Professor Bruce
Wollenberg (electrical and computer engineering) has been elected to
the National Academy of Engineering
(NAE) for his contributions to control centers for electric power grids
and to power engineering education. Election to the NAE is among the highest
professional distinctions accorded an engineer. NAE president William Wulf
announced the election of 74 new members and 10 foreign associates, bringing
the academy's total U.S. membership to 2,195 and the number of foreign associates
to 178.
An article about Wollenberg's research was featured in the fall 2000 issue
of Inventing Tomorrow magazine. Read
more...
Minneapolis is top tech city
The Digital Technology Center (DTC) and the University are two reasons
why Minneapolis ranks as America's top tech city, according to a just-published
article in Popular Science.
The magazine evaluated cities on the basis of six broad categories:
connected citizenry (use of such markers as cell phones, HDTV, computers,
and satellite cable); transportation innovation; number of high-tech job
opportunities per capita; use of technology in education;
the smart use of energy; and use of technology in health care
and emergency medical care.
Minneapolis
ranked first among U.S. cities in innovative transportation solutions,
fourth in energy technology, and placed above the 50th percentile in
every category measured. Calling the University "home to quite
a roster of innovative thinkers" and an "invention factory," the
article describes the synergy created by the DTC's interdisciplinary
research and by partnerships between the University and industry, all
of which typify the city's innovative mindset. Read
more...
Crouch confirmed as IT dean
At its February 11 meeting the board of regents
confirmed the appointment of Steven
L. Crouch as the new dean of the Institute
of Technology. Crouch, professor of civil engineering
and associate dean for finance and planning,
began serving as interim dean January 1, 2005.
IT faculty named McKnight Land-Grant Professors
Four IT faculty are among 11 recipients of the 2005–07 McKnight Land-Grant
Professorship, a program designed to advance the careers of the University's
most promising junior faculty. Recipients are chosen for their potential for
important contribution to their fields, the originality and innovation of
their past achievements and current ideas, and their potential for attracting
outstanding students.
Associate Professor Alex
Kamenev (physics) studies theoretical condensed matter physics and its
applications to semiconductor quantum devices, magnetic materials, and superconductivity.
Assistant Professor Ezra
Miller (mathematics) researches combinatorial, computational, nd cohomological
problems originating in geometry, algebra, and topology, with ties to computer
science and biology.
Assistant Professor T.
Andrew Taton (chemistry) studies the interface between nanostructured
materials and biological chemistry as a way of synthesizing new materials
and of studying how biological molecules organize themselves and interact
on the nanoscale.
Assistant Professor Eric
Van Wyck (computer science and engineering) is researching extensible
programming languages for cost-effective development of reliable software
systems.
Honors
Professor Alexander
Grosberg (physics) was named a Fellow of
the American Physical Society (APS). Each year only one half of one percent
of the current APS membership is selected for this honor. The fellowship program
recognizes members who've made significant contributions through original
research and publication, the application
of physics to science and technology, teaching of physics, or service
and participation in APS activities.
Retired professor Paul Kellogg (physics) has been
named a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The number of Fellows
selected annually is limited to no more than one tenth of one percent of AGU's
41,000 members. Kellogg was honored for his theoretical contributions that
defined the emerging field of space plasma physics.
Events
Maroon and Gold Day at the Capitol
February 23: Join hundreds of students, staff, and
faculty from across the state as they converge on the Capitol for Maroon
and Gold Day to show their support for
the University. Transportation from campus provided. RSVP by
February 22. 12:30
- 4:30 p.m.
Distinguished Women Scientists and Engineers Speakers Program: Jane
Ammons
February 23: Professor Jane
Ammons, associate dean for faculty
affairs and professor of industrial and systems
engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, will
deliver a lecture entitled Reverse
Production Systems: Models and Insights. Ammons
conducts research in and teaches production system design and operation, including
problems related to material flow, supply chain integration, reverse logistics,
and environmentally conscious systems. Free. 3:30
p.m., EE/CSI.
Live demonstrations of Honda's ASIMO Humanoid Robot
February 24-26:Honda's ASIMO,
the world's most advanced humanoid robot, will perform a 25-minute live
stage show demonstrating its unique abilities. ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative
Mobility) is the world’s only bi-pedal humanoid robot capable of climbing
and descending stairs, walking forward and backward, turning smoothly without
pausing, and maintaining balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces.
ASIMO also can recognize faces and respond to voice and
hand signal commands. Honda is developing ASIMO for
the purpose of someday helping people who need assistive technology in their
homes. Cosponsored by IT and the Digital Technology Center. Free and open
to the public. For more information call 612-624-9510 or email asimo@dtc.umn.edu. 2:30
p.m. February 24-25; 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., February 26; Great Hall, Coffman
Memorial Union.
Bridge Fest: ITAS Day at The Works
February 26: The Works,
a hands-on science and technology museum, is celebrating its 10th anniversary
with a special event. The IT Alumni Society is partnering with The Works to
provide free admission to this fun-filled day of activities for the whole
family. The special event also marks
National Engineers Week and the 150th anniversary of the first bridge crossing
of the Mississippi River. For more information call 952-848-4848. 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Edina
Community Center.
14th Annual Mathematics Fun Fair
March 5: Fascinating activities,
exhibits, and presentations showcasing mathematics
and its science and engineering applications
all add up to a fun-filled day of learning.
The 14th
Annual Mathematics Fun Fair offers a hands-on
math and science experience and gives young
people a chance to see the excitement that
a career in science, engineering or mathematics
provides. Special attractions include learning
demonstrations by such presenters as Physics
Force: The Next Generation (9:30 a.m.), Xcel
Energy, Honeywell, the Minnesota Microscopy
Society, and many IT departments and organizations.
Sponsored by the IT Center for Educational
Programs (ITCEP)
and the University of Minnesota Talented Youth
Mathematics Program (UMTYMP).
Free for families with students enrolled in
ITCEP or UMTYMP programs. A fee of $25 is required
of all other groups (one adult and up to four
chlidren). Register
online or call 612-625-2861 for more information.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Coffman
Memorial Union.
CDTL Foresight After Four: When Choosing Riskier R&D Projects Might
Be Better
March 15: Is there ever a time when a company should pursue
a riskier research and development project? Come explore this topic at a "Foresight
After Four" event featuring guest presenter Dr. Rod Greder, president
of New Productivity Group, a Twin Cities training firm. Greder, who holds
a Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Illinois, has held executive positions
in marketing, R&D, licensing, and global technology development with life-science
business units at Dow Chemical, Cargill, and Renessen. Sponsored by the Center
for the Development of Technological Leadership. Free. RSVP by calling 612-624-5747
or email general@cdtl.umn.edu.
4:30 p.m., social hour; 5:15 p.m., program and discussion. Suite 150, West
Bank Office Building.
Looking ahead
2005 S&T Banquet
April 28: Fred Colen, executive vice president and chief
technology officer of Boston Scientific, will be the keynote speaker at this
year's S&T
Banquet. IT's premier annual event, the banquet is a fundraiser, a
social event, and a business networking opportunity for our students, alumni,
and corporate friends in the Minnesota business community. Banquet proceeds
benefit the Institute of Technology Alumni Scholarship Fund. More details
on the event will be available soon.
