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| Title | South Dakota Tech News Report December 2004 BOR Meeting |
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| Transcript | South Dakota Tech News Report December 2004 BOR Meeting TABLE OF CONTENTS Research Predicts Spread of Plague.........................................................................2 NSF Grant Supports Women Researchers at SD Tech............................................3 Seminar Explores Mathematics Career Opportunities.............................................3 Speaker Series Brings the Future to Tech................................................................4 Research Fills Dental Need......................................................................................6 SD Tech to Host Lunch for Red Ribbon Parade......................................................7 Tech Receives Fifth Installment of $1.7 Million Grant...........................................7 New Group Seeks to Curb High Risk Behavior......................................................8 Tour Tech October 30..............................................................................................9 Tech Students Seek Treats for Food Bank.............................................................10 Panel Explores Workplace Ethics..........................................................................10 Tech Family Weekend This Week.........................................................................10 Tech Alum to Address Leadership October 29......................................................11 Regents Approve New Occupational Safety Minor at Tech..................................11 October R&D Funding Tops $130,000 at SD Tech...............................................12 Funding Continues Northern Plains Research.......................................................13 Tech to Celebrate Students' Safe Return...............................................................14 Grubby Express Bound for Competition...............................................................14 Chem Car Team Finishes Fourth in Poster Competition.......................................15 Tech to Dedicate New Message Board..................................................................16 Experience Diwali..................................................................................................16 Tech Chemistry Organization Donates to Sioux San............................................17 Tech Schedules Fall Production.............................................................................17 Student Veterans Tell It Like It Is..........................................................................18 Tech Finishes Fifth in ‘Battle of the Brains'.........................................................18 South Dakota Tech Creates Multicultural Committee...........................................19 South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 1 of 21 Research Predicts Spread of Plague As South Dakota officials deal with a recently discovered case of sylvatic plague in a prairie dog, South Dakota researchers have received funding to study how the disease could spread. Researchers at South Dakota Tech in Rapid City and at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion are collaborating on the National Science Foundation-funded project. Dr. Maribeth Price, an associate professor in Tech's Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, received approximately $12,000 from the National Science Foundation. The project is part of a larger effort initiated and coordinated by a group of genetics researchers at the University of South Dakota. The project runs through July 1, 2005 The study will use genetic and computer analysis to develop scenarios predicting the spread of plague across the study area in north-central Montana. These models will then be adapted to Badlands National Park, a site with large prairie dog populations. The goal is to provide a risk assessment model to aid decision-making in the event of a plague outbreak in the park. A prairie dog infected with plague recently was found in western Custer County in what is the first confirmed case of plague in South Dakota wildlife in recent history, state officials said last week. Plague has killed massive numbers of prairie dogs in eastern Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and other states. Prairie dogs are subject to periodic episodes of bubonic plague, the disease that killed millions of Europeans in the "Black Death" pandemic in the 14th to 18th centuries. At that time, the disease was commonly associated with rats. This disease has spread to rodent populations in North America, including the prairie dog. It can wipe out entire colonies, and offers significant threats to human populations. Fortunately, the disease is rarely fatal in humans because of the advent of antibiotics. ��This project is important in understanding the genetic characteristics of prairie dogs and the fleas that carry the disease, and it adds to the understanding of the way plague and other diseases spread out across a landscape" Dr. Price said. "It also will provide tools to help manage the possible negative consequences of plague outbreaks, both to animal and human populations." The research results could provide the tools to help ease a possible plague outbreak at the park, and minimize the risk to human visitors. The models can also be modified for use with other prairie dog populations, and could offer a starting point for modeling other diseases. #30# South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 2 of 21 NSF Grant Supports Women Researchers at SD Tech A South Dakota Tech researcher has received funding from the National Science Foundation to add women undergraduate students to his research team. Dr. Sangchul Bang, a professor in Tech's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, received $12,500 to hire prominent undergraduate students who plan to continue their education in graduate school. The students will analyze experimental results, establish solution methods and validate the methodology used in the research to create better piles for use at sea and on shore. The National Science Foundation previously awarded $218,932 to Bang for that research. The original research is important because current design method for piles doesn't take into account the three-dimensional effects of certain kinds of loads. Piles are foundation structures typically made of concrete