholarship fundraiser. Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and tireless advocate for science and technology, is the keynote speaker at the 2008 Science & Technology Banquet. Read more>>

IT professor collaborates with Xcel Energy to test cutting-edge wind energy storage

Electrical and computer engineering professor Ned Mohan is collaborating with Xcel Energy and other partners who will soon begin testing a cutting-edge technology to store wind energy in batteries. The research partners will test a one-megawatt battery storage technology to demonstrate its ability to store wind energy and move it to the electricity grid when needed. Fully charged, the battery could power 500 homes for six and one-half hours. Mohan said this project is important in determining the feasibility of using chemical batteries to store electricity. Read more>>

Student builds model of former I-35W bridge for NTSB

University civil engineering junior Rachel Gaulke recently displayed the 1/200th-scale model of the former I-35W bridge she built for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The model, approximately five feet long, was shipped to Washington, D.C. where it will be used by engineers at NTSB for various presentations to help visualize and explain information related to the bridge collapse and its causes. Gaulke—a self-proclaimed perfectionist—said she spent more than 100 hours building the model over the last two months. Watch video>>

New research takes aim at oral cancer

A University of Minnesota research team, including computer science and engineering professor John Carlis and doctoral student Getiria Onsongo, is working on an interdisciplinary project to improve the oral cancer survival rate statistics by studying the proteins found in saliva. The computer scientists use databases and data modeling techniques to analyze the medical data. The team's work on a new three-step process for improving this technique was recently published in the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. Read more>>

Honors

U of M computer science alumnus Arvind (M.S. '72, Ph.D '73) has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for contributions to data flow and multi-thread computing and the development of tools for the high-level synthesis of hardware. Arvind is a professor of computer science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Several IT faculty were named 2007–08 Professors of the Year for their department by the IT Student Board (ITSB). This recognition is based on an annual poll of IT undergraduate students. The award winners are Eray Aydil (chemical engineering and materials science), Chris Dovolis (computer science and engineering), Paul Imbertson (electrical and computer engineering), Ann Johnson (civil engineering), Markus Keel (mathematics), Yohannes Ketema (aerospace engineering and mechanics), Kent Kirkby (geology and geophysics), Susan Mantell (mechanical engineering), Marvin Marshak (physics), Lee Penn (chemistry), and Jonathan Sachs (biomedical engineering). Teaching assistant winners are Alex Miller (mathematics), Matt Grandbois (chemistry), and Stephen McIntyre (mathematics).

Professor Randal Barnes (civil engineering) has received the 2008 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising, which recognizes and celebrates the role that academic advising plays in the University’s educational mission.

IT adjunct faculty member Peter A. Cundall (civil engineering) principal and senior consultant, Itasca Consulting Group Inc., Minneapolis, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, for advancing the understanding of rock-deformation and failure processes and the development of innovative computational procedures in rock mechanics.

Three IT faculty members have been named recipients of the 2008 Distinguished Teaching Award, the University’s most prestigious award for excellence in teaching. Professors Terry Jones (astronomy) and associate professor Kristopher McNeill (chemistry) received a Morse-Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Award for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education. Professor Massoud Amin (electrical and computer engineering) received a Graduate-Professional Teaching Award for outstanding contributions to post baccalaureate, graduate and professional education.

Three IT alumni received the Charles W. Britzius Award from the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies (MFESTS) recognizing outstanding lifetime achievements in engineering. Vernon Castle (ME ’59) was recognized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers for his work as a mechanical engineer at Control Data, Medtronic and other Twin Cities companies. Eugene Skok (CivE ’57, M.S. ’59, Ph.D. ’69) was recognized by the Geotechnical Society for more than 40 years of work in the area of pavement design and evaluation of pavement materials. Retired U of M professor Edward Silberman (CivE ’35, M.S. ’36) was recognized by the Society of Civil Engineers for his work teaching at the University and his research in fluid dynamic.

Alumnus Jack Dangermond will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota. The Institute of Technology collaborated with three other U of M colleges to nominate him for the honor. Dangermond, who received a master’s degree in architecture from the U of M in 1968, is the founder of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), a company focused on developing and using computerized mapping. Researchers in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering have used ESRI technology in their development of computerized emergency evacuation plans.

Professor emeritus Jack Judy (electrical and computer engineering) has received the IEEE Magnetics Society 2008 Achievement Award for contributions to the understanding and improvement of thin films for magnetic recording. This is the highest award given by the Magnetics Society and recognizes Judy's lifelong professional achievements and pioneering work in magnetic recording technology.

Professors Chris Kim and Sang-Hyun Oh both won the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Grant award to support their research on bio/nano sensors and low power techniques for wireless sensor applications. Twenty-five awards were selected this year by 3M researchers to further basic research in the physical and/or biological science areas.

Ed Valencia (MOT ’05) has been named Chief Technology Officer for the State of Minnesota.

