ITems | September 2009

Institute of Technology showcases exhibits at the State Fair through Sept. 7

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, which runs through Sept. 7. 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. to 9 p.m. each day. The Institute of Technology schedule of exhibits and stage shows includes the solar car, state-of-the-art medical device technology, robot demonstrations, Physics Force show, Engineers Without Borders projects display, space science activities, river restoration projects, sample meteorites, traffic games, and much more. Read more>>

Solar house open for public tours Sept. 16–18 in St. Paul before going to Washington, D.C.

After two years of planning and construction, the University of Minnesota’s first-ever team to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon is nearing completion on its solar-powered house. The students will be competing with 19 other university teams from around the world in Washington, D.C., in October. The house will be open locally for public tours from Sept. 16–18, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus off Buford Place, east of Gortner Avenue. Read more>>

IT Public Lecture on Sept. 10 features hometown astronaut

Join space shuttle astronaut, Minnesota native, and U of M alumnus Duane “Digger” Carey for a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. space program and the “right stuff” it takes to succeed in life at the next Institute of Technology Public Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 10 in the Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics, 116 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m.

In this free lecture, entitled “Reach for the Stars: My Life as an Astronaut,” Carey will share his inspiring personal story of his humble beginnings growing up in the projects of St. Paul and his journey and years of training to becoming a space shuttle astronaut. He’ll share amazing accounts of his time as an astronaut and a multi-media presentation of his space flight as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia. He’ll also talk about his personal mission to inspire and prepare young Americans to continue exploring space. Read more and register>>

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. Mentor registration opens Sept. 1. Read more>>

Discover IT’s best and brightest at the Career Fair Sept. 22–23

There is still time for employers to register for the 2009 Institute of Technology Career Fair on Sept. 22-23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in the Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. The event gives employers throughout the nation an opportunity to recruit top-notch undergraduate and graduate students for full-time positions as well as intern and co-op positions. Close to 1,000 Institute of Technology students majoring in all areas of engineering, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics are expected to attend. Employers may register for one or both days depending on availability. Priority registration deadline is Sept. 1. Read more>>

IMA Public Lecture on Sept. 22 focuses on the math of chaotic elections

The next Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) Public Lecture features Donald G. Saari, distinguished professor of mathematics and economics at the University of California-Irvine, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m., 125 Willey Hall, 225 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Saari will present "Chaotic elections: Why don't we elect who voters really want?" He exposes the many surprising problems that can occur in elections and explains how they are uncovered through the power of mathematics. Expect to leave this lecture troubled about whether the "right person" won in a recent election of importance to you. Read more>>

Math & Science Fun Fair set for Sept. 26

Bring your children and grandchildren to a free family University of Minnesota Math & Science Fun Fair on Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. The event will feature entertaining, hands-on math and science experiences including robots, hovercrafts, microscopes, miniature race cars, and a real human brain. Enjoy Physics Force performances, chemistry demonstrations, a Steel Bridge Team demonstration, and much more. Read more>>

Institute of Technology Homecoming celebration is Oct. 9

Join Dean Steven L. Crouch and members of the Institute of Technology Alumni Society (ITAS) for a free Institute of Technology Homecoming alumni event on Friday, Oct. 9, 4:30 p.m. at the University Recreation Center, North Gym, 1906 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. This casual, fun-filled picnic barbecue celebration, including displays and demonstrations, will be followed by the Homecoming parade, pep fest, and fireworks at the new TCF Bank Stadium. The event is open to all Institute of Technology alumni, family, and friends. Register by Oct. 1. Read more and register>>

CDTL changes name to TLI and will begin offering new master’s degree

On July 1, the Center for the Development of Technological Leadership (CDTL), within the University’s Institute of Technology, changed its name to the Technological Leadership Institute (TLI). The shorter, more memorable name is expected to enhance recognition within the community. TLI serves the high-tech community through education, research, and consulting in technological leadership and management. TLI currently offers two master’s degrees in Management of Technology and Infrastructure Systems Engineering. Next summer, TLI will begin offering a master’s degree in Security Technologies. Read more>>

Engineering researchers find high levels of estrogens in some industrial wastewater

