For the week of February 17, 2012

@COE is published on a weekly basis.

Please send submissions for @COE to Kim Cowart in the Engineering Communications Office at [log in to unmask] by noon on Thursdays.

Materials Graduate Seminar
Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Dr. Biswas Koushik

The Department of Materials Science & Engineering will host a Materials Graduate Seminar on Tuesday, February 21 at 1:25 p.m. in 612 Dougherty Engineering Building.

Featured speaker will be Dr. Biswas Koushik from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The topic will be "Materials for Application in Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics."

Abstract: The functional mechanism and performance of different semiconductor devices depend on a variety of material properties such as its electronic bandstructure (band gap, effective mass, absorption), defect properties (doping, deep centers, shallow defects) and surface/interface properties. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand which of these properties can limit device performance and suggest ways to make further improvements.

The advent of a new generation of massively parallel, fast computing systems has vastly improved our ability to study and characterize different material systems. In conjunction with experimental inputs, Dr. Koushik will demonstrate that we are now better equipped toward the design of new materials and will suggest systematic improvement of existing ones. He will also touch upon several areas of his current interests. (i) A recent focus in the field of photovoltaics (PV) has been compounds that consist of earth abundant elements. Thus, In-free Cu2ZnSnS4 has generated strong interest. One of the constituent elements, "Sn," is known to be multivalent. Using first-principles density functional methods, Dr. Koushik has studied the potential role such multivalency can play in this type of materials and how it may affect performance. (ii) The search for p-type transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials that are not so prevalent, necessitates the survey of a large pool of compounds. In order to screen through such a search space, Dr. Koushik studied a set of design principles that a candidate material must meet in order to qualify as a potential p-type TCO. Using first-principles methods he will report on the viability of ternary oxovanadates in light of these design principles.

Bio: Dr. Koushik has been a post-doc in the Advanced Materials Group at ORNL since July 2010. He received his Ph.D. in Physics from Texas Tech University in 2007 and his M.S. in Physics from Texas Tech in 2003.

His research areas are computational/theoretical research on the prediction and design of new materials for room temperature radiation (X-ray, γ-ray) detection. Other interests include studying semiconductor materials for "water splitting" and hydrogen production, Photovoltaic materials and transparent conducting oxides (TCOs).
For more information, contact: Dr. Wei He, [log in to unmask]

Student News

Fan Xu

Fan Xu, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and in the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center CURENT, won a Best Presentation Award at the IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference in Orlando, Florida, on February 9. His paper was titled, "Evaluation of SiC MOSFETs for a High Efficiency Three-Phase Buck Rectifier," and was co-authored with UT EECS and CURENT Ph.D. student Ben Guo, Min H. Kao Professor Dr. Leon M. Tolbert, Condra Chair of Excellence Professor Dr. Fred Wang and EECS Associate Professor Dr. Ben Blalock. The paper discusses the testing of silicon carbide MOSFETs for use in an ultra-high-efficiency power electronic converter for use in large data centers.

Student Opportunities

Undergraduate Summer Research Internships

All undergraduate students enrolled at the Knoxville campus are eligible to apply.

Visit http://research.utk.edu/internships/ for more information.

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Pre-health Spring Programs

If you are interested in pre-health events this spring, there are several happening soon! Check out this LINK: 2012 Events Flyer.pdf for more information!!

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Become an Engineering Ambassador!

The College of Engineering is currently accepting applications for College of Engineering Ambassadors. Applications are available in the Engineering Advising Services office in 202 Estabrook Hall or online at the College of Engineering Ambassadors website. The deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2012. All majors are encouraged to apply, but representation is specifically needed in biosystems engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and materials science and engineering.
Ambassador link: http://web.utk.edu/~coeamb/index.php

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Volunteer Program in Ecuador

Opportunities are currently available for participation in an amazing volunteer program right outside of Quito, Ecuador (Ecuador's capital) in the local Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The trip is all inclusive (except for plane tickets and any tourist expenses/activities) and volunteers are provided accommodation by the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation where they will be staying with other volunteers. Meals are also included. Even though the trip is to volunteer, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the culture. There is a sample itinerary also at the program website.

If someone who does not currently have a passport is interesting in participating, that's no problem. As long as s/he can apply for a passport at least 3 weeks before the trip (by February 24), s/he can expedite it and receive it in time.  
 
Although UT's spring break week does not fall in the sessions previously allocated by the Ecuador Volunteer Program, a volunteer trip for the dates of March 17-March 25, 2012 has been confirmed. This session can have up to 15 more people, but spaces fill up quickly so please be in contact as soon as possible! Contact Shannon MacAdams at [log in to unmask] or 865-385-3940.

For more information, visit the program website:http://www.ecuadorvolunteer.org/en/volunteer-projects/packages/spring-break-programs/190-spring-break-in-wildlife-center.html.

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2012 Mini, Summer and Fall Registration Important Dates

February 20: Mini and Summer Timetables online
February 27: Fall Timetable online

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Employment Opportunities

Gerdau is an exciting global steel producer with a steel mill, rebar fabrication facilities, and construction products facilities in Knoxville as well as locations across the country. The company has a strong interest in mechanical, electrical, materials science, and metallurgical engineering students and they are currently hiring for their Management Associate and Internship programs. Gerdau is holding an information session on March 6th and attending the Spring Job Fair on March 7th. Please share this information and pass this along to anyone that you think would be interested in attending.

For more information, download this PDF file: UT - Communication Spring 2012.pdf

Scholarships, Internships and Fellowships

Google Scholarships in North America - Now accepting applications!

