School of Engineering, University of Connecticut www.engr.uconn.edu Summer 2005

GE Advanced Materials Establishes $500,000 Scholarship for African American Engineering Students see page 4

Also In this Issue: Connecticut Global Fuel Quing Zhu’s Research Aids Middle School Girls Cell Center Receives 40 kW in Breast Cancer Detection Sample Engineering GenCell Fuel Cell see page 11 see page 14 see page 4 generous alumni. These highly-valued ates by 42 percent. During the same period, faculty positions help us recruit and retain we have increased the number of African top researchers. American students by more than 48 One of our challenges in Engineering percent, and the number of Hispanic A Message has been the very strong desire to increase and Puerto Rican students by 25 percent. from the Dean the diversity of our faculty and students. Last fall, I delivered an invited keynote In the last seven years, we have successfully address at a National Science Foundation recruited 10 talented female faculty mem- Workshop for the Development of Minority elcome to the summer 2005 issue bers, bringing our total to 11—a rate of Faculty in Engineering. My talk was entitled Wof Frontiers. growth that exceeds that of many other “Fostering Diversity in Engineering In the last year, while visiting other schools of engineering nationwide. Education: Challenges and Opportunities.” universities or attending professional We remain committed to adding even We are proud to share our experiences and conferences, I repeatedly am asked about more women in the coming years. successes, but we still are not where we certain faculty members, or about certain Quality defines our academic leaders, want to be, and much work remains. cutting-edge research being conducted by as well, from department heads to directors, We have also increased the value and our faculty teams. Our engineering faculty Associate and Assistant Deans. These talent- number of merit scholarships awarded each are well known and respected beyond the ed individuals are so exceptional that in the year to outstanding scholars, from 100 to modest sphere of the UConn community. last few years we have lost two, who became 232 in just five years. Clearly, our reputation is growing and gain- deans at the University of Vermont and Finally, our exceptional alumni are a ing respect. This underscores an important Dartmouth College. We lost another three tremendous source of pride for the School theme: it is the combined contributions to Columbia University, Ohio State and of Engineering. Among our alumni are and commitment of students, faculty Florida, where they accepted leadership presidents and CEOs of major corporations, and alumni who make our school great. positions as Department Heads or leading academics, astronauts, top govern- Therefore, it is appropriate to reflect on Directors. Our challenge at UConn is to ment officials, university presidents and where we have been as a school and to recruit and then successfully retain these researchers. This year we inducted 15 new outline where we are going. highly qualified people by creating an envi- members into the School’s Academy of We in the School of Engineering are ronment that stimulates their research and Distinguished Engineers. Brief profiles of fortunate in having 120 world-class educational excellence. Their research will these impressive individuals appear later in researchers and teachers. Of these, nearly ultimately improve our lives, create new this issue of Frontiers and underscore the 40 are chief or associate editors of major jobs and benefit all Connecticut citizens. lasting contributions they have made to international scientific journals. Forty-three The numbers speak volumes: in just the engineering profession, their respective have been elected Fellows of major profes- six years, the School of Engineering has employers and the nation’s economy. sional societies; this is the highest rank increased undergraduate enrollments by They are role models for all of us, and they members may attain. Three are members more than 70 percent and our freshman signify how much our graduates can achieve of the prestigious National Academy of enrollments by more than 110 percent. in their professional lives. Engineering: it is worth noting that in Meanwhile, the average SAT score of our As Dean, my challenge is to not only 2000, none of our faculty were members incoming freshmen has risen more than 100 maintain our current high level of excellence of the Academy. Sixty-six are authors or points since 2000. Furthermore, for the fall but, indeed, to expand upon our current co-authors of engineering and technical 2005 term, the School of Engineering has successes. If we are to continue to fill the books. Together, our faculty hold more admitted six Nutmeg Scholars out of a total regional demand for well-trained engineers, than 170 patents. And they are among of 15 at the University, three Day of Pride the UConn School of Engineering must the most productive researchers at the Scholars, and 25 out of 100 valedictorians expand our resources, enhance our outreach University, bringing a total of over accepted throughout the entire University. activities, and strengthen our recruiting $18 million dollars of sustained funding These figures reflect on the success of a and retention of world-class students annually to the University from external number of important initiatives geared to and faculty. We can not do the job alone, sources. In fact, our external research improve the quality and diversity of our but need and welcome the assistance of our expenditures rose from $12 million in 2002 undergraduate engineering populations. many dedicated friends and alumni. to more than $18 million in 2004— Our diversity initiatives have focused on a 50 percent increase in just two years. introducing engineering to middle school This money supports faculty research, and high school students, and our goal is and employs graduate students and to enhance the number of female students undergraduate research assistants. and students from underrepresented groups. Since 2000, we have established 16 I am happy to report that our efforts are Amir Faghri endowed faculty positions with support paying off. In the last five years, we have Dean and United Technologies Endowed from our friends in industry as well as increased the number of female undergradu- Chair Professor in Thermal-Fluids Engineering

2 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu IN THIS ISSUE

A Message from the Dean 2

GE Advanced Materials Establishes $500,000 Scholarship for African American Engineering Students 4 10 Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center UNIVERSITY OF Receives 40 kW GenCell Fuel Cell 4 13 CONNECTICUT Lei Zhu Awarded DuPont Young Professors Grant 4 SCHOOL OF Aggelos Kiayias Awarded NSF Career Award 5 ENGINEERING Promotions and Tenure Decisions 5 School Honors Outstanding Alumni and Students 6 Dean Wilson Chiu Captures Three Major Awards 9 Amir Faghri 14 UConn Hosts Concrete Canoe Competition 10 Associate Deans Theodore Bergman, Research & Outreach Quing Zhu’s Research Aids in Breast Cancer Detection 11 Ian Greenshields, Academic Affairs Fuel Cell Design & Manufacture Assistant Dean Topic of May Workshop 12 Marcelle Wood, Undergraduate Education Lei Wang Brings Microprocessor Expertise to ECE 12 Director of Development William Kissick, Jr. Clever Inventions Take Storrs by Storm 13

Writer/Editor Middle School Girls Sample Engineering 14 Nan R. Cooper Student Athlete Balances Graphic Designer/Illustrator Academic and Sports Goals 15 Chris LaRosa 16 Civil Engineering Students Win Photo Credits Special Environmental Leadership Award 16 Chris LaRosa, Kevin McLaughlin, Liang Pei, Leon Shaw, University Communications Tom Wood Captures AAUP Research Excellence Award 16 Frontiers is published twice yearly by the Office of the Dean, School of Engineering Middle School Students Get Lesson in Fuel Cells 17 at the University of Connecticut. Jack Stephens: Driven to Improve Road Durability 18 261 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2237 17 Storrs, Connecticut 06269-2237 “Patently Female” Lecture Telephone: (860) 486-2221 Highlights Women Inventors 19 22 Published for the alumni, faculty, students, Faculty News 20 corporate supporters, and friends of the School of Engineering at the University of ITE Sculpture Dedicated 21 Connecticut. Suggestions are welcome. Send correspondence and address Students Shine at Design Expo 22 corrections to the Editor at the above address or e-mail to [email protected] Alumni News 23

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 3 GE Advanced Materials Establishes Connecticut $500,000 Scholarship for African Global Fuel Cell American Engineering Students Center Receives n early April, the School of Engineering said John Krenicki, president and CEO of GE Ireceived a cash endowment of $500,000 for Advanced Materials. “We’re delighted to be 40 kW GenCell establishment of the GE Advanced Materials helping worthy African American students to Endowed Scholar Program Fund, focusing on have the opportunity to get an education in Fuel Cell African American students. GE Advanced engineering and science. Scholarship Materials, based in Pittsfield, MA, is a world awardees will also have the opportunity for n January, GenCell Corporation of leader in providing material solutions through a summer internship at one of our many Southbury, CT delivered a carbonate fuel engineering thermoplastics, silicon products I locations worldwide.” cell system to the Connecticut Global Fuel and technology platforms, and fused quartz Dean of Engineering Amir Faghri enthused, Cell Center, a center operated by the and ceramics. “We are deeply gratified by this outstanding School of Engineering. The unit, housed in The permanent endowment will support investment in the UConn School of a dedicated room within the 16,000 sq. ft. undergraduate scholarships in the depart- Engineering and its students. In making this Fuel Cell Center, converts pipeline natural ments of Mechanical Engineering, Chemical generous gift, which will make an excellent gas into AC Engineering and Materials Science & engineering education affordable for a power and Engineering. The fund will award $4,000 - selection of superb students each year, by-product heat. $5,000 in scholarship monies to two entering GE Advanced Materials is demonstrating its While carbonate freshmen yearly and will continue to support commitment to growing the engineering fuel cells have the recipients throughout their four years of workforce in the region.” been in opera- study in the School of Engineering, provided UConn has been a source of numerous tion for some academic performance requirements are met. technical and business leaders for GE years, this par- “Materials engineering will play a Advanced Materials over the years. ticular GenCell significant role in the future of the world,” carbonate system is the first of its kind, with many Lei Zhu Awarded DuPont important inno- vations that Young Professors Grant will reduce fuel cell cost and ssistant professor of Chemical Recipients of the increase performance. The system is AEngineering Lei Zhu has been awarded prestigious award are connected to the utility distribution grid one of just eight 2005 DuPont Young nominated by DuPont and, since April 10, has been supplying a Professor Grants presented to North personnel based upon portion of the electric power and heat to American researchers. Dr. Zhu’s research the originality of their the Fuel Cell Center, which is located at investigates the synthesis and self-assembly research programs. the University of Connecticut’s nearby of carbon nanotube-based liquid crystalline Through the award, Depot Campus. materials, and characterization and design DuPont assists young According to GenCell Vice President of useful nanotechnology devices for the faculty members who are within five years for Business and Marketing Daniel development of novel photovoltaics and of their tenured appointment. The grants Connors, the GenCell system, which nanotransistors. Dr. Zhu will receive $25,000 are intended to encourage highly original weighs in at 8,700 pounds, is a mid-size yearly for three years. research of value to DuPont while helping unit that is ideally suited to moderate-size Photovoltaic systems use semiconductor the recipients begin their academic research buildings employed for retail, fast food, technology to convert sunlight directly into careers. The Corporate Center for telecommunications, industrial facilities, electricity. In the absence of sunlight, Collaborative Research and Education (CCRE) gas stations and convenience stores. batteries store energy. Photovoltaics may and the DuPont Fellows Forum (DFF) sponsor The system can also utilize the waste be used to power calculators, lights, water the grant program. gases from anaerobic digesters in pumps, homes and even industrial facilities. Dr. Zhu joined the Chemical Engineering municipal and agricultural wastewater, Transistors are used in countless applica- Department in fall 2002 with a specialty in renewable fuel applications that are tions, from radios to Blackberry handheld polymer science. He earned his Ph.D. in likely to be a significant portion of the computers. polymer science from the University of Akron early users. in 2000. Continued on page 10 4 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu SoEResearch Aggelos Kiayias Awarded NSF CAREER Award

