HOWARD R. HUGHES COLLEGE OF UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS

SUMMER 2006 Professor Researches at UNLV

sheet of paper is about 100,000 duplicating capabilities available A nanometers thick. One nanometer elsewhere. is one billionth of a meter. At such scales, “We have limited resources, and to be more electrical optical properties are able to compete with more established available than bulk matter. But it’s the universities such as Purdue and UCLA, minute scale of this measurement that we need to define our niche area and makes nanotechnology destined for big become the best in that,” Das says. impact on the future. To expand his group’s research The field of nanotechnology deals base, he established access to the with the understanding and control of national nanotechnology user facility at matter at dimensions of roughly one to University of California, Santa Barbara. 100 nanometers. It’s projected that in From the beginning, Das has emphasized the next 10 years, $1 trillion worth of commercial manufacturability as a prime products worldwide will be affected by research focus. nanotechnology. To benefit from this According to Das, “Commercial new industrial revolution, universities manufacturability is a big challenge and research organizations worldwide in nanotechnology. For commercial have been making significant investment manufacturability, the fabrication in nanotechnology research. UNLV is techniques used for nanotechnology not left behind in this important field. have to be compatible with the silicon During the past two years, Biswajit “BJ” integrated circuit industry, and most of Das, Ph.D. has spearheaded the effort the current techniques are not.” to develop a world-class program in Professor Biswjit “BJ” Das researches So, Das and his team set out to nanotechnology to ensure that UNLV nanotechnology at UNLV. develop new fabrication techniques and Nevada will be part of this industrial that are compatible with the silicon revolution. Das, who joined UNLV in contribution in development and integrated circuit industry with 2003, is an eminent researcher in the field growth of the nanotechnology program custom-built equipment developed by of nanotechnology and is internationally at UNLV,” he says. “Ruby had prior Das. One such example is the UNLV renowned as co-inventor of ‘Datta-Das,’ a experience with large scale project nanodeposition system. This highly transistor, and for pioneering the field of management, and it is very fortunate flexible equipment provides the ability spintronics. that she decided to step in. She is to create complex, multi-layered Since joining UNLV in 2003, extremely instrumental in developing the structures of nanoparticles of a variety of Das has developed an elite research nanotechnology research program.” materials and multiple layers of metals, program in the field of nanotechnology. The program has attracted national semiconductors, and insulators. Using By leveraging research funding and and international attention. The this equipment, they have recently made corporate donations, he has been nanotechnology research group has made a major nanotechnology breakthrough, able to establish a state-of-the-art new discoveries and expects to continue for which they are currently working on nanofabrication facility at UNLV. to do so in the future. From the very a patent. Although he admits it’s been hard work, beginning, Das’ philosophy has been to Das’ research group is working on a fortunately, he’s had a partner in his wife, acquire only the necessary equipment number of device applications, including Ruby, who has worked diligently with and a number of unique capabilities that quantum, dot-based light emitting him to develop the program. would form the core nanotechnology diodes that will be more efficient than “I cannot emphasize enough Ruby’s infrastructure at UNLV, and avoid continued on page 13

HOWARD R. HUGHES COLLEGE OF

For more information about supporting the college, contact Caleen Norrod Johnson at (702) 895-2913 or visit the web at www.egr.unlv.edu Message from the Dean

uch interest has been generated by a area which encompasses the majority of job Mreport from the National Academies of growth in the engineering field and is also an Science and Engineering entitled “Rising Above interdisciplinary program, which broadens the the Gathering Storm.” The report paints a scope of a traditional engineering education. troubled portrait of the economic future of the Our newest thrust is in entrepreneurship, United States due in large measure to the lack which has received a tremendous boost thanks to of students pursuing careers in engineering and the generous donation of Robert L. Mendenhall the sciences. President Bush picked up on the of Las Vegas Paving Corporation. This program same theme in his latest State of the Union seeks to expose students to all critical aspects of Address. An identical message was delivered at launching a product and even their own business. a recent dean’s council meeting in Washington, This program will expand our previous efforts in D.C. The recommendations seem to sidestep entrepreneurship and design. If we are successful, the major issue of why our best and brightest the next Bill Gates may well come from our College of students are not pursuing careers in engineering college. Each of these new ambitions is designed and computer science. Furthermore, one wonders to make our engineering education more relevant Engineering Dean why such a large percentage of those enrolling in to the student as well as to the employers of our Eric Sandgren engineering and science switch majors to non- students. The goal is to produce technically engineering/science fields. competent students with communication, The problem centers around the fact that teamwork, business, and creative skills. This science and engineering are not a part of the background will help our profession sustain the popular culture. We must make engineering economic growth we have come to expect. and computer science education more exciting As for trying to move engineering and science and weave high tech career fields back into the into the popular culture of our youth, we are popular culture and imaginations of our youth. involved in several far-reaching community The world has moved on, and engineering and initiates. The college has stepped up to host computer science education must move on as well the 2007 Las Vegas Regional FIRST if we are to be successful as a profession and as a Competition which will bring more than 1,100 nation. high school students onto campus for the third In the Howard R. Hughes College of year. FIRST is a national program which seeks to Engineering we are looking for ways to make encourage teams of students to become engaged engineering and science careers more exciting in science and engineering through the design and attractive to our potential students. Through and fabrication of a robot that competes against collaboration with other colleges at UNLV such other teams in a large, open venue much like a as business, fine arts, and hotel management, we national sporting event. Additionally, the college are starting to make some visible progress. is heavily involved in the LEGO® League, similar We are implementing a number of new in concept to FIRST but aimed at students at the programs in order to rekindle interest in junior high school level. technical careers. The most publicized program is Lastly, one new thrust is in the infancy stage entertainment engineering. A new undergraduate of development, but seeks to move engineering curriculum has been developed and will be into the public perception, much like Patricia sent forward for approval in the near future. A Cornwell and CSI (created by a UNLV graduate) minor in entertainment engineering is already did for forensic science. This is a cooperative available. When viewed from the entertainment venture with the colleges of fine and liberal arts side, engineering becomes a creative and exciting and hopefully will represent a groundbreaking career choice. This program is offered in close national effort. More on this venture will appear cooperation with the College of Fine Arts. It in future messages so stay tuned. So while the seeks not only to interest those students who focus on the lack of students entering engineering might enroll in a traditional engineering program, is now a big national story, it is one in which but more importantly, those who would not have the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering considered an engineering program at all. has been working on for quite some time. Just A new program, the School of Informatics, another instance of being ahead of the curve. was recently approved and focuses on the We hope you enjoy reading all about the new applied side of computer science with emphasis programs and initiates currently happening in the on entertainment and security. This is the college. Thank you for your continued support.