or steel that are driven into the ground to support bridges, docks and other structures. "Many onshore and offshore foundations use this type of foundation" Bang said. "A more efficient design method may result in additional savings when these foundations are built." The supplemental grant to hire women research assistants fits with another National Science Foundation grant that South Dakota Tech received earlier this year. Tech will use the $200,000 award to establish a women's mentoring program designed to increase retention of women students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The $200,000 in grant funding lasts two years. During that time, Tech will implement the mentoring program and hire a Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program director. While this grant will provide the initial seed money for the director position, the university will actively seek ways to fund the position after the granting period is over. Tech will collaborate on the program with experts on mentoring and assessment from Purdue University and the University of Michigan. #30# Seminar Explores Mathematics Career Opportunities South Dakota Tech invites everyone interested to a seminar called "Career Opportunities for Math Majors — How to Make a Math Degree Count" scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, in room 205 of the McLaury Building. "The employment opportunities for mathematics are diverse" Tech math assistant professor Dr. Kyle Riley said. "There is a growing demand for managing and utilizing data in both industry and governmental agencies, so workers with math degrees can South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 3 of 21 utilize the power math to analyze, simulate and interpret data. The talents of mathematics graduates are already being used in medicine, entertainment, space exploration and a variety of businesses." This seminar will focus on employment opportunities in industry and government. It also will cover advice on graduate school. The event is sponsored by the local chapter of the Mathematical Association of America. #30# Speaker Series Brings the Future to Tech Experts on the subject of nanotechnology from across the country will come to South Dakota Tech in Rapid City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, for the Star of the West Speaker Series. All events will take place in the Surbeck Center. "We are pleased to offer the Star of the West speaker series to the community" said Tech President Dr. Charles Ruch. "It will give us a chance to discuss relevant and important issues in which we all have a stake." The event's speakers will focus on the place of nanotechnology in science and society, and the impact it can have on developing economic opportunities in Rapid City and South Dakota. Tech invites everyone to attend. James Von Ehr, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Zyvex Corporation, based in Richardson, Texas, will be featured as the event's keynote speaker. His address is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, in the Surbeck Ballroom. Von Ehr is a respected leader within the nanotechnology industry. He is an invited member of the Nanotechnology Technical Advisory Group to the U.S. President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Nanotechnology Initiative, the NanoBusiness Alliance, and the Executive Committee of the Metroplex Technology Business Council. At 2 p.m., a panel will discuss strategies for expanding technology-based economic development opportunities in Rapid City, the Black Hills and South Dakota. The 2 p.m. panel will include: • Dr. Jeffrey Henderson, President and CEO, Black Hills Center for American Indian Health • Tom Katus, President, TK Associates International • Mark Merchen, West River Electric, and First Vice Chairman, Black Hills Vision • Dale Skillman, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota Tech; Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Coordinator South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 4 of 21 At 4 p.m., a panel of national and local experts will discuss the national landscape of nanotechnology, including its societal implications as well as educational issues and how nanotechnology could impact ecnomic development and manufacturing. The 4 p.m. panel will include: • Dr. Donald R. Baer, a laboratory fellow at the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash. He will address nanotechnology educational issues. • James Von Ehr, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Zyvex Corporation, based in Richardson, Texas. He will discuss the economic development and manufacturing implications that could stem from nanotechnology. • Dr. Davis Baird is a professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of South Carolina. He will address the societal implications of nanotechnology research. Tech is tentatively looking at scheduling another panel discussion at 2 p.m. that would include experts discussing methods for expanding technology-based economic development using local resources. The speaker series is possible because of a donation from Ray Graham. Graham, of Rapid City and Albuquerque, N.M., has a long history of supporting arts-related activities. Graham supports the series because he wanted to give students, faculty, staff, and the community access to experts at the national level who can challenge us to consider new ways of thinking about important issues. "We appreciate Ray's donation" Ruch said. "This event wouldn't be possible without his support." That support has allowed Tech to make all the events free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reservations and tickets will be available according to a staggered schedule, giving priority first to Tech students, then to Tech faculty and staff, and then to the public. Tickets are required only for the Von Ehr speech, although Tech recommends you reserve seats for the other sessions. Community members can begin reserving seats and tickets at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2. All reserved tickets must be picked up in Tech's Office of University and Public Relations in O'Harra Building Room 208 before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9. Reserved tickets not picked up by then will be released to others. For information, or to reserve seats and tickets, call (605) 394-2554. Visit the Star of the West Speaker Series website atwww.sdsmt.edu/starofthewest. #30# South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 5 of 