ow to optimize access to material their own Web logs (or “blogs”) or other the future—more and more intellectual prod- Havailable on the Internet, while simultane- content-creating applications; at least four ucts will be distributed and delivered electroni- ously protecting intellectual property rights, million share music files on peer-to-peer cally, it is most important (if we are to nurture is the challenge at the heart of research being networks. All of this file sharing has taken human creativity as a society) to develop conducted by assistant professor Aggelos place in anything but a vacuum, with much of mechanisms that will allow creators to distrib- Kiayias of Computer Science & Engineering the activity involving illegal transfer of copy- ute their product according to desired licensing under a new five-year National Science righted material. Some figures estimate that restrictions and pricing schemes.” Foundation Early Career (CAREER) Award. since September 2003, the Recording Industry Dr. Kiayias will investigate various crypto- Dr. Kiayias’ CAREER research, with Association of America has filed more than graphic tools for DRM systems, study their $400,000 in support, pivots on the wild new 6,200 lawsuits against individuals suspected interoperability and composition within a frontier created by the Internet, which brings of illegally sharing copyrighted music via the digital content distribution system, and exam- users unprecedented access to information Internet. This high profile battle is symptomatic ine their threat mitigation capabilities as well emanating from around the globe and has of a much larger problem. as interactions with legal frameworks. fostered unheralded creative freedom for The challenge to balance competing “Human creativity is at the dawn of a those seeking widespread distribution of their interests—widespread access, intellectual new era, with our creations produced in digital work. In this lawless new province, virtually property protections and secure ownership— form and traveling across information super- anyone can publish a book; distribute art, lies at the heart of Dr. Kiayias’ research. highways,” said Dr. Kiayias. “Here at the musical compositions or graphics; launch a tv Within his Crypto-DRM lab, Dr. Kiayias and Crypto-DRM Lab we are looking at the core show or home movie; disseminate research a team of graduate students will strive to technologies as well as the design of the results or software. The Internet affords understand, model and construct the necessary future distribution mechanisms over which greater access to information, and broader framework and tools for digital content all digital product will be negotiated and freedoms for creative expression, than at any distribution and rights enforcement, which delivered from creators to end consumers, point in human history. But untamed freedom he deems the fundamental underpinnings be it software, text, music, video or any comes at a price: content may be copied of future Digital Rights Management (DRM) combination thereof.” rampantly and authors may even lose the systems. Dr. Kiayias joined the Computer Science & ownership of their product. “In simple terms, I study how content Engineering Department in 2002 after receiving According to survey data collected by the creators can distribute their product over his Ph.D. from the Graduate Center, City Pew Internet & American Life Project, on a digital communication mediums in a way that University of New York. His research interests typical day, five million people post or share they can enforce license restrictions/fair include cryptography, computational complexi- some kind of material on the Web through use/copyright protection, etc. In particular, ty, digital rights management and e-voting. given that at present—and even more so in

Promotions The University’s Board of Trustees has Wilson Chiu, assistant approved the following promotion and professor of Mechanical and Tenure tenure recommendations for Engineering Engineering, was awarded faculty. Please join us in recognizing these tenure and promoted to Decisions accomplished individuals. Associate Professor.

Britt Holmén, assistant Leon Shaw, associate professor of Civil & professor of Materials Environmental Engineering, Science & Engineering, was awarded tenure and pro- was promoted to moted to Associate Professor. full Professor.

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 5 School Honors Outstanding Alumni and Students

n important rite of spring for the School Computer Engineering, was named the Aof Engineering is the annual awards Marianne E. Klewin Professor in Engineering. ceremony and banquet, during which we honor A major highlight of the evening was exceptional alumni and outstanding undergrad- induction of 15 accomplished engineering uate students—the first group for their career alumni into the Academy of Distinguished achievements and the second for their academ- Engineers. Each new inductee was presented ic performance. On the evening of Tuesday, a commemorative plaque and medallion April 19th, more than 650 individuals convened bearing the Academy’s distinctive seal. in the South Campus Ballroom to celebrate the Later in the evening, more than 230 outstand- past, present and future of UConn engineering. ing undergraduates were honored for their Attending were top executives from many of academic excellence when the School present- Connecticut’s leading industrial employers, ed $600,000 in scholarships to continuing School of Engineering alumni and faculty, undergraduate students along with $750,000 student scholarship recipients and their in scholarships to students admitted to the parents, and University leaders. School of Engineering for the fall 2005 term. University President Philip Austin, The complete list of scholarship recipients Engineering Alumni Society President Lisa may be found on our web page at: Bongiovi and Dean of Engineering Amir Faghri www.engr.uconn.edu/SoE/soe_scholarships.htm each welcomed the audience and spoke with The 15 new inductees to the Academy of enthusiasm on the profound contributions Distinguished Engineers included the following made by engineers to American society. individuals (note that brief profiles and President Austin revealed that the State’s photos follow): unprecedented investment in the University under the UConn 2000 initiative was the Matthew Adiletta impetus for his accepting the leadership role. Richard Ballantyne He expressed optimism for continued funding, Robert Becker saying the success of UConn and the State’s Benjamin Bulkley economy are “inextricably linked.” Gerard L. Coté Following introductory remarks, Associate Joel Douglas Dean for Academic Affairs Ian Greenshields Ferdinand Engel presented three faculty excellence awards for Robert Glorioso superior and sustained excellence in research William B. Hewitt and teaching. The Outstanding Junior Faculty Kevin Kulak Award was presented to Britt Holmén, Fred Maryanski assistant professor of Civil & Environmental William V. Moore Engineering, and to Quing Zhu, associate Joseph L. Ross professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Richard True (see page 11 for details of Dr. Zhu’s research). Mark Vergnano Krishna Pattipati, professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, was presented the Corporate sponsors who contributed money Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award. and time toward the School of Engineering Dr. Greenshields also introduced two were recognized, including Accenture, Aetna faculty members who recently were named Information Services, the American Screw endowed chair professors by the University of Company, the Barden Foundation, Inc., Bayer Connecticut Board of Trustees: Thomas K. Corporation, Cantor Colburn LLP, the Wood, professor of Chemical Engineering, Connecticut Association of Street and Highway was named the Northeast Utilities Chair in Officials, Connecticut Innovations, Dapco Environmental Engineering Education, and Industries, Demsey Manufacturing Company, Yaakov Bar-Shalom, Board of Trustees Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Dow Chemical Distinguished Professor of Electrical & Company, Electric Boat Corporation, Ensign-Bickford Foundation, Fuss & O’Neill, 6 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 Inc., the General Electric Fund, General Richard Ballantyne Benjamin Bulkley Electrical Industrial Systems, Gilbane Building (B.S. 1965; Mechanical Engineering (B.S. 1982; Electrical Engineering) Company, Intel Massachusetts, Inc., Lenard and MBA 1966) Engineering, The Moles, The Stanley Works, Mr. Bulkley is Senior The Wiremold Company, Northeast Utilities Mr. Ballantyne served, Vice President of Corporation, Pitney Bowes, Inc., Pratt & until his retirement in Commercial Operations Whitney, SBC, Sikorsky Aircraft, and United January 2005, as Vice for Invitrogen Technologies Corporation. President, General Corporation, Other sponsors included the ASM Counsel and Secretary a $1 billion revenue International Hartford Chapter and ASM of Harris Corporation, biotechnology firm International Southern Connecticut Chapter, a $3 billion revenue, with over 3,000 employees. He leads the American Society of Mechanical Melbourne, FL-based communications equip- effort to create and maintain strong bonds Engineers–Hartford Section, Engineering ment company. Harris Corporation, which with the company’s global client base through Alumni Society, the Institute of Packaging employs 11,000, provides product, system, innovative sales, e-commerce and distribution Professionals–Connecticut Chapter, Plant and service solutions for customers in the initiatives. Before joining Invitrogen in 2003, Engineers’ Association. microwave, broadcast, secure tactical radio, he was Vice President of Global Services and government communications markets. for GE’s Medical Systems Information Previously, Mr. Ballantyne was Vice President Technologies division, where he was responsi- 2005 Academy of Distinguished and General Counsel at Prime Computer in ble for a 1,500-person global service business. Engineers and Hall of Fame Natick, MA. He is admitted to practice before Earlier, he served in marketing and managerial the bars of Florida, Massachusetts and the capacities with GE’s Transportation Division Matthew Adiletta U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. and in GE’s operations in Germany, where he (B.S. 1985; Electrical Engineering) was Chief Operating Officer. Robert Becker Mr. Adiletta is an Intel (B.S. 1982; Electrical Engineering) Dr. Gerard L. Coté Fellow and Director of (M.S. 1987, Ph.D. 1990; Bioengineering) Communication Mr. Becker is Senior Processor Architecture Vice President of Dr. Coté is Head of in the Massachusetts- Engineering and the Department of based Digital Operations at Mercury Biomedical Engineering Enterprise Group of Computer, a $240 mil- at Texas A&M Intel Corporation. After joining Intel in 1998, lion revenue company University and holds he led the completion of the Intel® IXP1200 with over 700 employ- the Charles H. and network processor and subsequently devel- ees. Previously, Mr. Becker was Vice President Bettye Barclay oped the Intel® IXP2XXX network processor of Engineering at Microtouch Systems (now Professorship. His research focuses on the product line. Mr. Adiletta is currently driving part of 3M) and Vice President of Engineering development of macro-scale to nano-scale the next-generation of network processors at PictureTel. He also held various design and systems for biosensing and diagnostics. for greater packet processing capability and management positions at Sun Microsystems, Dr. Coté develops systems using lasers, security in future Internet, wireless and enter- Wang Laboratories, and Amdahl Corporation. optics and electronics for noninvasive ways prise equipment. He holds 46 patents, with Mr. Becker has 11 U.S. design patents related to test blood sugar levels in diabetes, more than 44 patents pending. Prior to joining to computer architecture to his credit. to detect other body chemicals such as beta Intel, Mr. Adiletta worked at Digital Equipment amyloid for Alzheimer’s disease, and to diag- Corporation. He led the development of nose cancer. Dr. Coté is a co-inventor on three Digital’s first-generation network processor U.S. patents and one provisional U.S. patent. in 1996. He is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Continued on page 8