 Recent Board of Regents Approvals

UNLV School of Informatics new multidisciplinary school within the College of resources,” Berghel said. AEngineering was approved at the January NSHE Board of Berghel, who will oversee the program through its initial Regents meeting. stages, anticipates rapid undergraduate growth, much like Indiana The School of Informatics will launch its master’s and University’s School of Informatics, which grew from no majors in doctoral programs next fall and the bachelor’s program in 2007. 2000 to 1,500 in 2005. Industry leaders participated in the model The school is in the process of hiring new faculty and reviewing curriculum development, Berghel explains, so the program is graduate applications. “This is a busy time,” Associate Dean set up to transition students into the workforce as smoothly and of the College of Engineering Hal Berghel reports. “Regent effortlessly as possible. Students of the program must complete approval came in the middle of a fiscal year so we’re trying to an internship with a local business, agency, or organization to build whatever momentum we can while waiting for next year’s fulfill the graduation requirements, giving the students real-world resources. But then, if this were easy, anyone could do it.” experience and marketability. Upon entering the program, majors must declare a “cognate Berghel was a founding member of the Computing area” of interest in which they select multiple disciplines. For Research Association’s Workshop on Information Technology example, one student might select fine arts, humanities, the and conducted their surveys on the evolution of information sciences, or engineering. Hotel administration and security technology schools from 1999-2004. These results are represent the most popular areas of interest so far among summarized in his article “A Paradigm Shift in Computing and students. As a result, these concentrations will be developed first. IT Education,” which was one of the first major publications to The initiation of the undergraduate program has been delayed document this shift. because of the higher resource demands. “With fewer students at Further information may be obtained at www.informatics. the graduate level, we’re able to start a quality program with fewer unlv.edu.

Center for Information and HOWARD R. HUGHES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Communication Technology (CICT) ADVISORY BOARD Clark McCarrell, Chair, Nevada Power Company he Center for Information and Communication Todd Kenner, Vice-Chair, PBS&J Engineering TTechnology (CICT), directed by Shahram Latifi, Ph.D., Jim Bell, City of North Las Vegas Public Works will serve the common interests of the academic and business Calvin Black, G.C. Wallace Co. communities by providing a focus for research and education in David Bonnesar, Bonn Corporation information and communication technologies. UNLV and the Denis Cederburg, Las Vegas Department of Public Works center will address the specific information and communication Fred Cox, Emulex Corporation technology needs of established and emerging companies Judi Dohn, Venture Catalyst LLC Jon Fondy, Migun Wellness Center in Southern Nevada. The center intends to be a significant Jim Foss, CH2M Hill voice that will bring to campus a greater awareness of today’s John Fountain, Cox Communications industrial concerns, as well as provide support for the research Randy Fultz, City of Las Vegas tools and facilities to deal with future challenges. Stephen George, HDR Engineering, Inc. The center develops programs that include major research John Gibson, American Pacific Corporation efforts, joint research, and the development of projects Herb Goforth, Nevada Power Company J. Scott Hauger, Desert Research Institute collaborating with industry partners. It will be involved in Robert T. Herbert, Office of Senator Harry Reid government-sponsored events, conferences, and seminars, and A. Somer Hollingsworth, Nevada Development Authority will provide consulting and technical support services for start- Jack Huber, Technology Ventures Corporation up businesses. CICT strives to enhance the competitiveness Alan B. Hunter, EG&G of technology-based companies, focusing on Nevada-specific Randy Innis, Technology Ventures Corporation industries like entertainment engineering, tourism, and Greg Korte, The Korte Company David G. LeGrand, Marquis & Aurbach transportation, CICT develops solutions to IT problems, Alexander Marquez, Intel Capital especially those unique to Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. Gina Neilson, Southern Nevada Water Authority One example is that integrated engineering expertise can Hank Osterhoudt, Apogen Technologies provide solutions — such as the security of transporting tourists John Slitz, IBM between airports and the hotels. Frederick R. Stater, Tronox LLC Currently there are nine UNLV faculty members associated Dan H. Stewart, American Nevada Company Daniel Steinberg, Bechtel Nevada Corporation with the center — eight from the Department of Electrical and Frank Tussing, Nevada Alliance and one from the School of Computer Jim Whitcraft, Bechtel SAIC Science. CICT members bring together a wealth of research and James F. Wunderlin, Southwest Gas Corporation continued on page 10

 Department News

All Ten Nominated AFROTC

Cadets Headed to the National Field The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Training Program student chapter continues to prepare for the Human Powered Vehicle Competition (HPVC) entry, with plans to enter a four- AFROTC Col. Mike Hogan is proud to announce that eight wheeled, fully-faired (completely enclosed for aerodynamic 200-level cadets and two 300-level cadets were accepted into purposes) vehicle. The HPVC is a contest in which university the national field training program. Field training is a four- to student sections of ASME design and build vehicles that operate six-week tour that determines whether or not an individual has solely by human power, such as a bicycle. The competition what it takes to make it to the next level. During the training, is scored in three categories including a design report and they will participate in a number of activities that evaluate their presentation, which accounts for the largest percentage of a mental and physical abilities as well as assess their leadership team’s final score; a top-speed event, and an endurance event. skills. Upon graduation, the cadets are then accepted into the Air Force. Congratulations goes to Jessica Claypool and Robert Wilcox in the level-300 category; and Melissa Batterson, Christopher Curtis, Allen Estalilla, Samanta Fossett, Nathan Lehman, Jacob Ludwig, Isaac Square, and Victor Villa from the 200-level group.

Civil & Environmental Engineering

On March 4, the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department in conjunction with the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), hosted “The Southern Nevada Student Model Bridge Building Contest.” A total of 370 bridges were submitted by 50 different Clark County UNLV’s human powered vehicle is developed by students in District schools, exposing nearly 2000, or 10%, of the district’s mechanical engineering. students to the field of engineering. Students competed in elementary, middle school, and high school categories and the top six winners received a traveling trophy. This year’s top high school was the Southern Nevada School of Computer Science Vocational Technical Center; Greenspun Junior High received “Best Middle School Performance,” and Fay Herron Elementary New Computer Security Lab was awarded “Best Elementary School Performance.” A new computer security lab has been developed for a number of security-related courses beginning in the fall 2006 semester. The lab will also be used for security-related research projects. Computer and network security has become an essential part of computer system management and the need for security skills has been growing rapidly. Thanks to this new lab, students will be able to understand the common attack methods that can compromise computer security through demonstrations and lab projects, and learn how to protect their computer systems through hands-on exercises. The lab is sponsored by Microsoft Research through the 2004 Trustworthy Computing Curriculum Award and managed by Professor Yoohwan Kim and Associate Dean and Professor Hal Berghel from the School of Computer Science, and Fay Herron Elementary School team members took top award as Professors Mei Yang and Yingtao Jiang from the Electrical and “Best Elementary School.” Computer Engineering department.

