BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

One Bear Place #97356 Waco, TX 76798-7356

SPRING 2012 VOL. 10

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

June 10-16, 17-23, 24-30 INNOVATE is a week-long summer program for high school juniors with an interest in science, mathematics, and technology who want to explore engineering and computer science. The program focuses on mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering as well as computer gaming and programming experience. Sessions include working in labs, talking with industry professionals and taking classes from Baylor faculty. Participants also gain the college experience through the residence hall, campus cafeterias, and fun activities on the Baylor campus. Twenty-four students will be selected for each week of the summer program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR AN APPLICATION www.ecs.baylor.edu • [email protected] • 254-710-3890 >> software engineering: seeking the right solution 06464ECS 1.12 ISSUE Spring 2012, Vol. 10

PRESIDENT Ken Starr, JD

Provost Elizabeth Davis, PhD

vice provost for research Truell Hyde, PhD

DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE Benjamin S. Kelley, PhD, PE 18 10 3 Meet the New ECS Staff DEPARTMENT CHAIRS Greg Speegle, PhD, Interim, Computer Science 4 Process + Product Kwang Y. Lee, PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering William M. Jordan, PhD, Mechanical Engineering Software Engineering: Seeking the Right Solution EDITORIAL OFFICE Synergy • Leigh Ann Marshall One Bear Place #97356 10 Q&A with Dr. Greg Speegle Waco, TX 76798-7356 A Candid Conversation with the Interim PHONE (254) 710-6826 Department Chair for Computer Science FAX (254) 710-3839 EMAIL [email protected] 14 Game On! WRITERS AND EDITORS Aaron Thibault’s Addition to the ECS Casi Bowers, Eric Eckert, Leigh Ann Marshall, Dana Wallace Faculty Takes Program to New Heights

Photography 18 Kolt Browder Ryan Duncan, Matthew Minard, Robert Rogers Pitcher Finds Balance on the Mound DESIGN and in the Classroom Clayton Thompson

University Development Kevin Ludlum, PhD 14 Executive Director of Development One Bear Place #97356 Waco, TX 76798-7356 Phone (254) 710-6754 Departments EMAIL [email protected]

2 From the Dean 12 Elsewhere at Baylor 20 Around the Lab, New Faces, Faculty Publications 25 Alumni Updates Synergy is a publication of the Baylor University School of Engineering & Computer Science that establishes a communication link to keep alumni and friends aware of the spirit of discovery at the School. Established in 1995 from programs dating to 1974, the School of Engineering & Computer Science has provided a quality education to more than 2,500 graduates in the tradition of excellence, a cornerstone of Baylor’s heritage. Synergy is produced for the School of Engineering & Computer Science by Baylor’s Division of Marketing & Communications. 12 4 > DEAN’S COLUMN sight and several research programs and laboratories will be launched in this space in the near future. In addition, the ACM International Ida JamshidI Collegiate Programming Contest, ECS Academic Advisor which is headquartered at Baylor, eclipses new milestones of These are precious moments excellence each year. “It has been a huge blessing to work in an environment and unprecedented days at Baylor. Synergy magazine is now in its where faculty and staff work together to support students Some say the stars are aligned… tenth year with each new issue in all areas of life – spiritual, academic, social, emotional, others refer to divine intervention. outshining the previous. Christian- etc. This unique collaboration gives Baylor ECS students an As Texas’ oldest and perhaps most grounded discipline-specific mission interconnected college experience that separates them from distinguished university, I see Baylor projects transverse the four corners other graduates in engineering and computer science.” simply implementing ambitious of the globe. Inclusion as a Kern plans and assuming her ordained Entrepreneurship Education Network location in the constellation of higher institution and the i5 China and education institutions. Technical Entrepreneurship programs What is so special about 2012 are providing unique opportunities for Baylor? In the athletic realm, we for ECS graduates as well. have seen Baylor’s first Heisman These achievements are not by Trophy winner, first appearance in accident or happenstance and have the Women’s College World Series, been guided by both Vision 2012 back-to-back bowl games and first and extraordinary colleagues, with bowl victory in a generation, deep more success to come. runs into the NCAA basketball The Electrical & Computer tournament, and Top 10 rankings for Engineering PhD program is but two tennis and track and field. years old and other new programs, Though athletics may be including undergraduate offerings, ancillary to the core Baylor mission, are emerging from the drawing academic programs also proceed board. Although the BRIC brings into uncharted territory. The School much needed research space for of Engineering and Computer our students and faculty, a new ECS Science (ECS) is at the nucleus academic building that will more of this charge as evidenced by a closely connect ECS with several Emily Sandvall U.S.News and World Report ranking important campus strategic partners Assistant Director of ECS Student Initiatives of 13th in the nation. Within the is not too distantly on the horizon. past decade, ECS undergraduate Such growth and progress demand “I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the best school on enrollment has doubled - as has energetic, enthusiastic, visionary campus! I love experiencing how ECS faculty support and the number of faculty and staff leadership filled by a competent and encourage the growth and development of our students both in serving within the school - and supportive president and provost. and outside the classroom. This, coupled with the other amazing the quality of all continues to soar. Soon too, after 13 years, I will be programs ECS provides to its students, allows us to shape students Resulting accolades have rained passing the baton to the third holistically so that they might better utilize their strengths and in from prestigious scholarships to dean of the School of Engineering talents to make positive changes in the field.” professional society recognition and and Computer Science, who champions at student competitions will help us continue the charge to new and innovative faculty and provide leadership that will Mark McCreary research grant awards. allow us to continue the rise to The extraordinarily successful ECS unprecedented heights. ECS Financial Manager Living Learning Center is maturing into the ECS Residential College and will move to sparkling new facilities “Blessings abound here in ECS! It is thrilling for me to work being constructed in the East Village with dedicated professors, motivated students, and creative Residential Community. Completed staff members. I’m excited to be involved in the creative renovation of the 300,000 square and innovative activities. Baylor’s ECS is rapidly growing and foot Baylor Research and Innovation touching lives across the globe, and I am very proud to be Collaborative (BRIC) building is within associated with such a fine group of problem-solvers.”

