ITems | September 2008

University to open new environmental research lab Sept. 19

The University of Minnesota is opening a new state-of-the art outdoor environmental research facility along the banks of the Mississippi River and is giving the public a first look during public tours from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19.  The new Outdoor StreamLab is located at the Institute of Technology’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, 2 Third Ave. S.E., Minneapolis.

Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River’s St. Anthony Falls directly across the river from downtown Minneapolis and adjacent to Xcel’s new Water Power Park, the new Outdoor StreamLab was developed to study a wide range of river processes. Historically, research in habitat restoration, dam removal, channel realignment, and bank stabilization has been limited to separate indoor laboratory and field work studies. The new facility enables laboratory-quality measurements in a much larger field-scale reach, bringing the best of both worlds together in one publicly visible facility. The Outdoor StreamLab is a joint initiative between St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics, a National Science Foundation science and technology center headquartered at the University of Minnesota. Read more>>

IT at the Minnesota State Fair

A variety of Institute of Technology exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. The University of Minnesota exhibit on Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street will feature experts and scholars in a wide range of fields from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. each day. The schedule of exhibits and stage shows from Institute of Technology departments and centers includes the solar car, a hydraulic hybrid car exhibit, dam removal model, everyday chemistry experiments, state-of-the art medical device technology, astronaut training, sample meteorites, robot demonstrations, and much more. Read more>>

IT welcomes new students and faculty

The Institute of Technology will welcome an estimated 800 new freshmen to campus this fall. Incoming students will arrive early on campus for a six-day student experience before classes start. Welcome Week expands upon previous programming designed to acclimate new students to campus. It runs Aug. 27 through Sept. 2 on the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.

Eleven new faculty will join the Institute of Technology during the 2008–09 academic year. They are: professor Laura Gagliardi (chemistry); associate professor Alexander Heger (physics); and assistant professors Shai Ashkenazi (biomedical engineering), Volkan Isler (computer science and engineering), Daniel Keefe (computer science and engineering), Connie Lu (chemistry), Andre Mkhoyan (chemical engineering and materials science), Yoichiro Mori (mathematics), Jian Sheng (aerospace engineering and mechanics), Panagiotis Stinis (mathematics), and Alena Talkachova (biomedical engineering).

Math & Science Fun Fair set for Sept. 20

Bring your children and grandchildren to a free family Math & Science Fun Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. The event will feature entertaining, hands-on math and science experiences including robot demonstrations, astronaut training, microscopes, miniature race cars, Physics Force performances, a real human brain, and much more. Read more>>

Misel lecture on Sept. 23 features expert on cosmic evolution

Renowned cosmologist P. James E. Peebles will present “Finding the Big Bang,” this year’s Misel Lecture sponsored by the Fine Theoretical Physics Institute, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 in the Van Vleck Lecture Hall (Room 150), Tate Laboratory of Physics, 116 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis. In his talk, Peebles, an Albert Einstein professor of science emeritus at Princeton University, will describe the origins of his concept of cosmic evolution, the discovery of key pieces of evidence that show us what actually happened, and some of the research problems, such as the natures of dark matter and dark energy, which are left for the next generation. The event is free and open to the public. Read more>>

New IT Webcam lets you visit campus on your computer

Over the next few weeks, campus will be buzzing with activity, and you can see it all from your own computer. Check out our new Institute of Technology live streaming Webcam that overlooks the University’s Northrop Mall. Users can control the direction of the camera and a powerful 25x optical zoom. The camera is available day and night. The Web site also includes links to other Webcams across campus including one at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory’s new Outdoor StreamLab and the construction site of the new TCF Stadium. See more>>

Mentors needed for Institute of Technology students

The Institute of Technology is seeking mentors for its award-winning IT Mentor Program. The program matches current science and engineering students with working professionals in technical fields. Mentors commit to just a few hours of their time helping students prepare for the professional world. For more information, visit the IT Mentor Program Web site, call 612-626-1802 or e-mail stadt001@umn.edu. Mentor registration opens Sept. 1.

Researchers say action must start now to reach greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2015

A team of University researchers, including mechanical engineering professor David Kittelson and civil engineering assistant professor Julian Marshall, has discovered that if the state of Minnesota is to reach its Next Generation Energy Act goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent in 2015 then action must start now. The research team modeled emissions for Minnesota and found that it is possible to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2025 if a combination of strategies are implemented, including reducing fuel consumption, increasing fuel efficiencies, decreasing carbon content, and using new methods for designing communities. The researchers also point out that the methods could be applied nationally. Read more and watch a video>>

IT professor’s research provides new clues to HIV infection

With advanced imaging techniques, researchers can now visualize how a key part of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) changes shape after binding to immune system cells or to infection-fighting antibodies. Guillermo Sapiro, a U of M professor of electrical and computer engineering, is part of the research team. Although scientists had been able to visualize individual components of this part of the virus, called the HIV spike, the new research characterizes, for the first time, the structure of the intact spike on virus particles, which is a crucial piece of knowledge that may aid the design of new vaccines or drugs to fight HIV infection. The results were published in the July 30 issue of Nature. Read more>>