 Center and Laboratory News

“What is the ideal research project?” ave you ever asked yourself, “What makes an ideal research developer, Amonix, which developed a 25 kW concentrating Hproject?” Distinguished Professor and Director of the photovoltaic system for power generation. Currently, three Center for Energy Research, Robert Boehm, Ph.D., offers his UNLV students are involved in research to help Amonix insight. improve its technology to increase energy efficiency and cut According to Boehm, “The ideal research project pursues a down on costs. One of their units was installed at the UNLV project of societal value, assists developers in becoming more solar site two years ago. It has operated nearly trouble-free in the competitive, represents a government-university combined intervening period, while a number of technical tasks have been effort, facilitates the introduction of new technology to accomplished, primarily by student research assistants. the market, supports local industry, educates students; both Nevada Power became interested in the technology and undergraduate and graduate, and leads to contributions to the has now installed three of these units at its Clark Generating technical literature.” Station, near Russell Road and I-215. Energy research students The Center for Energy Research (CER) is pursuing several will monitor and oversee the operation of these units. More of projects that have many of these characteristics. One project in these units may be installed locally to assist Southern Nevada particular is being funded by the National Renewable Energy in meeting increased power demands with clean and renewable Laboratory (NREL) with costs being shared by Los Angeles energy.

Engineering Geophysics Laboratory Studies Earthquakes in Southern Nevada

n August 2004, the Earthquakes in Southern Nevada the Las Vegas Valley. She and her team blanketed the valley Iproject emerged with the assistance of the UNLV Research with seismic measurements to characterize the dynamic Foundation. This project, sponsored by the U.S. Department of response of the soils. They are also scouring public records for Energy, recognized the significance of earthquake hazards in our similar measurements made by developers, and will correlate area. The UNLV Research Foundation committed resources to the information to geotechnical and geologic data logged in this work, not only for the benefits the Las Vegas community boreholes drilled by others. The resulting dataset will be fed would realize, but also for the long-term viability of teaching into dynamic response analyses to output seismic amplification and research related to earthquake hazards and risks at UNLV. and help identify the areas of the valley where earthquake A team of 22 people from three different universities are shaking is expected to be the most severe. dedicated to the multidisciplinary work of earthquake research, Noted seismology researcher Catherine Snelson, Ph.D., education, and preparedness. UNLV’s own Ron Sack, Ph.D., is utilizing new seismic sources and recordings to image the is the co-investigator in partnership rocks, structure, and faulting as deep as 200 feet to further with Arya Ebrahimpour, Ph.D., from Idaho State University. understand the connectivity of the local fault system. Working Together, they are using a methodology called “Rapid Visual in conjunction with geologist Wanda Taylor, Ph.D.’s project to Screening (RVS) of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards” identify the faults at the surface, she will collect seismic data to and the HAZUS, a natural hazard loss estimation methodology obtain the cross-sectional view below the surface. The data will software, to assess the seismic vulnerability of critical public then feed directly into the models that Luke and Taylor produce buildings in Clark County, Nev. Both the RVS method to test amplification within the region. and the software were developed by the Federal Emergency The project also includes outreach into local K-12 schools Management Agency (FEMA) to assess structural systems and and other public venues, where additional seismographs teach soil characteristics. The local seismic risk assessment surveyed about seismic risk. These tools also provide new data sources more than 1,000 different buildings including 46 fire stations, that are archived at UNLV and UNR and then sent onto the three hospitals, 10 police stations, 184 elementary schools, 51 national seismological database. middle schools, and 31 high schools. They generated lists of Taylor and the geology team are assessing faults in Southern individual buildings prone to significant damage during a major Nevada to determine whether they pose a seismic threat, the seismic event and will determine which general building types magnitude of earthquake that each fault may generate, and the in the region are most susceptible to earthquakes. time frame in which the next earthquake may occur on each Additionally, associate professor Barbara Luke of civil fault. In addition, this team is working on characterizing the and environmental engineering is leading an effort to study sediments at shallow soil depths. Their work will coordinate the amplification effects that local soils have on incoming with that of Luke’s team to provide parameters that allow earthquake energy. Luke will create a seismic hazard map for continued on page 6

 Local Firm Committed to Engineering Students’ Success

sk anyone who works at Carter & Burgess, Inc. about their on campus. “We feel it’s an Acompany and he or she would probably say they work for a important project for the local engineering firm committed to the local community. Folks growth of UNLV’s College of in the College of Engineering know just how true that is. Engineering,” Waibel says. We feel that it is our responsibility to support the local “We hope that other local university to assist in cultivating top talent for the future,” says firms will support this effort Dennis Waibel, senior vice president and managing principal of as well – in order to bring top the Las Vegas office. talent to Nevada, we need The company currently has 14 full-time UNLV alumni on to improve the caliber of our staff. It also employs numerous interns throughout the year with engineering programs.” the goal of bringing these interns on as full-time staff once they On the company’s receive their degree. overall involvement in the In addition to hiring community, Waibel says, “In students once they get their “With a shortage addition to making monetary degree, Carter & Burgess, Inc. donations to worthy causes, is also committed to helping of public funding, we also feel that it’s important Dennis Waibel students along they way by to volunteer our time. This is contributing $1,000 to the private firms a great way to build camaraderie among our team while helping engineering scholarship fund someone else.” every year. need to support Last year, Carter & Burgess, Inc. helped organize the first “With a shortage of public UNLV Civil and Environmental Engineering Golf Classic. With funding, private firms need to our public the help from numerous local engineering and construction support our public institutions firms, the event raised nearly $20,000 to purchase much-needed so the next generation of institutions equipment for the college’s civil and environmental engineering students receives the education department. This year’s tournament is scheduled for Fri., Dec. 1 they deserve,” says Waibel, so the next at the Black Mountain Country Club. who sits on the College of Carter & Burgess, Inc. specializes in civil, mechanical, Engineering’s Department generation of electrical, and structural engineering; and surveying services of Civil and Environmental to the public and private sectors. The company also offers Engineering Advisory Board. students receives architecture services through a related entity – C&B Nevada, Carter & Burgess, Inc. also Inc. Its One Source, One Firmsm operating philosophy donated funds to help build the education emphasizes a close strategic relationship with clients over the the new Science, Engineering lifecycle of projects from conception through operation, with and Technology Building they deserve.” uniform experiences across all offices and teams.

