2008 Science & Technology Banquet will feature entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen
Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and tireless advocate for science and technology, is the keynote speaker at the 2008 Science & Technology Banquet on Thursday, April 24 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. Registration is now open.
The Science & Technology Banquet, hosted by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society, is the Institute of Technology’s premier annual networking event and scholarship fundraiser.
Dean Kamen is the founder of DEKA Research & Development Corporation and holds more than 440 U.S. and foreign patents for innovative devices that have expanded the frontiers of health care worldwide. Some of his notable inventions include the first wearable insulin pump for diabetics, the INDEPENDENCE® IBOT® Mobility System, and the Segway® Human Transporter. Kamen is a dynamic speaker with a passion for improving the world through science and technology. Read more>>
U of M chosen to compete in international Solar Decathlon
The University of Minnesota is one of only 20 international teams chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the next Solar Decathlon in 2009. The University of Minnesota is the first and only Minnesota team to ever participate in this competition. The Solar Decathlon is a unique international competition that brings student teams from universities across the United States, Europe and Canada to compete in designing, building and operating highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered houses. The teams assemble their homes on the National Mall in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and open the houses to the public. Last fall, more than 120,000 people toured the homes on the National Mall. Read more>>
Engineers Without Borders-USA founding president to speak March 4
Bernard Amadei, founding president of Engineers Without Borders-USA, presents a public lecture at the University of Minnesota at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 in the Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics, 116 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis. A reception will precede the event at 6:30 p.m.
In this lecture, Amadei will discuss the importance of integrating engineering with non-engineering disciplines when addressing the health care, energy, food, land, water, transportation, and sanitation needs of developing communities. He will also present the challenges and opportunities associated with practicing engineering in developing nations and the education of engineers and scientists through organizations such as Engineers Without Borders–USA.
The lecture, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society, is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is recommended. Read more>>
Celebrate TechFest 2008 at The Works
Alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to bring their kids and grandkids to celebrate National Engineers Week at TechFest 2008, a special event for the whole family from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday, March 1 at The Works museum, 5701 Normandale Road, Edina. The event is free and open to the public.
The day's activities will focus on a mechanical engineering theme. Hands-on activities include building a working catapult, seeing a futuristic vehicle, and marveling at innovative robots. Goldy Gopher will visit from noon to 2 p.m. to greet guests and pose for photos. The University of Minnesota Physics Force also will perform a stage show. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. TechFest is a cooperative effort of The Works and the Institute of Technology Alumni Society with sponsorship from Alliant Techsystems, Digital River, and the Center for Transportation Studies and support from the Society of Women Engineers and General Mills. Read more>>
Show your support at the State Capitol Feb. 20
Join alumni, students and other University advocates at Support the U Day at the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Over the next few weeks, the House and Senate will be finalizing and voting on their bonding bills, and leaders need to hear from you! The University’s 2008 bonding request includes funding for a new Science Teaching and Student Services building, classroom improvements, laboratory renovations and much more. The U of M rally begins at noon in the Capitol Rotunda followed by lunch and meetings with legislators. Free lunch and transportation are provided for all participants. Register online at www.supporttheU.umn.edu.
Read more>>
Institute for Engineering in Medicine presents first annual symposium
The new Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM) will present its key research initiatives and strategic vision at its first annual symposium 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15 at the McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis. The IEM Symposium will cover many topics including multimodal biomedical imaging, medical device design, thermal therapies, biopreservation, and other topics. The event will also include tours of labs and a student poster session. Registration is $50 and includes lunch. Read more>>
NSF to use University of Minnesota television ad
The National Science Foundation (NSF) will highlight the University’s "Harnessing Brainpower" television ad featuring biomedical engineering professor Bin He in NSF presentations throughout 2008. NSF will use the ad in presentations to the public and the U.S. Congress as a way to highlight research supported by NSF. The ad showcases research by Professor He and his students to create a brain cap that enables users to control a computer with only their minds. Ultimately, this same technology can be used to help those with artificial limbs. View video and read more>>
Honors
Five Institute of Technology faculty are among
13 recipients of the 2008–10 McKnight
Land-Grant Professorship, a program designed
to advance the careers of the University's most promising junior
faculty.
The recipients include assistant professors Taner Akkin, Alptekin Aksan, Nicholas Hopper, Chris Hyung-il Kim, and Katsumi Matsumoto. Read more>>
Assistant professor Kevin Dorfman (chemical engineering and materials science) was named by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation as one of 20 new promising scientific researchers. As a 2007 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering recipient, Dorfman will receive an unrestricted research grant of $625,000 over five years.
Professor Maria Gini (computer science and engineering) was selected as the Ada Comstock Distinguished Women Scholar Lecturer for spring 2008. The spring lecture is set for March 31, from 4–5:30 p.m.