In a groundbreaking study, civil engineering associate professor Paige Novak and graduate student Mark Lundgren have discovered that certain industries may be a significant source of plant-based estrogens, called phytoestrogens, in surface water. They also revealed that some of these phytoestrogens can be removed through standard wastewater treatment, but in some cases, the compounds remain at levels that may be damaging to fish. Read more>>

Physicist is lead author on research about early evolution of the universe

University of Minnesota Institute of Technology physicist Vuk Mandic is the lead author of new research that significantly advances scientific understanding of the early evolution of the universe after the Big Bang. The research findings are published in the Aug. 20 issue of Nature. This is the first major paper to result from an international collaboration of about 700 scientists from around the world. Read more>>

Researchers discover breakthrough for chemical separations that could impact biofuels production

A team of researchers, led by chemical engineering and materials science professor Michael Tsapatsis, have developed a more energy-efficient method of chemical separations that could revolutionize processes in the petrochemical and biofuels industries. The new discovery was recently published in Science. Read more>>

New online game lets players try to solve traffic gridlock

A new online game developed by University of Minnesota Institute of Technology engineering faculty and staff in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute lets players try their hand at solving traffic gridlock. “Gridlock Buster,” developed in coordination with Web Courseworks to get high school students interested in transportation engineering, is a traffic control game that incorporates tools and ideas that traffic control engineers use in their everyday work. Read more or play the game>>

Chemistry professor receives University’s highest faculty honor

Institute of Technology chemistry professor Lawrence Que Jr. was recently named as a Regents Professor, the University’s highest level of faculty recognition. Que is an internationally acclaimed scholar and mentor in the area of bioinorganic chemistry. More than 20 of his former students and advisees hold positions at industrial institutions as research scientists and 50 have tenure-track or tenured faculty positions in colleges or universities. Read more>>

New appointments

Physics professor Ronald Poling has been named as head of the School of Physics and Astronomy. Poling is an experimental elementary particle physicist who has served as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota since 1987. Read more>>

Chemistry professor William Tolman has been named chair of the Department of Chemistry. Tolman is a synthetic chemist who has served as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota since 1990. Read more>>

Honors

Professor Gary Balas (aerospace engineering and mechanics) has been named chair of the Aerospace Department Chairs Association (ADCA) through 2010. The organization is affiliated with American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Graduate student Ted Brekken (electrical and computer engineering) has received the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in Advancing Grid Integration of Diverse Renewable Energy Sources.

Assistant professor Kathrin Bringmann (mathematics) has received the Alfried Krupp-Förderpreis for Young Professors award, which provides for about $1.4 million in research funding over a five-year period.

Professor Joachim Heberlein (mechanical engineering) has received the 2009 Plasma Chemistry Award, the highest recognition awarded by the International Plasma Chemistry Society (IPCS).

A video featuring professor James Kakalios (physics) has been nominated for a regional Emmy Award. "The Science of Watchmen" video has received more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.

Assistant professor Aaron Massari (chemistry) has received a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support his research employing two-dimensional infrared vibrational echo spectroscopy (2D-IR VES). 

Professor Ned Mohan (electrical and computer engineering) has been awarded the 2010 Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). One of the IEEE's most prestigious honors, Mohan was recognized for pioneering and disseminating a novel integrated electric energy systems curriculum for undergraduates, supported by textbooks and laboratories, and for outstanding classroom teaching.

Regents professor Don Truhlar (chemistry) and professor emeritus Bryce Crawford have been named Fellows of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Truhlar also recently received the 2009 Herschbach Medal for Excellence in Research in the Field of Collision Dynamics.

Ph.D. candidate Eugene Vasserman (computer science and engineering) was selected as one of five Google Lime scholars in recognition of his achievements in the field of computer science.