Earthquakes in Southern Nevada continued from page 5 their chances of survival during and after an earthquake. Her team pursues outreach opportunities and then develops event- better estimates of ground shaking and greater control on specific presentations and workshops to suit the venue and the and knowledge of the distribution of soils of specified seismic audience. Faculty and students from the Department of Civil responses and amplifications. Taylor is presently working to and Environmental Engineering and Department of Geoscience qualify the new fault data for the national Quaternary fault offer community presentations on earthquakes and their database. associated hazards, such as ground shaking, surface rupture, and Gaye Coté, Director of Outreach for Earthquakes of the liquefaction; how structures behave during earthquakes; how Southern Nevada project, is coordinating efforts to educate to protect yourself, your home, and your community against the general public regarding the earthquake hazards and risks earthquake damage; and, earthquake facts about Nevada and the in Southern Nevada, including what they can do to improve Las Vegas valley.

 Campaign Update: Black Box Theater

he creative minds that invent Las Vegas shows like Cirque du Soleil’s O and KÁ will Tsoon have a place to test those ideas before they light up the stage. The Black Box Theater in the new Science, Engineering and Technology Building, scheduled to open in the spring of 2007, enables entertainment engineering students in the Colleges of College of Engineering and Fine Arts to experiment and create innovative techniques in theatrical design, lighting, and sound engineering. The modular theater, used for testing design and Engineering researching creative activities, will be the only one of its kind in the world. Campaign Funding Priorities “Science and technology is becoming so advanced that the Colleges of Engineering and Fine Arts can’t currently meet the standards of teaching that come with this new equipment,” says Dan Cook, entertainment engineering professor in the College of • Entertainment Engineering. “The new Black Box Theater will allow these colleges to offer a curriculum engineering— that keeps up with current industry standards and best practices.” This playroom of imagination will allow students to work with professional Black Box Theater entertainers and engineers on state-of-the-art equipment. It also gives industry partners the ability to test entertainment technology, which the students will participate • Science, Engineering in as well. and Technology (SET) “The students will be working with equipment that is currently being used in the entertainment industry. This gives students something to put on their resume once they Building graduate, making them more marketable,” says Cook. The Science, Engineering and Technology Building is a major step in increasing • Technology program momentum for Nevada’s economic diversification effort. The building will showcase a breadth of compelling programs and will attract students into high-demand fields, such as • Center for computer science, environmental science, and . Entrepreneurship The Black Box Theater has been designated by the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering as an important funding priority for Invent the Future, UNLV’s first comprehensive campaign to raise $500 million. To learn more, log on to • Renewable energy and campaign.unlv.edu. research

$500 million $500 Invent the Future is UNLV’s first comprehensive effort to secure the (in millions) $400 V L March 31, 2006 promises of tomorrow through a $317.1 million $300 $500 million fundraising initiative. June 30, 2004 $200 million June 30, 2005 With your help, private funding $200 $245 million June 30, 2003 for students, faculty, research, $116.6 million

June 30, 2002 facilities, and programs will map a $100 $62.2 million course for Las Vegas’ next decade.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 GIFTS AND PLEDGES TO UN DURATION OF UNLV’S CAMPAIGN