21 Research Fills Dental Need South Dakota Tech research group is investigating a new type of dental filling that looks better, lasts longer, and has fewer safety concerns than the silver fillings widely used today. Dr. Hao Fong and his research group are using a $64,905 grant from the National Institutes of Health/National Dental and Craniofacial Research to fund the first year of a two-year research project. Fong's research focuses on improving the polymer composite fillings already in use, despite their drawbacks. Polymer fillings stain, shrink and wear much more quickly than silver fillings, so they must be replaced in a fraction of the time. Fong is an assistant professor in Tech's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and he is one of the leading scientists nationwide in the field of "electrospinning and nanofibers." "Improving the mechanical properties and reducing internal stresses have been among the major research efforts for polymeric dental restorative composites for decades" Fong said. "If successful, this research may lead to the next generation dental restorative composite filling material, which will eventually benefit everyone who needs to repair a tooth cavity." To accomplish that, Fong is using electrospun polymer nanofibers to create the filling material. Electrospinning is a technology that produces unique polymer nanofibers with diameters typically in the range from 50 nanometers to 500 nanometers. The diameter of a human hair is 4,000 times greater than that of a nanofiber. The electrospun polymer nanofibers possess extraordinary structural perfection and are mechanically strong. The finished material will be white to match the tooth it fills. The research is important because traditional fillings — called amalgams — have created controversy over the years. Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury generally makes up 45 to 50 percent of the compound, and is used to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard, durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found to be the only element that will bind these metals together in such a way that can be easily manipulated into a tooth cavity. However, some people believe that the mercury in tooth fillings can cause medical problems, including kidney, intestinal, neurological, fertility, heart, and other concerns. The nanofiber research being conducted by Dr. Fong and his associates at South Dakota Tech will go a long way toward the elimination of these health worries. South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 6 of 21 Fong is one of many South Dakota Tech faculty members involved in externally funded research in nanotechnology, an emerging field of science that Tech has embraced through its research program and through a proposed Ph.D. program in the field. #30# SD Tech to Host Lunch for Red Ribbon Parade South Dakota Tech will host the Rapid City Red Ribbon Parade and luncheon on Saturday, October 23. Students, teachers and parents from area schools will be marching in the parade, along with local organizations and businesses promoting drug-free messages. Campus organizations, such as CAMP and SADD will provide floats and help carry parade banners. Philip Hernandez of United Campus Ministries will offer the blessing for the luncheon donated by Tech Dining Services in support of parade participants. Volunteers from Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Tech Judo Club and Tech India Club will help with parade set up, traffic control and lunch service. The parade will start at O'Harra Stadium at 11:00 a.m. The luncheon for parade participants will be held in Surbeck Center Ballroom at 11:45 a.m. #30# Tech Receives Fifth Installment of $1.7 Million Grant The US Dept. of Education has made the fifth installment in a five-year program to improve student success at SD School of Mines and Technology. The amount of this year's funding is $324,000, bringing this grant's total to $1.67 million dollars. The program has improved the ability of Tech administrators to advise and track students in their college careers. The system provides significant improvements associated with registration, and it provides more timely reports to assist in administration decisions, such as ways to improve student retention. According to university president Charles Ruch, "Grant money contributes to student success through an ongoing program of equipment upgrades in various departments. As a result, Tech students now have the advantage of working with equipment that is on a par with the best research devices available in modern industrial settings." "When South Dakota Tech graduates more engineering students, we help offset the expected shortage of engineers and scientists projected by the US Dept. of Labor" said Barb Dolan, Director of Student Information Systems. She added, "Our graduates have South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 7 of 21 starting salaries that average more than $47,000 partly because of the quality of high-end equipment found on our campus." President Ruch praised the efforts of Dolan and her staff, saying, "As principal investigator for this grant, Barb and her team have done a superb job as stewards for a significant amount of funding. The result has been a dramatic improvement in how we assist and train our students and how we track their success." Dr. Stuart Kellogg, Pietz Professor of Industrial Engineering, pointed out, "Prior to this Title III funding, it took Tech five years to piecemeal several small grants together to start the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) lab. The Title III grant funds have enabled the industrial engineering faculty to complete the laboratory at least five years ahead of schedule and offer a fully integrated small-scale machining laboratory experience for undergraduate students." Dr. Kellogg added, "This lab is also used for summer outreach experiences for middle and high school students." Dr. Sookie Bang, professor of biology, said, "All of the equipment we have obtained for our lab, from the computers and microscopes to the software and autoclave, are essential components of quality teaching. With the new additions, we are able to offer more advanced courses, which will reap enormous benefits to our students." Arguably the most visible piece of new equipment provided by the grant is the compressed air tank for the Mach 3 supersonic wind tunnel for research activities in mechanical engineering. The tank for this state of the art system