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 7

Awards continued from page 7 Joel Douglas Dr. Robert Glorioso enjoyed an 11-year career at JPMorgan Chase (B.S. 1977; Civil Engineering) (M.S. 1964 and Ph.D. 1967; & Co. in various businesses including securi- Electrical Engineering) ties, loans, derivatives, and asset manage- Mr. Douglas is ment. Previously, Mr. Kulak was a Program co-founder and Chief Dr. Glorioso recently Manager with IBM and a Senior Consultant Technology Officer of retired as President with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). MysticMD of Groton, and Chief Executive CT. As inventor of 64 Officer of Marathon Dr. Fred Maryanski U.S. patents and 28 Technologies of (Ph.D. 1974; Computer Science) FDA product clear- Boxborough MA, ances, Mr. Douglas was named in 2004 as one a privately-held compa- Dr. Maryanski is presi- of the 100 Notable People in the Medical ny delivering fault-tolerant software solutions. dent of Nevada State Device Industry. Mr. Douglas co-founded Amira Dr. Glorioso co-founded Marathon College, Henderson. Medical, where he developed the first alter- Technologies, after serving as Vice President Dr. Maryanski served nate site blood glucose meter. He also founded at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he as the first head of three other startup firms and pioneered the managed worldwide engineering, marketing, the Department of development of medical patch technologies. and manufacturing for the company’s Computer Science & At MysticMD, Mr. Douglas’ latest inventions Information Systems Business. He currently Engineering at the University of Connecticut apply proprietary conductive coatings, films serves on several Boards, including those of from 1986 to 1989, and held administrative and inks, to create forgery-resistant micro AllergyBuyersClub.com, NaviTag Technologies positions at UConn from 1989 until 2005, devices for discreetly storing biometric and and Solar Trade. including terms as the Interim Chancellor, other information for large-scale security Interim Provost and Executive Vice President applications. William B. Hewitt for Academic Affairs. He served on the faculty (M.S. 1968; Electrical Engineering) of Kansas State University and held a research Ferdinand Engel position at Digital Equipment Corporation. (M.S. 1972; Computer Science Mr. Hewitt is Chairman He was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the and Engineering) of Polymer Group, Inc., Journal of Very Large Databases. an $850 million revenue Mr. Engel is Executive global nonwovens William V. Moore Vice President and manufacturer and (B.S. 1973; Electrical Engineering) Chief Technology Global Vantage Inc., Officer of Concord a global business Mr. Moore is a senior Communications, Inc., process outsourcing company. He also chairs member of the techni- a $100 million revenue Water Missions International, a Christian cal staff at NASA’s Jet global provider of soft- not-for-profit which provided water systems Propulsion Laboratory ware solutions with more than 600 employees. to over 330,000 in Sri Lanka and Indonesia (JPL). Mr. Moore Mr. Engel came to Concord in 1989 and grew it following the tsunami. He was previously previously served as to its present size, bringing it public in 1997. President and CEO of the Union Corporation. Technical Group super- Previously, Mr. Engel was Vice President and Mr. Hewitt has been awarded an honorary visor at JPL managing Flight Communications principal of TCI/Bell Atlantic at the time Doctor of Humane Letters by the Medical Systems Development and other activities. the company was bought by Bell Atlantic. University of South Carolina and an honorary He has contributed to 12 major NASA He earlier spent seven years at Digital Doctor of Business Administration by the missions; two spacecraft developments at Equipment Corporation, where he helped Citadel. He was named the 2004 Distinguished Hughes Space and Communications; and three pioneer network technology, working on the Alumnus of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. major aircraft applications at Lockheed. Mr. ARPAnet and developing the first implementa- Moore has received numerous NASA awards tions of TCP/IP, the first laser printer server, Kevin Kulak for telecommunications management and and the underlying network architecture for (B.S. 1985; Mechanical Engineering) spacecraft development. He is a Senior the DEC Cluster. Mr. Engel has received six Member of both the Institute of Electrical patents and has served on several boards of Mr. Kulak is and Electronics Engineers and the American high technology companies. Managing Director, Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics as JPMorgan Chase & well as a member of the American Association Co., New York. Mr. for the Advancement of Science and the New Kulak designs and origi- York Academy of Sciences. nates debt and equity securities for corporate clients of JPMorgan. He specializes in convert- ible securities for technology, industrial, and financial services companies. Mr. Kulak has

8 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu Joseph L. Ross Dr. Richard True Mark Vergnano (B.S. 1970; Civil Engineering) (M.S. 1968 and Ph.D. 1972; (B.S. 1980; Chemical Engineering) Electrical Engineering) Mr. Ross is Executive Mr. Vergnano is Vice Vice President of Dr. True is Chief President and General Tishman Construction Scientist at L-3 Manager of DuPont Corporation, one of Communications, Nonwovens, one of the nation’s largest Electron Devices, in San the major Strategic construction firms, Carlos, CA, a position Business Units of having over $2 billion he has held since 1991. E.I. DuPont de Nemours in annual revenue. Mr. Ross has led some of Dr. True has pioneered Co., Inc. Mr. Vergnano oversees more than New York City’s most high-profile construction theory and software for the design of advanced 2,000 employees worldwide and is responsible projects, including the 42nd Street Times electron beam devices such as modern for $1.3 billion in annual revenues. DuPont Square redevelopment—the largest urban klystrons, traveling wave tubes and linear Nonwovens targets markets in personal protec- renewal project ever undertaken in New York. accelerators. These devices are used in key tion, construction, health care, envelopes and Individual projects include the Reuters military, aerospace, commercial, medical, apparel with brands including Tyvek®, Typar®, Americas Headquarters, the Conde Nast and scientific systems. He is author or Sontara®, Softesse® and Suprel®. Mr. Vergnano Headquarters, The Westin New York at Times co-author of numerous archival publications, has spent his entire 25-year career with Square, and renovation of Disney’s New and he holds 17 U.S. patents. He has received DuPont, beginning within Research and Amsterdam Theater. Currently, he leads the the 2000 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Development and leading to management of construction of the Bank of America Tower Engineers (IEEE) Third Millennium Medal, the several business units including Teflon® Fibers, at One Bryant Park, a 2.1-million square-foot 1999 Department of Defense Robert L. Woods Nomex® and Tyvek® as well as serving as tower expected to set new standards in Award, and the 1987 IEEE EDS Paul Rappaport Regional Director for DuPont Nonwovens in environmentally sustainable design and Best Paper Award. He is an IEEE Fellow. Europe, located in Geneva, Switzerland. construction. Mr. Ross serves on the Boards of Directors of the New York Building Congress and the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors.

Wilson Chiu Captures Three Major Awards

r. Wilson K.S. Chiu, assistant professor easily ranges over 100 pounds, reducing Dof Mechanical Engineering, recently mobility, producing greater soldier fatigue received an Army Research Office (ARO) and diminishing flexibility. The Army Young Investigator Award. Dr. Chiu won seeks lighter power units as a means to the $150,000 three-year award for his dramatically enhance efficiency of the proposed work in the area of optimization individual soldier. of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for field Dr. Chiu’s approach involves improving use by Army personnel. the energy and power density of SOFCs fully optimized, and it is here he believes He explained that the Army is keenly so they perform more efficiently. Increased improvements can bear fruit for both interested in portable power sources to energy density will permit longer missions military and commercial applications. replace batteries currently used in the while improving power density will enhance Dr. Chiu received his Ph.D. in field. These power sources can consume the soldier’s capabilities. Dr. Chiu’s efforts Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers methane, propane and other hydrocarbon- will focus on optimizing the manner in University in 1999 and joined the based fuels. Soldiers going on a three-day which fuel is transported, distributed and University of Connecticut the same year. field mission, for example, may now carry consumed within the fuel cell, and on more He previously received a National Science over 30 pounds of batteries in addition to efficient and swift removal of byproducts. Foundation CAREER Award as well as their communications gear, weaponry, food Some improvements have already been the Young Investigator Award from the and other assorted items. The batteries are realized in fuel cell design; however, Office of Naval Research. Competition for used in weaponry, computers, communica- Dr. Chiu commented that the electrode the awards is intense, and Dr. Chiu has tions devices, GPS, air conditioning and microstructure of existing fuel cells is not achieved a rare distinction in winning the like. The weight burden for the soldier all three.

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 9

Fuel Cell continued from page 4

UConn Hosts Concrete The company’s core technology, used in all GenCell fuel cell systems, is a proprietary fuel Canoe Competition cell plate, cell and stack architecture, including sheet metal bipolar separator plates, low cost or the first time in eight years, Corps of Engineers dam. Before racing, current collectors and electrodes, which are Fthe Department of Civil & each team had to demonstrate through a assembled to make up a fuel cell stack. The Environmental Engineering hosted “swamp test” that their craft would stack is then mounted on a skid with auxiliary the 2005 Northeast Regional Concrete remain afloat even when completely equipment called the “balance of plant” to Canoe competition at Mansfield Hollow filled with water. The races were charac- make a stand-alone, fully functional system. State Park April 8-9. Associate Professor terized by spirited rivalry, and judging GenCell has seven U.S. Patents on the tech- and ASCE Student Chapter Advisor was performed by members of the nologies employed in its fuel cell systems, Fred Ogden organized the event, which American Society of Civil Engineers with another six patents pending, according kicked off with a display of the canoes at (ASCE). During the races there were a to Mr. Connors. the Storrs campus, where they were few instances of flooded canoes spilling The GenCell system has been performing inspected by judges for design, materials their teams into the chilly lake water. in a stable operation that allows GenCell to and construction features. In addition to the team from the obtain the essential data it needs to validate In designing and building their sleek Civil & Environmental Engineering the design and refine later systems. GenCell’s craft, the engineering teams took into department at UConn, the competition engineers are monitoring the system, both consideration such engineering principles drew teams from the University of onsite and remotely via a computer linked via as linear and rotational motion, drag Massachusetts at Amherst and Lowell, the Internet to the system in Storrs. and buoyancy. Each team performed University of Rhode Island, Roger Randolph Bernard, GenCell’s president, a thorough concrete mix design to Williams University, University of stated, “This fuel cell system represents maximize the strength of the concrete Maine, Wentworth Institute of a major technological achievement for and minimize its weight. The vessel Technology, University of New GenCell and operating it at the University of weight, including occupants, must be Hampshire, and the University of Connecticut prominently demonstrates fuel cell less than the volume of water displaced Hartford. Top honors went to the technology to those who seek a clean and when the canoe is submerged to its Wentworth Institute of Techology, whose efficient alternative to conventional energy design waterline. team represented the Northeast Region sources. This demonstration is a good On race day, the competitors recon- at the ASCE National Concrete Canoe opportunity for GenCell to advance its fuel vened at nearby Mansfield Hollow State Competition June 25-27 at Clemson cell designs toward commercialization and Park, upstream from the U.S. Army University in South Carolina. for the Global Fuel Cell Center to show new technology in operation to help solve today’s energy challenges.” GenCell Corporation is a privately held corporation that develops and manufactures advanced next-generation fuel cell compo- nents. GenCell’s innovative designs reduce the cost of key fuel cell components while improving performance and life. The company’s mission is to be the “Henry Ford of Fuel Cells”—in the same way Henry Ford improved upon automotive technology and made it affordable for the mass market, GenCell is improving the core fuel cell technology, reducing capital costs to penetrate the market. According to Mr. Connors, the company’s continuous manufacturing methods and manu- facturing friendly designs are key advantages to reduce capital costs. The company expressed its appreciation to the Connecticut Conservation & Load Management Fund and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for the funding they have provided in support of GenCell’s work and this demonstration project.