In memoriam

University of Minnesota alumnus Laurence J. Adams, (Aero ’48) died Feb. 13, 2008, at the age of 86. Adams is a former president and chief operating officer of Martin Marietta, one of the country's largest aerospace corporations. After retiring from the company in 1986, Adams served on a National Academy of Sciences panel that advised NASA on the redesign and construction of the solid rocket boosters that had been blamed for causing the Challenger explosion. Almost a decade later, he led a National Research Council panel that suggested eliminating a security feature in GPS devices which improved the accuracy of the now-almost-ubiquitous signals for nonmilitary users. Adams was a former president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and was chairman of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

Alumnus Joseph M. Juran (EE ’24) died Feb. 28, 2008, at the age of 103. Juran is often referred to as the father of modern day Quality Management and traveled the world to teach others how to improve quality. Juran named the Pareto Principal which states that, for many events, 80 percent of the effects comes from 20 percent of the causes. In 1979 at the age of 75, Juran founded the Juran Institute Inc. (JII), an organization aimed at providing research and pragmatic solutions for improving business performance. Juran's contributions also established the University of Minnesota’s Juran Center for Leadership Quality, a repository for past developments in the field of leadership in quality, as well as a generator of new research, new ideas, and new scholars.

Media Watch

Wii erases monotony from physical therapy

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." Feb. 11: Seattle Times, Feb 17: Atlanta Journal Constitution, March 1: Bloomington Pantagraph

Scientists converge on Archbold Station

Professor Patrick Brezonik (civil engineering) said scientists no longer work alone. The key to success is collaboration. Feb. 19: Highlands Today

University of Minnesota undergraduate student builds I-35W bridge model for NTSB

Student Rachel Gaulke (civil engineering) completed a five-foot-long model of the old I-35W bridge for the National Transportation Safety Board, which will use the miniature span to explain information related to the Aug. 1 bridge collapse. Feb. 15: News Release; Feb 19: Twin Cities Finance and Commerce, KMSP–TV, KSTP–TV, WCCO–TV, Northland News Center, News Service Video

Satellite tough target to hit

University aerospace engineering professors Bill Garrard and Graham Candler comment on the Pentagon's intentions to shoot down a disabled spy satellite before it tumbles to earth. Feb. 15: KARE–TV, Feb. 19: MinnPost, Cape Cod Today

U of M solar cell research is a hot topic

Professor Eray Aydil (chemical engineering and materials science) discusses the latest in solar cell technology research and what those discoveries could mean for the future of energy. Feb. 18: KMSP–TV

Can artificial intelligence manage the supply chain better?

Assistant professor John Collins and professor Maria Gini (computer science and engineering) are working with students and alumnus Wolfgang Ketter (Ph.D. ‘07) on a competition to improve the supply chain. Feb. 11: AI Magazine

U research team takes aim at oral cancer

A research group working on an interdisciplinary project to improve oral cancer statistics, using a mix of medical research and computer science, includes professor John Carlis (computer science and engineering) and doctoral student Getiria Onsongo. Nov. 28: Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, Feb. 19: School of Public Health Advances

Storing wind power in batteries

Professor Ned Mohan (electrical and computer engineering) explained the future of wind power and the various ways to harness the electricity it can produce. Feb. 22: KMSP–TV

Good question: Who drives better? Men or women?

Michael Manser (mechanical engineering), director of the University of Minnesota's Human FIRST program, explains why answering the question of which gender drives better is so complicated. Feb. 25: WCCO–TV

Killer electrons surf celestial tsunamis

Professor Cynthia Cattell (physics) led a team that has found the most powerful radio waves of their kind ever detected in the Van Allen Belts. Feb. 26: Physics Org

President Bruininks discusses Solar Decathlon

President Robert Bruininks talked about the University's participation in the 2009 Solar Decathlon competition on Don Shelby's radio show. Feb. 27: WCCO Radio

Research in lab increases road safety

The University's Minnesota Traffic Observatory uses virtual reality and interactive mapping to improve traffic design and safety. Feb 28: Minnesota Daily

‘U’ students build model bridges, compete for speed

Students from the University of Minnesota Steel Bridge Team traveled to Iowa to compete against other schools in building model bridges. Feb. 28: KSTP–TV

Proposed biosciences buildings hit a funding snag

A plan to build four biosciences buildings at the University of Minnesota may have the legislative support it needs but still come up short with the governor. Feb. 29: Pioneer Press

Events

Structural Engineering Seminar Series

March 5, 12, 26: This seminar is designed for practicing engineers and architects. Each program addresses specific structural issues and concerns involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures, and incorporates examples of various principles involved. Continuing Education and Conference Center. Contact Kay Syme, call 612-624-4938, or visit Structural Engineering Seminar Series.

Oversight of Biomedical Technologies: What Can We Learn from Past Efforts?

