New Web site highlights need for Physics and Nanotechnology Building
A new University of Minnesota Web site launched this month outlines the need for a new Physics and Nanotechnology Building on the Twin Cities campus. In October, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the University’s 2010 Capital Request to the Minnesota Legislature, which includes a request for $56.3 million in state support for an $80 million Physics and Nanotechnology Building. If approved, the building would include more than 43,000 square feet of modern and highly flexible physics laboratory and laboratory support space and more than 15,000 square feet of nanotechnology space (including a 5,000-square-foot clean room designed for class-100 chip fabrication and class-1000 bio-nano work). To support the request, sign up now for the University’s Legislative Network and indicate your interest in the Physics/Nanotechnology Building. Visit the Web site>>
University of Minnesota to lead new wind energy consortium
A consortium of wind energy researchers led by the University of Minnesota will receive up to $8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for fostering wind energy development in the United States. The consortium was one of only three across the country to receive funding. Institute of Technology civil engineering professor Fotis Sotiropoulos, director of the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, is the lead researcher on the project. Several other Institute of Technology faculty are also involved. Read more>>
Institute of Technology leads U of M in stimulus funding
As of the end of October, University researchers have been awarded 226 research grants totaling more than $122.3 million funded by federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Institute of Technology leads the University of Minnesota in stimulus funding with 43 grants totaling almost $51.9 million. This includes $40 million to the School of Physics and Astronomy from the U.S. Department of Energy to building the NOvA neutrino lab in northern Minnesota. Read more>>
Photo exhibit of Institute of Technology women faculty opens Nov. 27
A photography exhibit featuring women faculty in the Institute of Technology opens Nov. 27 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. The exhibit, entitled “Inventive Women: Portraits of Scientists and Engineers from the University of Minnesota,” is a collection of black and white portraits by Nancy G. Johnson, a communications specialist in the Institute of Technology’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Each portrait is accompanied by a statement written by the faculty member about her research. Johnson received an IDEA (Innovation, Diversity, Equity, and Achievement) grant from the University's Office of Equity and Diversity to produce the exhibit, which will run until July 4, 2010. A public exhibit opening reception is Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center.
Solar Decathlon team wins engineering contest; finishes fifth overall
After more than two years of preparation and hard work, the University of Minnesota's first-ever entry into the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon last month ended successfully with the team placing fifth overall. The Minnesota team took home a first-place finish in two categories: the prestigious engineering category and in lighting design. The University of Minnesota was one of only 20 teams chosen to compete in the Solar Decathlon competition, which featured entries from the United States, Canada, Germany, and Spain. Read more>>
Incoming students are most academically prepared in history
A recently released profile of the students in the Institute of Technology’s fall 2009 freshman class shows that the incoming students are better prepared academically than ever before. The current freshman class is also the largest incoming class in history with 875 student compared to 821 students last year and 756 students just 10 years ago.
The average ACT composite score of incoming Institute of Technology students increased from 28.9 last year to 29.6 in fall 2009, the highest of any college at the University and the highest ever in the college. This is two full points higher than the 27.6 ACT score average 10 years ago. Institute of Technology first-year students had an average SAT score of 1319, also the highest of any college at the University. About 68 percent of the 2009 Institute of Technology freshman class graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class, compared to about 63 percent last year and 43 percent this year University-wide. Of the University’s 112 freshmen National Merit Scholars, 64 are from the Institute of Technology, the largest number of National Merit students of any freshman admitting college. The number of women first-year students also has reached an all-time high with 203. Last year, the college had 200 women first-year students and 10 years ago the college had just 139 women first-year students. Read more>>
Nanotechnology Conference is Nov. 17 and 18
Learn about the latest in nanotechnology research at the Fifth Annual Minnesota Nanotechnology Conference on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. The event is hosted by the Institute of Technology’s Center for Nanostructure Applications. This year’s event offers presentations and discussions on topics including materials, magnetic structures and devices, spintronics, novel techniques in characterization, and organic photovoltaics. New this year, the University's Nanofabrication Center is offering three special short courses on device fabrication during the conference. Conference pre-registration is now closed, but a limited number of registrations will be accepted on site. Contact Becky Von Dissen at vondi001@umn.edu for more information. Read more>>
Dean to present 'State of IT' address
Institute of Technology Dean Steven Crouch will present his annual "State of the Institute of Technology" address to faculty and staff on Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building, Room 3-180. Refreshments will be served starting at 3 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 3:45 p.m. and end before 4:30 p.m. In his address, Dean Crouch will summarize efforts in outreach, alumni relations, and fundraising, and briefly review several indicators of faculty research productivity. He will also give an update on the proposed Physics and Nanotechnology Building and describe the status of the work undertaken during the past year to rename the Institute of Technology and establish a stronger brand identity for the college. At the end of the presentation, audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Institute of Technology is now on Facebook and Twitter
Find out about the latest research, events and interesting facts, and connect with other alumni and friends of the college on the new Institute of Technology Facebook fan page. Check it out and become a fan today. The My Flickr tab at the top of the page features photos from recent events including Homecoming and the Civil Engineering Centennial Celebration. Also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uminsttech for updates about the college. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for the types of information you'd like to know about through these social media tools.