10 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu

SoEResearch Institutes of Health and Department of Defense technique alone can offer. Dr. Zhu was awarded for development and testing of her unique two U.S. patents on this technology. device, which combines ultrasound and near- Working with physicians at the University infrared optical techniques. In the diagnostic of Connecticut Health Center—breast surgeons Quing Zhu’s order of things, Dr. Zhu’s device can be Scott Kurtzman and Kristin Zarfos, oncologist Research Aids in used after an initial examination (either a Susan Tannenbaum, radiologists Bipin Jagjivan mammogram or manual exam) detects a and Mark Kane, and pathologist Poornima Breast Cancer potential cancer. Hegde—Dr. Zhu and her team have conducted Often, the next step is to undergo an ultra- clinical studies on human volunteers to test the Detection sound, but ultrasound technology frequently effectiveness of the instrument and refine its fails to accurately differentiate benign and sensitivity. Dr. Zhu has also carried out clinical malignant tumors. For this reason, if a mammo- trials at Hartford Hospital with Edward Cronin, nnually, more than 200,000 American gram identifies a possible tumor, many doctors Allen Currier and Hugh Vine—all radiologists. Awomen are diagnosed with breast cancer choose breast biopsy as the next step. More than 180 patients have been tested using and nearly 40,000 die from the disease. It is Statistically, most women who undergo biopsy the imaging device. the fifth leading cause of death among are found to be clear of malignancies, so better Another important potential application of American women, and in the last decade, med- detection would reduce the number of unneces- the device, Dr. Zhu remarked, is in assessing ical researchers have intensely debated the sary biopsies. Dr. Zhu envisions use of her the response of a tumor to chemotherapy. optimal method for detection and treatment. device as an interim step after a mammogram “Chemotherapy is a valid form of therapy for The primary tools for breast tumor detects a possible tumor but before the doctor women with breast cancer, and it improves detection are manual examination and orders a biopsy. survival if effective ways of monitoring mammography—which uses a series of X-rays Dr. Zhu’s imaging device, in combining both response exist,” she explained. to show images of the breast tissue. ultrasound and near-infrared (NIR) optical In addition, Dr. Zhu and her research team The American Cancer Society has long techniques, overcomes limitations of each are investigating whether the device can be recommended that women over the age of 40 individual technology. NIR is highly sensitive to used to distinguish tumor types and predict the receive yearly mammograms. As impressive the characteristics that distinguish between success of chemotherapy. as this technology is, mammograms are imper- benign and malignant lesions, but it is less Certainly, for the 400,000 U.S. women fect: approximately 10-15 percent of all breast precise in determining the location and borders diagnosed with breast cancer each year, tumors are not detected by mammography. The of the tumor. Conversely, ultrasound emits Dr. Zhu’s imaging device holds keen rate is higher—about 25 percent—for women high-frequency sound waves that bounce interest as another tool in the in their 40s because of physiological differ- off tissues, producing a picture that cancer-detection arsenal avail- ences in breast tissue between women in this pinpoints the lesion’s exact location able to doctors everywhere. age group and older women. Mammograms but fails to characterize the mass. also offer false positive results, suggesting Thus, Dr. Zhu’s device assures breast tumors when none are present. False greater accuracy than either positives can lead to not only anxiety but also additional medical procedures, such as biopsies, driving up the stress level and medical costs for women. Dr. Quing Zhu, an associate professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, is helping doctors more accurately diagnose breast malig- nancies. Working with colleagues at the UConn Health Center and Hartford Hospital, Dr. Zhu developed a device that—when used comple- mentarily with ultrasound—yields more accurate diagnoses. She has garnered over $2 million in funding from the National

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 11 Throughout the workshop, participants Fuel Cell Design & Manufacture examined next-generation fuel cell systems, science for next-generation systems, issues Topic of May Workshop and barriers, paths to the future projects and deliverables. Presenters included Jeremy Meyers of UTC Fuel Cells, Hans Maru of he Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center present insights into four main thrusts relat- FuelCell Energy, Ben Bishop of Hamilton T(CGFCC) hosted the first Systems- ing to fuel cells: design and manufacturing Sundstrand, Thomas Tao of Celltech Power, Based Fuel Cell Design and Manufacturing science and engineering; multiphysics Eric Barringer of SOFCo-EFS Holdings Workshop in early May. The event was science and analysis; nano- and micro- LLC, Matthew Fronk of General Motors, sponsored by the CGFCC, Virginia Tech, functional materials and catalysts; Thomas Skrmetti of General Dynamics UGS Corporation, the Connecticut Clean and durability, monitoring and prognosis. Electric Boat; Jim McGrath, Scott Case Energy Fund, Pacific Northwest National Dean of Engineering Dr. Amir Faghri, and Jack Lesko of Virginia Tech; Eugene Laboratories, the University of Puerto Rico United Technologies Endowed Chair Smotkin of the University of Puerto Rico at at Mayaguez and at Rio Piedras, UTC Fuel Professor in Thermal-Fluids Engineering, Rio Piedras; Roger Dougal of the University Cells, the University of South Carolina, the welcomed attendees and discussed the of South Carolina; Dave Bourell of the University of Texas, the University of North history of the Connecticut Global Fuel University of Texas at Austin; and Frano Carolina and Stanford University. Cell Center at UConn, from its founding Barbir, Ranga Pitchumani, Trent Molter, The central focus of the workshop in 2002 to its current status as the largest Wilson Chiu, Monty Shaw, Xinyu Huang, pertained to two primary challenges facing academic fuel cell center in the nation. Michael Renfro, Ken Reifsnider and Ted the fuel cell industry: Dr. Kenneth Reifsnider, director of the Bergman—all of the University of Center and Pratt & Whitney Chair Connecticut. • High cost and durability issues that Professor in Design & Reliability, then In reviewing the multiphysics science keep fuel cells from widespread informed the audience that the Center and analysis facets of fuel cells, attendees commercial application result from recently submitted a multi-institution sought a clearer understanding of physical, performance shortfalls and uncertain- proposal for establishment of a National mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electro- ties. These uncertainties can be resolved Science Foundation Engineering Research chemical behaviors that define the first- through systems-to-science design and Center (ERC) at UConn to focus on fuel principle constraints on the design and e-engineering design concepts and cell design and development. The original manufacture of fuel cells and systems. practices. white paper pre-proposal led to an Another facet of the workshop focused • Engineering practice and education have invitation to submit a full proposal. on nano/micro-structure designs for not yet integrated fuel cell science and Dr. Reifsnider introduced the general optimal functionality of fuel cell materials, technology into the mainstream; themes of the workshop and urged industri- nano- and micro-manufacturing through immersion of fuel cells into the larger al attendees to invest in the consortium additive and other methods, new materials, community of engineering will afford as a means to improve hiring, increase the new catalysts and catalysis concepts, more robust design and development. human resource base, supplement the processing and characterization. facility’s resource base, leverage federal Workshop attendees also addressed Over the course of one and one-half days, investments and influence, network, vexing issues that affect the market demand the 80 invited attendees at the May 2 and 3 and accelerate commercialization of fuel and viability of fuel cells: long-term conference heard speakers from the leading cell technology. performance, reliability, diagnostics, fuel cell companies, academia and the durability and life prediction—and assessed Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center new methods and practices for monitoring, diagnostics, interpretation and prediction.

Lei Wang Brings Microprocessor Expertise to ECE

n our last issue, we inadvertently neglected Champaign in 2001. Following graduation, it is the first microprocessor in history that has Ito profile one of our newest faculty mem- he joined Microprocessor Technology integrated more than one billion transistors on bers, Dr. Lei Wang, who joined the Electrical Laboratories, a unit of Hewlett Packard the chip. He was presented the Hewlett & Computer Company, in Fort Collins, CO. During his two- Packard Star Award in 2003. Engineering plus years with HP, he participated in the He previously worked briefly at Department in design of the first dual-core multi-threaded Microprocessor Research Laboratories, August of 2004. Itanium® Architecture Processor, a joint project Intel Corporation, in Hillsboro, OR, where he Dr. Wang was between Intel and Hewlett Packard. He led the was involved in development of high-speed awarded his Ph.D. design of the multi-threaded 128-word x 82b and noise-tolerant VLSI circuits and design from the University floating point unit (FPU) register file. This new methodologies. of Illinois at Urbana- microprocessor is recognized as a milestone as

12 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu Clever Inventions Take Storrs by Storm

hildren experience everyday life very Dr. Sergi went on to applaud the efforts of the A few of the memorable inventions included: Cdifferently from adults, so the challenges young inventors and their supporters: parents, and logistical problems they perceive in their teachers, grandparents and others who make up • Deer-Be-Gone, an invention of Meriden environment also vary. Lacking the precon- the educational “village.” He told the young 6th grader Alexia Stylianou, incorporated a ceived notions of adults, and armed with competitors that what distinguished them was pressure sensor, LED and an integrated their own set of intellectual tools, they solve their passion, combined with a willingness to circuit to produce a sound when activated, problems in unique ways unconstrained by work hard and to risk failure. A willingness to thereby deterring browsing deer. convention. Each year for the last 22 years, invent, fail and start again is key to success, • The Flat Tire Alarm, developed by scores of Connecticut schools have embarked Dr. Sergi observed, and he suggested that Norwalk 5th grader Alexandra Stonehill, on a fun-filled, creative process to design perhaps one of the young inventors in the featured a battery mounted on one wheel and build an invention that will solve a vex- audience would go on to find a cure for cancer, spoke that was attached to various wires ing problem. The invention process came to develop a new type of energy, or help linking metal contacts. When a tire has lost full flower this year on Saturday, April 30, humankind reach Mars. “When you do, you will enough pressure, the contacts touch and when the state-wide Connecticut Invention stand on the shoulders of those who came set off an alarm to warn the rider of low Convention (CIC) came to Gampel Pavilion before you,” he concluded. air pressure. for the final competition of the year, which Charlie Baumgartner, CIC President and NPI • Windsor 5th grader Amber Flagg developed attracted 700 student competitors from 88 Purchasing Program Manager at GE Consumer a Cooling Vest Pack incorporating a schools across the State. & Industrial, said “For many students, this is a blue ice pack, to keep people cool while Proving that good inventions have star child’s first experience at real-life problem mowing the lawn, gardening, biking and power, in 2004, late-night talk show host Jay solving. Participating in the CIC program sparks other outdoor activities. Leno featured three Connecticut Invention children’s imaginations to discover and solve Convention competitors from Marlborough— their own unique real-life problems. Armed with The Invention Convention begins each fall Levi French, Stephen Hawes and Britta a new self-confidence, program graduates con- when participating teachers use the CIC cur- Lower—on the August 10 airing of NBC’s tinue to use these tools successfully throughout riculum to guide their students in the problem The Tonight Show. their education, with many now targeting solving process. Students identify a perceived The 2005 event kicked off with keynote Engineering and Science careers.” problem, brainstorm possible solutions, select remarks presented by Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, Associate professor of Civil & Environmental and develop one solution, build a working President and CEO of the Connecticut Center Engineering Ramesh Malla, who also serves on model, test it and—if necessary—modify for Science & Exploration. As Connecticut’s the CIC Board of Directors and as Convention its design to make it work as intended. Commissioner of Education (1994-2003), Coordinator at UConn, commented “Judging Schools stage competitions at the local level, Dr. Sergi oversaw an annual budget of from the increased number of student partici- and winners go on to compete at the $2 billion. He opened his remarks by weaving pants and their enthusiasm statewide convention. a true story of women’s sports in America. and energy at the For more information visit He said in 1948, rules governing women’s Convention, the CIC www.ctinventionconvention.org. basketball dictated that female players must event was once again The non-profit CIC is overseen by bounce the ball twice—and only twice— a great success and volunteers and underwritten by grants before shooting or passing. This “two bounce provided an excellent and in-kind support from community, edu- rule” was rooted in the belief that women opportunity for young cational institutions, business and charitable were not coordinated enough to dribble Connecticut students to organizations. The Board of Directors includes the ball more than two consecutive times, demonstrate their innovations Charles Baumgartner (General Electric), a concept that is laughable in today’s more and intellectual minds.” Ron Lizzi (Times Corp.), William Moyer enlightened view of female athletes. The 2005 CIC hosted (Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd.), Honora The story exemplified how low expectations countless clever inventions. Kenney (RHAM Middle School), Karen Brennan can hold people back, he said. Common themes included (Marlborough Elementary), Helen Charov mailbox alert systems notifying (Xcelerix Technologies), Demetrios Giannaros residents when the mail has (Connecticut General Assembly), David Klotz arrived, systems for simplifying the (Belcan Corp.), Ramesh Malla (UConn School process of stripping off bedsheets, of Engineering), Sonya Richmond (Northeast plant-watering apparatuses for vacation- Utilities), and Marty Wood (UConn School of ers, and organizers for socks, shoes and Engineering). In addition to the School of other articles. Engineering, sustaining members include United Technologies Corporation, GE, CL&P, SBC, The Stanley Works, Connecticut Space Grant College Consortium and the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration.