LINK: http://googleforstudents.blogspot.com/2012/01/google-scholarships-in-north-america.html

As part of Google's ongoing commitment to advancing computing and technology, the company is pleased to support the work of our partner organizations in providing scholarships to students studying computer science. Google is now accepting scholarship applications for these opportunities:

Google AISES Scholarship - Deadline: February 29, 2012 http://www.aises.org/what/programs/scholarships/info/googlescholars

Google Hispanic College Fund Scholarship - Deadline: March 1, 2012 http://hispanicfund.org/programs/college/scholarships/google-scholarship-program

Google UNCF Scholarship - US Application; Canada Application - Deadline: March 18, 2012 http://www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholarDetailSGA.asp?id=714

For complete details on all of the Google scholarships, please visit www.google.com/jobs/scholarships.

Engineering Professional Practice Student Feature

Featured student: Peter Eric Collins

Our student this week is, Eric Collins, a nuclear engineering major, who has completed his third co-op at Southern Company located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Eric describes the department he worked in and what his main responsibilities were:

"I worked in Hatch Nuclear Plant's Engineering Department with the Reactor Engineering group under supervisor Carl James (a University of Tennessee graduate). I worked closely with senior engineer John Payne as he taught me how to use 3D WinR Predictor core modeling software and other tools to create reactivity plans and produce the weekly rod pattern recommendations. I also worked on a Technical Evaluation to change an Operations surveillance procedure to include criteria for performing that procedure while the unit was in Single [Recirc] Loop Operation (SLO). After researching the conditions, I was able to make recommendations on how to enhance the procedure."

The most valuable benefit that Eric received by accepting this co-op was:
"The experience of working at a nuclear plant site is invaluable to a student of nuclear engineering. In the classroom we learn about design theory and the physical concepts that make the technology work, but at the plant site I've learned about how engineers use the equipment to obtain desired results. I've learned what is required by our regulators for the company to maintain their license and their privilege to generate power for their customers."

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 internships, contact Engineering Professional Practice at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-5323.

Career Services Announcements

Save the Date for On-Campus Recruiting!

CGI Employer Information Session
Date: 2/23
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: University Center Room 220
Find out about full-time opportunities for computer science and computer engineering graduates.

Rocket Fuel
Engineer for Fresh College Graduates (BS/MS/PhD), Engineering Internship
Interview Date: 2/29
Application Deadline: 2/19

Reckitt Benckiser
Manufacturing Engineer Intern, Continuous Improvement Co-op, Project Engineer
Interview Date: 3/1
Application Deadline: 2/20

Duke Energy Employer Information Session
Date: 3/1
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Location: University Center Room 227
Learn about internship and full-time opportunities for engineering students.

Amazon, Employer Information Session
Date: 3/5
Time: 5pm-6pm
Location: University Center 225
Operations positions for full-time and internship opportunities

Gerdau Employer Information Session
Date: 3/6
Time: 5pm-6:30pm
Location: University Center 220
Full-time and Internship Opportunities

Bechtel Corporation, Employer Information Session
Date: 3/6
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Location: University Center 226
Full-time and Internship Opportunities

Johnson & Johnson, Employer Information Session
Date: 3/6
Time: 7:15pm-8:15pm
Location: University Center 221
Full-time and Internship Opportunities

Cameron International Employer Information Session
Date: 3/7
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: University Center 227
A leading provider of flow equipment products, systems and services to worldwide oil, gas and process industries looking for Mechanical Engineers for full-time Design positions. Interviews to take place the next day.

AND MORE! To view the complete list or the job descriptions, please log onto your HIRE-A-VOL account and search under JOBS for On-Campus Interviews or EVENTS for Information Sessions.

Monday, Feb. 27
Don't Foul Out on Your Resume*
4pm and 5pm (choose one)
Career Services Career Exploration Center, 100 Dunford Hall
Learn about the dos and don'ts of writing a resume and how to make it stand out against the crowd.

Wednesday, Feb. 29
Slam Dunk Your Interview*
4pm and 5pm (choose one)
Career Services Career Exploration Center, 100 Dunford Hall
Get help preparing for the interview including learning what employers are looking for, what to expect, typical questions, and how to dress.

Dress for Success Fashion Show*
7:00pm UC Auditorium
Landing the job is more than just the resume or the degree. It is about looking the part as well. The Career Services Dress for Success Fashion Show will show you how to dress appropriately for all career-related activities. This will include how to dress for an interview, the difference between business casual and business professional, as well as what NOT to wear in the business environment. We have two special MCs and will be giving away door prizes throughout the event.

Thursday, March 1
Career Fair Success Strategies: Be an MVP!*
4:30pm and 5:30pm (choose one)
Career Services Career Exploration Center, 100 Dunford Hall
Learn how to interact with employers at the job fair. Hear from an employer the best ways to prepare and make a great first impression.

Monday, March 5
Just in Time Resume Reviews*
9am-6pm, Dunford Hall
Stop by to have your resume reviewed by staff from 9-3 or employers from 3-6. While you're here grab refreshments and ask last minute questions!

Tuesday, March 6
Diversity Job Fair
3pm-5pm, UC Ballroom
Connects students from different backgrounds with employers who are committed to diversifying their workforce. The event is designed for students from a variety of populations.

Wednesday, March 7
Spring Job Fair
2pm-6pm, Thompson Boling Arena
No matter what your major, employers from a variety of career fields are here for you!

*Attend at least 4 of these events and get a FREE UT portfolio!

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If you have submissions for @COE, the college's electronic newsletter, please send them to Kim Cowart at [log in to unmask] by noon on Thursdays.