 Engineering Donor Honor Roll

This roll of honor recognizes contributors to the College of Engineering from October 19, 2005 through May 25, 2006. The college wishes to thank the following individuals, corporations and foundations for their generous support. Every gift to UNLV is important and valued. It is our wish to recognize all donors correctly. Please notify the UNLV Foundation at (702) 895-3641 of any discrepancies. Thank you for your support. Adobe Electric, Inc. Andrea ’96 and Robert ’97 Instrument Society of Paula and Robert L. Dwain Seppala ’03 ALDEC Cunningham America Mendenhall Setaram, Inc. Mark Alden Danoski Clutts International Game Metal Form Manufacturing Co. Siemens Building Narcisa Alprecht ’89 Shawn Danoski ’94 Technology Microsoft Corporation Technologies, Inc. American Asphalt & Grading Angela Davison Intrepid Engineering Michelle ’95 ’00 and John Sierra Pacific Resources Company Cleana Dean J. A. Dohn & Associates Miller Ruth and James ’88 Skaggs American Pacific Corporation Charles Deaner Jacobs Consulting, Inc. Kami ’02 and David ’03 Mirc Sletten Construction of American Society of Shulan Deng ’00 Elizabeth ’85 and David James Kunal Mishra ’97 Nevada, Inc. Mechanical Engineers Margaret and Gary Desler Judith and Richard ’86 Jarmel Mojave Electric Southern Nevada Chapter Hope and Joseph Anstett Karen ’87 and James Jaynes Corporation Sheila and David Morreale ASPE Leone Atchison ’00 Duddlesten Jack Jefferson Nicole and Juan ’99 Morris Southwest Engineering Ruth Ax EG&G Technical Services, Dawn and Christopher Most Worshipful Prince Hall Southwest Gas Corporation Aztech Materials Testing, Inc. Inc. LV Johnson Grand Lodge Foundation Gregory Baker ’02 Emulex Corporation Michele and Paul Johnson Motorola Foundation Sprint James Bakkedahl Patricia ’94 ’98 and Brent ’97 Robert Johnson MWH Stanley Consultants, Inc. Elissa Ballas Ellsworth Sally and Richard ’04 Nevada Alliance for Defense, Stantec Consulting, Inc. Bally Gaming, Inc. Ken Evans Johnston Energy and Business State Of Nevada BankWest of Nevada Ann ’99 and Leopold ’98 Flora and Rodney Jones Nevada By Design Karen ’96 ’02 and Randall ’98 Michael Barrett ’82 Falkensammer Lisa ’96 and Timothy ’86 Nevada Power Company Steen Selma and Troy Bartlett Deanna and Jeffrey ’97 Fine Jones Jacqueline Newton Structural Engineers Don Beagle Mary and Paul Fischer Michele ’96 ’02 and Mark ’94 Ninyo & Moore Association of Southern Bechtel Foundation Marilyn and W. G. Flangas ’04 Jones Northwestern Mutual Nevada Bechtel Nevada Corporation Yusta and Raul ’96 Flores Robert Jones ’03 Foundation T.J. Krob Consulting Bechtel SAIC Company, LLC Frehner Construction Co., Kayann ’97 and Mark ’01 Novellus Systems Engineers, Inc. Patricia ’82 and Frank Beers Inc. Jongsma Lisa and Nick ’03 Oana Taney Engineering, Inc. Susan and Richard Berger Friedmutter Group Joseph A. Cesare & O’Rourke Plumbing, Inc. Taylor International Bigelow Development Randy Fultz Associates, Inc. Lori ’00 and Brendan O’Toole Corporation Aerospace LLC G. C. Wallace, Inc. JSF & Associates, Inc. P.R. Engineering Technology Ventures Diane and Robert Bigelow Sharon and Stephen George Bachir Karam ’03 Kimberly Pace ’01 Corporation Phyllis and Jack Binion Geotechnical & Maria ’99 ’05 and Mohamed Parsons Brinckerhoff Group Colby Temple ’04 Carrie and Calvin Black Environmental Services, Kaseko Lynda and Jesse Paulk Terracon Charlene and Calvin ’73 Black Inc. Rita and Herbert Kelsey PBS & J Tiberti Family Foundation Barbara and William ’03 Geotek, Inc. Rita Kelsey-Banks The PENTA Building Group, J.A. Tiberti Bloxsom Amanuel Giorgis ’03 Kerr-McGee Foundation Inc. Tiberti-Blood, Inc. Marcia and Robert Boehm Stanley Goldfarb Corporation E.R. Peterson TIMET Terry Booker ’97 Linda and Xiaoqiang ’93 Mehlika ’03 and Verner Kiser Colleen and Thomas Piechota Cynthia Toepfer ’90 Dyxeen and William Brogan Gong Kleinfelder, Inc. Kristine and Thomas ’95 Pike Laura ’90 and Kevin ’97 Stephanie Brown Katherine Good ’83 The Korte Company Ann ’78 ’02 and Marc Tomlinson Paul Buck June and William Graebel Michael Kuntz ’90 Pitchford Tony Dimaria Salon, Inc. Judith ’83 and Wayne Bundorf Granite Construction Las Vegas Paving Corporation Tim Ploeger ’01 Salma and Mohamed Trabia Burke & Associates General Company Las Vegas Valley Water Janice and Scott Plummer Tronox LLC Contractors Graves Development District Poggemeyer Design Group, Patricia and David ’04 Turner Leslie Burns ’04 Corporation Gina and Christopher Latorre Inc. US Home - Las Vegas Land Susan and Steven ’94 Hansen Mechanical Charlotte and Ernest Lee Margaret and James ’89 ’93 V Point / TRC Buskevicius Contractors Doris and Theodore Lee Poulos Howard Vandermeer ’70 ’75 Nancy and Donald Byrd Harris & Associates Legatus of Las Vegas Powerwave Technologies Video Walls USA Janice and Fidel ’93 Calixto Harris Consulting Engineers, Elizabeth and Charles Lenzie Ann and Paul ’92 ’02 Pratt Luis Villegas ’00 Ashley and Bradley ’03 Inc. Martin Lewis ’00 Project Engineering Jody Walker ’97 Callihan Scott Hauger Kristie and Charles ’00 Lisk Consultants LTD Christine Wallace Annette and Randall Capurro Harold Hay Trudy and James Little Jery Pruitt Esther and George Wallace Mary ’98 and James Carr HDR Engineering, Inc Lochsa Engineering Manjula and Rajkumar ’97 ’98 Washington Group Carter & Burgess, Inc. Helix Electric of Nevada, LLC Christopher Lovett ’00 Rajagopalan International Brian Carter ’03 Carolyn and Carl High Doris and Arthur ’84 June and Edward ’87 Kelly ’97 McBride-Watson Jeanine and Denis ’82 Anthony Hills ’94 Ludwigsen Rajnovich and Roger ’85 Watson Cederburg Andrea Hodge ’97 Joyce Mack Ulises Ramirez ’04 Weaver Construction, Inc. Carlotta Clanton ’01 Andrea and David ’70 Hop Marnell Corrao Associates, Chad Randash ’02 Roblyn and James ’94 Tamika and Jeffery Clemons Jean and Herschel Hoppert Inc. Kitty Rodman Williams CM Works Inc. Nichole ’04 and Brandon John Mayes Roel Construction Company Tim Wilmott Horton Phillip Mayfield ’04 Douglas Rounds ’02 Cynthia and John Wimer Association of America Houssels Family Foundation Jeremy McClenahan ’99 RSSG, Inc. WRG Design Foundation Corporation Ann and Timothy McCoy SAIC Venture Capital Christine ’96 and James The Converse Professional The Howard Hughes Lori and Ivan ’96 McCracken Corporation Wunderlin Group, Inc. Corporation Elwyn and Eugene McGaugh Robert Schowers ’75 Frakeetta and David ’02 Yancy Core Construction The Hughes Corporation Cynthia ’87 McKay-Pechman Seagate Technology Erica Yazzie ’03 Harriet and Fred Cox Hydro Conduit Janet and Garret Meadows Joel Searles ’03 YWS Architects Margaret and George Randy Innis & Associates, Joshua Mendenhall ’04 Dion Segler Richard Zaragoza ’03 Crockett Inc.  FIRST Attracts High School Students to Engineering, Technology

he FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science and In January, each team received an identical kit of parts and TTechnology) Robotics Las Vegas Regional Competition software and was challenged to design and build a robot less returned to UNLV for the second year in a row to immerse high than 120 pounds and not larger than five feet high, wide, or school students in the fascinating world of design, engineering, long. Once the robots were built, they were programmed to and technology. From March 30 through April 1, forty-three compete in this year’s game “AIM HIGH.” The two-minute high school teams from 11 states competed for the regional game was played by two three-team alliances on a large field championship and a trip to the national championship in where they guided their robots to throw balls into two corner Atlanta, Geo. goals for points. Many spectators described “AIM HIGH” as the “There is no doubt that the social, industrial, and ultimate high-tech sporting event. educational landscape of our great nation has been dramatically Cimarron-Memorial High School defended their altered over the last few decades,” explains Eric Sandgren, championship, earning the honor of representing Las Vegas at dean of the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. “Our the National Championship in Atlanta. Their lead adviser and inability to motivate and train students for employment in a member of the regional planning committee, Joe Barry was technical fields has placed this country at considerable risk. It is named 2006 volunteer of the year. Cimarron-Memorial also time to reinvent engineering and science education, and there’s received the Radio Shack Innovation Control Award. Del Sol no better place than a city like Las Vegas and a program like High School, under the guidance of mechanical engineering FIRST Robotics.” student Stacy Raagas and College of Engineering model designer Under the direction of Sandgren, Department of Mechanical and machinist Kevin Nelson, received the Xerox Creativity Engineering Chair Mohamed Trabia, Ph.D., Professor Brendan Award. O’Toole, Ph.D., and staff colleague Kevin Nelson and several Additional information about FIRST may be found at mechanical engineering students mentored six Las Vegas high www.lvfirst.org or www.USFIRST.org. school teams to prepare for the competition.