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 13

Middle School Girls Sample Engineering

ow to assemble a battery using lemons Now in its 11th year, the 2005 Multiply Brooklyn Middle School, Captain Nathan Hand metal electrodes, how to design Your Options (MYO) brought middle school Hale Middle School, East Hampton Middle a chemically-powered racecar, and why girls from 15 Connecticut schools to the School, Ellington Middle School, Greater light-sensitive chemicals are used in Storrs campus for a day rich in learning Hartford Middle Schools, Hall Memorial sunscreens and other personal products opportunities. Morning workshops engaged School, Mansfield Middle School, were three subjects among 10 special the young women in activities with enticing Horace W. Porter Middle School, RHAM workshops held at the University of titles such as Shocking Lemons, What do Gack Middle School, Tolland Middle School, Connecticut’s newly renovated Student and Diapers have in Common?, Chemical Two Rivers Magnet School and Vernon Union on April 29 as part of Multiply Rainbow and Chocolate Asphalt. Though Center Middle School. Your Options. This special one-day laughter and camaraderie lightened the Female leaders who donated time program, sponsored and hosted by the atmosphere, the workshops involved solid included Rima Desai of UConn’s Molecular School of Engineering’s Engineering learning, question-and-answer sessions, Cell Biology Department; Rebecca Lussier, Diversity Program, provides young and a genuine educational experience. The Kimberly Rodriguez and Elizabeth Jordan women an opportunity to apply engineer- afternoon involved attendees in a deductive of the UConn School of Engineering; Aura ing and science principles to everyday reasoning game called “Tool Clues,” in Davila, Andrea Knorr, Rachelle Jyringi and things, with guidance from practicing which female role models offer clues about Clara Smith of the Chemical Engineering women scientists and engineers. The their occupations and the students try to Department; Danielle Watt and Dr. Martha hands-on, problem-solving format deliv- correctly deduce their careers. Morton of the Chemistry Department; ered a potent message to the 143 female This year, the MYO program was forced Kate Novick and Jen Prince of Woodard eighth-grade students who attended the to limit attendance to about half the normal & Curran; and Kimberly Ozkan of Unilever event: engineering and science are exciting number because ongoing construction of the Corporation. and rewarding careers for women. Student Union reduced available space for the event. The 15 participating schools included Adams Middle School, Ashford Middle School, Avery Middle School,

The primary purpose of Multiply Your Options, said Marty Wood, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, “is to enlighten students, with female-led hands-on projects, on how important high school mathematics and science courses are in opening so many opportunities. To be outstanding scientists, mathematicians or “engineers, students must have a passion for math and science and a ‘gatekeeper’ who enables them to experience, first-hand, the various professions open to women. Today, the School of Engineering has opened many gates!”

14 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu

Student Athlete Balances Academic and Sports Goals

s goalie for the UConn women’s Finding time to excel at both academics much more Alacrosse team, Kristen Haldeman relies and athletics demands good time manage- focused and on balance, intelligence and timing—the ment. “I use every bit of free time I have motivated.” same attributes she finds give her the criti- during the day to do work so that I can The choice cal edge as a standout student enrolled in focus on lacrosse and other things. Instead of Biomedical the competitive Biomedical Engineering of napping like many students do when Engineering for her (BME) program. they have an hour or two off, I go some- B.S. major was Ms. Haldeman, who completed her where and get my assignments done. well suited to junior year at UConn and maintains a 4.0 Because of this, I really don’t have too much Ms. Haldeman’s career GPA, chose UConn because it offered her of a problem fitting everything in.” interests, since it an ideal opportunity to pursue two loves In some ways, Ms. Haldeman sees her integrates medicine, simultaneously: academics and athletics. heavy schedule as advantageous. For one biology and engineering UConn, which for six thing, the lacrosse “family”—coaches and principles. She loved math and science consecutive years has teammates—weave a supporting fabric for throughout her pre-college days and been ranked the number her other activities. “My team is my family planned to pursue a career in a discipline one public university in at school; I had 30 best friends from the day that exploited her acumen in these areas. New England (U.S. News I stepped on campus,” she reflected. Clearly, her prowess in math and science is & World Report), also Second, like many students, she finds that a being put to good use in the demanding offers student athletes an highly prescribed schedule keeps her focused BME program. unusual opportunity to on the task immediately at hand. “When I She is spending the summer playing in play on nationally competitive sports teams. have too much free time,” she said, “I tend the lacrosse World Cup Tournament in This works to UConn’s advantage in to do less work and studying because I am Annapolis, MD for the Canadian national attracting students like Kristen, who in less motivated and procrastinate. With team. After graduation, she plans to attend 2002, as a member of the Pennsylvania lacrosse practice, or traveling for graduate school in either state championship lacrosse team, earned games, I am forced to do my biomaterials or tissue laurels as a two-time Honorable Mention work early and not leave it engineering. All-American and the Defensive MVP. “I for the last minute. I stay could tell from the start that the lacrosse team here was like a family, and this was a very important part of my decision, and the main reason I am so happy here today.”

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 15

Tom Wood Captures Civil Engineering Students AAUP Research Win Special Environmental Excellence Award Leadership Award n April, Dr. Thomas Wood, Northeast Utilities IChair in Environmental Engineering Education, n our Winter 2005 Frontiers, we pro- which was unveiled to the Committee in was named one of just two faculty members at Ifiled an ambitious plan by a team of late April. The group also sponsored an UConn to receive the American Association of Civil & Environmental Engineering April 14 Group Campus Bike Ride. University Professors students to survey the University “The most dramatic change we can (AAUP) Research community concerning bicycling habits, make on campus is not a physical one, Excellence Award. Dr. use and recommendations for making but a change in the way people see the Wood, a professor of the campus more bike-friendly. On Earth University campus,” said Mr. LaMondia. Chemical Engineering Day, April 22, it was announced the “People are beginning to recognize the with a dual appoint- team won an Environmental Leadership importance of encouraging bike use in ment in the Department Award in the Special Projects category in order to develop a thriving environment. of Molecular and Cell recognition of its contributions toward This, far more than any one physical Biology, is a research pioneer in the use of bacteria making UConn a more environmentally- change, is what will make UConn a and enzymes to combat environmental, medical aware, sustainable campus. more sustainable, inviting and vibrant and industrial wastes. The award is reserved for The team includes officers of the community in the future.” faculty whose research is national or international Institute of Transportation Engineers Associate professors of Civil & in stature and whose efforts have elevated the (ITE) student chapter: president Jeff Environmental Engineering John Ivan, impact of research throughout the university. LaMondia, secretary Eric Jackson and Associate Director of the Connecticut Dr. Wood’s research program is sustained by treasurer Craig Johnson. Last fall, Transportation Institute, and Lisa more than $1 million in current external funding. the three spearheaded collection of more Aultman-Hall, Director of the An expert in phytoremediation and enzyme than 2,100 survey responses from Connecticut Transportation Institute, engineering, he is interested in various applica- students, faculty and staff before advised the group. tions, from the use of bacteria to remove environ- presenting their results to the Building mental pollutants from soil, to modification of and Grounds Committee in January. natural biofilms to inhibit corrosion. Among his The surveys included 16 questions, long-term research projects is an investigation into some with multiple parts. Among the the genetic engineering of bacteria to remediate group’s findings were that more than such toxic solvents as tetrachloroethylene (PCE), 75% of respondents own a bike, with a compound used in dry cleaning and manufactur- over half having access to a bike at their ing operations across the globe. PCE is among the local residence. Most respondents cited most potentially toxic of pollutants found in weather as a key reason they don’t bike municipal groundwater. Another focus involves use around campus, and more than 80% of biofilms—microbes—to inhibit corrosion on considered it “very likely” they would metal surfaces. This research is of keen interest to ride a bike or ride more often if the the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), of Palo campus offered separate bike-only paths. Alto, CA and the U.S. military. Dr. Wood and the Over 90% responded that they would EPRI were awarded a U.S. patent on their tech- ride a bike or ride more often if the nique (No. 6,630,197; “Inhibition of Sulfate- paths were plowed in winter, and many Reducing-Bacteria-Mediated Degradation Using indicated that the availability of safe Bacteria Which Secrete Antimicrobials”). paths leading off campus would provide Dr. Wood has received numerous research a strong inducement to bike ridership. awards, including the Outstanding Junior Faculty The Building and Grounds Award, School of Engineering (2000); the Rogers Committee members responded favor- Outstanding Teaching Award in Chemical ably to the student presentation and Engineering, UConn (2000); and the U.S. Army requested a design proposal for inclusion Research Office Young Investigator Award (1992). in the Master Plan. Civil Engineering He has more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles students Stephanie Centofonti, Stephanie and serves on the editorial board of Applied and Mather and Mr. LaMondia developed Environmental Microbiology. Dr. Wood received his the Bike Master Plan Proposal, Ph.D. from North Carolina State University in 1991 and embarked on his academic career at the University of California, Irvine before joining the University of Connecticut. 16 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 17