Master of Financial Mathematics program to begin offering four online classes
The Institute of Technology’s Master of Financial Mathematics (MFM) program will begin offering four of its courses online for non-degree students—two courses fall semester 2010 and two courses spring semester 2011. Those who complete these courses can apply for the MFM program and, if accepted, could finish their MFM degree in one year by attending classes on campus. The MFM program, which began in 2007, is the only program of its kind in Minnesota for those with a strong background in mathematics pursuing careers in quantitative finance in various industries such as finance, insurance, and risk management. Applications for the MFM program are due in February. Read more>>
Office of Business Relations launches new Web site
The University of Minnesota’s Office of Business Relations, formerly called the Academic and Corporate Relations Center, has launched a new business-friendly Web site (www.business.umn.edu) targeting businesses across the state and around the world. This office connects businesses to the University and shows the value of leveraging the University’s talent, technology, and training for business success. Read more>>
Researchers discover links between city walkability and air pollution exposure
A new study compares neighborhoods’ walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality. The study, done for Canada’s Vancouver, British Columbia, is the first study of its kind to compare the two environmental attributes, and suggests potential environmental health effects of neighborhood location, layout, and design for cities around the globe. University of Minnesota civil engineering faculty member Julian Marshall was one of the researchers who conducted the study. Read more>>
Researchers map the bottom of the world
Based in the Institute of Technology’s Department of Geology and Geophysics, the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Geospatial Information Center (AGIC) is creating tailor-made maps that researchers and logistics experts in the U.S. Antarctic Program depend on daily. Paul Morin, director of the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Geospatial Information Center (AGIC), works with a staff of 10 including some five undergraduate and graduate students, use images from various satellites to produce the maps. Many of his team's maps are the first maps of their kind of lands where no human has yet tread. Read more>>
Three-time space shuttle astronaut presents scholarships to students
Two Institute of Technology seniors Cole Kazemba (aerospace engineering) and Rebecca Jo Szarkowski (biomedical engineering) recently were awarded $10,000 scholarships from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) and ceremonial checks from space shuttle astronaut Col. Fred Gregory. The Astronaut Scholarship is the largest monetary award in the nation given to science and engineering undergraduate students based solely on merit. Kazemba and Szarkowski are two of only 18 students nationwide to receive the scholarship. The University of Minnesota was the only university to have more than one recipient. During Gregory’s visit, he also spoke to a group of first-year honors students about his experiences in space.
Honors
Professor Roger Arndt (civil engineering) and professor Fotis Sotiropoulos (civil engineering) have been elected Fellows of the American Physical Society.
Graduate student Juan Andres Bazerque (electrical and computer engineering) was chosen as the Distinguished Master’s Thesis of 2009-10 and nominated for the 2010 Midwest Association of Graduate Schools Distinguished Master’s Thesis.
Professor Peter Carr (chemistry) has received the Martin Medal by the Chromatographic Society, United Kingdom, in recognition of his sustained and important contribution to promoting separation science globally.
Ochuko L. Binitie-Cassidy, a senior majoring in chemical engineering, has received a 2009 Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) award, which honors high-achieving students at the University of Minnesota with diverse identities.
Assistant professor Abhishek Chandra (computer science and engineering) and graduate student Dave Boutcher recently received a best paper award at the Association for Computing Machinery’s HotStorage 2009 conference for their paper titled, "Does Virtualization Make Disk Scheduling Passé?"
Graduate student Vasileios Christopoulos (computer science and engineering) received the "American Legion Brain Sciences Award," recognizing his outstanding achievement in brain research.
Professor David Kohlstedt (geology and geophysics) was recently elected a Fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America.
Assistant professor Marta Lewicka (mathematics) and assistant professor Marc Riedel (electrical and computer engineering) have received a National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award. This highly competitive five-year award is the NSF's most prestigious program to support the early career development of promising young researchers.