Alumni profile: Paul Villaluz The Artistry of Engineering

ngineering is an art,” says former undergraduate student other UNLV “Eand recent graduate student Paul Villaluz ’97, ’06. graduates, two Villaluz is a artist and believes that instead of which are of paints on a palette or notes on a page, engineers use their also engineering knowledge of applied math and science to provide elegant and graduates make economical solutions for many diverse problems. “Our everyday up the band tasks can markedly affect the overall quality of life,” he says. “I “Traffic Jam,” have always been fascinated with the notion of being able to and entertained help others behind the scenes.” our FIRST Not only is Villaluz an engineering artist, but he also has Robotics teams. achieved much success as a vocalist. He began his singing career Each in the choirs at UNLV in 1993. He is also the voice behind newsletter the National Anthem at Las Vegas Wranglers home hockey will feature an games. Additionally, he has performed with the Las Vegas alumnus of “Traffic Jam” performing with FIRST emcee, Philharmonic, participated in 12 local musical productions, and the Howard R. Mark Leon (second from left). Band members recorded three holiday CDs for the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Hughes College (from left to right) are Cynthia Beauchamp ’03, Bears, and Denver Bronco football teams. of Engineering. Paul Villaluz ’97, ’06, Darrell Soltero, Kathy Villaluz provides engineering expertise to planning the If you are Kingston ’89, and Kevin Tomlinson ’97. annual Fall Transportation Conferences, and also lends his interested in vocal talent to various college events, including the Honors submitting your profile, please contact Christine Wallace at Convocation this spring. Prior to the event, he and three [email protected].

 Recent Graduate “Reaches for the Stars” with Double Major by Camille Calimlim, Speaker at May 2006 Commencement

ommencement was both exciting and bittersweet, and done without any Cspeaking at this year’s graduation ceremony was a wonderful assistance. I owe my way to complete my experience at UNLV. It was my honor to deepest gratitude to represent the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. my mentors and my UNLV was an easy and natural choice for me since I am from professors, specifically Las Vegas and had the Millennium Scholarship opportunity to Jaci Batista, Ph.D. help defray the cost of my education. The hard decision, however, and Thomas Piechota, was my major. With my parents both having engineering degrees, Ph.D. My sincere they “encouraged” me to pursue a civil engineering degree. thanks also to the However, I was certain to be a communication studies major. Department of Civil Obviously I chose civil engineering, and two and a half years into and Environmental my engineering degree, I decided to pursue both degrees and still Engineering, and the graduate on time. I always say my communications background is Howard R. Hughes my “rebellion” against my parents. I also believe that engineering College of Engineering. is in the people as it is in the formulas, and communication But most importantly, is important in establishing a rapport, a relationship between my gratefulness always clients and co-workers. I am fortunate that I have the aptitude for to my family and my Dean Eric Sandgren congratulates Camille Calimlin. both career fields. parents for keeping me I would be remiss to pretend that my accomplishments were grounded, so that I may keep reaching for the stars.

Las Vegas Community Loses Engineering Patriarch J.A. Tiberti

NLV and the Howard R. Hughes made a $1,000,000 gift in 1979 to help create the Howard UCollege of Engineering mourn the R. Hughes College of Engineering. He was responsible for passing of J. A. Tiberti, who died on May 3, constructing 10 buildings at UNLV, including the Thomas T. 2006, at the age of 87. Beam Engineering Complex. J. A . Tiberti was a leader in the Las Tiberti was member of the UNLV Foundation Board of Vegas community and as the founder of Trustees, the College of Engineering Advisory Board, and the Tiberti Construction Company was one of Construction Management Advisory Board. His dedication, the most prominent builders in the valley. leadership, and tremendous personal charm will be missed by He was a staunch supporter of UNLV, and the many people whose lives he touched. J.A. Tiberti

CICT Robert Mendenhall Honored continued from page 3 with Doctorate of Laws development expertise in the areas of computer architecture, logic design, embedded systems, field programmable gate array obert L. Mendenhall was the recipient of an honorary (FPGA) synthesis, digital signal processing, image processing, RDoctorate of Laws degree during the 2006 Commencement data compression, data encryption, data mining, database Ceremony at UNLV. Mendenhall is the founder and president management, computer networks, wireless communication, of Las Vegas Paving Corporation and a donor to the Howard R. sensor networks, and network security. Hughes College of Engineering. He invented and patented the All inquiries regarding CICT research projects should be asphalt recycling process, as well as numerous other inventions directed to Shahram Latifi, Ph.D., who can be reached at that benefit the construction industry and help conserve natural (702) 895-4016 or via e-mail at [email protected]. resources. Mendenhall has served as a judge for the Senior Design Competition and supports the Senior Design Dinner.

10 Senior Design Competition Honorees Offer Solutions to Engineering Challenges he year-long Senior Design Competition concluded with an annual dinner to recognize and applaud the efforts of students who designed and implemented solutions to real-world T The fall 2005 judges were: engineering challenges. The dinner, held May 5 at Cox Pavilion, serves as the official award Adam Godorov, project ceremony where winners are announced for the Harriet and Fred Cox Engineering Design manager at Nevada Power Awards. The Senior Design winners are determined by a team of industry partners that serve as Company, Kevin McOsker, judges. Honorees from the fall and spring semesters receive a cash prize and a commemorative principal engineer at the award for their efforts. Clark County Department More than 250 students, parents, faculty, and industry partners attended the event and of Development Services, participated in a friendly competition, where each table of guests designed something with and Michelle Miller, LEGO ® pieces. Their LEGO ® creations served as table centerpieces and were judged by the of nuclear William K. Moore Elementary LEGO ® Club. This year’s winners designed a prototype of the nonproliferation at Bechtel H-1 Racer replica that hangs in the Great Hall housed in the Thomas T. Beam Engineering Nevada. The spring 2006 Complex. judges were: Michael Blois, H. K. Desai, president, CEO, and chairman of the board for QLogic Corporation, a company manger of value engineering at that has supplied more than 50 million products for servers, workstations, RAID subsystems, Bechtel SAIC Company, Blake tape libraries, and disk and tape drives since 1993, was the featured speaker. Desai holds a Gover, director of electronics master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a engineering, Young Electric bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Maharaja Sayajirao University in India. Sign Company (YESCO), Students, faculty, and staff from the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering thank Fred Ronald Hill, office manager at and Harriet Cox for their extraordinary support of the Senior Design Program. The college also the Washington Group, and recognizes the generous support of the 2006 sponsors: Las Vegas Paving Corporation, Emulex Robert L. Mendenhall, CEO of Corporation, International Game Technology (IGT), American Pacific Corporation, Bank Las Vegas Paving Corporation. West of Nevada, Bally Technologies, Howard Hughes Corporation, PBS&J, Penta Building Group, Stantec Consulting, Tronox LLC, Venture Catalysts, and G. C. Wallace Company.

Fall 2005 grand prize winners Houton Osemwengie and O’Dealya Price.

Engineering students conduct final test before their presentation.

Keven Forcade, electrical engineering lab director, reviews the solar powered UAV prototype.

11 True POS Restaurant Self Ordering System Grand Prize Spring 2006.

Dean Eric Sandgren (right) and Fred Cox (left) thanked The William K. Moore Elementary Lego® consultants lent their expertise at the May event. featured speaker H.K. Desai.