2 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs baylor university school of engineering and computer science 3 >> software engineering: seeking the right solution

a four-year window, with the first graduates completing the program in May 2011. A shift in the workforce isn’t the only thing that’s changed. The platforms have changed as well. “Ten years ago, we didn’t have all these hand-held devices,” said Managing the quality Dr. Paul Grabow, professor process has resulted in a of computer science. “One of shift in the workforce in the challenges that the whole which programming jobs computer science department “since the dot-com bust ten years ago, the computer science industry has are showing little growth, has is: How do we address a been forced to reconsider the most important aspects of software solutions,” while the design and new platform because the old quality assurance aspects platforms aren’t going away? according to dr. greg speegle, professor and interim chair of computer science. of software engineering The PC is still on your desk,” “the industry has learned that while coding can be done in remote locations, have become some of the said Grabow. design and quality assurance need to be done locally.” top needs in the industry. Platforms may have changed >> Dr. Paul Grabow Baylor’s Department of – and frequently do – but for Computer Science responded a large part, process skills to this change by creating do not, according to Grabow. a special undergraduate The approach to problem- track specifically targeting solving is pretty consistent. Development Process software engineering. “The notion of software “the notion The software engineering engineering is probably of software process is complex. It includes captured best by process everything from working plus product,” he added, engineering with the customer’s original emphasizing the process is probably idea through development part. Grabow notes that captured best to maintenance. Engineers must balance the needs of by process the customer with budget plus product,” Coding and time constraints. The track was implemented by adding new courses during