In memoriam

Paul Cartwright, a former long-time professor of electrical and computer engineering and Institute of Technology assistant dean for student affairs, died on May 31. He was 91. Read more>>

Mirian El-Pour, a professor of mathematics for 36 years, died on June 10. She was 81. Read more>>

Steven Case, former professor of electrical and computer engineering and founder of CyberOptics, was killed in a plane crash on June 16 in Crystal, Minn. He was 60. Read more>>

Leon Green, professor emeritus of mathematics, died on Aug. 17.  He was 83. Read more>>

Chih-Chun Hsiao, professor emeritus of aerospace engineering and mechanics, died on Aug. 7.  He was 89. Read more>>

Media Watch

Institute of Technology people in the news

Reconnaissance robots to the rescue

The soda-can-sized Scout robots researched and developed by computer science and engineering Professor Nikos Papanikolopoulos and his colleagues are now sold by the Edina company ReconRobotics to police and the military for reconnaissance missions. The U.S. Army recently purchased 150 Scouts under a $1.35 million contract. May 31: Star Tribune; June 8: Northwest Arkansas News Source

Chasing charm in China

Physics professor Ron Poling discusses the new Beijing Electron Positron Collider’s recent upgrades that make it the premier place to study charm quarks. May 2009: Symmetry Magazine

Mayan calendar spurs end-of-the-world debate

University astronomer Lawrence Rudnick debunks the Mayan calendar’s prediction that the world will come to an end on Dec. 21, 2012. June 1: Star Tribune; Star Tribune; Detroit Free Press; July 29: National Public Radio

Former dean of IT and Regents professor dies at 71

Professor H. Theodore Davis, the former dean of the Institute of Technology and Regents professor, died May 17 of a heart attack. He was 71. June 2: Minnesota Daily

Digital conversion explained

Electrical and computer engineering professor Ahmed Tewfik explains all-digital television, as the old analog signal is terminated. June 2: University of Minnesota Moment; Podcasting on iTunes

Funding a brighter future: paying for the smart grid

Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin comments on several studies that have indicated a sustained annual investment of $10 billion would be necessary for the existing technology to evolve to a “smart grid.” June 3: Medill

Paul Cartwright, forever a Gopher and beloved professor

Paul Cartwright died May 31 at age 93. Cartwright spent 37 years as an instructor and assistant dean for student affairs of the Institute of Technology. June 3: Star Tribune

Incentives giving solar projects a bright boost

Federal stimulus dollars and state policy changes include $2.1 million for a solar testing laboratory at the University of Minnesota. June 4: Star Tribune

U’s Solar Vehicle Project wins race in Texas

The team of engineering students from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology came away with a decisive first-place finish in the 2009 Formula Sun Grand Prix, a closed-track solar car race in Texas. June 8: Finance and Commerce; KAAL TV-Austin, MN; KARE TV; KSAX TV-Alexandria, MN; KMSP TV; KSTP TV ; KSTP Radio; KTTC TV-Rochester, MN; Minnesota Daily; Minnesota Daily; Minnesota Public Radio; Pioneer Press; Star Tribune; University News Release; WCCO TV; WKBT TV-La Crosse, WI; WQOW TV-Eau Claire, WI; WXOW TV-La Crosse, WI; June 9: KARE–TV; KSTP–TV; KXMB TV-Bismarck, ND; KXMC - TV- North Dakota; KXMC-Minot; KXMD-Williston, ND; Minnesota Daily; Pioneer Press; WCCO–TV; WKBT- TV – Wisconsin; WCCO radio; June 14: WCCO–TV; June 15: AZO Clean Tech

Minnesota seat belt legacy comes full circle with new law

More than a half century ago University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor James "Crash" Ryan made his mark in auto safety history by perfecting his retractable harness. Now, motorists may be ticketed for failure to wear a restraint while driving. June 9: KARE–TV

Declining popularity of MySpace and Bebo Rupert

Computer science and engineering professor John Riedl notes a decline in the users of MySpace and Bebo which are falling behind in the world of social networking. June 11: The Hindu

Second verse of file-sharing case takes on music copyrights

Computer science and engineering assistant professor Yongdae Kim is serving as a defense expert witness in the music copyright file-sharing case of RIAA vs. Jammie Thomas-Rasset. June 11: P2P Net: June 15; American Chronicle; Boston Herald; Star Tribune

Pilot U course winners discuss Mumbai water work

The students in the University team ReachOut Water Solutions hope to turn their coursework into a business that would improve water quality and access in Mumbai slums. June 15: Minnesota Daily

Are fuel cells the key to solar thermal technology?

