The University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project team recently unveiled its newest generation car in preparation for the 2008 North American Solar Challenge, a 2,400-mile race from Dallas, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta, July 13–22. The University of Minnesota is one of only 26 international teams competing to design, build, and drive a solar-powered car in this year's cross-country competition.
The University of Minnesota's car, named Centaurus, is a completely new generation design from the University's previous seven solar vehicles. The most noticeable change is that the design meets new race requirements for the driver to sit more upright in the car. The 30 Institute of Technology students on the team estimate that they've collectively spent more than 30,000 hours over the last year planning and building the solar car. Materials for the U of M's solar car were funded through cash donations and in-kind donations of parts and materials. Read more and watch video>>
June 12 public lecture highlights power of math
From medicine to entertainment, mathematics is critical to meeting the needs of our future. World-renowned mathematician and University of Minnesota professor Doug Arnold presents “Seeing Mathematics Everywhere,” the next Institute of Technology Public Lecture at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 12 in the University’s Digital Technology Center, Room 402, Walter Library.
Arnold will highlight examples in which the University’s Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), the preeminent interdisciplinary mathematics research institute in the world, has solved problems in contemporary life. IMA researchers have studied the movement of insects to build better robots, examined the body’s virus-fighting systems to develop enhanced computer security systems, and used imaging techniques to restore old films and improve surveillance video in a homicide investigation. Arnold will also discuss some of the IMA’s outreach work including a YouTube mathematics video that has received nearly 1.5 million views within the last year. The event, sponsored by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society, is free and open to the public. Read more and register online>>
Watch for next issue of Inventing Tomorrow
Successful young alumni, faculty involved in environmental research, and two student solar projects are showcased in the next issue of Inventing Tomorrow, the Institute of Technology’s magazine for IT alumni and friends. The magazine is scheduled to be mailed this month. Other features in the Spring/Summer 2008 issue include a story about the history of the Fine Theoretical Physics Institute and the latest faculty research. To update your mailing address or to order a free subscription to Inventing Tomorrow, e-mail itmag@umn.edu. The online edition is available now at www.it.umn.edu/inventing.
Minnesota Cup competition deadline is May 23
The fourth annual Minnesota Cup is seeking the newest, most innovative business ideas from anyone in Minnesota. 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. This year’s entry deadline is Friday, May 23. Read more>>
Tickets still on sale for May 29 University Alumni Association Annual Celebration; Dean's Club reception precedes event
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 at Northrop Memorial Auditorium. A dinner and reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the Northrop Mall. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. A few tickets still are available.
A reception honoring members of the Institute of Technology Dean's Club will precede the celebration beginning at 4 p.m. in the Digital Technology Center, Fourth Floor, Walter Library 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. Read more>>
May 30 conference explores gender gap in computing professions
The Institute of Technology's Charles Babbage Institute presents an international conference exploring the gender gap in computing on Friday, May 30 at the Charles Babbage Institute, in the University's Andersen Library. The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
The conference, entitled History | Gender | Computing, features presenters from six countries who will examine why women were active participants in the early days of computer programming, but today computing is one of the most gender-segregated domains of modern life. Complementing the presentations is a scheduled poster session, showcasing additional views and innovative projects, as well as a new exhibit, curated by Charles Babbage Institute archivist Arvid Nelsen, exploring how gender has shaped the professional identities and material culture of computing. Read more>>
Tech Tune-Up: Innovative and Disruptive Technologies is June 2–4
Fine tune your technology skills at the upcoming Tech Tune-Up: Innovative and Disruptive Technologies, a short course offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). The course is offered June 2-4 in room 3-180 of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building.
This year’s course will examine technology innovations coupled with insights and commentaries from internationally renowned researchers and practitioners. It will hone the competitive edge of professionals and help them stay ahead of market and technology changes in today's competitive environment. Topics include nanoelectronics, wearable and implantable medical sensors, wireless and network security, bioinformatics and much more. Register online.