Professor Nihar Jindal (electrical and computer engineering) received the National Science Foundation 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. Jindal's award was for "Exploring the Design and Fundamental Limits of Wireless Spatial Networks."
Professor Sally Kohlstedt (geology and geophysics) received a Fulbright Scholar Grant for 2007-2008. The University is hosting nine Fulbright Visiting Scholars on campus this year.
Professor Mikhail Shifman (physics) has been appointed a Blaise Pascal Chair by the French government. Shifman will conduct research in Paris on theoretical high-energy physics.
Professor Charles Woodward (astronomy) has been elected by members to a three-year term as councilor of the national professional society, American Astronomical Society (AAS).
Media Watch
Professor weighs in on the new Wikia search engine
Professor John Riedl (computer science and engineering) discussed the launch of a new Wikipedia-related open-source search engine, called Wikia Search. Jan. 7: KTLK–FM
The physics of surviving a 500-foot plunge
Professor James Kakalios (physics) comments on an Ecuadoran native who fell 500 feet from the upper reaches of a New York City skyscraper and survived. Jan 10: Newsweek
Net neutrality and price discrimination
Professor Andrew Odlyzko (mathematics) provides expert opinions on the economics of the Internet. Jan. 10: Business Week
Professor Ned Mohan (electrical and computer engineering), and professor Jane Davidson (mechanical engineering) were guests on the University's Tech Talk television program, discussing the need for renewable energy. Jan. 13: Tech Talk
U of M Physics force performs at Northrup Auditorium
The University of Minnesota Physics Force performed its Physics Circus at Northrop Auditorium. Jan. 16: KMSP–TV
Engineers explain gusset plates
University of Minnesota civil engineers explain the structure of bridges and the possible factors that may have led to the I-35W bridge collapse. Jan. 16: KSTP–TV, KMSP–TV; Jan. 22: Minnesota Public Radio, Jan. 17: Popular Mechanics, UT Daily Texan
High Tech Girls Society explores science, technology at the University of Minnesota
Fifty female students from seven Minneapolis public high schools learned about science and technology when they toured the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology in December. Jan. 16: Hmong Times
University research recap: Gas concentration found in comet dust
Professor Robert Pepin (physics and astronomy) is one of the first people to study dust from a comet. It could lead to a better understanding of how the earth's atmosphere was formed. Jan. 22: Minnesota Daily; Feb. 4: Minnesota Moment
U names first environmental engineering chairwoman
Professor Efi Foufoula-Georgiou (civil engineering) has been named the first holder of the recently established environmental engineering chair. Jan. 22: Minnesota Daily
Southdale cooling system is uncool
Professor Calvin Alexander (geology) said protecting the aquifer is worth the expense that Southdale Shopping Center would encounter in converting its heating and cooling system. Jan. 22: Star Tribune
U of M in international solar house construction competition
The University of Minnesota was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to participate in the prestigious 2009 Solar Decathlon, an international competition to design, build and operate a highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered house. Jan. 25: News Release; Jan. 28: University of Minnesota Moment, Jan. 29: Twin Cities Finance and Commerce, Minnesota Public Radio; Jan. 30: Minnesota Daily; Jan. 31: WCCO-TV
U prof elected international math society president
Professor Douglas Arnold was named president-elect of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, an international professional society for applied mathematicians. Jan. 28: Minnesota Daily
Supercomputers used to analyzed data in molecular biology experiments
Associate professor George Karypis (computer science and engineering) and his colleagues at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute used complex computer programs to identify a sequence present in mRNA that was destroyed rapidly in the cell. Feb. 1: ScienceDaily
Tech Talk—Technology made simple
Professor Caroline Hayes (mechanical engineering) was a guest on on the University's Tech Talk television program discussing how designers and developers make technology simple. Feb. 3: Tech Talk
New discovery may change future of fiber optics
Researchers found that nanotubes conduct electricity and could benefit electronic devices. Professor Jim Leger (electrical and computer engineering) said the current makeup of fiber optic cables is not conductive like the nanotubes. Feb. 7: Minnesota Daily
Spam scams harder to spot
Computer science and engineering assistant professor Yongdae Kim warns students that e-mail scammers are more sophisticated than ever before. Feb. 7: Minnesota Daily
U departments ranked second-most productive in nation
Geophysics faculty members at the U of M recently were ranked highly in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Feb. 7: Minnesota Daily
Social networks see Web traffic declines
Professor John Riedl (computer science and engineering) comments on the recent decline of visitors on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Feb. 8: Minnesota Daily
Events
CTS Winter Luncheon—The Future of Vehicle Safety
Feb. 13: Ronald Medford from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will focus his presentation on how future technologies will monitor driver behavior and help avoid crashes on the road. Visit the Web
site. Register online. Registration, 11:30 a.m.; Presentation, noon; Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis.