is 14 feet in diameter and rests on its side in front of Tech's Civil/Mechanical Engineering Building. The wind tunnel is expected to be operational by next summer. Grant money also provided for the upgrading of a specialized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer — a device used by chemistry and chemical engineering students to determine the structure of new chemical compounds. #30# New Group Seeks to Curb High Risk Behavior With teenage drinking, drug abuse and other high risk behavior making national headlines, concerned Rapid City organizations have formed a new coalition to address these issues more effectively. Faculty, staff and students from South Dakota Tech, Western Dakota Technical Institute and National American University have announced the formation of the Campuses Community Prevention Coalition (CCPC). Co-chairs of the CCPC will be Pat Mahon, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at South Dakota Tech and Linda Colhoff, Community Prevention Networker for City/County Alcohol and Drug Programs. South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 8 of 21 In a prepared statement, Mahon and Colhoff announced, "The Coalition is especially concerned about 18 to 24 year olds. Our goal is to promote healthy choices by identifying and reducing high risk behaviors and providing positive alternatives." Committee representation will also include members from the Pennington County Sheriff, Rapid City area police departments, Highway Patrol, Court Services, City Council, MADD, state representatives, local bar owners and others. According to Mahon and Colhoff, "The committee members believe that, despite the many different perspectives, our community can come together and create a better place to live and learn for this age group that includes so many of our college students." A kick-off dinner meeting was held at the home of SD Tech President, Dr. Charles Ruch on Thursday October 7 with a follow-up meeting held Friday, Oct. 8, in the Surbeck Center on the SD Tech campus. Erik Miller, Alcohol and other Drug Program Director from Dakota State University, Madison, facilitated the meetings. #30# Tour Tech October 30 South Dakota Tech will host "Tour Tech 2004" for prospective high school juniors and seniors from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Rapid City campus. Participants in Tour Tech will explore the entire campus, experience interactive laboratory tours, attend a Hardrocker football tailgate and game for free, discuss majors with professors, meet current Tech students and discover how Tech can help them reach their goals and achieve their dreams. "Tour Tech gives students a chance to see what college life will be all about" Tech Admissions Director Joe Mueller said. "It's a way for Tech to introduce itself to students and for students to get to know Tech." The event is designed primarily for students who are interested in attending South Dakota Tech and their families, but it's also an opportunity for the community to learn more about one of their most prominent neighbors. Call (800) 544-8162 ext. 2414 or 394-2414 for information or to register. Register on-line atwww.hpcnet.org/sdsmt/tourtech. #30# South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 9 of 21 Tech Students Seek Treats for Food Bank In a slight variation on the "Trick or Treat" theme, teams of South Dakota Tech students will spread out across Rapid City on Halloween night to collect items for a food drive. The students will go door-to-door beginning after 6 p.m. to ask for donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items. Everything collected will be given to the Rapid City Regional Food Bank. Theta Tau Omega fraternity is sponsoring the event. The fraternity has challenged other student organizations to compete with each other during the drive. Teams will meet at 6 p.m. at the Theta Tau house, 109 Kansas City St., and return at 10 p.m. to determine the winner. #30# Panel Explores Workplace Ethics The South Dakota Tech Leadership Development Team is sponsoring a "Leadership Lecture Panel: Ethics in the Workplace" from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, the Surbeck Center Ballroom. The panel's featured speakers will be Rapid City Mayor Jim Shaw, Silverado Casino Marketing Director Cindy Hague, and Pat Teaney-Thomas, Youth Development Director in Rapid City. The panel will discuss the topic of ethics and character in the workplace, including the questions: • How do ethics and characters play a role in the workplace? • How have the panelists dealt with ethical situations and experiences? • How can people learn ethics? The panel is an excellent opportunity to hear how people in the working world face the everyday ethical challenges before them. #30# Tech Family Weekend This Week Families and friends of South Dakota Tech students will come to campus Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30, to visit and see what Tech is all about during the 2004 Tech Family Weekend. Those attending will tour campus, attend Hardrocker sporting events and a variety show and learn what their family members are learning. The theme for the event is "Elect Tech" in honor of the election season. South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 10 of 21 Families can register from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, in the Surbeck Center. Tech invites all families to attend. Call 394-2416 for information. Register on-line at http://www.hpcnet.org/sdsmt/parents_family. The schedule: Friday, October 29 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Tech Family Weekend Registration, Surbeck Center 4 p.m.: Welcome Reception, Surbeck Center 7 p.m.: Volleyball vs. Dakota State, Goodell Gymnasium 8:30 p.m.: Student Variety Show, Surbeck Center Saturday, October 30 8:30 a.m.: Late Registration, Surbeck Center 9:30 a.m.: Welcome from Dr. Charles Ruch and "Internship, Co-op Experiences" seminar, Surbeck Center 9:30 a.m.: Game Time activities for children and little Hardrockers, Grubby's Gameroom 11 a.m.: Parents Organization Meeting, Surbeck Center 11:30 a.m.: Tailgate, O'Harra Stadium 1 p.m.: Football vs. Dickinson State, O'Harra Stadium 5 p.m.: All Campus Ministry Workshop, Surbeck Center 7 p.m.: Volleyball vs. Huron Si Tanka University, Goodell Gymnasium #30# Tech Alum to Address Leadership October 29 South Dakota Tech alum Dr. Dianne Dorland will speaker about ���Developing as a Leader" during a seminar scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, in room 228 