March 6: This lecture will discuss the tremendous controversy that surrounds the question of how to exercise effective oversight over cutting-edge biomedical technologies. Patricia King, Georgetown University, will reflect on the lessons that can be learned for future oversight. Free and open to the public. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Theatre, Coffman Memorial Union. Visit Consortium on Law and Values.

Equitable Solutions to Greenhouse Warming: On the Distribution of Wealth, Emissions, and Responsibility Within and Between Nations

March 11: This lecture will consider global warming solutions and their impacts on an international scale, including costs and the distribution of responsibility between rich and poor. Stephen Pacala, Princeton University, will explore processes that govern ecological communities, the interplay between community and ecosystem-level processes, and the interactions between the global biosphere and climate. Free and open to the public. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union. Visit Consortium on Law and Values.

Café Scientifique: "Is Art the Future of Science?"

March 11: Increasingly, artists are collaborating with scientists to create new works that cross disciplinary boundaries and engage the public. Join local artists Matt Bakkom and Lynn Fellman to see what happens when science and art combine. Free ($5 suggested donation). 6 p.m., Kitty Cat Klub, Dinkytown. Visit Café Scientifique.

Environment Roundtable: "Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change"

March 13: Some experts claim that effective technologies already exist to stabilize carbon emissions. Others insist that completely new, revolutionary technologies are needed to avoid the worst-case scenarios of climate change. Don't miss the next Environment Roundtable, when Princeton ecologist Stephen Pacala discusses the scientific theories, technologies and political challenges that surround the carbon/climate debate. Noon–1:15 p.m. Theater, Coffman Memorial Union. Visit Institute on the Environment.

Café Scientifique: "Global Warming and Environmental Equality"

March 18: The environmental impacts of global warming are felt by communities worldwide—from droughts and floods that disrupt food systems to the rising sea levels that can displace entire populations. Join speakers from the Headwaters Foundation for a discussion about global warming and environmental equality. $5–$10 (pay what you can) 7 p.m., Bryant Lake Bowl, Uptown. Visit Café Scientifique.

MN Nano Sensors Event: Wireless Sensors used in Medical and Commercial/Industrial Applications

March 19: Discussion topics include carbon nanotube (CNT) based sensor, MEMS based sensor, wireless network. Doors open, 7 a.m.; Program, 8–11:30 a.m. University Enterprise Laboratories, Inc., Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, 1000 Westgate Drive, St. Paul, MN 55114. Visit MN Nano.

Young Professional Series

March 25: The Institute of Technology Alumni Society (ITAS) presents the second in a series of networking and professional development events for the next generation of leaders. The program keynote speaker is University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor Jane Davidson who will present “Hot and Hotter: Solar Thermal Technology.” This event is free open to all Institute of Technology alumni and guests. Reception, 6 p.m.; Program, 6:45 p.m., University Enterprise Laboratories, Inc., Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, 1000 Westgate Drive, St. Paul, MN 55114. E-mail itas@umn.edu or call 612-626-1802.

Kolthoff Lectureship in Chemistry

March 25–27: Richard Friend, University of Cambridge, pioneered the study of organic polymers as semiconductors, and his research group has demonstrated that these materials can be used in a wide range of semiconductor devices, including light-emitting diodes and transistors. Call 612-625-2503 for more information.

• Lecture 1 
  "Plastic electronics: New science and new technologies"
  Tuesday, March 25, 4:15 p.m., 100 Smith Hall.
  Wine and Cheese reception follow this lecture in 117 Smith.
• Lecture 2
  "New companies from an ancient university: Tales from the old world"
  Wednesday, March 26, 4:15 p.m., 402 Walter Library.
• Lecture 3
  “Electronic excitations at molecular semiconductor heterojunctions”
  Thursday, March 27, 9:45 a.m., 331 Smith Hall.

Ada Comstock Distinguished Women Scholar Lecture

March 31: Professor Maria Gini (computer science and engineering) will present "Robots: A New Type of Companion." 4–5:30 p.m. Cowles Auditorium, Hubert H. Humphrey Center. Visit the Web site.

John Borchert Lecture

April 2: University of Minnesota alumnus Jack Dangermond will receive an honorary degree and deliver the inaugural John Borchert Lecture “The Geographic Approach–A Cross-Cutting Methodology.” The pioneering research and technology developed by Dangermond's company ESRI has been used in such diverse areas as marketing, surveying, vehicle routing, economic development, cancer risk analysis, timberland management, and hurricane response management. The event is free and open to the public. 4:30 p.m. McNamara Alumni Center.

Looking Ahead

Design of Medical Devices Conference

April 15–17: The University of Minnesota presents this annual conference that brings together medical devices researchers, designers, and manufacturers for two days of technical/clinical sessions. Register online. Radisson University Hotel.

International Biomass 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.

2008 Science & Technology Banquet

April 24: Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur and inventor, is the keynote speaker at the Institute of Technology's annual gala and scholarship fundraiser sponsored by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society. Registration is now open. Reception, 5 p.m.; Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Program, 7:30 p.m.; Hilton Minneapolis.