Professor John Riedl (computer science and engineering) has been elected Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Associate professor Jon Weissman (computer science and engineering) and his colleagues received a best paper award at the 10th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Grid Computing (Grid 2009) for their paper, "Critical Perspectives on Large-Scale Distributed Applications and Production Grids."
In Memoriam
William Ranz, a former long-time professor of chemical engineering, died on Oct. 20, 2009. He was 87. Read more>>
Undergraduates at the University of Minnesota are participating in the construction of the near detector, a neutrino detector prototype which will work with the future NOvA lab detector. Oct. 5: Minnesota Daily
U of M Regents may approve capital request Friday
The University of Minnesota Regents met to act on the University's 2010 state capital budget request that includes a request for a new physics and nanotechnology building on the Twin Cities campus. Oct. 5: Star Tribune; Oct. 8: WCCO—TV; WQOW—TV—WI
Threat of multi-agent attacks on United States increasing, experts warn
Professor Massoud Amin is the director of the University’s new Master of Science in Security Technologies program, aimed at preparing students to protect national infrastructure. Oct. 6: Minnesota Daily; Oct. 20: KSTP—TV
University computer science department’s interest in virtualization grows
Computer science and engineering assistant professor Abhishek Chandra, a "virtual researcher" comments on new problems and new areas of study involved with deep theoretical questions about virtualization. Oct. 6: Forbes
Why metered broadband won’t last
David Levinson and Andrew Odlyzko, Institute of Technology professors widely respected for their authority on Internet economics wrote an academic paper in 2007 predicting an end to flat-rate broadband. Oct. 7: Telephony Online
Emerging contaminants for rivers, lakes and oceans
A national report from the U.S. Geological Survey supports University of Minnesota research showing that 70 percent of the salt and deicing chemicals used on roads in the Twin Cities during the winter is washed into area wetlands and lakes and seeps into groundwater supplies. Oct. 7: Ramsey County Review News
What’s next for the Netflix algorithms?
John Riedl, a professor of computer science at the University of Minnesota, says he has mixed feelings about the Netflix Prize recently awarded after three years of intense competition aimed at finding a better algorithm for predicting users’ movie preferences. Oct. 8: Ethioplanet
Just how sensitive is Earth's climate to atmospheric carbon dioxide?
Geology and geophysics researcher Hai Cheng and his colleagues compared a record of increasing carbon dioxide with climatic transitions, and discussed what impact an increased greenhouse gas load might have on the climate. Oct. 8: Scientific American
Moonstruck: Making one giant thud for mankind
Terry Jones, an astronomy professor at the University of Minnesota explains the destruction of a rocket NASA launched in June, which crashed and exploded into the moon. Oct. 9: KARE—TV
U of M transportation experts help hundreds of middle schoolers prepare for robotics competition
More than 250 students received hands-on experience as transportation researchers at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus where they learned about transportation issues and began preparing for “Smart Move,” the 2009 Minnesota FIRST LEGO League robotics competition. Oct. 13: University News
U of M receives $8 million for wind energy research
Jane Wissinger, Department of Chemistry organic laboratory director, discusses the measures the University of Minnesota is taking to reduce toxic solvents and create less hazardous waste in chemistry labs. Oct. 16: Minnesota Public Radio
Carriers eye pay-as-you-go Internet
Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko comments on some Internet provider’s plans to implement usage-based pricing. Odlyzko notes that the average Internet user consumes around 15 gigabytes a month. Oct. 21: Wall Street Journal; Oct. 25: EthioPlanet
Group receives ethics research grant to protect human subjects
Chemical engineering and material sciences professor Efie Kokkoli is involved in the research and design of targeted nanotechnologies for cancer therapeutics, including chemotherapy agents. Oct. 26: Minnesota Daily
University of Minnesota researchers win $2.2 million federal stimulus grant to use bacteria to produce biofuel
Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko notes that nation’s wireless operator sales are now about $150 billion a year—or 10 times as large as radio broadcasting revenues. Oct. 28: Business Standard
After net neutrality, will we need "Google neutrality?"
Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko, internationally recognized expert on network economics, repeatedly debunks the idea that networks are about to drown beneath some "exaflood" of data, or that network upgrades are truly expensive. Oct. 28: Ars Technica
If bridges could talk
Civil engineering professor Catherine French is the lead researcher charged with monitoring the new I-35W bridge. New monitoring systems should make smart bridges that let on when they're feeling fatigued. Oct. 29: Miller-McCune
Nanotechnology: A risky frontier?