Join alumni for tour of Santa Fe
Institute of Technology alumni are invited to join Dean Steven L. Crouch and alumni hosts from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science for a special insider’s tour of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sept. 18–21. Those attending will stay at the beautiful La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe. Sites on the tour include Palace of the Governors and historic buildings around the Plaza, world renowned museums, authentic Spanish villages in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and a reception at the private home of a U of M alumni host. Space is limited. Register by July 15. Read more>>
U of M student chapter of Engineers Without Borders wins national award
The University of Minnesota student chapter of Engineers Without Borders has been awarded a $25,000 grand prize advocacy award from the KEEN footwear company for the students’ work to bring recycling and sustainable sanitation to Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. The goal of the project is to use the research resources at the University to develop an innovative way to turn plastic trash that litters the city streets into useful items for the residents such as sporting equipment or affordable toilet molds to establish a much-needed sanitation system. Read more and watch a video>>
Aerospace engineering students win international competition
A team of six University of Minnesota aerospace engineering seniors recently won first place at an international competition in which the students design and build remote controlled planes. The event, named Aero Design West, was a culmination of more than eight months of work to create a small plane that could carry the heaviest payload. Read more>>
U of M’s Office of Technology Commercialization launches new Web site
The University of Minnesota’s Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) has launched a new Web site featuring enhanced navigation and access to information and resources about technology transfer. OTC redesigned its site presentation and organization to help researchers understand the technology transfer process and to connect companies to University discoveries. Visit the OTC Web site to learn more.
Dean announces leadership appointments
Institute of Technology Dean Steven Crouch recently announced three new leadership positions within the college.
Professor Georgios Giannakis (electrical and computer engineering) has been appointed as the new director of the University’s Digital Technology Center (DTC) effective July 1, 2008. The DTC director position also includes a concurrent appointment to the ADC Director’s Chair. Giannakis replaces current DTC director Andrew Odlyzko who is returning to full-time faculty duties in the School of Mathematics. Read more>>
Professor Sally Gregory Kohlstedt has been appointed the new director of the Institute of Technology’s History of Science and Technology program beginning July 1, 2008. Kohlstedt replaces current director Alan E. Shapiro who will continue as a full-time faculty member in the program. Read more>>
Longtime University of Minnesota professor Peter J. Olver (mathematics) has been appointed as head of the School of Mathematics effective July 1, 2008. He will succeed Professor Lawrence Gray who will remain a mathematics faculty member and become the school’s director of undergraduate studies. Read more>>
Honors
Civil engineering student Brian Bell and chemical engineering/chemistry student Bridget Ulrich were awarded the 2008 President’s Student Leadership and Service Award
Biomedical engineering graduating senior Bjorn Bernhardsen was chosen to deliver the student address at the 2008 Institute of Technology Commencement Ceremony.
Doctoral candidate Kelly Cannon (computer science and engineering) has received the Sharon L. Doherty Award from the University of Minnesota Office of University Women. Cannon is recognized for her outstanding outreach to women and members of underrepresented groups.
Electrical engineering graduating senior Patrick Delaney received the 2008 Paul A. Cartwright/IT Alumni Society Outstanding Student Service Award for his active involvement in student governance and founding the non-profit organization Bright New Ideas, which is providing solar-powered lanterns to communities without electricity in Nicaragua.
Shuzo Fuchigami (chemical engineering and materials science) received a University of Minnesota Award of Distinction for his pioneering research and industry collaborations, particularly in the field of coating science and technology.
Assistant professors Demoz Gebre-Egziabher (aerospace engineering and mechanics) and R. Lee Penn (chemistry) have been awarded George W. Taylor Awards for Career Development, which recognize exceptional contributions to teaching by a candidate for tenure.
Professor Maria Gini (computer science and engineering) has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) for her major contributions to work in multi-robot and multi-agent systems, her demonstrated leadership in the artificial intelligence community, and her work to inspire youth.
