For the week of February 24, 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.

College of Engineering Distinguished Lecture

Dr. Larry Dalton

Dr. Larry Dalton, Emeritus Professor and B. Seymour Rabinovitch Endowed Chair in Chemistry; George B. Kauffman Emeritus Professor of Electrical Engineering; Executive Director, NSF STC on Materials & Devices for Information Technology Research

Theory-Guided Systematic Nano-Engineering of Photonic Materials and Devices
Friday, March 9, 2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
404 Min H. Kao Building

Abstract:
Multi-dimensional (correlated quantum/statistical mechanical) theoretical methods have been used to develop a template for the systematic nano-engineering of organic electro-optic materials with controlled molecular order (lattice dimensionality) and dynamics (viscoelasticity). Moieties incorporating spatially-anisotropic dipolar and quadrupolar "soft" interactions are covalently attached to the ends and the waist of electro-optic chromophores with extended pi-electron conjugation. This permits variation of lattice dimensionality from 3-D to 1-D and molecular cooperativity from tens of nanometers to micron length scales. Molecular cooperativity defines viscoelastic properties. New techniques for the measurement of centrosymmetric (even) and noncentrosymmetric (odd) order parameters have been developed and permit definition of lattice dimensionality including fractional dimensionality of partially-ordered materials.

Shear modulation force microscopy, intrinsic friction analysis, and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy have been used to define molecular cooperativity and viscoelasticity. Nano-engineering of new materials has permitted electro-optic activity to be improved at a Moore's Law rate for the past decade. New, organic electro-optic materials have been incorporated into nano-engineered silicon photonic, plasmonic and metamaterial device architectures permitting realization of sub-wavelength (nanometer scale) photonics and device operation with microwatt power levels. Record performance for electro-optic modulation, optical rectification, all-optical modulation, and difference frequency generation has been demonstrated. Nano-engineered materials and devices pave the way for chipscale integration of electronics and photonics—a widely recognized next step in computing, telecommunications, and sensing technologies.

Bio:
Dr. Larry Dalton is the B. Seymour Rabinovitch Chair Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and the Professor/George B. Kauffman University Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington. He is also the Executive Director of the the National Science Foundation (NSF) Science & Technology Center on Materials & Devices for Information Technology Research. He was previously the director of the Department of Defense's (DoD) MURI Center on Polymeric Smart Skins Materials, the MURI Center on Materials and Processing at the Nanometer Scale and the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) NIRT on Opto-Electronic Materials.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2011 Linus Pauling Award and Medal (American Chemical Society); the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award, SPIE-International Society of Optics and Photonics; the 2006 IEEE/LEOS William Streifer Scientific Achievement Award; the QEM (Quality Education for Minorities)/MSE (Mathematics, Science, and Engineering) Network 2005 Giants in Science Award; and the 2003 Chemistry of Materials Award of the American Chemical Society.

He is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, the SPIE-International Society of Optics and Photonics, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Chemical Society (Inaugural Class) and the Materials Research Society. He is also a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and was awarded a Lifetime Membership in SPIE (sponsored by SPIE and AFRL).

For more information, contact Dr. Bin Hu at [log in to unmask].

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CURENT hosts Science Night at Whittle Springs Middle School

The University of Tennessee's new Engineering Research Center, CURENT (Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks), and the East Tennessee Discovery Center teamed up on Tuesday (Feb. 21st) to host a Science Night at Whittle Springs Middle School. An estimated 230 students and parents were on hand to participate in the event.

"This is about getting young students and parents to have conversations about science—it's about adding family engagement into the equation," said Andrea Allen, the Science Instructional Coach for Knox County Schools.

The 6th-8th grade students were free to wander through the gymnasium and explore the hands-on exhibits. They had the chance to extract DNA from strawberries, play with robots created by UT graduate students and explore alternative energy with panels and vehicles that use solar energy.

Science Night was created as part of CURENT's educational mission to inspire young students to learn about math, science, technology, and engineering. This event also focused on encouraging parents to participate in science activities with their children. The collaboration with the Discovery Center provided a large variety of science activities and exhibits, as well.

"Encouraging STEM (science, math, engineering, & technology) education shouldn't be an individual job; it needs to be a community-wide effort," said Dr. Chien-fei Chen, Co-Director of Education & Diversity in CURENT. "Working with the Discovery Center was a great example of community collaboration to deliver more science-related activities to students at an early age."

The event was coordinated by Dr. Chen and Adam Hardebeck from CURENT; Margaret Maddox, Director of ETDC; and Andrea Allen, Dr. Jill Hobby and Sharon Harder from Whittle Springs.

CURENT is a collaboration between academia, industry and national laboratories headquartered on the UT, Knoxville campus. The center is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

For additional information about this event, please contact Adam Hardebeck at [log in to unmask].

Student Opportunities

Job Openings

Need extra cash? Become a Note Taker! More info here!

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UT Educational Advancement Program

The University of Tennessee Educational Advancement Program has an opening for a graduate administrative assistant student position working with web design and database management. For more information click here: Grad Student part time.pdf

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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

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.

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NSB Jobs Workshop

The National Society of Black Engineers would like to invite engineering students to NSBE WEEK Spring 2012 titled "JOBS WANTED".  Throughout the week, companies throughout the country are coming to UT in search for engineering students to fulfill co-op, internship, and/or full time positions. Click here and here for more information.