Mechanical engineering professor Jane Davidson discussed energy storage at the Fifth Germany California Solar Day. June 16: Greentech Media

Experts say re-timing traffic signals could reduce pollution, travel times

Civil engineering professor John Hourdos notes that instead of reacting to traffic problems we need to plan how urban areas develop so people don't have to drive so much. June 17: Minnesota Public Radio

The science of Obama’s fly-swatting

Physics professor Jim Kakalios discusses President Obama’s difficult feat of swatting a buzzing fly in one swift motion. June 18: Discover Magazine

CyberOptics founder killed in Crystal crash

CyberOptics founder and former University of Minnesota electrical and computer engineering professor Steven Case died in an airplane accident in Crystal. June 18: KSTP–TV; Star Tribune

U of M students build solar house for international competition

Students who are part of the University of Minnesota’s first-ever team competing in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon in October are putting the finishing touches on a home that runs entirely on solar energy. June 29: Minnesota Public Radio; July 9: WCCO – TV; July 21: Minnesota Daily; Minnesota Daily video

Paraplegic rediscovers emotions of motion

A group of engineering students at the University of Minnesota created an innovative addition to a motorcycle, allowing a paraplegic to ride again. June 23: Calgary Sun; July 4: St. Catharine Standard – Canada

It's tough to make big bucks with tiny technology

As Minnesota strives to embrace nanotechnology, the University of Minnesota leads the way with many impressive programs including the Center for Nanostructure Applications and the Nanofabrication Center. June 28: Star Tribune

Land use research goes high-tech

A work group in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering is assisting a NASA research team analyzing raw satellite data that uses current and historical satellite data to track how much land is being dedicated to producing crops that can be used to manufacture biofuels. July 2009: Ethanol Producer

Minnesota regents to get update on physics lab

The University of Minnesota regents will get an idea of how construction is progressing on a cutting-edge physics laboratory built to study neutrinos in northern Minnesota on the Iron Range. July 6: WCCO; July 7: KBJR–TV – Duluth; Twin Cities Finance and Commerce

Anti-throttling gets broad CRTC hearing

Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko spoke on behalf of the Canadian Internet Police and Public Interest Clinic about the expense for carriers to offset the growth of demand for more capacity with new technologies. July 9: CBC; July 10: Financial Post; National Post

Moon landing 40th anniversary

Physics professor Robert Pepin, who was a science advisor for the Moon missions, gives his thoughts on the significance of the 40th anniversary of the moon landing. July 9: University News; Podcasting on iTunes; July 20: WCCO – TV

Rushford Hypersonic Minnesota's first rural nanotechnology company

Minnesota's first rural nanotechnology company uses a process that was created and patented by scientists and engineers in the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. July 13: WKBT–La Crosse

Brain-scan process may offer breakthrough in epilepsy treatment

Biomedical engineering professor Bin He has developed a new technique that has led to preliminary successes in noninvasive brain imaging that promises to play an important role in the treatment of epileptic seizures. July 15: Science 360

Traffic game gives students a look at engineering

A new online game developed by University of Minnesota Institute of Technology engineering faculty and staff in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute lets players try their hand at solving the morning traffic gridlock. July 17: University News; July 20: AM 1500 KSTP – Radio; KSTP – TV; North Dakota In Forum; Pioneer Press; University News; WCCO - AM; WCCO – TV; WKTB – TV; WQOW – TV; July 17: KSTP; Pioneer Press; WCCO; WKBT; July 21: KSTP – TV

Technology keeps a close eye on 35W bridge

Civil engineering professor Catherine French is monitoring high-tech sensors on the new I-35W bridge. She says the bridge’s performance so far matches predictions. July 30: Minnesota Public Radio; July 31: MPR News; July 2009: Ivanhoe Inside Science; August 4: Minnesota Daily

Plasmonics scores smoothness bull's eye

Chemical engineering and materials science professor David Norris and colleagues have developed a method that deposits copper, gold or silver onto a patterned silicon template wafer. Applications for this research can be used to improve molecular and biological sensing. July 30: Physics World; Royal Society of Chemistry; Discovery Channel; July 31: Softpedia