Professors Maria Gini (computer science and engineering) and Christopher Paola have been named Institute of Technology Distinguished Professors. The award honors exceptional faculty for their efforts in and contributions to teaching and scholarly research and for their commitment to the Institute of Technology and its activities.
Professors Miki Hondzo, Michael Semmens (civil engineering), and former student Jeffrey Weiss were selected by the ASCE Environmental Water Resources Institute to receive the 2008 Samuel Arnold Greeley Award, in recognition of their paper "Storm Water Detention Ponds: Modeling Heavy Metal Removal by Plant Species and Sediments."
Gil Hue, civil engineering shop, has been awarded the 2008 President's Award for Outstanding Service. Gil is an elder in the Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa and has been recognized mainly for his work with FIRST Robotics teams.
Professor Roberta Humphreys (astronomy) has received the Mullen-Spector-Truax Women's Leadership Award from the University of Minnesota Office of University Women. This award honors Humphreys' outstanding contributions to women's leadership development from undergraduate students to faculty members.
Professor Richard James (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has been to selected to received two prestigious awards this fall. James will be awarded the William Prager Medal from the Society of Engineering Science and the Warner T. Koiter Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Professor Ned Mohan (electrical and computer engineering) was chosen as the 2008 recipient of the Outstanding Power Engineering Educator Award from the IEEE Power Engineering Society. This highly competitive award recognizes Professor Mohan's outstanding contributions and leadership to power engineering education.
Parviz Moin (ME ’74) has received an Outstanding Achievement Award, the University’s highest honor conferred upon alumni. Moin is a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University where he also serves as director of the Center for Turbulence Research and the Department of Energy’s Advanced Simulations and Computing Center. He is an innovative researcher who pioneered the use of direct and large eddy simulation techniques to study the physics of turbulent flows.
Professors Fernando Porte-Agel and Fotis Sotiropoulos (civil engineering) each received a $1 million dollar grant from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund for the development of a virtual wind simulator for optimal design of wind energy projects.
Electrical engineering seniors Eric Severson and Dominic Hogan won first and third prize, respectively, from the Minnesota Chapter of Sigma Xi for the posters they presented at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Brett Shockley (ME ’82, M.B.A. ’05) has received an Outstanding Achievement Award, the University’s highest honor conferred upon alumni. Shockley is the co-founder, president and CEO of Spanlink Communications. He is a trailblazing entrepreneur and innovative engineer whose development of integrated communications solutions has revolutionized the telecommunications industry.
Media Watch
New Web-based software helps to fight spread of HIV
Professor Joseph Konstan’s (computer science and engineering) cutting-edge work on a new Web-based software program is used to help fight the spread of HIV. April 8: Minnesota Daily
You get what you pay for with online Q & A sites, study shows
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. April 11: Science Daily
Integration of ZnO microcrystals with tailored dimensions forming light emitting diodes and UV photovoltaic cells
Professor Douglas Arnold (mathematics) was among three University of Minnesota faculty members to receive a 2008 Guggenheim fellowship. April 14: Star Tribune, News Release
Clean cars vs. clean fuels
Professor David Kittelson (mechanical engineering) said domestic automakers are already planning on installing advanced systems that will allow ethanol-powered vehicles to produce fewer emissions than those powered by regular gas. April 14: Twin Cities Daily Planet
Spitzer sees shining stellar sphere
Graduate student Martha Boyer (astronomy) comments on a new image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. April 15: Space Daily
U of M Engineers Without Borders student group wins big from Keen
The Engineers Without Borders student group won a national award for their work in Haiti. April 18: News Release, News Service Video; April 25: Minnesota Daily; April 27: Pioneer Press
Beware the many shades of green in products' eco-friendly claims
Associate professor Timothy Smith (bioproducts and biosystems engineering) cautions buyers that "It's very hard to know what degree of green something is." April 20: Pioneer Press
Volunteers participate in watershed cleanup
Associate professor Kristopher McNeill (chemistry) and his graduate students participated in this year's Minneapolis Earth Day Watershed Cleanup event. April 21: Minnesota Daily
Rushford company goes cutting-edge with new technology created by U profs
Flood-ravaged Rushford, Minn., has a new high tech business in town due to nanotechnology developed by several Institute of Technology faculty. April 23: Star Tribune, KSTP-TV, KTTC-TV, Minnesota Daily
Environmentally focused jobs are likely to rise
"Green-collar" jobs—employment related to renewable energy, environmental sustainability or efficiency—are creating new opportunities for science and engineering graduates. April 24: Minnesota Daily
Keeping up with traffic
The Department of Civil Engineering's Minnesota Traffic Observatory features innovative technologies to help researchers design roadways that are safer and easier to drive. April 24: MinnPost
What's the next big thing for the wireless industry?