job growth projected from 2008 to 2018* *According to the US Department of Labor

4 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs around two-thirds of an engineer’s “One main benefit to our Baylor community engagement department, the requirements to provide the right creates, the comments he leaves, the time is focused outside of coding. student teams is that through this said of the project, “This appears to solution,” said Song, noting that means formatting, the blocking of the lines of Software engineering is one of course project, they can work for a enable the learner to explore their they must play the role of both analyst code, how far indented and tabbed each the major stems within the computer real customer with a real problem. curiosities in a much deeper way, and and strategist. line of code is. science program, and it’s also one of We plan to make the current Energy you have increased the end-user’s He points out that a software the fields projected to grow the fastest City platform more flexible for future capacity to be flexible.” The museum The Art of Self-Expression engineering approach is different from and add the most new jobs by 2018, extension,” said Song. The current has already signed on for another that of a programmer. “A coder gets according to the U.S. Department of system was built for the museum semester of the research collaboration. “When I write a program, I find this problem, and he writes a program. Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. by an outside company in 2009. IBM will provide funding for the that there’s a freedom in it,” said You run it. It solves a problem,” he For these reasons, Baylor’s No documentation was provided, continued partnership. Michael Flores, a senior bioinformatics explained. The focus is on input versus program provides students a broad nor was a final set of source code The project encourages Song’s major. “There’s a freedom in getting a output. Flores said a software engineer education. “The Baylor Computer available. Song’s students will redesign students to develop innovative ideas computer to accomplish a certain task. given the same problem creates a plan Science program prepares students and implement a new prototype and is challenging them in a positive I can choose to do it any way I like.” by asking several questions. “What for the future by providing a solid system by reusing several existing way. “I really avoid (them) being trained Flores believes his work leaves a approach should we take? … What’s the understanding of computation, not Flash animations. as coders ... rather I want to train noticeable imprint of who he is. “That’s scope of this problem? Is this something just computers; problem solving, not “We are working on how to provide them as good software engineers. your opportunity to take someone by that might change?” He equates it to just programming; and the ability to the right solution to our customer To me a good software engineer should the shoulder and say, ‘Let me explain going on a road trip. By researching the learn, not just facts,” said Speegle. within a limited budget and time,” said be able to understand and analyze to you the logic behind it and how it destination, searching area restaurants Those are things Dr. Eunjee Song, Song. The project is similar to one her works,’” he said. The style is and choosing a hotel before the trip, assistant professor of computer students might encounter outside of completely up to him – what some planning “puts you in a much science, is making sure her students the classroom. As software engineers, ® he names his variables better position,” Flores said. Flores receive. Last fall, she partnered with they are working with the museum and the different recently interned with IBM’s Global the Fort Worth Museum of Science to identify the highest-priority needs, functions he Solution Center in Coppell, Texas. There and History to enhance their Energy recommend additional hardware he was responsible for manipulating City, an exhibit that highlights various for the exhibit and locate potential and validating models of reference energy types. It shows the cost and collaborators on the Baylor campus. architecture as part of the cloud team. >> Dr. Eunjee Song benefits, as well as how a city can be At a recent project review meeting, operated with several types of energy. Colleen Blair, executive vice president Song’s students are focusing on the of the museum’s innovation and wind- and hydro-generated energy portion of the exhibit.

¨ What approach should we take? ¨ What’s the scope of this problem? ¨ Is this something that might change? ® FORT WORTH MUSEUM SCIENCE AND HISTORY

>> Michael Flores

6 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs baylor university school of engineering and computer science 7 college students to work for the He’s been able to apply much of what “The cloud team does work on methodologies gained during the people’s code,” the computer science company. In fact, the company he learned at Baylor outside of class. projects in the cloud space, and the software engineering course was senior said. “When it says enter a frequently recruits students on As a software engineering problem- reference architectures I was dealing very relevant to my work with IBM. positive number, no one considered Baylor’s campus. The Co-founder solver, one of the most important with were cloud-based reference Past experience with modeling tools what would happen if someone and CEO, Bruce Ballengee, is a aspects he’s studied is requirement architectures,” said Flores. The cloud allowed me to learn a new modeling entered a negative one.” Baylor graduate. gathering, or determining what the space can be thought of loosely as tool during my internship relatively In the end, though, it’s that The second major project customer really wants. “The customer a flexible storage tool that extends quickly,” he said. curiosity that makes Thomas good Thomas worked on during the 11- might say they want A. The way they IT capabilities and resources. Once school started, Flores at what he does. “You want to week internship took him to Seattle tell us is B. But what they really want His role there creating reference continued interning remotely from increase the quality of the product to work with T-Mobile. “They want is option C,” he said. “You have to architectures required him to read Waco last fall. He has several ideas while cutting down on risk and to know where they can build the figure out what they think they want over the text description that for what lies beyond graduation. schedule and budget,” Thomas said. next networks,” he said. The growth and what they really want.” ® someone else had created and Whatever his future holds, the After all, if the engineer doesn’t find in users getting information from In addition, the rigor of Baylor’s develop pictures, or an architecture, standards Flores learned at Baylor it, the customer probably will. the Internet is pushing cell phone coursework, including courses in for them. He equated his work to are something he will continue Thomas likes the problem-solving companies to try to keep up. physics and calculus, has challenged creating an abstract for a journal to carry throughout his work. aspect of software engineering. This Thomas looked at massive him. He was able to put to use article that gives the reader an “People look at your code, and they summer, he interned with the Dallas amounts of data, nearly 400 teamwork skills learned at Baylor overview of what’s to come. get a sense of who you are as a office of Pariveda Solutions, an IT gigabytes from a four-week period. while at Pariveda. Class projects “These pictures, these diagrams, programmer. They get a sense of the consulting firm. His first assignment Specifically, he analyzed what types have increased in time and they serve as a basis for communication pride you put into your work,” he said. was to work on a mobile Web app of phones people are using and how complexity and will culminate between an individual who’s designing Pariveda will use to help recruit much data they are downloading. in a full-semester capstone project an IT system and an individual who’s That will help T-Mobile decide this spring. “Being able to divide trying to present it to a client. These Playing the Problem Solver where to add new towers. and conquer,” he said, “is key.” are serving as a middle ground,” Flores Thomas had such a good said, noting that part of the team Justin Thomas likes to give his experience this summer that he project he worked on will be resulting fellow software engineers a little already has a job lined up with in a patent. trouble from time to time. “I enjoy Pariveda after graduation. Baylor helped prepare him well. testing because I think it plays a little >> Justin Thomas “The experience with modeling, mischievous in being able to break modeling tools, and design your own code and break other

