ITems | October 2007

IT hosts Oct. 1 Nobel laureate lecture; graduate student research exhibit

Dr. Roderick MacKinnon, who received the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, will deliver a lecture on “Electricity in Biology” at
4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 at the University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center, Memorial Hall. MacKinnon will highlight the electrical systems of living organisms and will explain how this topic exemplifies the strange and unexpected manner in which scientific ideas evolve. The lecture, hosted by the Institute of Technology, is free and open to the public, but registration is recommended.

Prior to the lecture, 28 graduate students nominated by faculty will showcase their research in a poster session at
3 p.m. in the McNamara Alumni Center, A.I. Johnson Room. The poster session will feature some of the University’s best science and engineering student research.

The University of Minnesota is one of only five universities nationwide chosen by Honeywell to participate in the Honeywell-Nobel Initiative. Other public events include a networking reception following the lecture at 5:30 p.m. and an interactive Honeywell exhibit. Read more >>

U of M leads statewide alliance to increase diversity in science and engineering

A statewide alliance of 16 colleges and universities led by the University of Minnesota, along with two community organizations, has received a $2.45 million grant over the next five years from the National Science Foundation to participate in a federal education initiative aimed at increasing the diversity of students in science and engineering programs.

The primary goal of the Minnesota alliance in the next five years is to double the number of baccalaureate degrees earned by minority groups that are historically under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These specifically include African American, Hispanic/Latino American, and Native American students. Read more >>

U astronomers find gaping hole in the Universe

University of Minnesota astronomers have found an enormous hole in the Universe, nearly a billion light-years across, empty of both normal matter such as stars, galaxies, and gas, as well as the mysterious, unseen "dark matter." While earlier studies have shown holes, or voids, in the large-scale structure of the universe, this new discovery dwarfs them all. The research team includes Department of Astronomy professor Lawrence Rudnick, associate professor Liliya Williams, and graduate student Shea Brown. Read more>>

Biomedical engineering professor to be featured in TV ads

Bin He, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, will be featured in a University of Minnesota television commercial that will air beginning in October. The commercial airs on Twin Cities channels 4, 5, and 11 around news time at 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Oct. 1 through Nov. 25, 2007 and Jan. 14 through March 9, 2008. The ad, which features the brain research of He and his students, is part of the University’s Driven to Discover marketing effort aimed at raising the research profile of the University throughout the state. Read more>>

U researcher offers new understanding of urban sprawl

Julian Marshall, an assistant professor in the Institute of Technology’s Department of Civil Engineering, recently discovered that across the United States, people moving into cities are settling on twice the amount of land as established residents. His findings offer a new numerical tool for measuring urban area expansion and are featured in the September 2007 issue of Urban Studies, an international journal on urban planning and policy. Read more>>

Gladfelter named interim associate dean for academic affairs

Long-time chemistry professor Wayne Gladfelter has been named as the Institute of Technology’s interim associate dean of academic affairs. The half-time appointment is effective immediately and runs through June 30, 2008. Among his many duties as associate dean for academic affairs, Gladfelter’s responsibilities will include overseeing the processes for faculty promotion and tenure, faculty sabbatical and semester leaves, and faculty honors and awards. Read more >>

Dean presents 'State of IT' address to faculty and staff

Institute of Technology faculty and staff are invited to attend a "State of the Institute of Technology" address presented by Dean Steven Crouch on Tuesday, October 16, in 3-180 Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building. Refreshments will be served starting at 3 p.m. The presentation will begin at 3:45 p.m. and end before 4:30 p.m.

Dean Crouch will welcome new faculty and staff to the Institute of Technology and recognize several new associate deans, department heads, and center directors. He will summarize the college’s finances, fund-raising successes, and research productivity, and also give a brief review of the status of the college’s involvement in several interdisciplinary initiatives. Finally, he will talk about a restructuring of the I.T. Student Services organization that is currently in progress. Time will be allotted at the end of the presentation for questions from the audience.

Mentors needed!

Join the Institute of Technology Mentor Program, which matches mentors in technical fields with science and engineering students. Mentors will have networking opportunities and the reward of knowing they have given IT students an edge in achieving their professional goals. An orientation kick-off dinner is October 23, and there will be other events and information to assist mentors. The commitment is just two hours a month—October through April. Register online now through October 15. More information is available on the Web site. Call Liz Stadther at 612-626-1802, or email itas@umn.edu.

Honors

Associate professor Edgar Arriaga (chemistry) has been awarded the 2007–2008 University of Minnesota Fesler-Lampert Chair in Aging Studies. Created in 1999 with support from the University of Minnesota Graduate School and the generosity of David and Elizabeth Fesler, the Fesler-Lampert chair funds researchers and scholars who are conducting research in a project related to the subject of aging.

Professor Bin He (biomedical engineering) was recently elected as the president-elect of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) for 2008, and will serve as the president of IEEE EMBS for 2009-2010. IEEE EMBS is one of the largest professional societies in the field of biomedical engineering consisting of about 8,000 members worldwide.