Local, rural start-up company, Rushford Hypersonic, uses technology licensed from University of Minnesota Institute of Technology faculty to embrace nanotechnology. Nov. 1: Star Tribune; Nov. 4: Baltimore Sun
Researchers discover links between city walkability and air pollution exposure
Paul Morin, director of the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Geospatial Information Center (AGIC), uses images from satellites to produce maps of remote, inaccessible areas. Nov. 2: Futurity
Geothermal grants heat up in Minnesota
Geology and geophysics assistant professor Martin Saar received a grant for $1.55 million as part of a project to explore the use of geothermal heat to generate electricity via carbon sequestration. Nov. 4: MinnPost
NOvA neutrino detector gets full construction approval
A cooperative research agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of Minnesota supports the construction of a NOvA facility, which recently received Critical Decision-3b approval. The decision signifies approval for the start of full construction. Nov. 4: Symmetry Magazine
U of M piling up stimulus funds with $211M so far
The U of M has been awarded a total of $122 million in direct research grants and an additional $89.3 million in federal stimulus funds from the state's share for economic stabilization. The Institute of Technology leads the University so far, with 43 grants totaling $51.9 million. Nov. 4: MinnPost
U of M researchers awarded prestigious grants from ARRA funds
Chemistry professors Jiali Gao and Don Truhlar, and biomedical engineering professor David Odde each received a prestigious Challenge Grant in Health and Science Research offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through funds authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Nov. 5: University News
Net neutrality under public debate
Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko has published a number of papers on the topic of Internet neutrality, and believes the recently proposed set of regulations taken by the FCC are in the right direction, but aren’t going to end the debate on Internet regulation. Nov. 5: Minnesota Daily; Nov. 9: University News
Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko discusses a report by a broadband task force appointed by Gov. Pawlenty, that urges moving Minnesota into the top tier of states when it comes to speed and accessibility. Nov. 6: Minnesota Public Radio
Nov. 17: This annual conference sponsored by the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment focuses on the intersection of innovative technologies, visionary policies, environmental benefits, and emerging market opportunities in renewable energy. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saint Paul RiverCentre. Visit the Web site.
Fifth Annual Minnesota Nanotechnology Conference
Nov. 17–18: This event offers the latest in nanotechnology research including presentations and discussions on topics such as materials, magnetic structures and devices, spintronics, novel techniques in characterization, and organic photovoltaics. Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.
Putting Minnesota on the Map: Next Steps for Building a Smart Grid Coalition
Nov. 18: Prominent smart grid experts discuss the potential of smart grids to serve as a catalyst for economic recovery. 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. St. Paul Student Center, Northstar Ballroom, St. Paul campus. Visit the Web site.
Dean’s ‘State of the Institute of Technology’ address
Nov. 18: Institute of Technology Dean Steven Crouch will give an update about current initiatives in the college at his annual "State of the Institute of Technology" address to faculty and staff. 3 p.m. Refreshments; 3:45 p.m. Presentation. 3-180 Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building.
Special Symposium on Fluid Mechanics
Nov. 20: This special symposium hosted by the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory celebrates the distinguished career of Professor Roger E.A. Arndt and his accomplishments in the field of fluid mechanics. 1–7:30 p.m. Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.
American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting
Nov. 22–24: The University of Minnesota will host the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics (DFD). The annual meeting has grown into one of the largest conferences in fluid dynamics with more than 1,500 attendees from around the world. Minneapolis Convention Center. Visit the Web site.
Open House: Spaceflight with Ballooning
Nov. 24: This open house for students, faculty, and alumni will feature students in the Fall 2009 freshman seminar class “Spaceflight with Ballooning.” Faculty member James Flaten and students will answer questions and share their findings from scientific experiments recently carried by a weather balloon to an altitude of more than 100,000 feet. An inflated balloon with payload boxes will be on display. 11 a.m–12:30 p.m. Lobby and main stairwell, Akerman Hall. Visit the Web site.
Exhibit: ‘Inventive Women: Portraits of Scientists and Engineers from the University of Minnesota’
Nov. 27–July 4: A photography exhibit by Institute of Technology staff member Nancy G. Johnson features black and white portraits of women faculty in the Institute of Technology. Minnesota History Center.
Public Reception: ‘Inventive Women: Portraits of Scientists and Engineers from the University of Minnesota’
Dec. 1: Join University faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college at a public reception showcasing a photography exhibit featuring portraits of women faculty in the Institute of Technology. Meet faculty featured in the exhibit. 5-8 p.m. Minnesota History Center.
Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability Conference
Dec. 1–2: This conference, which includes Institute of Technology faculty speakers, will bring together key players from Minnesota’s bioeconomy to explore renewable energy opportunities. Registration cost is $50 each day or $85 for both days. University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center. Visit the Web site.