Downloading large files via wireless networks is still somewhat problematic said professor Andrew Odlyzko (mathematics), director of the Digital Technology Center at the University of Minnesota. April 27: San Jose Mercury News
A home for a neutrino detector
The University of Minnesota is the lead university helping to determine if northern Minnesota may soon play an important role in better understanding dark matter in the universe, and the relationship between matter and antimatter. April 29: International Falls Daily Journal
U of M engineering design team takes first place in SAE International Heavy Lift competition
Two teams from the University of Minnesota's department of aerospace engineering and mechanics (AEM) recently competed in the SAE International Heavy Lift competition to produce an aircraft that meets design goals and specifications, namely to carry a substantial payload when compared to aircraft weight. April 29: News Release; May 8: Minnesota Daily
U of M hosts international LEGO League robotics competition
John Hourdos, a University of Minnesota civil engineer who studies traffic, explains where the most merging problems are in the Twin Cities. May 1: KMSP-TV
Computer science graduates are in demand
Companies and a U of M Career Center report high increase in demand for computer science graduates. May 2: News Release
Storing wind energy in a bottle
U of M chemical engineering professor Bill Smyrl will test the capabilities of sodium sulphur batteries used by Xcel Energy to provide long-term storage for excess electricity generated by wind turbines in southwestern Minnesota. May 4: Star Tribune
Institute of Technology program is expanding internationally
A new Institute of Technology summer program in Germany will give students the opportunity to study nanotechnology at the Technical University of Munich. May 8: Minnesota Daily
Iron Man makes the grade
U of M physics professor James Kakalios comments on the feasibility of the technology behind the Iron Man suit in the popular new movie. Work on a device that could pick up signals from the brain, like the cybernetic helmet in the movie, is in progress at the University of Minnesota by biomedical engineering professor Bin He. May 14: Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune photo gallery; May 15: Orlando Sentinel
St. Paul's tap water has better taste and smell
Students from the University of Minnesota are helping to develop a system for improving the taste and smell of water in the East Metro. May 14: Pioneer Press
Huge hole in the cosmos disappears
A giant hole in the cosmos discovered by a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota last year may not exist after all. May 14: EurekAlert; May 15: United Press International
Grad school is affordable
Assistant dean of graduate students at the University of Minnesota Doug Ernie explains that graduate school is very affordable for students in the U.S. when students utilize fellowships and teaching assistantships. May 16: KSTP–TV
The lectures are recorded, so why go to class?
Computer science professor Ravi Janardan comments on the pros and cons of video recording his classes. May 16: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Events
Green Chemistry in Minnesota: Opportunities and Challenges for Leadership
May 28: This one-day conference will bring together researchers, teachers, business leaders, and policymakers to explore how Minnesota can integrate environment-friendly practices into the design, manufacture and application of chemical products. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Humphrey H. Humphrey Center. Registration is $25. Register online.
Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) Second Annual Meeting
May 28–30: This meeting will serve as an exciting forum to learn about research, education and outreach within the Center and communicate with industry, faculty and students associated with each of the Center's projects. Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Register now.