Professor David Lilja (electrical and computer engineering) has been selected to receive a Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering (PACE) from the College of Engineering at Iowa State University. The Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering award honors Iowa State engineering alumni for their superior technical or professional accomplishments in research, development, administration, education and other engineering activities.

Professor Harvey Thorleifson (geology and geophysics) recently received an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from the University of Winnipeg at a special convocation ceremony.

Media Watch

U astronomers find gaping hole in the Universe

A group of University of Minnesota researchers led by Professor Lawrence Rudnick (astronomy) have found an enormous hole in the Universe, nearly a billion light-years across, empty of both normal matter such as stars, galaxies and gas, as well as the mysterious, unseen "dark matter." Aug. 23: News Release, World Science-NY, Space, Star Tribune, Aug. 24: FOX News, KSTP, Reuters-India, Aug. 27: Time, Aug. 30: Hindustan Times-India, Sept. 4: American Chronicle, Sept. 5: Minnesota Daily, Sept. 13: Minnesota Moment

CSE hosts high-tech camp for disadvantaged kids

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Digital Technology Center hosted the Technology Day Camp in August to promote interest in the sciences to students of color, especially girls. Aug. 30: The Journal

John Riedl discusses an online fashion buzz

Professor John Riedl (computer science and engineering) comments on two new Web sites generating a lot of interest—MyStyleDiary.com and Stylemob.com—where the general public critiques attire worn by the average person. Sept. 3: Pioneer Press

U of M researchers launch public Web site for monitoring trends in Internet traffic

University of Minnesota researchers have built special tools and a public Web site that will provide up-to-date information about current Internet growth and monitor trends in Internet traffic. Sept. 10: News Release, Sept. 11: WCCO Radio, Sept. 24: CommsDay–Australia

Physics lab shuts down after bridge collapse

The School of Physics and Astronomy’s Tandem Laboratory is shutting down due to the collapse and reconstruction of the Interstate 35W bridge. The University will close the lab–located 50 feet west of where the bridge fell–by the end of September because of health and safety issues. Sept. 11: Minnesota Daily

Editorial: Lessons of adversity in bridge collapse

The I-35W bridge collapse was a terrible human tragedy, but it also set up a profound experiment in commuter behavior, said Professor Henry Liu (civil engineering) who has won a federal grant to study the response of local motorists. Sept. 14: Star Tribune

Bridge joins history of disaster on river stretch

"This (part of the river) is a place where dramatic things happen," said Karen Campbell, education director for the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics, a National Science Foundation-funded program at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. Sept. 16: Pioneer Press

Civil engineering faculty member offers new understanding of urban sprawl

Across the United States, people moving into cities are settling on twice the amount of land as established residents, according to assistant professor Julian Marshall (civil engineering). Sept. 18: News Release, Sept. 24: Minnesota Moment

Minority students urged to pursue science, technology

A statewide alliance of 16 colleges and universities led by the University of Minnesota, along with the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota High Tech Association, announced that it will receive a $2.45 million grant over the next five years to attract under-represented minorities to science and engineering programs. Sept. 19: News Release, Minnesota Public Radio, Star Tribune, Sept. 21: Insight News

Concrete canoe club kicks off new year

A group of U of M civil engineering students is beginning preparations for a competition in which they build and race a canoe of their own design, made almost entirely out of concrete. Sept. 21: The Minnesota Daily

Events

Conversations on Sustainability

Sept. 27: "Better Values or More Technology?" a session led by Dan Philippon (writing studies) and Julian Marshall (civil engineering) will stimulate a broad discussion about how innovations in technology and changes in society's values can both help lead to a more sustainable tomorrow. E-mail, call 612-624-7723, or register online. 12:30–1:45 p.m.; Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union.

Honeywell-Nobel Laureate Lecture: Roderick MacKinnon

Oct. 1: Roderick MacKinnon, winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, will visit the University of Minnesota campus for a series of events as part of the Honeywell-Nobel Laureate Lecture. Free and open to the public. Registration recommended. Graduate student poster session, 3–4 p.m.; Lecture, 4–5:30 p.m.; Reception, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; McNamara Alumni Center.

Saving the Planet…One Campus at a Time

Oct. 1: Presented by the new Institute on the Environment, this first Environment Roundtable will explore ideas and challenges regarding ways to “green” our own campus and demonstrate environmental leadership in practice. 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.; 105 Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.

MPGI's Fall Colloquia Series

Oct. 3, 17, 31: "Biofuels and Bioenergy" is the topic of this year's colloquia hosted by the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute (MPGI). Faculty presentations include "Miscanthus: Ornamental and Invasive Grass, the Next Biofuel?" and "Uncovering Genetic Variation for Biomass Production at High Density." Noon–1 p.m.; 105 Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.

Irving and Edythe Misel Family Lecture Series: Leo P. Kadanoff

Oct. 4: Renowned theoretical physicist and applied mathematician Leo P. Kadanoff, a recipient of the 1999 National Medal of Science, will present this year’s Misel Lecture sponsored by the Fine Theoretical Physics Institute. 4:45 p.m.; Van Vleck Auditorium, 150 Tate Laboratory of Physics.