of the Chemistry Building. Tech invites everyone to attend. Dorland is the dean of engineering at Rowan University in New Jersey and served as national president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in 2003. She earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1969, and a master's degree in chemical engineering in 1970, both from South Dakota Tech. #30# Regents Approve New Occupational Safety Minor at Tech On Friday, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved a new minor in occupational safety at South Dakota Tech. South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 11 of 21 The minor can be added to any undergraduate degree offered at the engineering and science university in Rapid City. Occupational safety describes the study of the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards in the workplace, according to Dr. Carter Kerk, an associate professor in Tech's Industrial Engineering program. "Employers and engineers both recognize the importance of occupational safety, but very few engineering curriculums specifically address safety" Kerk said. "In 2003, accidental, work-related deaths totaled 4,500 in the United States at a cost of more than $600 billion and 115 million lost work days. Accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., preceded by heart disease, cancer, strokes, and respiratory disease." Students pursuing the program of study will learn how to identify, evaluate and control hazards found in the workplace and integrate these skills into their engineering and science careers, Kerk said. For more information about the program, contact Dr. Carter Kerk at (605) 394-6067 or carter.kerk@sdsmt.edu. #30# October R&D Funding Tops $130,000 at SD Tech South Dakota Tech researchers and professors received more than $131,000 in research and development funding during October 2004. The awards will fund research into satellite construction, teacher training and the creation of an economic development specialist position. South Dakota Tech, an engineering and science university in Rapid City, boasts a solid research program. So far in the 2005 fiscal year that began in July, Tech researchers have received more than $3.8 million in sponsored research and development funding, a $1.9 million increase over last year. "This increase in research funding reflects the efforts of many individuals at South Dakota Tech" university President Dr. Charles Ruch said. "I think it also indicates an increased awareness of the important work done by our researchers." Tech is home to several research institutions and centers, and plans are underway to expand the number of graduate degrees and to enhance the technology-transfer process. The August awards: • Dr. Chris Jenkins, professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Robb Winter, chair, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, received South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 12 of 21 $30,000 from Advanced Materials Technology, Inc., to develop advanced mirrors for use in space. • Dr. Sangchul Bang, professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, received $12,500 from the National Science Foundation to continue his investigation into piles for use at sea. • Dr. Edward Duke, manager of analytical services, Engineering and Mining Experiment Station, and professor, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, received $17,451 from Oglala Lakota to support the tribal college's Remote Sensing Laboratory • Dr. Jan Puszynski, Dean, College of Materials Science and Engineering, received $36,151 from the University of Minnesota to continue their research into the creation of nanoenergetic materials. • Dr. Karen Whitehead, vice president for Academic Affairs, received $2,166 from the South Dakota Board of Regents to continue a teacher training program. • Carrie Herbel, Collections Manager and preparatory, Museum of Geology, received $4,000 from the United States Department of Interior – Bureau of Land Management for a fossil transfer project. • Dale Skillman, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, received $29,000 from Dakota State University to fill the Small Business Innovation Research coordinator position. #30# Funding Continues Northern Plains Research A grant of more than $500,000 will fund the continuation of two research projects designed to help us better understand the ecosystem improve weather predictions and better guide management guidance for hydrologic, agricultural and ecological systems in the northern Great Plains. The $512,000 from the NASA-EPSCoR program will fund the fourth of a five-year project. Besides South Dakota Tech, participating institutions include SDSU, Augustana College and the U.S. Geological Survey's EROS Data Center, the primary archive and distribution center for digital satellite imagery and related data on the Earth's land surface. The principal NASA field centers involved are Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. NASA EPSCoR is also closely linked with the South Dakota Space Grant South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 13 of 21 Consortium, a network of 32 members and affiliates in education, industry and state government. NASA established its Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in 1994 to target states that have modest research infrastructure with funds to develop a more competitive research base. South Dakota is one of 19 states, plus Puerto Rico, that are members. South Dakota entered the program in 2001 and is funded at $512,000 per year — $125,000 for core operations and $387,000 for two research projects under the title "The Use of Remote Sensing for Monitoring, Prediction, and Management of Hydrological, Agricultural, and Ecological Processes in the Northern Great Plains." "The goal is to develop observational systems and models that will allow land managers to make better decisions regarding agriculture, forestry, land use and water availability in the region" Duke said. The program includes two major research projects at a total annual funding of $387,000 — "Leaf Area Index for Fire Chronosequences of the Black Hills and Southern Siberia: A Comparative Study" and "Cross-Calibration of Landsat and IKONOS Sensors for Use in Precision Agriculture." In addition, the program has funded nine Program Initiation Grants at Tech, SDSU and Augustana for a total of $100,000. #30# Tech to Celebrate Students' Safe Return From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, South Dakota