History | Gender | Computing Public Conference
May 30: This international conference, with participants from six countries, examines gender and the diverse uses of computing in offices, libraries, schools, mass media, and the computing profession. Free and open to the public. Register online. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Andersen Library. Visit the Web site, or e-mail questions to cbi@umn.edu.
Tech Tune-Up: Innovative and Disruptive Technologies
June 2–4: Tech Tune-Up will examine technology innovations coupled with insights and commentaries from internationally renowned researchers and practitioners. It will hone the competitive edge of professionals and help them stay ahead of market and technology changes in today's competitive environment. Room 3-180, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building. Visit the Web site.
Design methods for in-stream structures: Available techniques and research needs
June 10: Monthly lectures through the Partnership for River Restoration and Science in the Upper Midwest (PRRSUM) explore topics related to Upper Midwest research, training, and practice in river restoration. 4–5:30 p.m. St. Anthony Falls Laboratory Auditorium. Visit the Web site.
IT Public Lecture: "Seeing Mathematics Everywhere"
June 12: Doug Arnold, University math professor and director of the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), is the featured speaker at the next IT Public Lecture, sponsored by the IT Alumni Society. Free and open to the public. Reception, 6:30 p.m.; Lecture, 7 p.m. Digital Technology Center, Room 402, Walter Library.
Learn more about UMore Park and Vermillion Highlands
June 16 & 17: Help shape the future of the University properties. Attend a campus forum and open house or participate live via UMConnect. The upcoming campus forums will provide opportunities for University faculty, staff and students to learn more about UMore Park and Vermillion Highlands, and view concept planning scenarios. Minneapolis Campus: Monday, June 16, 9:30 a.m., Coffman Memorial Union; St. Paul Campus: Tuesday, June 17, noon, Student Center’s North Star Ballroom. Visit the Web site.
Looking Ahead
Math/Science Free Family Fun Fair
Sept. 20: Enjoy fascinating math and science activities for the whole family. Ride a hovercraft, hold a real human brain, and enjoy math games. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m–3 p.m. Coffman Memorial Union.
Challenges and Tensions in International Research Collaborations
Oct. 2–3: This international conference will address expanding collaborations across the globe in the life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences, engineering, social sciences, and bioethics. Conference speakers have experience in international research collaborations in more than 60 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. University of Minnesota-Minneapolis campus. Early registration discount ends July 1. Visit the Web site.
E3 2008: Midwest’s Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference
Nov. 18: Mark your calendar now for the region’s premier energy, economic and environmental conference. Sponsored by University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) and the Institute on the Environment, the conference brings together renewable energy and environmental researchers, students, government officials, non-profit, and business/industry leaders. Registration coming soon. Saint Paul RiverCenter. Visit the Web site.
The University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project team recently unveiled its newest generation car in preparation for the 2008 North American Solar Challenge, a 2,400-mile race from Dallas, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta, July 13–22. The University of Minnesota is one of only 26 international teams competing to design, build, and drive a solar-powered car in this year's cross-country competition.
From medicine to entertainment, mathematics is critical to meeting the needs of our future. World-renowned mathematician and University of Minnesota professor Doug Arnold presents “Seeing Mathematics Everywhere,” the next Institute of Technology Public Lecture at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 12 in the University’s Digital Technology Center, Room 402, Walter Library.
The fourth annual 
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 
Fine tune your technology skills at the upcoming Tech Tune-Up: Innovative and Disruptive Technologies, a short course offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). The course is offered June 2-4 in room 3-180 of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building.
The University of Minnesota student chapter of Engineers Without Borders has been awarded a $25,000 grand prize advocacy award from the KEEN footwear company for the students’ work to bring recycling and sustainable sanitation to Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. The goal of the project is to use the research resources at the University to develop an innovative way to turn plastic trash that litters the city streets into useful items for the residents such as sporting equipment or affordable toilet molds to establish a much-needed sanitation system. 