Computer Science & Engineering's Sixth Biennial Technology Forum Open House

Oct. 5: Join the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in celebrating its 40th anniversary. The program will feature research exhibits, a keynote address, panel discussions, a Distinguished Alumni Award luncheon, and reception. Register online by Sept. 28. 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.; 3-180 Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building.

Cray Distinguished Speaker Series

Oct. 8: "Cyber-security: Opportunities and Challenges" will be presented by Pradeep Khosla, Carnegie Mellon University. The Cray Speaker Series was established in 1981 by an endowment from Cray Research. 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; 3-180 Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building.

The Condition of Our Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure: Heading Toward a Crisis?

Oct. 8: This Forum on Transportation Policy and Technology will look for solutions to the challenges posed by the nation’s aging infrastructure, especially in light of the recent I-35W bridge collapse. Free and open to the public. Space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to register online. 1:30 p.m.; McNamara Alumni Center.

3M Seminar Series on Technology Commercialization

Oct. 8: This first of four seminars will explore "Identifying Market Opportunities." Discussions will include identifying the market opportunity and target markets, transitioning from R&D to product, building a management team, and developing a go-to market strategy and distribution channels. Space is limited. Registration required. 5–7 p.m.; Executive Conference Center, Carlson School of Management.

IMA Public Lecture Series

Oct. 9: Professor Bernd Sturmfels, Department of Mathematics, University of California-Berkeley, will present “Algebra, Statistics, Computation, and Biology.” One of the founders of the new field of algebraic statistics, Sturmfels will introduce and describe the emerging applications of mathematics to genome science and developmental biology. No charge. 7 p.m.; 125 Willey Hall.

Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI)

Oct. 9–11: The inaugural GENI Engineering Conference will explore a wide variety of topics including communications, networking, distributed systems, cyber-security, networked services and networked applications. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Digital Technology Center. Register online. Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis.

DTC Science and Technology Innovators Lecture Series

Oct. 15: "A Services Oriented Architecture for Water Resources Data" will be presented by David Maidment, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas. Visit the Web site. Reception, 4:30 p.m.; Lecture, 5 p.m.; 402 Walter Library.

Chemical Biology Workshop

Oct. 18: “From Bioprobes to Biomaterials” is the theme of this year’s Chemical Biology Workshop featuring presentations by Neal Zondlo, assistant professor, University of Delaware; Mark DiStefano, chemistry associate professor, University of Minnesota; Steve Kron, associate professor, University of Chicago, and others. Submit poster session abstracts by Oct. 12 to Amy Olson. Register online. Workshop, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Poster session, 4–5:30 p.m. Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union.

Biofuels, Carbon, and Trade

Leadership Challenges for the Interdependent Americas
Oct. 22–23: Sponsored by the Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE), this conference will give leaders in the sciences, public affairs, and business an opportunity to understand the critical issues of biofuel production, carbon management and trade as part of an interlocking whole. Visit Biofuels, Carbon, and Trade for more information. Register online. Coffman Memorial Union.

Green Building North

Developments in Regional Green Building
Oct. 25: This event will include current developments and issues in Green Building Standards. It will also showcase key sustainable building projects in the region and feature exhibits of Canadian green building products. Hosted by the University of Minnesota's Center for Sustainable Building Research, College of Design, and the Minneapolis Consulate General of Canada. 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; 105 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Cray Distinguished Speaker Series

Oct. 29: "Prospects for Intent-Based Software Assurance " will be presented by William Scherlis, Carnegie Mellon University. The Cray Speaker Series was established in 1981 by an endowment from Cray Research. It continues to bring distinguished visitors to the University's Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; 3-180 Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Building.

Looking Ahead

IMA Math Matters Series

Nov. 1: The U.S. premier screening of the film, “Achieving the Unachievable,” written and directed by documentary filmmaker Jean Bergeron, will be presented as the second in a series of IMA public lectures. Bergeron will be available to answer questions after the screening. No charge. 7 p.m.; 125 Willey Hall.

Fifth Annual Chemical Engineering All-Class Gathering 2007

Nov. 2: All chemical engineering alumni are invited to this gathering, partially sponsored by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society (ITAS). Contact Marsh Riebe or call 612-625-4356. 4:30–6:30 p.m.; location to be announced.

IT Homecoming Celebration

Nov. 3: Join the festivities at the IT Homecoming Celebration. Bring your family for food, fun and games. Make a day of it by watching the homecoming parade at 2 p.m. and joining other IT alumni at the Gopher football game against the University of Illinois. More details, including group game ticket information, will follow soon on the IT Web site. 3–5:30 p.m.; Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union.

E3 2007: The Midwest’s Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference

Nov. 27: The University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) hosts this major regional conference focusing on the intersection between innovative technologies, visionary policies, environmental benefits, and emerging market opportunities as they relate to developments in the renewable energy sector. The E3 2007 conference will feature national and international speakers from business and industry, government, and the non-profit sector. Register online. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union.