New material that repels hot water

Bioproducts and biosystems engineering researcher Yuyang Liu and his colleagues have developed a new material that can repel hot water. The discovery could help protect vulnerable members of the population such as elderly, children, physically impaired people from hot-water burns. July 16: Times of India

Membrane breaks through performance barrier

A team of researchers, led by chemical engineering and materials science professor Michael Tsapatsis, have developed a more energy-efficient method of chemical separations that could revolutionize processes in the petrochemical and biofuels industries. July 30: Science 360; insciences; July 31: 7th Space Interactive; Chemical Online; DailyIndia.com; Gaea Times; Nanotechnology Now; Newstrack India; Science Centric; Scientific Computing; Smash Hits; Softpedia; tce today; TopNews; Aug. 1: Nanotechwire.com; Aug. 2: Kansas City infoZine; Aug. 3: Science 360; Aug. 4: DailyIndia.com; The Engineer-UK; Gaea Times; InTech; Little About; Newstrack India; Oil and Gas Online; Science Centric; SINDH TODAY; Smash Hits; Thaindian.com; TopNews; Water and Wastewater; Water Online; Zee News; Aug 12: PressZoom

Oxidized lava may help explain Earth's evolution

Geology professor Marc M. Hirschmann comments on research that claims to help shed light on some of the basic processes in the planet's mantle. July 31: Etaiwan News; Aug. 1: Red Orbit–TX

Stimulus-funded road projects create few jobs

Civil engineer professor David Levinson discusses Minnesota’s spending of its federal economic stimulus money on road and bridge projects. July 31: Minnesota Public Radio

Insider patient for Boston Scientific stent

Professor Arthur Erdman (mechanical engineering), notes the importance of tracking medical devices and other products in case of problems. Aug. 6: Star Tribune

Researchers find high levels of estrogen in wastewater

Civil engineering researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered high levels of estrogens from plant sources in some industrial wastewater. Aug. 10: Minnesota Public Radio; University News: Aug. 11: Birmingham Star; DailyIndia.com; Duniya Live World News; Environmental Expert; Environmental Research Web; Gaea Times; Malaysia Sun; Newstrack India; Science Centric; Sindh Today; Smash Hits; Smash Hits; World News; Zee News; Aug. 12: innovations report; Minnesota Independent; Red Orbit; Science Daily; Water and Wastewater

Blasting neutrinos under Wisconsin may yield big payoff

University of Minnesota physics professor Marvin Marshak talks about the University’s involvement in a new neutrino experiment, called NOvA that is helping scientists to understand the universe. Aug. 17: Washington Post; Pioneer Press

Lack of gravity waves limits cosmology theories

University of Minnesota physicist Vuk Mandic is the lead author of new research that significantly advances scientific understanding of the early evolution of the universe. Aug. 20: Ars Technica; Cosmos; Eureka! Science News; Florida Today; International Space Fellowship; Little About; MSNBC; National Science Foundation (press release); National Science Foundation (webcast); Nature Podcast (audio recording); Nature.com; New Scientist; Physorg; Red Orbit; Russian RIA News; ScienceBlog.com; Science Centric; Sky and Telescope; Space Daily; Space.com; University News; Universe Today; USA Today; Aug. 21: Innovations Report; Kansas City infoZine; MIT News; Photonics Online; RF Globalnet; Softpedia; Aug. 25: Discover Magazine; Aug. 26: Scientific American

Sen. Al Franken goes deep to learn about particle physics

U.S. Senator Al Franken showed a serious interest in particle physics when he toured the Soudan Mine operated by the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy.
Aug. 20: Symmetry Breaking

Deadline day for Obama's high-speed fail stimulus

David Levinson, professor of civil engineering and author of the Transportationist blog discusses the high-speed rail funding contained in the economic stimulus package. Aug. 25:
Balance of Power Blog - CQ Politics

Events

Institute of Technology at the State Fair

Aug. 27-Sept. 7: 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. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street. Visit the Web site.

Explore Minnesota environments that promote walking and bicycling

Sept. 1-2: Explore what communities across the nation and right here in Minnesota are doing to create environments that promote walking and bicycling. Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis. Register online and visit the Web site.

Engineering the Future of Biomedicine

Sept. 2–6: The 31st Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC'09) features leading experts from around the world who will report the latest significant findings and developments in all the major fields of biomedical engineering. Hilton Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.