Tech will celebrate the safe return of 12 Tech students from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event will be held in the Surbeck Center Ballroom. Students, faculty and staff will recognize the students for their service, and write messages of hope that will be sent to the 12 other Tech students who are still serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. #30# Grubby Express Bound for Competition The Grubby Express, South Dakota Tech's entry into the national Chemical Car competition, leaves its Rapid City station Thursday, Nov. 4, for Austin, Texas. There, the Tech team will compete against teams from more than 30 universities across the country. The Chemical Car competition challenges students to design, build and race a vehicle that is powered solely by a chemical reaction. Tech's vehicle resembles a train and is fueled by a hydrogen fuel cell. It is also stopped by a chemical reaction. South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 14 of 21 An hour before Sunday's competition begins at the Austin Convention Center, the teams will be told how far their vehicles must travel and how much weight the vehicles must carry. The object of the competition is to regulate the vehicle's chemical reaction so it stops close to a designated finish line. The vehicle that finishes closest wins. The Grubby Express uses a pressure regulator that moves hydrogen from a storage tank to the fuel cell. The fuel cell powers an electrical circuit that consists of a few resistors and a capacitor that distributes power to the motors. The vehicle uses a unique braking system, called a blue bottle reaction, which is controlled by the amount of sugar placed in a solution. The chemical reaction pulls power from the motor and stops the vehicle. The Chemical Car team is multidisciplinary and includes students from the Chemical, Mechanical, Computer and Electrical engineering departments. #30# Chem Car Team Finishes Fourth in Poster Competition The South Dakota Tech Chemical Car team's research poster finished in fourth place during the national Chemical Car competition held in Texas. The Chemical Car competition challenges students to design, build and race a vehicle that is powered solely by a chemical reaction. Tech's vehicle resembles a train and is fueled by a hydrogen fuel cell. It is also stopped by a chemical reaction. The team also produced a research poster that explained the vehicle's operating systems and design. The object of the vehicle competition is to regulate the vehicle's chemical reaction so it stops close to a designated finish line. The vehicle that finishes closest wins. The team's vehicle, called the Grubby Express, would have placed third overall in the weekend competition, but the vehicle took too much time in running the course. The Grubby Express uses a pressure regulator that moves hydrogen from a storage tank to the fuel cell. The fuel cell powers an electrical circuit that consists of a few resistors and a capacitor that distributes power to the motors. The vehicle uses a unique braking system, called a blue bottle reaction, which is controlled by the amount of sugar placed in a solution. The chemical reaction pulls power from the motor and stops the vehicle. The Chemical Car team is multidisciplinary and includes students from the Chemical, Mechanical, Computer and Electrical engineering departments. Tech competed against more than 30 teams from universities across the country. South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 15 of 21 #30# Tech to Dedicate New Message Board South Dakota Tech and Hardrock Club officials will dedicate the university's new electronic message board during a ceremony scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the sign outside O'Harra Stadium. The full color message center, manufactured by Daktronics in Brookings, measures 32 feet by 96 feet and was made possible through a gift from US Bank. The sign also honors George and Nancy Dunham's lifelong support of South Dakota Tech and the Hardrock Club. George Dunham earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Tech in 1956. Nancy Dunham earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Tech in 1957. The message center will communicate campus events and will recognize significant accomplishments at South Dakota Tech and in the Rapid City Community. #30# Experience Diwali Experience Indian culture Sunday, Nov. 14, during the South Dakota Tech India Club's annual Diwali celebration. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors can sample Indian food, watch traditional Indian dances, meet Indian students and watch a fireworks display. The event begins at 5 p.m. in the Surbeck Center Ballroom on the Tech campus. Diwali is the most well known of the Indian festivals. It is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the world. It is also known as the "festival of lights" because of the common practice of lighting small oil lamps called diyas and placing them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, candles are often substituted for diyas. Exchanging sweets and fireworks displays usually accompany Diwali celebrations. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across India. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king. In Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. Diwali also heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season. #30# South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 16 of 21 Tech Chemistry Organization Donates to Sioux San Young patients at Sioux San Hospital in Rapid City will have more books and educational materials available thanks to a donation from the student chapter of the American Chemical Society at South Dakota Tech, an engineering and science university in Rapid City, S.D. Tech students raised $700 with a raffle held during National Chemistry Week in October. The students partnered with the Rapid City Borders bookstore, which will give Sioux San a 20 percent discount on purchases made with the donation. Tech students will present the books and materials to Sioux San officials at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Borders near the Rushmore Mall. The donation is nothing new for the student organization. In past years, the chapter has donated to the Cornerstone Rescue Mission and other Rapid City charities and organizations. #30# Tech Schedules Fall Production The South Dakota Tech Drama Club will perform Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20, in the