I hear, and I forget I see, and I remember Middle School Students I do, and I understand Get Lesson in Fuel Cells Confucius

ince its founding in 2002, the Connecticut He then presented a more specific discussion of can be used to SGlobal Fuel Cell Center (CGFCC) at the fuel cells, electrolyzers and applications that power a remote-con- University of Connecticut has sought to enrich was augmented by a slide show. trolled car, television the science and technology education experi- Mr. Molter discussed electrolysis as a set and infrared camera displaying actual tem- ence for children in grades K-12 through various process for extracting hydrogen from water. perature gradients across the operating fuel cell. outreach activities. As the nation’s foremost Reformers are used, he explained, to remove Fourteen-year old Kenny Wallace found the research and educational center dedicated to hydrogen from hydrocarbons. He described a fuel learning experience informative. “I liked the way the cutting-edge field of fuel cells, the Center cell as an electrochemical energy converter that they were able to gather everyday substances seeks to not only acquaint young people with produces only water as a byproduct. Mr. Molter such as hydrogen to make a form of energy,” he fuel cell technology, but also to inspire future discussed current uses of fuel cells in the NASA said. “One very interesting fact I learned—that I engineers and scientists. On February 16, space program, including the fleet of space shut- thought was amazing—was how they used sim- the Center hosted nearly 50 eighth grade tles, in golf carts and utility vehicles, with devel- ple electrodes to separate the energy and the students from the Rogers Park Middle School opment efforts today centering on applications usable water…we should really be applying in Danbury, CT. in automobiles, boats and other vehicles. this idea of hydrogen fuel cells to everyday life, Led by science teacher Peter Shaker, the Following the introduction, the class split because it’s a more healthy and safer form of group reflected a blend of students enrolled into subgroups to better accommodate comple- energy that’s very easily harnessed.” in two courses: Earth Science and Introduction mentary activities conducted in several locations Mr. Shaker agreed with Kenny’s impressions. to Physical Science (IPS). His objective in bring- within the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center’s “Most of the students came away with a ing the Rogers Park group to the Fuel Cell facility. Each group participated in all activities, greater knowledge of the uses of hydrogen and Center in Storrs was to introduce them to an round-robin style. Half assembled into five a better overall understanding of energy in our alternative source of energy at a time when oil teams and engaged in hands-on assembly of world—present and future,” he said. “I was and gas dominate the U.S. energy landscape. fuel-cell powered miniature race cars. Each very pleased that the students were focused Mr. Shaker also hoped his students would learn team’s setup included a bright fluorescent lamp, during the lecture and highly engaged in the first-hand how fuel cells are created and used solar cell with electrolyzer, model car and volt- activities. The staff at the Center did an excel- by exploring them in a fundamental R&D meter. Teams assembled their miniature race lent job in preparing the activities and keeping setting, and that they would benefit from cars according to instructions developed by the students interested throughout our visit.” meeting practicing scientists. activity leader Dr. Haluk Gorgun, a post-doctoral Rogers Park Middle School was founded Mr. Shaker explained that the Earth Science fellow associated with the Center. This activity in the early 1970’s and educates more than students had been learning about Earth’s culminated in a nail-biting competition among 1,000 students in grades 6-8. The eighth grade atmosphere and how the burning of fossil fuels teams to determine which dominated the fuel- physical science students have performed affects it in the long term. The IPS students cell powered race. well in regional science fair competitions, studied chemistry for several months in advance Dr. Frano Barbir, CGFCC professor-in-resi- Mr. Shaker said. In fact, two projects from the of the visit. “Fuel cells connected to both areas dence, discussed a micro-miniature fuel cell school were entered into the Connecticut nicely,” he remarked. developed at the Center for field applications by Science Fair, with one, submitted by two female The morning’s activities kicked off with a the U.S. Army. Equipped with working samples, students, garnering the Young Woman Scientist general overview presented by Trent Molter, Dr. Barbir explained how proton exchange mem- Award. For this group of promising future research scientist and business development brane (PEM) fuel cells and solid-oxide fuel cells scientists and engineers, it’s clear that hands-on officer, who delivered an engaging lesson on function. In another nearby lab, research assis- learning is sparking excitement and enthusiasm. the basics of energy, its sources and uses. tant Jesse Hayes demonstrated how fuel cells

SoEEmeritus Jack Stephens: Driven to Improve Road Durability

r. Jack Stephens, emeritus professor of and back to Purdue, where he ultimately tional center for undergraduates studying DCivil & Environmental Engineering, earned both his M.S. (1955) and Ph.D. bituminous concrete. maintains a busy schedule that would (1959) degrees. It was during his graduate With a goal toward improving the dura- challenge the stamina of a 20-year old. years that he first kindled his appetite for bility of roadways, Dr. Stephens and his At a time when many in his peer group pavement design which, he remarked, colleagues are hard at work developing spend their days pursuing recreational should be “locality oriented” to account composite asphalts that incorporate recycled activities, he remains active as Senior for climate, native materials and traffic asphalt, bituminous binders, manufactured Research Advisor of the Connecticut characteristics. sand and course aggregate. Recycling old Advanced Pavement Lab associated with After joining the faculty of the Civil pavement material, Dr. Stephens explained, the Connecticut Transportation Institute. Engineering Department at UConn in eliminates the problem of disposal and per- He formally retired in 1989 and has 1950, he soon became involved in state and mits the state to save petroleum. Along the remained vital and productive in the regional transportation issues. Together with way, the team has experimented with some 16 years since. Edward Gant, whose expertise lay in struc- unexpected materials, including cornmeal, Dr. Stephens was initiated into the joys tures and mechanics, he was instrumental in sawdust, and even powdered paper. of the highway as a child, riding as a pas- the 1962 Connecticut State Legislature’s One career highlight involves his work senger with his father through the nation’s creation of a continuing Joint Highway in development of an additive to reduce heartland. The elder Stephens was a main- Research Project between the Connecticut corrosion of reinforcing in concrete. tenance manager for the Lubright Division Department of Transportation and UConn. With funding from the Federal Highway of Mobil Oil, and his job entailed 100,000 He also founded the Connecticut Administration, Dr. Stephens pioneered use miles of driving every 11 months, accord- Transportation Institute (CTI), the of a new anticorrosive additive. Later, work- ing to Dr. Stephens. It’s a safe bet that Connecticut Technology Transfer Center ing with professor Gregory Frantz, he pro- today’s national highways bear little resem- (CTTC) and the Connecticut Advanced duced findings that were corroborated by blance to those of Dr. Stephens’ childhood. Pavement Lab (CAP Lab)—all located at teams at the University of Massachusetts, Like many of his generation, the University’s Depot Campus. In addi- Amherst. Today, 10 states are conducting Dr. Stephens’ aspirations for college took a tion, Dr. Stephens was an original member field tests of the material developed by back seat to World War II. During the war, of the Board of Directors, and remains Drs. Stephens and Frantz, disodium he served in the infantry as a member of on the Board, of the New England tetrapropenyl succinate (DSS), which Dr. General Patton’s famed Third Army as it Transportation Technician Certification Stephens deems “the best anticorrosion marched from Wiesbaden, Germany to Program. Dr. Stephens continues to write additive I’ve seen in 60 years of working Linz, Austria. After completing his military research proposals, oversee technical work, with construction materials.” service, Dr. Stephens earned his B.S. in assist in project reports and serve as a Dr. Stephens has received numerous Civil Engineering at UConn in 1947. member of various panels and committees. plaudits, including fellowships to the In addition to securing his degree, he also In addition to countless research contribu- Automobile Safety Foundation and Asphalt married his wife of 57 years, the former tions, Dr. Stephens’ career has also entailed Institute; a teaching excellence certificate Virginia Ives, whom he met while she was a some administrative service: from 1965-72, from the Western Electric Fund; the student secretary to Engineering Dean John he served as Head of Civil Engineering. Connecticut Section/American Society of Lampe. The couple has two sons, both civil Dr. Stephens spends substantial time as Civil Engineers Benjamin Wright Award; engineers, and two daughters. a research specialist at the CAP lab, which and at the University of Connecticut, the Dr. Stephens began his engineering serves the Northeastern U.S. in implement- Alumni Association Distinguished Public career with the Connecticut Department of ing SuperPave. SuperPave is the acronym for Service Award and the Engineering Alumni Transportation, where he built bridges. Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements, Award. He is listed in The Marquis Who’s He then embarked on a decidedly which arose from a $50 million research Who publication Who’s Who in Science and circuitous route toward earning his master’s effort by the Federal Strategic Highway Engineering (2005-2006). and doctoral degrees, which took him from Research Program to develop new ways to Yale University to Purdue University, then specify, test and design asphalt materials. the University of California at Berkeley, The lab continues to design and test new SuperPave mixes, and serves as an educa-

18 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu

“Patently Female“ Lecture Highlights Women Inventors “ The world cannot afford the loss of the talents of half its people if we are to solve the many problems that beset us.” Rosalyn Sussman Yalow

he contributions of women inventors Greg Ptacek began a dogged investigation supporting children. African American Tin our society traditionally have been that culminated in publication of Mothers of women were prominent among the long ignored throughout history or, worse, Invention and continues to this day. line of clever women who converted ideas attributed to men. Yet women have been At the podium, Ms. Vare opened a to patented products and profits. Ms. Vare responsible for countless time- and labor- brown paper sack and extracted a variety of noted that, while women were credited with saving devices that have utterly altered women’s inventions, including items such as launching fewer inventions than men, on our lives. On April 6, 2005 the School of Liquid Paper, invented by Bette Nesmith average they made more money from their Engineering joined with the University Graham, mother of Michael Nesmith of the patents than did men. Some became of Connecticut Women’s Center to bring 1960s pop group The Monkees; a cell phone, wealthy women. Ethlie Ann Vare, co-author of several whose core technology involves frequency Two—Nobel laureate Gertrude Belle books, including Mothers of Invention: hopping, invented by Hollywood screen Elion, who invented leukemia-fighting From the Bra to the Bomb, Forgotten Women beauty Hedy Lamarr; and a disposable drugs, beta blockers and countless other and their Unforgettable Ideas and Patently diaper (invented by Marion Donovan). pharmaceutical remedies, and Stephanie Female—From AZT to TV Dinners, Stories The bag itself, she revealed, was the product Kwolek, who invented Kevlar®—were of Women Inventors and Their Breakthrough of an ingenious folding/gluing machine among the first women inducted into the Ideas, to campus for a humorous whirlwind invented by Margaret Knight, which she National Inventors Hall of Fame. Ms. Vare review of the enormous—nearly unsung— sold in 1871 for $2,500. expressed great admiration for the accom- contributions made by female inventors. As she described the circumstances plishments of women inventors, returning Ms. Vare, who is a successful television under which these women conceived their several times to the memorable quote by writer and producer, punctuated her novel ideas, Ms. Vare peppered her dialogue Rosalyn Sussman Yalow, a medical physicist remarks with quips and subtle irony with slide photos of the women inventors and Nobel laureate who, with co-inventor as she touched upon some of the women and their inventions or patent drawings. Dr. Solomon Berson, developed radioim- who have changed the world. A common thread in the lives of women munoassay, a technique for detecting and Ms. Vare’s talk unveiled the “hidden” inventors was that many were widows quantifying trace amounts of diseases. women behind familiar products, discover- ies and inventions, demonstrating that women have been inventing Women Inventors: Changing the World and discovering since the beginning of time, from mundane but useful things Products invented or co-invented Microelectrode: Ida Henrietta Hyde like drip coffee and the by women include: Ironing board: Sarah Boone (one of the windshield wiper to first African American women to transformative inven- Astrolabe: Hypatia of Alexandria receive a U.S. patent) tions like COBOL Automatic dishwasher: Josephine Cochran Nystatin antifungal antibiotic: computer language Chocolate chip cookies: Rachel Fuller Brown and and the cellular Ruth Graves Wakefield Elizabeth Lee Hazen phone. When she COBOL: Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper Protease inhibitors Disposable cell phone: began researching Invirase (saquinavir): Sally Redshaw Randice-Lisa “Randi” Altschul her first book, Crixivan (indinavir): M. Katharine Drip coffeemaker: Melitta Bentz Ms. Vare said, Holloway and Rhonda B. Levin Frequency hopping (spread spectrum): ScotchgardTM: Patsy Sherman she found Hedy Lamarr Spic & Span®: Elizabeth McDonald virtually no Intravenous catheter shield (IV): Vacuum canning: Amanda Jones mention in the Betty Rozier and Lisa Vallino Windshield wipers: Mary Anderson published litera- Kevlar®: Stephanie Kwolek ture of women Zovirax® anti-Herpes drug: Method of weaving straw with silk: Mary Gertrude Belle Elion (Nobel laureate) inventors, Kies (first woman issued a U.S. patent) so she and co-author

