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For the week of August 20th, 2010
@COE will be published on a weekly basis beginning August. The next edition will be sent out on Friday, August 27.
Please send your submissions for @COE to Kim Cowart in the Engineering Communications Office at [log in to unmask] by noon on Thursdays.
Faculty Updates
NSF Grant for Climate Change
The University of Tennessee College of Engineering’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) in partnership with the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Minnesota, are the recipients of a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the project “Understanding Climate Change: A Data Driven Approach.” The University of Tennessee’s segment of the total grant will be $900,000 over a five-year period.
The overall project director and lead Principal Investigator (PI) is Dr. Vipin Kumar from the University of Minnesota, while the lead PI from UT is Dr. Auroop Ganguly, a senior research and development staff member at ORNL and a joint faculty member with the CEE. Administration of the funding will be through NSF’s Directorate for Computer and Information Science (CISE) and is part of that directorate’s “Expeditions in Computing”, which are among their largest investments in research projects. The interdisciplinary project features 13 PIs from seven institutions and includes computer scientists, statisticians, climate scientists, hydrologists, ecologists and data management scientists.
The primary focus of the project will be on closing important knowledge gaps in climate extremes by utilizing predictive skills of climate models, data-guided insights from remote and in-situ sensor based observations as well as archived model simulations, and conceptual climate process understanding at multiple scales.
MABE Welcomes New Professor
The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering welcomes Dr. Matthew Mench, professor and Condra Chair. Mench received his Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University and has two United States patents and one international patent issued, three additional U.S. patent applications currently being reviewed and three invention disclosures also under review. Mench’s primary research area is fuel cells.
Outreach News
A new addition to the COE Study Abroad website is the “Highlighted Engineering Programs” page. On this page we will feature study abroad programs of special interest to students who want to include some engineering coursework in their study abroad experience, or programs with a technical theme. This page will be expanding as we develop more partners and programs.
In May, 2011, Semester at Sea is offering a special short term voyage with the theme “Engineering a 
New Tomorrow: An Interdisciplinary voyage with a curriculum based on the UN Millennium Development Goals." This looks to be a very exciting experience featuring achoice of courses centered on problems of developing nations. The voyage visits 7 CentralAmerican and Carribean destinations on a 26 day itinerary.
Visit the main Outreach page for several new student blogs from COE supported students travelling abroad last spring and over the summer!
Engineering Advising Office Update
Classes begin Wednesday, August 18 for all students.
Last day to Late Register, Add, Change grading options or drop without a “W” for Full session courses is Friday, August 27.
The Engineering Advising Office is following “walk in” advising until Labor Day. You can be advised in room 202 Estabrook Hall between the hours 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1:30p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk in advising is on a first come first serve basis. We are closed for service during lunch hours of noon to 1:30 p.m.
Visit the College of Engineering Advising website for more information.
Theta Tau Announcements
Theta Tau is Recruiting
Emphasizing on professionalism and brotherhood, Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity is an official UT College of Engineering student group. Theta Tau is open to all engineering students at UT and both genders. To learn more about Theta Tau, please visit our website.
If you are interested, we welcome you to the information session at 7:00 PM on August 30 in the SERF auditorium (3rd floor). At the information session, you will have the opportunities to meet the current members, listen to several presentations about who we are, learn more about procedure to join the fraternity, and ask any questions. There will also be FREE FOOD! At this moment, we encourage you to sign up at our website so that we will keep you updated with upcoming events.
Contact Theta Tau: [log in to unmask][log in to unmask]">
Autodesk Inventor - An Interactive Tutorial
Theta Tau - UT's only professional engineering fraternity - is hosting a free Autodesk Inventor tutorial open to all engineering majors. Autodesk Inventor is required in several engineering majors including Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial. This interactive tutorial will give students the opportunity to learn alongside the instructors as well as other students. Space is limited, so arrive early or bring your own laptop (with Inventor installed) to ensure a spot.
September 8th at 7p.m.