®

“you want to increase the quality of the product while cutting down on risk and schedule and budget”

8 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs baylor university school of engineering and computer science 9 they had an opening in the benefit of the discipline The department What challenges do computer science division and for the good of society.” A Q epitomizes the mission you see to achieving these (at the time, computer science What does that mean to you? of Baylor University. Our goals and how can they and engineering were one undergraduate emphasis be mitigated? department). I decided to A It means that the means “educated men and apply here and, although I Department of Computer women.” Our work with ICPC Hiring is always a challenge. received other offers, the Science at Baylor has a more A and CTU means “worldwide We succeed on about one great environment made difficult job than a computer leadership.” Our program search in three, meaning we this the right choice. science department at a public has been accredited since typically have to spend three university. Not only must our 1987, meaning “academic years looking to hire one What is your favorite students be competent in Q excellence.” I personally know faculty member. This is the thing about teaching in their field, they must also that every faculty member in second year of searching for general? Are there any understand the impact of our department has an active our two openings, so we hope specific experiences that the ever-enlarging role of faith, meaning “Christian to fill at least one. affirmed for you this was technology in society today. commitment.” Currently, your calling? Computing is pervasive in our we are two faculty members We are working on extending society. It controls everything short so several faculty have relationships between the A It is exciting to see from the electric power grid to stepped up to offer extra department and the rest of the Interim Computer Science students get concepts and – Wall Street transactions. Thus, computer science field. Baylor Department Chair courses to enable students to even better – to see them computer scientists have not complete the requirements for has many distinct qualities but reach for the next idea only the capacity for changing graduation, a definite sign of they can be difficult to see before I bring it up. I like to the world, but the obligation to the “caring community.” unless you are on campus. challenge students to think do so for the good of society. In particular, we are looking for themselves and to question Q What departmental for funding to bring more what I say. Learning is not a Q What do you see as goals are current priorities? speakers to campus. passive activity. Some of my distinctives of the Baylor favorite experiences involve computer science program? The computer science Q What would be projects. Last year, I wrote a A department has two primary on your “wish list” for simple web-database game A The Department of goals and a secondary goal, the Department of as an example application for Computer Science at Baylor which is essential to the Computer Science? the undergraduate database has a unique place within success of the first two. class. It was very affirming computer science education. One primary goal is the A Besides success in our when the students commented Unlike major research development of a highly goals, an endowed chair on how they could understand universities, we have an respected Gaming and position would be a how their actions in the game emphasis on undergraduate Simulated Environments tremendous asset in are reflected in the database, education. Unlike smaller track within our Bachelor of recruiting additional high or the large number of hours programs, we have diverse Science in Computer Science. quality faculty. Additional the students spent working opportunities such as serving The gaming and simulated space to support our growing to improve the game. as the headquarters of the environments field is very undergraduate population International Collegiate active with new companies would also be very helpful. Q What is your area of Programming Contest and rapidly expanding job academic specialization/ (ICPC) – which had over opportunities. Many incoming Q Is there one piece of what courses do you teach? 24,000 participants in 2010 – students are highly motivated advice you would like to and research opportunities to join the department for give students and alumni A Databases, specifically provided by our Memorandum this track. Another primary beginning their career? transaction processing. of Understanding with Czech goal is a dual PhD degree Technical University (CTU) in I teach the undergraduate with Czech Technical University A Never stop learning. Science, the transition is and graduate database addition to a strong master’s in Prague. This program After teaching in You’re a Baylor alumnus Technology never stops and Q going very well. I always knew Q courses and the capstone degree program. will enhance the academic the department for a (BS, Computer Science). you can’t either. Dr. Gaitros did a lot of things course. Right now, I am reputation of the department number of years, you What appealed to you working with Dr. Young-Rae How does Baylor’s and allow expanded research for the department and now Q Q And, for fun - if you recently became the about coming back to Cho on a project to improve computer science program opportunities. I’m finding out exactly how could modify your computer second computer Baylor to teach? the representations of protein- fit within the mission much he did. in any single way, how would science department protein interactions. of Baylor University? Our secondary goal is to hire chair in Baylor’s history. A Originally, I didn’t intend two new tenure-track faculty you make it different? How has the transition Q How long have you The mission of Baylor members this year. One faculty to come back to Baylor. The The mission of the gone for you since Dr. been at Baylor in a Q University is to educate men member will be an expert in I would want a tablet to have last year I was working on my Department of Computer A Gaitros’ retirement? professional capacity? and women for worldwide the gaming and simulated all the computing capability of PhD at University of Texas, Science is: “to educate leadership and service environments field while the a desktop machine, including Austin, I came to Baylor students, within a Christian I started at Baylor in fall by integrating academic other will be a lead researcher the ability to be connected A Thanks to the great A for Homecoming. While environment, in areas of 1990 so this is my 22nd year excellence and Christian and will add depth to our to the Internet at networked faculty and staff in the catching up with my former computer science and to at the University. commitment within a proposed PhD program. speeds in any location. Department of Computer professors, they mentioned advance the field for the caring community.