Sustainable Cities: Urban Design for Human Health and the Environment
Dec. 9: Julian Marshall, civil engineering assistant professor, will present "Sustainable Cities: Urban Design for Human Health and the Environment." Noon–1 p.m. Institute on the Environment Seminar Room 380, VoTech Building, St. Paul. Visit the Web site.
Looking Ahead
Design of Medical Devices Conference
April 13-15: The world's premiere medical devices conference brings together medical device designers, manufacturers, researchers, and representatives from the public sector. Topics will include cardiovascular engineering, neuroengineering, nano/MEMS devices, medical electronics, health informatics, surgical tools and much more. The Institute of Technology is one of the sponsors of this event. Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.
2010 International BIOMASS Conference & Expo
May 4-6, 2010: BIOMASS unites current and future producers of biomass-derived power, fuels and chemicals with waste generators, energy crop growers, municipal leaders, utility executives, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, project developers, investors and policy makers. Minneapolis Convention Center. Visit the Web site.
A consortium of wind energy researchers led by the University of Minnesota will receive up to $8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for fostering wind energy development in the United States. The consortium was one of only three across the country to receive funding. Institute of Technology civil engineering professor Fotis Sotiropoulos, director of the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, is the lead researcher on the project. Several other Institute of Technology faculty are also involved. 
A photography exhibit featuring women faculty in the Institute of Technology opens Nov. 27 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. The exhibit, entitled “Inventive Women: Portraits of Scientists and Engineers from the University of Minnesota,” is a collection of black and white portraits by Nancy G. Johnson, a communications specialist in the Institute of Technology’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Each portrait is accompanied by a statement written by the faculty member about her research. Johnson received an IDEA (Innovation, Diversity, Equity, and Achievement) grant from the University's Office of Equity and Diversity to produce the exhibit, which will run until July 4, 2010. A public exhibit opening reception is Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center.
After more than two years of preparation and hard work, the University of Minnesota's first-ever entry into the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon last month ended successfully with the team placing fifth overall. The Minnesota team took home a first-place finish in two categories: the prestigious engineering category and in lighting design. The University of Minnesota was one of only 20 teams chosen to compete in the Solar Decathlon competition, which featured entries from the United States, Canada, Germany, and Spain. 
A recently released profile of the students in the Institute of Technology’s fall 2009 freshman class shows that the incoming students are better prepared academically than ever before. The current freshman class is also the largest incoming class in history with 875 student compared to 821 students last year and 756 students just 10 years ago.
Learn about the latest in nanotechnology research at the Fifth Annual Minnesota Nanotechnology Conference on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. The event is hosted by the Institute of Technology’s Center for Nanostructure Applications. This year’s event offers presentations and discussions on topics including materials, magnetic structures and devices, spintronics, novel techniques in characterization, and organic photovoltaics. New this year, the University's Nanofabrication Center is offering three special short courses on device fabrication during the conference. Conference pre-registration is now closed, but a limited number of registrations will be accepted on site. Contact Becky Von Dissen at 
Find out about the latest research, events and interesting facts, and connect with other alumni and friends of the college on the new 
A new study compares neighborhoods’ walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality. The study, done for Canada’s Vancouver, British Columbia, is the first study of its kind to compare the two environmental attributes, and suggests potential environmental health effects of neighborhood location, layout, and design for cities around the globe. University of Minnesota civil engineering faculty member Julian Marshall was one of the researchers who conducted the study. 
Based in the Institute of Technology’s Department of Geology and Geophysics, the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Geospatial Information Center (AGIC) is creating tailor-made maps that researchers and logistics experts in the U.S. Antarctic Program depend on daily. Paul Morin, director of the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Geospatial Information Center (AGIC), works with a staff of 10 including some five undergraduate and graduate students, use images from various satellites to produce the maps. Many of his team's maps are the first maps of their kind of lands where no human has yet tread. 
Two Institute of Technology seniors Cole Kazemba (aerospace engineering) and Rebecca Jo Szarkowski (biomedical engineering) recently were awarded $10,000 scholarships from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) and ceremonial checks from space shuttle astronaut Col. Fred Gregory. The Astronaut Scholarship is the largest monetary award in the nation given to science and engineering undergraduate students based solely on merit. Kazemba and Szarkowski are two of only 18 students nationwide to receive the scholarship. The University of Minnesota was the only university to have more than one recipient. During Gregory’s visit, he also spoke to a group of first-year honors students about his experiences in space.