Perkins Hall - Room 208
Contact Theta Tau at [log in to unmask][log in to unmask]"> or visit the website.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program’s Fall Schedule
Visit the Gilman website to access the Multimedia page and register for the upcoming webinars. Please help inform students and colleagues as well.
| Gilman Program Overview: What is the Gilman International Scholarship Program | Tuesday, August 17 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Gilman Scholarship: Composing a Successful Statement of Purpose & Follow-on Project Essay | Tuesday, August 24 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Gilman Program Overview & Multimedia Resources | Thursday, August 26 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Advisor Highlight: Tips for Successful Advising (Advisors Only) | Tuesday, August 31 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Walk through the Application Process: How to Apply | Tuesday, September 7 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Gilman Scholarship: Composing a Successful Statement of Purpose & Follow-on Project Essay | Tuesday, September 14 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Walk through the Application Process: How to Apply | Tuesday, September 21 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Walk through the Certification Process: How to Certify (Advisors Only) | Thursday, September 23 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Meet Gilman Alumni | Tuesday, September 28 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
The Gilman Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education’s Southern Regional Center in Houston, TX. The Gilman Scholarship Program is celebrating 10 years of helping nearly 6,500 Gilman Scholars study abroad and during the academic year 2010-2011, over 2,300 scholarships will be awarded!
Engineering Professional Practice Announcement
Incoming freshmen in the College of Engineering were greeted with a “Welcome Bag” upon arrival in their dorm rooms at Morrill Hall. The Welcome Bags reflect a coordinated effort between the Engineering Professional Practice staff, University Housing, partnering engineering companies, and resident assistants.
The bags include a variety of promotional items from engineering companies, ranging from practical to fun. This year, students received items such as calendar notepads, cups, Frisbees, flash drives, chip magnets, sticky notes, key chains, ink pens and MP3 holders.
Engineering employers represented include: Accredo, Adtran, Aerospace Testing Alliance, BMW, BorgWarner, Denso Manufacturing, Eastman Chemical, EMJ, ExxonMobil, Garmin, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Heil Trailer, Kimberly-Clark, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Magna/Eagle Bend Manufacturing, Memphis Light Gas & Water, Messer Construction, NASA, National Security Agency, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Schlumberger Technology, Shaw Industries, Siemens, and SSOE.
Engineering Professional Practice welcomes all incoming engineering freshmen and invites them to contact the office to learn about the requirements of the program and when they will be eligible to participate in a co-op or internship – [log in to unmask], 865-974-5323, or 310 Perkins Hall.
The staff would like to thank the following for their support: Lindzy Conley, Learning Communities Assistant Hall Director, Morrill Hall; Anna Hobby, Assistant Director of University Housing; Bethany Houghton, Darius James, and Michael Hicks, this year’s Morrill Hall Learning Communities RA’s; and the partnering engineering companies who made donations.
Engineering Professional Practice Student Feature
Featured student: Jeremiah Parunak
Jeremiah Parunak is a civil and environmental engineering major who accepted a co-op position with Norfolk Southern. The fall 2010 semester marks his third rotation with the employer, working it back-to-back with the spring and summer 2010 semesters. The following offers Jeremiah’s perspective during the first rotation.
“I worked in the department of Industrial Development at Norfolk Southern railroad. The department is in the marketing side of the company as the economic development arm for the Business Development unit. As such, the group is charged with developing new business along Norfolk Southern’s 21,000 mile system. Industrial development is divided into two groups: the development managers group and the technical services group. My involvement has been to assist in technical services.
“The development managers group builds and maintains an institutional network of business leaders, government agencies, industry consultants and other service providers. This network keeps the railroad informed of up-to-date business and economic developments as well as properties that have been selected for economic development within the Norfolk Southern territory of service.
“The work performed by technical services supports the efforts of the development group. Some notable works are the departmental database, marketing materials, conceptual engineering materials, and software management. My work was involved in these items where practical for an entry level co-op.
“I have been involved in updating the database with new information. The database is a key asset to the Industrial Development department; it records information about customers, agencies, consultants, available land and its features, proposed track configurations, utilities, and transportation infrastructure provided by development managers. Every transaction performed by the Industrial Development department is recorded to the database.
“I also assisted in producing marketing and technical materials for development managers. Some materials I have produced are land information brochures, rail configuration proposals, and agreement exhibits.”
Jeremiah’s advice for other students considering a co-op with Norfolk Southern: “This is a great company, but be ready to show up and work. This is a great place to co-op because of the give-and-take relationship. The managers I worked with really understood the idea of adding value to my education with this experience.” His training included Power Point Software, Microstation, GIS systems, and document management systems.