baylor university school of engineering and computer science 11 > ELSEWHERE AT BAYLOR

School of Engineering & Best Colleges 2011,” Baylor’s and instruction from the her service at the highest levels invested in one’s future cannot BRIC Named as ‘On Topic with Ken Starr’ Baylor Physicists Computer Science. engineering program landed University of Central Florida of government formed the basis be overestimated. Finalist in Global Features Conversation Announce Research The HHDN will focus on two in 13th place nationally among with a specialization in nursing for the evening’s conversation.” “It was an honor to welcome Innovator’s Award initiatives. Baylor University peer universities. education and a cognate in with Condoleezza Rice Rice also offered some advice Dr. Condoleezza Rice back to Results at Europe’s and the University of Detroit health policy; a Master of to college students in attendance Baylor. Our university hosted Premiere Particle President Ken Starr welcomed The Baylor Research and Mercy will build programming Science degree in maternal- Dr. Rice on numerous occasions New Dean Named for Condoleezza Rice to the Baylor Physics Conference Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) on intrapreneurship, which infant nursing from Virginia during the administration of the Louise Herrington campus on November 9 for “On project was selected as one will teach students how to Commonwealth University’s President George W. Bush, and Baylor University physics Topic with President Ken Starr.” of eight worldwide finalists apply the entrepreneurial spirit School of Nursing Medical College of Virginia; it was a great privilege to have researchers joined scientists Thousands of members of the competing for CoreNet Global’s within existing companies. and a BSN degree from Virginia her on our campus once again,” from around the world July Baylor community filled Waco 2011 H. Bruce Russell Global The University of Dayton and Commonwealth University. President Starr said. 25, 2011, to announce results Hall to capacity for this exciting Innovators Awards (GIA). Villanova University will facilitate In addition to serving as the relating to the search for event where foreign policy The BRIC is the first, and intercollegiate projects, which nation’s first female National the elusive Higgs Boson University of Michigan issues, service to our country cornerstone, facility of a 21-acre will allow students to share Security Advisor, Rice was also particle at the International Professor Honored and Dr. Rice’s new book were discovery complex that will resources and experiences in confirmed as the 66th U.S. Europhysics Conference on discussed. evolve into the Central Texas new collaborative ways. Faculty with Baylor’s Robert Secretary of State in 2005. High Energy Physics, or EPS, “Dr. Rice’s appointment as the Technology and Research Park as from each school will offer input Foster Cherry Award She now serves as professor in Grenoble, France. chief diplomat for our nation tenants populate the park over on both initiatives. in a post-9/11 era placed her of Political Economy in the the next few decades. > Dr. Jay Dittman The HHDN will create Brian P. Coppola, PhD, Graduate School of Business, It will provide researchers, in a unique position to shape teaching tools that are self- The Arthur F. Thurnau Professor The Thomas and Barbara organizations and private > Dr. Shelley F. Conroy history,” Dr. Elizabeth Davis contained and transferable of Chemistry at the University said. “She has described this Stephenson Senior Fellow on companies – particularly hi-tech to other schools, resulting in Following a nationwide of Michigan, has been named work and the circumstances that – identify and pursue the course Public Policy at the Hoover startup businesses – with 300,000 university cultures that value search, Dr. Shelley F. Conroy, as the 2012 recipient of Baylor’s surrounded it in her new book, of study that ignites a passion Institution and professor of square feet of physical space for intrapreneurial engineering. EdD, MS, RN, has been Robert Foster Cherry Award No Higher Honor: A Memoir of even if finding this niche is a bit Political Science at Stanford labs, research centers, industry The work will proceed along named as the new dean of the for Great Teaching, the only My Years in Washington. This of a process. She also suggested University where she previously collaborative space, workforce two tracks of intrapreneurial Louise Herrington School of national teaching award – candid and revealing account of the benefit of mentors who are held the position of Provost. training and symposia meeting curriculum development and with the single largest venues for up to 300 attendees. Nursing at Baylor University. intercollegiate student projects. Conroy has more than monetary reward of $250,000 Additionally, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) 25 years of experience in – presented by a college or space and an Innovative Business Baylor Named to higher education, health care university to an individual for Accelerator are planned. Multiple Prestigious Lists administration, and nursing and exceptional teaching. health care research. She joins The Cherry Award program at