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 19

FacultyNews

Pamir Alpay, assistant professor tracking algorithm for a torpedo tracking a target Mountain Bioengineering Symposium President’s of Materials Science & Engineering, during an attack. Award for his contributions to the organization, co-authored a text with Joseph which include positions as president (1990-’94) Mantese of Delphi Research Distinguished professor-in-resi- and conference chair (1988, 1993). Laboratories, entitled Graded dence of Mechanical Engineering, In April 2005, the second edition of the Ferroelectrics, Transpacitors, David "Ed" Crow, serves on a textbook authored by Dr. Enderle, S. Blanchard and Transponents, as part National Research Council and J.D. Bronzino, Introduction to Biomedical of the Springer Verlag committee charged with reviewing the Engineering was published by Elsevier. Multifunctional Thin Film U.S. Department of Defense's Aerospace Materials Series. The Propulsion Plan from now to 2020. The com- Associate professor of Chemical 158-page book was mittee’s first and second reports are Engineering Can Erkey was elected published in 2005. expected in December 2005 and June 2006, to the Editorial Board of the Journal respectively. of Supercritical Fluids. In February, Lisa Aultman-Hall, associate professor of Civil & Professor John DeWolf, Civil & Dean of Engineering and United Environmental Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Technologies Endowed Chair Director of the Connecticut is co-author of the fourth edition Professor in Thermal-Fluids Transportation Institute, was appointed for a of Mechanics of Materials, to be Engineering Amir Faghri three-year term to the Safety Data, Analysis distributed in fall 2005 by McGraw-Hill. His presented an invited lecture as part of Cornell and Evaluation Committee of the Transportation co-authors are the late Ferdinand P. Beer and E. University’s distinguished “University Lecture” Research Board (TRB). The mission of the Russell Johnston, Jr. In addition, Dr. DeWolf series. His April 5 lecture was entitled, “Issues Transportation Research Board—one of six major was presented the 2004-05 Educator Career and Challenges of Heat Pipes in Fuel Cells for divisions of the National Research Council—is to Enhancement Award from the American Institute Advanced Energy Systems.” The lecture series promote innovation and progress in transportation of Steel Construction for his incorporation of is Cornell’s oldest and most distinguished through research. writing assignments into steel design courses. forum for bringing world-class scholars to He anticipates the work will provide other educa- campus to discuss their research. Professor of Electrical & Computer tors with the materials needed to “introduce Engineering Rajeev Bansal edited written assignments with back-of-an-envelope Professor and former Head of a text, the Handbook of Engineering calculations into their courses.” Chemical Engineering Joseph Electromagnetics, which was pub- Helble accepted a position as Dean lished in 2004 by Marcel Dekker. The 720-page Associate professor of Electrical & of the Thayer School of Engineering book demonstrates the application of electromag- Computer Engineering Eric Donkor at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. netic principles to the formulation and solution was elected one of just 41 new of modern engineering problems, and it includes Fellows of SPIE – the International Board of Trustees Distinguished an overview of existing modern electromagnetic Society for Optical Engineering. Dr. Donkor was Professor of Electrical & Computer theory, electromagnetic applications, and emerg- lauded for contributions that “advanced both Engineering Bahram Javidi was ing interest areas. technology and acquisition of communications named the 2005 recipient of the and surveillance systems required for defense.” Dennis H. Gabor Award, presented by SPIE – the In May, Yaakov Bar-Shalom, the International Society for Optical Engineering. Marianne E. Klewin Professor in John Enderle, professor of The award is presented annually in recognition of Engineering and Board of Trustees Electrical & Computer Engineering outstanding accomplishments in diffractive wave- Distinguished Professor, delivered an and Director of the undergraduate front technologies, with particular emphasis on invited lecture to the Turkish Army on the subject Biomedical Engineering Program, holographic applications. Named after the Nobel of Multitarget Tracking and Multisensor Data was selected an IEEE Engineering in Medicine Laureate Dennis H. Gabor, who invented hologra- Fusion as part of a NATO Research & Technology and Biology Society (EMBS) Distinguished phy, it is the most prestigious award in this field. lecture series. Lecturer. Candidates are selected based on their Dr. Javidi was selected based on his seminal research excellence and skill in presentation contributions in the areas of optical information Doctoral student Wayne Blanding, who is delivery. Dr. Enderle joined the Editorial Advisory systems, electro-optical security systems, digital advised by professors Yaakov Bar-Shalom Board of the International Journal of Neural holographic systems and 3-D display. and Peter Willett of Electrical & Computer System, published by World Scientific. In addi- Engineering, won a best paper award at the 2004 tion, Dr. Enderle was elected an inaugural Fellow In April, Peter Luh, SNET Professor Office of Naval Research University Laboratory of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) for of Communications and Information Initiative program in May. He was honored for his his exceptional contributions to biomedical engi- Technologies, received the IEEE technical presentation of a new stealthy target neering. In April, Dr. Enderle received the Rocky Robotics and Automation Society

20 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu

Faculty News continued from page 20 Award in recognition of his contributions as Professor of Mechanical Engineering issues and technological advances of importance Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Robotics Nejat Olgac was named Chair of to Connecticut’s citizenry and economy, and they and Automation for the period from June 1999 to the Executive Committee of ASME provide objective, expert advice on scientific- and August 2003. Dynamic Systems and Control technology-related issues to state government Division in June 2005. During his 12-month term, and other Connecticut institutions. Former Interim Provost and professor he will oversee the publications, conferences, of Computer Science & Engineering meetings, membership and budgetary activities Lei Wang, assistant professor of Fred Maryanski left UConn in of the 2000-member DSC division. Electrical & Computer Engineering, February to become President of was awarded a patent for his Nevada State College, Henderson, NV. He is a Three faculty members were elected “Circuit and Method for Improving UConn alumnus who earned his Ph.D. in computer to the Connecticut Academy of Noise Tolerance in Multi-Threaded Memory science in 1974 and joined the faculty in 1983. Science & Engineering (CASE) in the Circuits,” U.S. Patent number 6,850,093, Dr. Maryanski served as the first Head of the spring: Dani Or, Northeast Utilities issued February 1, 2005. Computer Science & Engineering Department Foundation Chair Professor of after its establishment in 1986 and later moved Environmental Engineering, and Assistant professor of Electrical & to the Provost’s office in 1989. As a senior Sanguthevar Rajasekaran, Computer Engineering Shengli member of UConn’s administration for 15 years, UTC Professor of Computer Science Zhou was named an associate he oversaw academic budgeting and the regional & Engineering, and Robert Editor for IEEE Transactions on campuses and—at various times—was responsi- Magnusson, Head of Electrical & Wireless Communications in February 2005. ble for Undergraduate Education, the Registrar’s Computer Engineering. CASE is a Office, the Women’s Center, the Center for private, nonprofit, public-service Instructional Media and Technology, the Office of institution patterned after the National Academy Institutional Research, and other major activities, of Sciences that comprises 200 distinguished such as enhancing the University’s technology scientists and engineers form Connecticut’s infrastructure. He served as Interim Provost on academic, industrial and institutional communi- two occasions. ties. As a group, members identify and study

ITE Sculpture Dedicated

estled within the verdant green behind to the function of the new building because Nthe Information Technologies dove towers, and doves in general, were an Engineering (ITE) and School of Business early way of sending information over a buildings is a provocative sculpture by long distance…While the pyramid offers a famed Israeli sculptor Ilan Averbuch called quiet and contemplative place to rest in, “The Dove Tower and Steps to the bottom the tower unsettles us. Since the entire of a Pyramid.” On April 20th, Mr. Averbuch complex is leaning slightly, it creates a formally presented the sculpture during a physicality at an odd position which makes dedication ceremony. us aware of our own bodies and the force The 110,000 sq. ft. ITE Building, con- of gravity that connects us to the earth.” structed at a cost of $34 million in UConn Mr. Averbuch has completed 16 2000 bond money, houses the departments public art commissions worldwide and of Computer Science & Engineering and has received the Mid-Atlantic Art Award Electrical & Computer Engineering. Mr. (1991), the D.A.A.D. Award (Berlin, Averbuch considered the educational focus 1985-86), and the Rhodes Family Award within the ITE Building in developing his for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Art, concept. He describes his vision: presented by the School of Visual Arts, “One of my goals with this project New York (1982). He earned his MFA is to counterbalance the technological from Hunter College, NY and has taught world of the students of the Information both at the School of Visual Art, New York Technologies Engineering Building and the University of New York at Stony with a world of imagination and fantasy. Brook. The tower makes a historical connection www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 21