IMA Math Matters Series
Feb. 13: Professor Alfio Quarteroni will present “Mathematical
Modeling in Medicine, Sports, and the Environment.”
Quarteroni will discuss leading a team which has harnessed
mathematical modeling to design improved cardiac surgical
interventions and to optimize the design of the America’s
Cup yacht Alinghi. Free and open to the public. Visit the Web
site. 7 p.m.;Willey
Hall 125.
Structural Engineering Seminar Series
Feb. 13, 20, 27: This seminar is designed for practicing engineers and architects.
Each program addresses specific structural issues and concerns
involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges,
and other structures, and incorporates examples of various
principles involved. Contact Kay
Syme, call 612-624-4938, or visit Structural
Engineering Seminar Series. Continuing
Education and Conference Center.
Institute for Engineering in Medicine's Introductory Symposium
Feb. 15: The IEM Symposium will cover many topics including multimodal biomedical imaging, medical device design, thermal therapies, biopreservation, and other topics. Visit the Institute for Engineering in Medicine. Register online. 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.;McNamara Alumni Center.
Science Quiz Bowl
Feb. 17–19: Institute of Technology students in four-person teams will test their quick recall and compete for prizes in the Science Quiz Bowl during IT Week. Faculty, students, staff, and the public are welcome to attend. The competition is sponsored by the Mathematics Library and the Science and Engineering Library. Free. Call 612-624-9395 or visit Science Quiz Bowl. Feb. 17, 2–7 p.m.; Feb. 19 (championship match), 5 p.m.; 101 Walter Library.
IT Week/National Engineers Week
Feb. 17–23: A wide variety of fun and exciting activities are planned for students and the University community during IT Week/National Engineers Week. See full schedule.
Financing a New Technology Venture
Feb. 18: Review the fundraising process, and options and challenges
for technology science-based ventures. Space is limited. Attendees
are required to register. Visit CSOM. 5–7 p.m.; Executive Conference Center, Carlson
School of Management.
Support the U Day
Feb. 20: University of Minnesota supporters will rally at the Minnesota State Capitol for Support the U Day. All students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Free lunch and transportation for all participants. Visit the University Legislative Network. Noon;Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.
Emerging Problems in Neurogenomics: Ethical and Policy Issues at the Intersection of Genomics & Neuroscience
Feb. 29: This conference will investigate the legal, medical, and societal implications of neurogenomics. Presentations will address the convergence of brain, genetics, and behavior; and access neuroimaging, genomic, and other data. Visit the Web
site. Free
and open to the public. 8:45 a.m.–5 p.m.;Cowles Auditorium, Humbert H. Humphrey Center.
Looking Ahead
TechFest
March 1: Bring your children and grandchildren to this interactive event where they can build their own working catapult, enjoy a visit from Goldy Gopher, and watch exciting demonstrations. The celebration is sponsored by the IT Alumni Society. Free museum admission. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; The Works, Edina Community Center.
Institute of Technology Public Lecture—Bernard Amadei
March 4: Bernard Amadei, the founding president of Engineers Without Borders-USA, will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with practicing engineering in developing nations. Visit the Web site. 7 p.m.; Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics.
IMA Math Matters Series
March 4: “The Best of All Possible Words: The Idea of Optimization,”
will be presented by Professor Ivar Ekeland, Department of
Mathematics and Department of Economics, University of British
Columbia. His talk will focus on the path from Fermat to modern
economic theory, and from optimization to game theory. Free
and open to the public. Visit the Web
site. 7 p.m. Willey
Hall 125.
Biomass '08 Conference and Trade Show
April 15–17: The first International Biomass Conference and Trade Show
aims to facilitate the advancement of near-term and commercial-scale
manufacturing of biomass-based power, fuels, and chemicals. Register online. Minneapolis Convention Center.
Design of Medical Devices Conference
April 15–17: The University of Minnesota presents this annual conference that brings together medical devices researchers, designers, and manufacturers for two days of technical/clinical sessions. Register online. Radisson University Hotel.
2008 Science & Technology Banquet
April 24: Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur and inventor, is the keynote speaker at the Institute of Technology's annual gala and scholarship fundraiser sponsored by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society. Registration is now open. Reception, 5 p.m.; Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Program, 7:30 p.m.; Hilton Minneapolis.
Dean Kamen, world-renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and tireless advocate for science and technology, is the keynote speaker at the 2008 Science & Technology Banquet on Thursday, April 24 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. 
The University of Minnesota is one of only 20 international teams chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the next Solar Decathlon in 2009. The University of Minnesota is the first and only Minnesota team to ever participate in this competition. The 
Bernard Amadei, founding president of Engineers Without Borders-USA, presents a public lecture at the University of Minnesota at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 in the Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics, 116 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis. A reception will precede the event at 6:30 p.m.