IT Public Lecture: “Reach for the Stars: My Life as an Astronaut”

Sept. 10: Join space shuttle astronaut, Minnesota native, and U of M alumnus Duane “Digger” Carey for a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. space program and the “right stuff” it takes to succeed in life. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Lecture at 7 p.m. Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics. Visit the Web site.

Texas Brats and Baseball

Sept. 12: Join Institute of Technology Dean Steven L. Crouch and the Houston Institute of Technology Host Committee for a casual, fun-filled evening including a "U of M-style" cookout followed by an exciting game between the Houston Astros and the Pittsburgh Pirates. 4 p.m. Dean's Cookout; 6:05 p.m. Game. Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas. Call Becky Kiefer at 612-625-3767.

2009 International Conference on Transportation and Ecology (ICOET)

Sept. 13–17: This conference will focus on the challenges ahead as we adapt for future global climate changes, shifts in transportation demand and patterns, and evolving environmental and transportation policy. Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN. E-mail jbm@ncsu.edu or call 919-515-8620.

The Effects of Decaying Infrastructure on National Security and Culture

Sept. 16: This lecture by Professor Roberto Ballarini, head of the University of Minnesota Department of Civil Engineering, will highlight the effect of our nation's infrastructure on our national security, as well as our quality of life, culture, and pride. 5:15 p.m., wine and cheese reception; 6 p.m., program. West Bank Office Building, Executive Education Facility (Suite 150) 1300 S. Second Street, Minneapolis. Visit the Web site.

Solar House Public Tours

Sept. 16–18: The local Twin Cities community will get a sneak peek of the University of Minnesota's ICON Solar House during free public tours. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. St. Paul campus, north side of Buford Place just east of Gortner Avenue. Park in the Gortner Avenue Ramp and follow the signs. Visit the Web site.

Institute for Engineering in Medicine Innovation Showcase

Sept. 22: The IEM Innovation Showcase will present work that demonstrates a variety of interdisciplinary research between the engineering and medical fields using a broad spectrum of resources available at the University. All faculty, students, alumni, and local industry representatives are invited to attend this casual, networking event. 4–8 p.m. McNamara Alumni Center. Visit the Web site.

Chaotic elections: why don't we elect who voters really want?

Sept. 22: Donald G. Saari, a distinguished professor of mathematics and economics at the University of California-Irvine, will present "Chaotic elections: Why don't we elect who voters really want?" He will expose the many surprising problems that can occur in elections and explains how they are uncovered through the power of mathematics. 6:30 p.m. Refreshments; 7 p.m. Lecture. 125 Willey Hall. Visit the Web site.

Institute of Technology Career Fair

Sept. 22-23: More than 100 employers and about 1,000 Institute of Technology undergraduate and graduate students will come together to discuss jobs, internship and co-op opportunities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union. Visit the Web site.

Math and Science Fun Fair

Sept. 26: Bring your children and grandchildren to a free family University of Minnesota Math & Science Fun Fair featuring entertaining, hands-on math and science experiences including robots, hovercrafts, microscopes, and a real human brain. Enjoy Physics Force performances, chemistry demonstrations, and much more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coffman Memorial Union. Visit the Web site.

Fourth Annual Misel Family Lecture

Oct. 6: The William I. Fine Theoretical Physics Institute is hosting the Fourth Annual Misel lecture featuring Helen Quinn, professor of physics at Stanford University. She will present "Wandering Planets, Falling Apples, Curving Spaces, Whirling Stars: How Unraveling the Mysteries of Gravity has Taught Us About the Universe." 7 p.m. Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center. Visit the Web site.

Institute of Technology Homecoming event

Oct. 9: Join us for a free Institute of Technology Homecoming alumni event featuring a casual, fun-filled picnic barbecue celebration, displays and demonstrations, followed by the Homecoming parade, pep fest, and fireworks at the new TCF Bank Stadium. 4:30–9 p.m. University Recreation Center, North Gym. Register by Oct. 1. Visit the Web site.

Looking Ahead

E3 2009

Nov. 17: This annual conference sponsored by the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment focuses on the intersection among 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.

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.