Surbeck Center Ballroom on campus. The play has been a very popular comedy since Wilde wrote it in 1895. It tells the story of two young men and the women they love who believe they are engaged to men named Ernest. In fact, each young woman could love only men named Ernest. Unfortunately for the men, none of them really named Ernest. The plot thickens when the men's deception is revealed before they have a chance to walk down the aisle. "The Drama Club updated the script while remaining faithful to the story" Bob Faubert, director of Drama Activities, said. "The audience is sure to remember some scenes from this production for a long time to come." There is no cost for Tech students, faculty and staff. Tickets are $5 each for community members. PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY: The media is invited to any of the following rehearsals: • 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 11 • 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday Nov. 12 • 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday, Nov. 15 • 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16 #30# South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 17 of 21 Student Veterans Tell It Like It Is South Dakota Tech invites the community to attend an open forum with 12 South Dakota Tech students who recently returned from military service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, in room 252 of the Electrical Engineering/Physics Building on campus. The 12 students will describe their experiences and answer questions. #30# Tech Finishes Fifth in ‘Battle of the Brains' A South Dakota Tech team finished in fifth place during Saturday's Association of Computing Machinery's regional computer programming contest. Two other teams from Tech finished in eighth and 22nd place in the 186-team competition. Tech��s fourth team did not place. Only two other universities placed two teams in the top 10. "We are very proud of our teams" said Dr. Ed Corwin, a professor in Tech's Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and one of the teams' coaches. Each three-student team faced a series of six to eight complex, real-world computer programming problems. The problems had to be completed in just five hours, which, according to competition organizers, is equivalent to completing a semester's worth of computer programming in one afternoon. The problems were designed to test not only programming skill, but also creativity and teamwork. Huddled around a single computer, competitors race against the clock in a battle of logic, strategy and mental endurance. Teammates collaborate to rank the difficulty of the problems, deduce the requirements, design test beds and build software systems that solve the problems under the intense scrutiny of expert judges. For a well-versed computer science student, some of the problems require precision only. Others require a knowledge and understanding of advanced algorithms. Still others are simply too hard to solve – except, of course, for the world's brightest problem-solvers. The team that solved the most problems correctly, in the least amount of time, won the competition. The contest has operated on an open source platform for the past three years, allowing students to become familiar with Linux and Eclipse. This year, IBM exposed the programmers to POWER parallel computing technologies. Known for their enormous speed, memory, storage capacity and number crunching capabilities, IBM POWER-based South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 18 of 21 parallel supercomputers have been used to solve some of the most difficult problems in physics, engineering, biology, geology and the environment. Tech's teams: • The Red Team of Ben Cutler (computer science and math, Hot Springs), Dan Rausch (computer science and math, Big Stone City), and Jonathan Wolf (computer science, Moorcroft, Wyo.) placed fifth. • The White Team of James Free (computer engineering and computer science, Rapid City), Alan Hagemeier (computer science, Casper, Wyo.), and Brandon Skari (computer science and math, Wheatland, Wyo.) placed eighth. • The Blue Team of Jerod Houghtelling (computer science, Indianola, Neb.), Matt Rohrer (computer science, Rapid City), and Pat Schaefer (computer science, Gillette, Wyo.) placed 22nd. • The Pink Team of Jill Anderson (computer science and math, Pierre), Tiffany Fisher (computer science, Winner), and Carin Smith (computer science and math, Rapid City), Tech's first all-woman team, did not place, but gained valuable experience and were encouraged by their performance. #30# South Dakota Tech Creates Multicultural Committee When Timothy Bull Bennett strode across the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center stage in May 2004 to receive his hard-earned doctorate from South Dakota Tech, he accomplished two additional things. He set a milestone by becoming the first native student to receive a Ph.D. from Tech. He also set the stage for more American Indian students to become part of the Tech community. Historically, the population of native students and graduates at South Dakota Tech has been small, but it has increased in recent years. In May 2004, nine American Indians received degrees from Tech, one of the highest numbers of any engineering university in the country. This fall, more than 10 Native American graduate students, and more than 65 native undergraduate students, are enrolled at Tech. Both numbers set university records. South Dakota Tech has created a Multicultural Committee that will devise strategies to increase these numbers. Tech officials announced the formation of the Multicultural Committee during a press conference held Thursday, Nov. 18, on campus. University, local school district, city and community representatives attended the event. Tech, an engineering and science university located in Rapid City, S.D., wants to attract and keep more native students to meet critical but basic goals. "Increased employment opportunities, accreditation, diversity" Dr. Jacquelyn Bolman, a member of Tech's Multicultural Committee, said. "That's why we need to do this." South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 19 of 21 "As a university, we are making progress, but this issue is so important, we can't sit back and say we've done our job" Multicultural Committee Chair Dr. Al Boysen said. "We are talking about the American dream, and about making sure all students have the access and equity they need to pursue the education necessary to achieve that