Professor plays key role in Web-accessible geological world map

OneGeology, an international project to make geological data easily accessible through a Web portal, aims to become the geological equivalent of Google Maps by showing what lies beneath the earth’s surface with digital geological surveys across the globe and cutting-edge Web server technology. Harvey Thorleifson, a University of Minnesota professor of geology and geophysics who also serves as director of the Minnesota Geological Survey, is one of the lead scientists for project. For people all across the globe, the OneGeology portal represents an extremely important resource that will be used in understanding earthquakes, determining soil structure, helping to solve problems of excess carbon dioxide, and much more. Read more>>

University of Minnesota ranked 28th in world according to annual rankings

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is one of the top 30 universities in the world, according to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Institute of Higher Education latest ranking. The University is ranked 28th in the world. The international ranking of 500 world universities (public and private) looks at the strength of faculty research, publishing impact, and faculty honors. This is the first time since the ranking appeared in 2003 that the university has reached the top 30. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings are released annually in August. Read more>>

New appointments

Professor Jonathan A. Foley, a world-class scientist of earth systems modeling, has been named the permanent director of the Institute on the Environment, effective Aug. 25, 2008. Foley most recently served as director and founder of the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment at the University of Wisconsin and the Gaylord Nelson Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences. Read more>>

Marie Johnson has been appointed director of the University of Minnesota’s new Medical Device Fellows Program, a full immersion educational and product development program for medical device creation. Johnson’s appointment follows the completion of her most-recent post-doctoral fellowship in the Stanford Biodesign Program. Read more>>

Astronomy professor Tom Jones has been appointed to the position of interim director of the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI). Jones is a frequent user of MSI’s services and was a member of the transition planning committee as the institute was recently moved from the Institute of Technology to a more Universitywide function in the Office of the Vice President of Research. Read more>>

Honors

Alumnus and retired Major Harold Hicks (ChemE ’41) was recently honored by the University of Minnesota Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) with a permanent display of his award citation in the University’s Armory. Hicks fought on nearly every front during World War II earning him the rare European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal along with seven Bronze Stars.

Professor Roger Rusack (physics) has been named project manager for the Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL) portion of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. There are 10 institutions involved in building and monitoring ECAL, which is one the Large Hadron Collider's (LHC) sub-detectors. ECAL consists of 75,000 leadtungstate crystals (the largest number ever assemble for a single experiment). CERN has set the start-up date for the LHC for Sept. 10.

Doctoral student Shyam Sivaramakrishnan (mechanical engineering) working with professor Rajesh Rajamani (mechanical engineering), has been selected as one of five student semi-finalists for the 4th Annual Minnesota Cup, a statewide competition of entrepreneurs with breakthrough ideas. He aims to commercialize a new wireless carbon dioxide sensing technology for accurate low-cost carbon dioxide monitoring.

Regents professor Don Truhlar (chemistry) has been awarded the 2009 Dudley R. Herschbach Award for Excellence in Research in Collision Dynamics recognizing work that is “bold and architectural, inspiring and empowering.”

Media Watch

Good Question: What's the future for trucks, SUVs?

Mechanical engineering professor David Kittleson, who runs the University’s Center for Diesel Research, talks about the future of the car industry. The U of M's department of Mechanical Engineering is testing new engines that may impact the future of driving. July 24: WCCO–TV

Greenhouse emissions

A new study by U of M researchers including civil engineering assistant professor Julian Marshall and mechanical engineering professor David Kittelson says Minnesota can meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025 if certain steps are taken now. July 25: Grand Forks Herald

Think you know the rules of the road?

Civil engineering associate professor Gary A. Davis comments on the dangers of tailgating and their impact on causing traffic crashes. July 27: Los Angeles Times

Boosting cellulosic biofuels

Paul Dauenhauer, a chemical engineer and researcher in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, comments on how the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) is to begin testing a catalyst developed by Dow Chemical to see if it can be used to massively boost the production of ethanol made from biomass. July 28: MIT Technology Review

Drivers adapt to life without 35W bridge

University of Minnesota researchers, including civil engineering professor David Levinson, have found that most drivers have experienced commute times after the 35W bridge collapse that were similar to their times prior to it. July 28: KARE–TV; News Service; July 30: Minnesota Public Radio; Aug. 1: KMSP-TV; Twin Cities Live

The Science of Superheroes

University of Minnesota physics professor Jim Kakalios talks about the physics of superheroes in this summer’s movies. He teaches a freshman seminar in physics that uses superheroes to teach physics concepts, and also consults on Hollywood movies to make sure their superheroes are rooted in real science. July 28: Twin Cities Live; Aug. 5: Toronto Star

Artificial cells seek out disease

A team of scientists, including University of Minnesota chemical engineering and materials science professor Frank Bates, have made an artificial cell that can locate sites of disease within the body. The researchers say they can engineer the cell to release its contents on cue, allowing it to deliver drugs directly to sites of disease. July 30: Chemical Technology

Our bridges: To do nothing will cost more

Civil engineering professor David Levinson comments on how many people think an increased use of tolling and congestion pricing on Minnesota roads could also provide major funding and more efficient utilization by requiring drivers to pay top dollar during peak times. July 31: Star Tribune

U of M Solar Car

The University of Minnesota's Solar Vehicle Team competed in the North American Solar Car challenge. Their upright design and all-student-built vehicle took fifth place against some tough competitors. July 31: Twin Cities Live

It's a small, small world

Chemistry assistant professor Andrew Taton discusses how nanoparticles are used in everyday products like sunscreen. Aug. 5: Star Tribune

Good Question: can tire pressure solve oil crisis?