2005-2006 Senior Design Winners Fall 2005 “Automated Car Visors” First Place “SODIS: A Disinfection Grand Prize Department of Electrical and “UNLV South Parking Garage” Strategy Combining Solar “W.A.T.S.- Automatic Plant Computer Engineering Department of Civil and Disinfection and Organic Acids” Watering System” Alfred Hau and Doug Wettekin Environmental Engineering Department of Civil and O’Dealya Price and Houston Jonathan Seeley and Akash Sehdev Environmental Engineering Osemwengie “Direct Hydrogen Injection” Camille Calimlim, Rob Davies, Department of Mechanical “Ultra GPS-Advanced GPS Logging” and Chariti Welch First Place Engineering Department of Electrical and (Tie for second place in the Department of “Design of a Multiuse Trail in Hiroshi Aoshima, Bryan Computer Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering) Henderson” Ganitano, and Marc Newmarker Glenn Mercier and Ryan Smith Department of Civil and “Eye Tracking Device for Second Place “CETON-Cooled Electron Real Time Remote and Vision Environmental Engineering “Auto Avoidance System” Target Optimized for Neutron- Thomas Ackeret, Jenner System” Department of Electrical and production” Department of Electrical and Costello, Jeremy Crew, and James Computer Engineering Department of Mechanical Graves III Computer Engineering Ignacio Aguilar, Joe Huerta, and Engineering Steve Mikhail, Aaron Ponzio, Martin Villasenor Tim Beller, Brice Howard, and and Tan Wu “H.O.M.I.S.-Home Security Ryan LeCounte Robot” Spring 2006 Department of Electrical and Grand Prize Second Place “Next Generation Football Computer Engineering “True POS Restaurant Self- “Blowdown Water Treatment Helmet” Chris Hicks, Samuel Martinez, Ordering System” and Reuse” Department of Mechanical Jr., and Kraig Otani Department of Electrical and Department of Civil and Engineering George Ladkany, Kent Nakata, (Tie for first place in the Department of Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering) William Downer, Jon Ross, and Zachary Hills, Holly McNaught, and Lawrence Ruggieri Mike Sadowitz and Cheryl Runyan

12 Student Organizations

American Society of Mechanical Society of Automotive Engineers Engineers Prepares for Mini-Baja®

The student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recently Engineers (ASME) received a Diversity Action Grant (DAG) reorganized its student group and held elections in April. The from the National ASME organization. The DAG project group plans to enter the 2007 Mini-Baja® competition, which aims to increase the number of women and minorities pursuing consists of three regional competitions that simulate real-world engineering by awarding funds to universities whose student engineering design projects and their related challenges. UNLV sections of ASME design a project to expose and inspire students will generate financial support to design and build underrepresented groups to pursue a career in engineering. The an off-road vehicle that must survive the severe punishment UNLV ASME student chapter held the first of several planned of rough terrain and weather elements. In addition, teams seminars in March, and included two days of featured lectures, compete to have their design accepted for manufacture by a presentations, and hands-on interactive activities in several fictitious firm. engineering labs. The event received local publicity from The 10-horsepower Intek Model 20 engine the students KNTV. An August seminar is scheduled for the Del Sol High will use for the project was donated by Briggs & Stratton School students who participated in the March 2006 FIRST Corporation. For more information about SAE and the Robotics Las Vegas Regional Competition. competition, please contact Brendan O’Toole, Ph.D. at [email protected] or visit the organization’s Web site at http://students.sae.org/competitions/minibaja/. Institute of Transportation Engineers Receives Coveted Award American Society of Civil The UNLV College of Engineering’s Institute of Engineers Transportation Engineers (ITE) chapter earned the “District 6 2006 Best Student Chapter” award for the 2006 academic year The student chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers based on the high level of student participation, regular chapter (ASCE) received numerous awards this academic year, activities featuring guest speakers, transportation-related field according to faculty adviser Tom Piechota, Ph.D. These honors trips, technical presentations and published papers presented by include: students, research conducted by student members, and member • A letter of honorable mention for the student chapter service to society. from the national headquarters for the ASCE. The chapter received a $300 cash award for their chapter • A certificate of commendations for Piechota and funds along with a $1,000 travel allowance to attend the next practitioner adviser Chris Luquette, who is employed meeting in Hawaii. The district includes 35 chapters across the by Sigma Engineering Solutions. 13 westernmost states in the United States. The chapter, which • A fourth place “Overall Award” at the steel bridge has increased its membership from 32 to 59 members, also competition held for the Pacific Regional conference. received this honor last year. The team also earned a first place for “bridge stiffness,” Mohamed Kaseko, Ph.D., advises the group along with a and third place for aesthetics. team of faculty and professional staff members who assist the students with their planning and research.

Nanotechnolgy Das has also been involved in training students in continued from page 1 nanotechnology. In addition to directing graduate student research, he involves a number of undergraduate students in his existing LEDs because nanotechnology enhances electrical and research program. Das has also developed a new undergraduate optical properties. Another application is a high-performance course in nanotechnology that he is teaching every year and will infrared detector that will be used in space-based reconnaissance be teaching a new course on nano-bio sensors beginning fall 2006. systems. Das also plans to expand to biomedical applications Das eagerly awaits the completion of the new Science, of nanotechnology. He believes that nanotechnology has Engineering and Technology Building, scheduled to open in 2007, tremendous potential in biomedical applications such as advanced so that he can continue building the nanotechnology facility. drug delivery systems, implantable devices that automatically Once the new facility is completed, most of the nanotechnology administer drugs and sense drug levels, cancer tagging equipment will be housed there form the nanotechnology facility. mechanisms, lab-on-a-chip, real-time diagnostics for physicians, Additional information on the nanotechnology research program and regenerative neurotechnology. can be found at www.unlv.edu/labs/nanotrp.