dream." In the past two years, Tech has set several records. In the fall semester 2003, Tech enrolled 22 first-time American Indian students, the most ever. In the same semester, Tech had a total native enrollment of 65, also a record. Still, that number represented less than 4 percent of the student population, while Native Americans represent 8.3 percent of the South Dakota's population. Nationwide, only 315 American Indians graduated with bachelor's degrees in engineering in May 2003, the most recent national figures available. Between 2000 and 2004, 17 American Indians graduated from Tech with bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees. Tech's Multicultural Committee has worked for several months forming the cornerstones of its work. During the current academic year, the Multicultural Committee, with membership from administration, faculty, staff, and students, will review previous diversity strategies, hear relevant testimony, and make strategic recommendations to President Charles Ruch by May 2005. The strategies are expected to reach out to several target groups – the native community in Rapid City, students in kindergarten through 12th grade on South Dakota's reservations, and the participants and graduates of Tech's already-established American Indian outreach programs. ���This is not affirmative action,��� said Bolman, manager of special projects in Tech's Graduate Education and Sponsored Programs Department. "We are seeking students who can successfully do the mathematics and science, are interested in a science or engineering career, and are committed to four to six years of study. Earning a degree from this university is difficult. It always will be." When those qualified, interested and committed students join Tech, they will have access to an integrated support system. Students will have a faculty or staff member who is a single point of contact and can help students deal with and overcome academic and personal challenges. Native students have other support mechanisms in place, such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Minority Study Center and a chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. "We will make sure that students understand the steps they need to take to succeed" Bolman said. "They will be aware of, and be able to navigate, the expectations and processes of this university. We know these students have the talent, and we know that they can succeed because we've seen it before. The success we have in the future will be built on the success of native students in the past." South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 20 of 21 South Dakota Tech News Report for December BOR Meeting 21 of 21 Recruitment of native students has evolved during the past several years. Multicultural Affairs staff have visited dozens of reservation schools and given campus tours to hundreds of Indian students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tech also hosts the NASA Honors summer program, the National Science Foundation's Bridges to Success program, the NSF's Fire Ecology Summer Camp and other programs that bring native students to campus to learn mathematics and science skills and to connect with Tech faculty and staff. "Recruitment and retention of American Indian students has improved because of the holistic approach we've taken to this issue" Bolman said. "We don't address only the academics. We pay attention to the whole student." Tech will continue those successful strategies and incorporate others as it moves forward with this initiative. Boysen and Bolman expect that the strategies the university adopts will be applicable to all students. They also know that increasing diversity on campus will benefit all students while they are on campus, and after they receive their diplomas. "Historically, the work ethic of South Dakota Tech students was enough for them to get a start on a great career" Boysen, a professor in the Humanities Department, said. "But we've moved into a different world where students need to have a global view. That's what employers want, and that's what increasing diversity can give us.�� Industry recruiters often ask about the diversity of a university's student body before visiting. If the numbers won't give a company access to a diverse sample of students, recruiters may go someplace else. A diverse student body also is an aspect of a university's accreditation process. While accreditation agencies don't set diversity standards, they do expect an effort to create a diverse student population. "I don't think it's too extreme to say that the work we are doing here is the responsibility of all us in the university community" Boysen said. "Our future is, indeed, in our hands." Boysen and Bolman see in that future a university that has changed organizationally, culturally, educationally and financially, and where diversity is fully integrated with the university's framework. "We have a dream" Bolman said. "We know we can succeed, and we know that the success of this initiative will improve the lives of citizens in South Dakota and in every place where our graduates live and work." #30# |
| Creator | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. University Relations; |
| Subject | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; |
| Local Subject | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
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| Digital Publisher | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Devereaux Library
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| Date | 2004-12 |
| Type | Text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Office of University Relations |
| Language | eng |
| Relation | Is part of Office of University Relations SDSM&T News Collection |
| Rights | The work from which this copy was made did not include a formal copyright notice. This work may be protected by U. S. copyright law (Title 17, United States Code), which governs reproduction, distribution, public display, and other uses of protected works. Uses may be allowed with permission from the copyright holder, if the copyright on the work has expired, or if the use is fair use or within another legal exemption. The user of this work is responsible for compliance with the law. |
| Submitting Institution | Devereaux Library. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. |
| Date Digital | 2009 |
| CONTENTdm number | 6668 |
| CONTENTdm file name | 7678.pdf |
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