Craig Shankwitz, a mechanical engineer with the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota, says keeping tires properly inflated can have an effect on increasing gas mileage. Aug. 5: WCCO–TV

Researcher: encourage more, not less Internet traffic

Research out of the University of Minnesota by mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko finds that Internet traffic growth rates are stagnant or falling, even as transmission prices plummet. Aug. 6: Ars Technica; Aug. 7: Search Engine Watch; Aug. 12: Tech Radar; Site Point

Supernova impostor' begins to dim unexpectedly

Astronomy professor Kris Davidson weighs in on the signs of a clockwork-like dimming of the bright star Eta Carinae months earlier than expected, although astronomers can't yet explain why. Aug. 7: New Scientist

Neutrino detector going ahead

The construction and operation of a neutrino detector laboratory at Ash River has received congressional development funding and is expected to begin later this year. The University of Minnesota is the lead university under physics professor Marvin Marshak and William Miller at the Soudan Underground Mine Laboratory. Aug. 11: International Falls Daily Journal

One world, one map of what lies beneath

Dale Setterholm, associate director of the Minnesota Geological Survey at the University of Minnesota, talks about the University’s role in an effort by geologists and computer scientists from more than 80 countries to make geological data more accessible through a new online Web portal called OneGeology. Aug. 11: MSNBC

Solar Decathlon team begins drawing up plans

The University’s Solar Decathlon team is gearing up to compete next fall in an international competition to design and build a completely solar-powered house. Aug. 13: Minnesota Daily

Truckers ask other drivers to take go-slower approach

Civil engineering professor David Levinson, a researcher at the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies, said it is unlikely that drivers will slow down to save fuel. Aug. 14: Star Tribune

Events

Minnesota State Fair

Aug. 21–Sept. 1: A variety of Institute of Technology exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.

Welcome Week

Aug. 27–Sept. 1: Welcome Week is a six-day, on-campus experience prior to the start of the fall semester, required of all first-year students. This new program is designed to complement the Freshman Orientation experience, and provide opportunities to enhance academic and personal success for first-year students. University of Minnesota-Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.

8th Annual International Symposium for Therapeutic Ultrasound

Sept. 10-13: A forum of clinicians, scientists, and engineering will present the latest research in therapeutic ultrasound. Speakers include Chris Diedrich, University of California, San Francisco; Mathias Fink, University of Paris 7, France; Victor Frenkel, National Institutes of Health; Kullervo Hynynen, University of Toronto, Canada; and many others. Register by Sept. 3. Hilton Minneapolis Hotel. Visit the Web site.

Outdoor StreamLab Grand Opening and Tours

Sept. 19: The University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Laboratory is opening a new state-of-the art outdoor environmental research facility along the banks of the Mississippi River and is giving public tours from 3–5 p.m. St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.

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.

Third Annual Misel Family Lecture

Sept. 23: "Finding the Big Bang" is presented by eminent cosmologist Jim Peebles, Albert Einstein professor of science emeritus at Princeton University, presented by the William I. Fine Theoretical Physics Institute. 7 p.m. Van Vleck Lecture Hall, Room 150, Tate Lab of Physics. Visit the Web site, or e-mail questions to ftpi@physics.umn.edu.

Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources: A Public Forum

Sept. 24–26: Minnesota and Austria are on the cutting edge of organic farming, innovative and sustainable uses of biological resources, and research on climate change. Experts from both sides of the Atlantic will come together to share their knowledge with the public. University of Minnesota-Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.

Fourth Yamabe Memorial Symposium: Geometry and Analysis

Sept. 26–28: Mathematicians gather at the University of Minnesota for a long weekend to hear geometry talks, discuss the latest research, and interact with younger mathematicians. Register online. Vincent Hall. Visit the Web site, or e-mail questions to yamabe@math.umn.edu.

Looking Ahead

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. Visit the Web site, or e-mail questions to cbi@umn.edu.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Open House

Oct. 10: Experience ECE: Building Partnerships in Research and Education. Activities include department and academic center exhibits, industrial exhibits and demonstrations, lab and shop tours, and partnership building. 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building, 3rd Floor Atrium. Visit the Web site.

4th Annual Nanotechnology Conference

Nov. 11–13: This three-day workshop offers presentations and discussions on topics including: micro- and nano- sensors, optical sensors, nanomaterials for energy consumption, optics at the nanoscale, microfluidic biotechnology, nano materials for batteries, characterization tools for nanomaterials, nanoparticle cell/tissue interactions, advances in drug delivery, and molecular diagnostics. Registration will open in September. Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.

E3 2008

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. Register online. Saint Paul RiverCentre. Visit the Web site.