Monday February 27, 2012
Target Incorporated and Eastman Chemical Company
WLS M309
7pm-8pm

Tuesday February 28, 2012
Denso Manufacturing
WLS M309
7pm-8pm

Wednesday February 29, 2012
SPEED NETWORKING
UC Hermitage Room
5pm-8pm
Companies include: Southern Company, International Paper, L3-Communications, Procter & Gamble, DuPont

Thursday March 1, 2012
Spring Engineering Expo
UC Ballroom
3pm-6pm

Friday March 2, 2012
Engineering Social: Laser Tag

*More information is also available @NSBEUTK or Facebook:National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)-UTKChapter

Saturday March 3, 2012 Community Service

*More information @NSBEUTK or Facebook:National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)-UTKChapter.

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Spring 2012 Engineering Expo

All engineering students are invited to attend to learn more about co-op and internship opportunities with companies from all over the southeast.

Be sure to bring copies of your resume. Dress for the event is business formal.

The event will be held on Thursday, March 1 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM in the UC Ballroom.

The following companies are scheduled to attend:

Alcoa Howmet
Altec Industries, Inc.
BAE Systems Ordnance Systems
Belden
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
BorgWarner Turbo Systems
Brasfield & Gorrie
Cascade Medical
Cisco Systems
Clean Air Engineering, Inc.
Denso Manufacturing
Dow Corning / Hemlock Semiconductor, L.L.C.
Duke Energy Corporation
DuPont - Corporate Recruiting
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division/Federal Highway Administration
Electro-Mechanical Corporation
Emerson - Machinery Health Management (CSI)
ExxonMobil
Flint Group
Garmin International
Globe Specialty Metals-Bridgeport
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Gulfstream Aerospace
Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
Knoxville Utilities Board
L-3 Communications, Mission Integration Division
Logan Aluminum
MAHLE
Management Resources Group, Inc.
Memphis Light, Gas, & Water
Nissan Motor Mfg. Corp. U.S.A.
NN, Inc. - Ball & Roller Division
OHL /Ozburn-Hessey Logistics
OSIsoft
Professional Engineers, Inc.v RMC
Sabic Innovative Plastics
SABIC Innovative Plastics - Corporatev Shaw Industries, Inc.
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Southern Company
StandardAero
Tenneco Automotive
Tennessee Valley Authority
Turner Universal Company
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Cellular
Williams Sonoma, Inc.

Engineering Professional Practice Student Feature

Featured student: Matthew Ryan Rhule

Our student this week is, Matt Rhule, a civil engineering major, who accepted a co-op at EMJ Corporation, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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

"I worked in the field on the New Huffman High School in Birmingham, Alabama. I was an assistant superintendent on the project. I was responsible for all SWPPP work, keeping track of what the subcontractors were working on each day, helping to supervise and assist subcontractors on problems they were having, and help with safety maintenance on the jobsite. I ran the weekly cleanup crew each Friday to maintain good housekeeping on the jobsite. I also assisted the Project Manager in tracking down documents or schedule delivery dates for materials onsite"

Cody's biggest challenge?

"Making sure the modified roof on the building was being built properly. I overcame the challenge by doing research on the roofing system and working the kinks out with the foreman of the roofing crew."

He also said that the most valuable benefit he received during his co-op assignment was being exposed to all aspects of being a superintendent

"I learned from my supervisor how to handle yourself as a leader in a setting with many people trying to get to one goal of project completion, I have gained experience with how to deal with different types of people on a day to day basis, this has enhanced my people skills. "

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

TIP OFF WEEK ACTIVITIES For The Spring 2012 Job Fair

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.

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

Spring 2012 Job Fair
Wednesday, March 7th, 2pm-6pm
Thompson-Boling Arena

Over 140 employers registered to participate including Amazon, Apple, Inc., Avery Dennison, Bechtel Corporation, Belden, BMW Manufacturing Corp., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cameron International, Cisco Systems, ConAgra Foods, Danaher, DENSO, Duke Energy, Garmin International, Gerdau, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Honda Manufacturing, Intel Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, KUB, L-3 Communications-Mission Integration Division, Lauren Engineers& Constructors, Inc., MAHLE, Manhattan Associates, Nissan North America, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, PolyOne Corporation, Schlumberger, Schneider Electric, Sonoco Products Company, Trane, Waste Management and MORE!

To view the entire list of employers, please log onto www.career.utk.edu and search under the Events section for the Spring Job Fair. Dress professionally and bring extra copies of your resume.

 

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Save the Date for On-Campus Recruiting!

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.

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.

Schneider Electric, Employer Information Session, Date: 3/7, Time 7pm-8pm, Location: University Center 225, Full-time and internship opportunities for Electrical, Computer, Mechanical and Industrial Engineers and Computer Science graduates.

CSX Transportation, Employer Information Session, Date: 3/7, Time: 7:30pm-9pm, Location: University Center 226, Full-time opportunities for Industrial Engineers.

CHANGE OF DATE: Amazon, Employer Information Session, Date: 3/8, Time: 5pm-6pm, Location: University Center 225, Operations positions for full-time and internship opportunities

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.

For more information on Career Services activities, contact April Gonzalez at [log in to unmask].

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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.