13 Honors and Awards in the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering

• Robert Boehm, Ph.D., received the 2005 Rudolf W. and received a certificate of recognition and a check of Gunnerman Silver State Award for Excellence in Science $250 as an award. Samaan G. Ladkany, Ph.D. is the faculty and Technology. He also received the 2006 Leadership mentor for the student chapter. Award for Research and the Outstanding Individual — Las Vegas Regional Chapter award from the US Green Building • Jeffrey Markle ’98, ’01, joined the Department of Council — Las Vegas Regional Chapter. Mechanical Engineering as lab director. He has an extensive industrial experience in the MEMS area, with • Yitung Chen, Ph.D., mechanical engineering professor emphasis on single-chip pressure sensors for automotive and associate director of the Center for Advanced applications. Computational Methods (NCACM) hosted a NSF-CBMS conference titled “Mathematical and Numerical Treatment • Darrell Pepper, Ph.D., mechanical engineering professor of Fluid Flow and Transport in Porous Media” in late May. and director of the Center for Advanced Computational Information is available at www.ncacm.unlv.edu/cbms/. Methods (NCACM) has been appointed as an Alternate Member of the 2006-2007 • Stephen Frazer joined the Engineering Accreditation college May 15 as the new Commission (EAC). senior systems administrator. Frazer most recently served • Emma Regentova, Ph.D., as a computer consultant in was named the 2005-2006 Nye County. Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor. • Laxmi Gewali, Ph.D., received the 2005-2006 • Srunjanbabu Sridharala, Outstanding Service to the mechanical engineering School of Computer Science Ph.D. candidate and Valerian award. Kwigzile, civil engineering Ph.D. candidate, both • Varun Jain was named the received a UNLV Graduate 2005-2006 Outstanding Research Training (GREAT) Electrical and Computer Engineering Teaching Assistant. Assistantship for summer 2006 and will receive a monthly stipend of $1,333 for three months. • Moses Karkouzian, Ph.D., received the 2005-2006 Outstanding Teacher of the Year award from the • Mechanical engineering graduate students Jagadeep Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Thota and Srujanbabu Sridharala received third place for their paper, “Optimization of a Light-Weight Composite • Mohamed Kaseko, Ph.D., from the Department of Civil Explosion-Proof Vessel for Use in Air Transport.” The and Environmental Engineering, Brendan O’Toole, Ph.D., paper, presented at the 2006 Regional Student Conference from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and — Region VI involved Finite Element (FE) modeling of the Rama Venkat, Ph.D., from the Department of Electrical explosion-proof vessel and the technique used to optimize and Computer Engineering were selected as the Tau Beta the FE model. The work presented was done under the Outstanding 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year honorees. guidance of Mohamed B. Trabia, Ph.D., and Brendan J. O’Toole, Ph.D. • Yoohwan Kim received the 2005-2006 Outstanding School of Computer Science Researcher of the Year Award. • Angelo Yfantis, Ph.D., was named 2006 Outstanding School of Computer Science Teacher of the Year. • Graduate students Kumarswamy K. Nakelswamy and Jagadeep Thota; and Brendan O’Toole, Ph.D., Mohamed Trabia, Ph.D., and Trevor Wilcox were awarded the 2006 Newsletter photography courtesy of UNLV Photo Services and Best Paper Award for the Society for Advancement of Rodd Buckle Photography. Materials Processing Engineering (SAMPE) Conference,

14 Transitions “How Can I Help the

Civil and Environmental Professor Gerald Frederick Retires College of Engineering?” Gerald Frederick, Ph.D., served the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering beginning in 1993. He taught courses lumni and other friends support the Howard R. Hughes in reinforced concrete design, statics, seismic design, steel ACollege of Engineering through attendance at special design, structure analysis, and structural foundation. Frederick events, gifts to specific programs, and undesignated gifts for typically taught three to four courses each semester; mostly Dean Eric Sandgren to use as “venture capital” to support evening classes. During six of his 13 years with the college, emerging needs in the college. Frederick received the Department of Civil and Engineering’s These undesignated gifts are part of our annual giving Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. At a reception held program — an ongoing effort to increase yearly donations in his honor Frederick received a UNLV rocking chair, a to support the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering plaque, and the formal announcement that President Carol C. directly. We invite you to support this vital effort through: Harter approved Frederick’s new title of professor emeritus. Membership in the Dean’s Associates program. Your gift of $1,000 or more to the dean’s unrestricted source of funding In Memoriam. Faculty and colleagues mourn the loss of Leo Phanord, an undergraduate computer science major, who died makes the greatest impact in the Howard R. Hughes College May 8. of Engineering. We are pleased to recognize donors at this level with membership in the Dean’s Associates program. Center for Materials and Pledges through the Rebel Ring Phonathon. In the spring, students will phone our alumni and other friends to share Structures (CMS) college and department news, and ask for support specifically for these programs. he interdisciplinary Center for Materials and Structures T(CMS) is headed by Brendan O’Toole, Ph.D., with faculty Online gifts. Your gift to the Howard R. Hughes College of from throughout the various engineering departments and Engineering may benefit your tax return. Make a gift online other colleges within the university. The mission of CMS is to at foundation.unlv.edu and we will mail you a receipt suitable conduct materials and structures research and to also provide for your tax records. UNLV is a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) educational and outreach activities in support of the local and organization. national needs for highly trained personnel in the materials and We are pleased to recognize you for your gift through structures fields. The center currently conducts research that any of these programs in our newsletter. For more specific affects the development of guided missiles helping to construct information on how your gift helps the Howard R. Hughes safer military vehicles while also making sure to protect the College of Engineering, please contact Caleen Norrod electronics inside of them. Johnson at (702) 895-2913.

We Want to Hear from You Send us your personal and career updates. Name ______First Last City/State/Zip ______Home Phone (_____)______Work Phone (_____)______E-mail ______Degree ______Graduation Date ______Occupation ______Employer ______Your News ______Please fax or mail this form to: Caleen Norrod Johnson, CFRE, Director of Development, Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 454005, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4005, Fax: (702) 895-4059

15 Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering 4505 Maryland Parkway Box 454005 Las Vegas, NV 89154-4005

Minority Engineering Program Hosts Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

he 15th annual Minority Engineering TProgram (MEP) awards luncheon was held on April 29 at the Moyer Student Union. Sixty guests attended to recognize the academic and intellectual achievement of MEP students. The luncheon also acknowledged faculty, staff, board members, and other community partners for their support. A. C. Hollins, Jr., a Department of Energy Contractor for 33 years, was the featured guest speaker. “Outstanding Academic Achievement” certificates were awarded to students who earned a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during spring and fall 2005 semesters. Certificates of recognition for outstanding academic achievement were also The MEP program began in 1989 and currently has an enrollment of 160 students, provided by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s office. including (seated, left to right) Kazeem Omidiji, Alvin Morris, Ramona Sanders, Additionally, freshman Arinze Usowihe, Chandra Blackmon, and Arriele Mathis; (standing, left to right): Christopher sophomore Juan Plata, junior Arrielle Mathis, Contreras, Crain Correia, Jonathan Sanchez, Manuel Portocarrero, Shawnta Horton, and senior Nesley Orochena received individual O’Dealya Price, Brandon Johnson, Jordan Ariche, Mackie Allen, Arinze Usowihe, Aaron Baca, Derrick Pace, Bianca Davis, and Niveen Shlayan. plaques for their success in having the highest GPA in their respective classes. Alvin Morris was named the “Outstanding MEP Student” based upon his academic performance, leadership, active participation in MEP activities, and his willingness to help others.

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