In addition to setting an Baylor from Armstrong Atlantic Baylor is designed to honor great Baylor Among Recipients overall enrollment record for State University in Savannah, teachers, stimulate discussion The National One of the experiments that of Kern Family academic year 2011-2012 with Ga., where she was dean, in the academy about the value Aeronautics and Baylor researchers are currently Foundation Grant 15,029 students, Baylor University professor, and a member of the of teaching and encourage Space Administration working on is to find the Higgs, has also received a number of graduate faculty of the College departments and institutions to (NASA) has awarded a particle predicted to exist that to Train Engineers in prestigious accolades. of Health Professions. value their own great teachers. Baylor University could explain how the universe Entrepreneurship Baylor has once again been She has a significant Dr. Coppola is expected to more than 50 came to be, how it functions and named one of the Best Values in background in research, grants teach in residence at Baylor different artifacts – the origin of mass. Baylor University, University Private Colleges by Kiplinger’s and sponsored projects. During during the spring 2013 semester. either of actual space At the EPS conference, Dr. Jay of Dayton, University of Detroit Personal Finance and, for the her career, Conroy has been A significant part of his academic shuttle components Dittmann, associate professor of Mercy, and Villanova University sixth straight year, the best- awarded more than $6 million in career has focused on teacher or of experiments physics at Baylor, and his Baylor have received a $2.4 million selling Fiske Guide for college- grants and sponsored projects. development and he plans to flown on shuttle research team presented results grant from the Kern Family bound students and their Throughout her career, Conroy begin one of his noted teaching missions – that will related to two main areas in the Foundation to develop parents has named the University has been active in various groups while at Baylor. eventually be on search for the Higgs Boson: a innovative ways to educate a “Best Buy.” professional organizations. “Through the Cherry program, display within the search for the standard-model engineers capable of contributing Academic recognition also She was a gubernatorial Baylor University shines a Baylor Research Higgs particle when it decays to the entrepreneurial cultures abounds as Baylor moved up appointment to the Virginia bright, international light on and Innovation into either photons or tau of their companies. four places to No. 75 in the Board of Nursing for eight years the incomparable value that Collaborative (BRIC). particles and a search for a Higgs “The goal of the collaborative latest “Best Colleges” rankings and served as president as well interpersonal connections have particle described by a different, effort is to form a Helping Hands released by U.S.News & World as chair of the Committee of the in the learning process - not non- Standard Model theory Dense Network (HHDN) which Report and was one of only 19 Joint Boards of Nursing and only in the original classroom that predicts a Higgs particle will lead to a positive change universities nationwide to receive Medicine. This led to service setting - but in creating a lifelong decaying to photons at a higher of culture in the way engineers an “A” from the American with the National Council relationship and bond between probability than the Standard are educated by developing Council of Trustees and Alumni of State Boards of Nursing, teachers and their students,” Model theory. In fact, in this curricular strategies to instill in a report that gauges an where she was appointed to Coppola said. “I look forward to other theory, the most likely the entrepreneurial mindset in institution’s commitment to the Committee on Practice, joining and collaborating with “mode” of decay is into all undergraduate engineering a strong core curriculum. Regulation and Education. diverse members of the Baylor photons rather than into students,” said Cynthia C. In the U.S.News and World Conroy holds a Doctor of University community as a part b-quarks, the researchers said. Fry, assistant dean of the Report survey “America’s Education degree in curriculum of this honor.”