Describing a challenge he had to overcome during this assignment: “I had to relocate myself and my family to Atlanta. The challenge was met by setting my priorities and staying focused on them. I learned that sacrifice pays off.
“The greatest asset I received is the railroad experience and the general experience, but the pay and three credit hours is not bad either. The EIT time is also very valuable.”
Students may read more about their peers’ co-op/internship experiences by logging into their Engineering Professional Practice profile via www.coop.utk.edu, clicking “Resource Library” (on the left margin) and selecting “Students at Work – In Their Own Words.”
For information on engineering co-op and internship assignments, contact Engineering Professional Practice at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-5323.
Maximizing Academic Potential Program Announcement
Engineering Professional Practice Spotlight
Fall 2010 Calendar of Events
Prep for Success: Information Sessions This session will primarily cover the types of jobs engineering majors perform and for which employers. The session will also cover the Engineering Professional Practice student registration process, where to obtain a resume template and the differences between a co-op and an internship. |
August 26: 5:00-6:30 p.m. 27 Alumni Memorial Building |
| September 1: 5:00-6:30 p.m. 221 University Center |
|
Cookout College of Engineering faculty, staff and students are invited to attend for free food, networking, and an opportunity to shake hands with sponsoring co-op/intern employers. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends when the food runs out. |
September 3: 11:30 a.m. Engineering Lawn |
Prep for Success: “Promoting Yourself” workshop This workshop will cover tips on how to prepare an effective resume, dressing for success, how to work a co-op/internship fair, and communication techniques that will set you apart from your competition. |
September 9: 5:00-6:30 p.m. 27 Alumni Memorial Building |
Prep for Success: “Dollars & Sense” workshop This workshop will cover the economics of co-op, employer culture, how to research employers, and business ethics. |
September 16: 5:00-6:30 p.m. 27 Alumni Memorial Building |
Interview Schedule Deadline September 17 is the last day to be added to employers’ interview schedules before the fair. Students are added on a first-come, first-served basis and openings fill quickly. To maximize opportunities, students are encouraged to set an appointment with their office advisor (Joyce or Suzanne) any time between now and early in the fall semester to discuss potential interviews; students should bring their fall class schedule with them to this appointment. |
September 17 |
Prep for Success: “Interview Strategies” workshop This workshop will cover what employers want to see and hear during an interview; clothing and grooming tips that create a professional appearance; dining etiquette; things to say and do that will enable you to make a positive, lasting impression; and how to follow up with an employer after an interview. |
September 20: 5:00 p.m. 210 Alumni Memorial |
Fall Engineering Fair Students are invited to attend dressed professionally and prepared to discuss co-op and internship opportunities with engineering employers. All engineering students are encouraged to attend for networking opportunities and potential interviews from employers who are filling their own interview schedules at the fair. Student ID is required at check-in. |
September 27: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. UC Ballroom |
Interview Day Engineering Fair interviews will be held in the Neyland Stadium East Skyboxes; students with interviews should enter at Gate 26, next to Estabrook Hall. |
September 28 Neyland Stadium, East Skyboxes |
Further details will be announced in future editions of @COE. For information about any of these events, contact Engineering Professional Practice at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-5323.
Career Services Announcements
Be ready for Fall Recruiting!
| Engineering Career Success Week
Representatives from Career Services will be outside the SERF building to conduct senior resume critiques, hand out on-campus recruiting information, answer employment related questions and sign seniors up for the HIRE-A-VOL system. |
Monday–Thursday, September 13–16: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. SERF building |
| Graduate School for Engineers Workshop | Tuesday, September 14 |
| Volunteer & Service Corps Fair | Wednesday, September 15 |
| Logistics Fair (Industrial Engineers invited) | Monday, September 27 |
| Fall Job Fair | Tuesday, September 28 |
New Team Member Joins Career Services
UT Career services announces that April Gonzalez has been named the new College of Engineering Career Consultant. April joins us from the University of North Carolina Charlotte where she has served for the past 8 years in several positions, including most recently, the Associate Director for Employer Connections in Math and Technology. Her level of experience and her connections in the greater Charlotte employment market will be a great asset to UTK’s engineering population. April will join the staff in UT’s Career Service Office beginning September 7th, 2010.
For more information, visit the Career Services website.
If you have submissions for @COE, the college's electronic newsletter, please send them to Kim Cowart at [log in to unmask] by 12:00 noon on Thursdays.