22 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu Students Shine at Design Expo

t the most basic level, engineers are weight scale that incorporates a ramp design problem, conceive alternate solutions, design Ainnovators: people who approach a and remote reader to report weight, and a and refine one device or method, construct a problem from an analytical viewpoint, assess wireless reflectance pulse oximeter for working prototype, and provide the sponsoring variables and how they interact, design possi- detection of the onset of Sudden Infant company regular reports as well as a working ble solutions, select materials and construct Death Syndrome. prototype. Throughout the process, students prototypes. A controlled, condensed version The expo drew large numbers of visitors apply the core concepts they learned in the of this process consumes senior engineering from industry and the university, as well as classroom to an actual design project. students each year as they tackle the culmi- parents eager to see the culminating projects Three Mechanical Engineering teams nating test of their undergraduate years in of their graduating offspring. Each year, were awarded top honors by external judges. engineering: the senior design experience. students in several engineering departments The team of Robert Abel, Eric Landry and Eric On Friday, April 29, senior students in engage in two-semester capstone major Loos, who produced a soldier cooling sys- Mechanical Engineering participated in the design courses that provide hands-on learning tem—evaporative heat sink for Hamilton Senior Design Expo, discussing their projects with teams of judges as well as fellow The design experience involves teamwork and students, faculty, manufacturing representa- cooperation among team members, a participating tives and proud parents. The demonstrations took place in the Engineering II building corporate consultant, and faculty advisors, affording and included 21 teams of students—with students a unique learning opportunity to thoroughly one interdisciplinary team of seniors in examine and solve genuine manufacturing problems Mechanical Engineering and Electrical & “ Computer Engineering. or ergonomic challenges. In parallel, the Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Department held its Senior trials and expose them to the challenges and Sundstrand, captured first place honors and a Design Day demonstrations in the Information satisfactions of solving real-world dilemmas $1,500 award. The team, with advice from Technologies Engineering (ITE) Building, from the problem definition stage to prototype Hamilton Sundstrand engineers Ed Hodgson with demonstrations and oral presentations of development. The major design experience and Mark Biamonte, developed a heat sink- nine projects, some interdisciplinary in nature. usually begins in the fall, when seniors are ”based cooling system that could be used in The Biomedical Engineering program also given an array of potential design projects from combination with special evaporative fabric in participated, with four teams demonstrating which to choose. The design experience clothing to help cool soldiers operating in hot, their projects in the Bronwell Building. involves teamwork and cooperation among desert combat conditions. The second-place Among the ECE design projects demon- team members, a participating corporate $1,000 award went to the team of Scott strated were a photovoltaic power interface, consultant, and faculty advisors, affording Boulanger, Tim Russell and Matt Capozzi fire fighting robots, an engine data logger and students a unique learning opportunity to (corporate advisor: Marty Hardesty), who a landmine detector. BME projects included a thoroughly examine and solve genuine manu- developed an improved elevator rail system small volume viscometer developed for the facturing problems or ergonomic challenges. under sponsorship of Otis Elevator. The team pharmaceutical industry that could produce In the case of sponsored projects, teams designed and built a new roller guide and significant cost savings, an accessible syringe work closely with the company, which guide assembly, and recommended two dosing device intended to ensure accurate provides the financial support and the design alternate, more environmentally friendly and filling of a medical syringe, an accessible challenge. In exchange, students research the cost-effective films that—taken as a whole— would yield significant cost, labor and perform- ance savings for the company. Capturing third place and a $500 award were Justin Billard, Mikhail Frank and Mary Ann Chesery, who developed a compact eddy damper for ASML, a lithography machine manufacturer. With ASML engineer Steve Roux advising them, the team developed a damping unit that keeps damping to 2%, requires no active feedback and ensures precise manufacture of integrated circuits. In the Electrical & Computer Engineering expo, four teams captured prizes. First prize was awarded to the team of Altin Dabulla,

Continued on page 24

www.engr.uconn.edu SUMMER 2005 FRONTIERS 23 AlumniNews

Robert Agnes (B.S. Electrical Engineering, ‘83) John Goehrke (B.S. Electrical Engineering, E. Harry Law (Ph.D. Applied Mechanics, ‘71) is is Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales and ‘80) recently was appointed CEO of Luna the Alumni Distinguished Professor in the Operations, Tektronix, a $2 billion publicly-trad- Technologies, a high technology optics Department of Mechanical Engineering at ed company. He is responsible for developing company located in Blacksburg, VA. Clemson University. Dr. Law built his 30-year the company’s integrated strategy in China and academic career at Clemson as a researcher managing day-to-day operations in the Asia George Graeber (B.S. Electrical Engineering, specializing in vehicle system dynamics, Pacific Region. ‘68) served on the leadership integration team control and vibration. During his career, for the merger of Belden and CDT corporations. he focused on railway vehicle dynamics. Robert M. Beinstein (B.S. Civil & BeldenCDT is a $1 billion publicly-traded Environmental Engineering, ’98) P.E., is the company. Prior to the merger, Mr. Graeber was Matthew J. Micci (B.S. Electrical Engineering, Business Development Area Lead for federal President and Chief Operating Officer of CDT. ’87) is Vice President of Sales for Gallium clients in New England at CH2M HILL, a global Arsenide Products at Kopin Corporation, engineering, procurement and construction firm With sadness, the School of Engineering a manufacturer of advanced semiconductor serving clients on six continents. reports that alumnus David Beecher Hahn, materials and flat panel displays headquartered (B.S. Electrical Engineering, ‘49) passed away in Taunton, MA. David Brajczewski (B.S. Electrical January 22 in Pagosa Springs, CO. Mr. Hahn Engineering, ’82) is Vice President, Research was an Army veteran of World War II who also Reid Mitchell (B.S. Civil Engineering, ‘76) is & Development for Excel Switching in served in the Army Corps of Engineers during project quality control manager of construction Hyannis, MA. the reconstruction of Germany. Mr. Hahn for M.A. Mortenson, which is building a enjoyed a successful career as a civil engineer Submarine Escape Training Facility at the William H. Brewster, Jr. (B.S. Mechanical specializing in the design of public water U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton, CT. Engineering, ‘86) is Vice President of Marketing systems primarily in Dallas and Denver. for Konica Minolta. He holds eight U.S. patents. John Schneiter (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, John H. Jacko, Jr. (B.S. Civil Engineering, ‘80) ‘78) Ph.D., is co-founder, spokesperson, and A. Graham Curtis (B.S., M.S. Civil was appointed Vice President, Marketing and President of GlobalSpec in Troy, NY, a privately- Engineering, ’82, ‘90), P.E., has Customer Management for Flowserve owned specialized online resource for engineer- been named Executive Vice Corporation, a $2 billion publicly-traded ing with more than one million registered President of Diversified Technology company. He previously was Vice President of users. Dr. Schneiter, who holds 14 U.S. patents, Consultants (DTC), North Haven, CT. He is Customer and Product Support for a $5 billion previously was with the General Electric responsible for all technical engineering division of Honeywell, and Vice President of Research Center in Schenectady, NY. functions at the North Haven headquarters Sales and Service at a $1.5 billion division of as well as the New London, Stamford and AlliedSignal Aerospace. Kumares C. Sinha (M.S., Ph.D. Civil Springfield, MA offices. Engineering, ’66, ’68) has been named an Gary Johnson (M.S. Civil Engineering, ‘86) Honorary Member of the American Society of Scott Demsey (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, a senior environmental engineer with the Civil Engineers. Dr. Sinha is the Edgar B. & ’89) is General Manager of Demsey Connecticut Department of Environmental Hedwig M. Olson Distinguished Professor Civil Manufacturing in Watertown, CT, which Protection (DEP), received one of just 25 Engineering at Purdue University and a 2004 provides precision engineered deep drawn McGraw Hill Engineering News Record inductee into the UConn Academy of metal stamping. “Newsmakers Awards” for his contributions in Distinguished Engineers. crafting a nitrogen credit trading program for Michael R. Douglass (B.S. Electrical the state’s 79 wastewater treatment plants to Edward J. Sondik (B.S., M.S. Electrical Engineering, ‘79) is a Distinguished Member curb harmful nitrogen discharge into Long Engineering; ’63, ‘65), Ph.D. is Director of the of the Technical Staff at Texas Instruments, Island Sound. In 2002, the program removed 2.8 National Center for Health Statistics, one of the a $50 billion corporation. Mr. Douglass led million pounds of nitrogen from effluent Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, locat- the team responsible for developing the streams. ed in Hyattsville, MD. Earlier in his career, Dr. digital mirror devices used in large screen, Sondik served on the faculty in the Department high definition television. Brendan Kennedy (B.S. Electrical Engineering, of Engineering-Economic Systems at Stanford ’87) is an intellectual property attorney with University, Palo Alto, CA. Noelle (Alban) Fitzgerald (B.S. Chemical Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin and Lebovici Engineering, ’90) is Associate Director of LLP of Boston. David Stockwell (M.S., Ph.D. Chemical Beauty Technology with Procter & Gamble, Engineering, ‘84, ‘87) is Research Associate for Cincinnati. Alfred N. Kovalik (B.S. Civil Engineering, ‘92) Engelhard Corporation, a $4 billion publicly- P.E., was named Senior Associate at Leggette, traded company. He recently received the first- Andrew R. Gere (B.S. Civil Engineering, ’92) Brashears & Graham, Inc., a ground water and ever Engelhard Technology Excellence Award. P.E., is manager of water quality and operations environmental engineering firm in Trumbull, CT. Continued on page 24 for San Jose Water Company, San Jose, CA.

24 FRONTIERS SUMMER 2005 www.engr.uconn.edu

Design Expo continued from page 22 Alumni News continued from page 23 Richard Liang and Luis Cruz for their fire adjustable preload and cyclic rate and pneu- Russell St. John (B.S. Mechanical Engineering fighting robot, which successfully maneu- matic compression, for Rogers Corporation. and Materials Science, ‘80), P.E., was appointed vered through a maze to locate and Sponsoring organizations for the 2005 senior vice president for marketing and product extinguish a candle in a short time. Second senior design projects in the Mechanical deployment at Katun Corporation, Minneapolis. place honors went to the interdisciplinary Engineering and Electrical & Computer He is responsible for development of corporate team of William Donat (EE), Stephen Engineering departments, and in the strategy and leads product development, supply Gendreau (EE) and Calvin Zulick (Engineering Biomedical Engineering program, included chain, quality and marketing with a staff of 200 Physics), who developed an Ethernet trans- Pratt & Whitney, Pitney Bowes, Rogers at three global locations. ceiver using two physical channels for use in Corporation, Hamilton Sundstrand, Gerber telecommunications. Two interdisciplinary Technology, Electric Boat, The Siemon Karl R. Wurst (M.S., Ph.D. Computer Science, teams shared third prize: the team of Michael Company, Carlyle Johnson, Westinghouse, ’91, ’04) was granted tenure and promotion to Kieslich (Computer Engineering), Stephen Proton Energy Systems, U.S. Surgical, associate professor of computer science, and Gendreau (EE) and Volkan Konuralp (EE), Unilever, Otis Elevator, PVTT, OSIM, ASML, was named Chair of the Computer Science who developed a data logger that will yield Gerber Scientific, Timken, United Department at Worcester State College. improved tuning accuracy in combustion Technologies Fuel Cells, Mr. Paul Konz engines; and the team of Brian Pile (EE), and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Stephen E. Yates (B.S. Chemical Engineering, Samuel Yuspeh (EE), Andrew Chemistruck Center (RERC) on Accessible Medical ’83) received the 2004 Green Circle Award from (Computer Engineering/EE), and Mechanical Instrumentation. Details of senior design proj- the Connecticut Department of Environmental Engineers Li Chen, Phillip DeMello and ects may be found on departmental websites, Protection in recognition of his contributions to Anthony Guarnier—who developed an accessed from www.engr.uconn.edu. the Connecticut Climate Change Initiative. He is elastomer durability tester, which features an the air compliance manager for the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority.

Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Permit 3 Storrs, CT 06269 261 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2237 Storrs, CT 06269-2237