baylor university school of engineering and computer science 13 > FACULTY PROFILE

When Aaron Thibault became an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at Baylor this spring, the excitement of gaming development students – and their professors – was tangible. Having been an active member of the industry for more than 14 years and serving in both commercial and academic posts, his immense knowledge of gaming will certainly assist students in taking their skills to the next level.

14 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs baylor university school of engineering and computer science 15 Game Development: Exciting Partnership who has found a balance between Amazing Career academia and corporate gaming. Opportunity Rich Experience Though the majority of his time is Thibault believes students have spent on the commercial side of the Aaron is currently Vice President an incredible opportunity to see industry these days, his desire to According to the Entertainment of Product Development at the fruits of their labor very quickly remain engaged in academic circles Software Association (ESA), gaming Gearbox Software located in the current environment as has never waned. in the United States brought in more in Plano, Texas, where he is games can quickly be created and Thibault began his relationship than $25 billion in sales of video responsible for production and published through iTunes, Steam, with Baylor as a visiting lecturer in games, hardware and accessories in staffing of all projects. While at Xbox Live and the PlayStation the film and digital media classes 2010. This is a number that increases Gearbox, he has worked on hits Network among others. of both Drs. Corey Carbonara significantly each year and shows such as Borderlands 2, Aliens and and Michael Korpi. Not only no signs of slowing down despite Brothers in Arms: Furious 4. His advice? did he share with students his an uncertain economy. Seventy-two He has experience in Start learning now. experiences but he also took these percent of American households play entertainment production, opportunities to visit with students “There’s a ton of pickup game computer or video games, and those military R&D and academia. about their gaming experiences programming opportunities who participate span genders and After earning his undergraduate and expectations of new products available. Students should find generations. In short, this is a booming degree at The University of Texas on the market. hobby projects and actually industry that is in need of fresh talent at Austin, Thibault began working “I really enjoyed coming down complete game projects,” says on a regular basis. at Origin Systems where he was and having a sounding board of Thibault. “Find what’s really To prepare students to enter this a sound designer and cinematic students to talk to,” Thibault said. interesting to you and work to rapidly evolving industry with the best animator, which was a part of “These guys are gamers. They know improve each and every day.” skill set possible, Baylor’s Department Electronic Arts, the company about games in the market. I love of Computer Science offers a behind the Madden franchise to see the reactions and see what game development and simulated and other popular games. After they’re thinking about and talk to environments concentration within EA began to downsize, he them about new developments the Bachelor of Science in Computer returned to his alma mater. within the industry.” Science degree program. This “Dr. George Kozmetsky, raised Through these experiences, specialization is designed to provide money to build an R&D program Thibault began discussions about an understanding of the development with games,” Thibault said. “I opportunities to get more involved and application of interactive digital started with a research agenda with the program at Baylor. In media technologies. The program of artificial intelligence, learning January he officially stepped is offered in cooperation with the and online games. I built Digital into an elevated role by taking Film and Digital Media Division and Warrior, which was a learning on the challenge of teaching combines media course offerings with game for decision-making for the computer science capstone technical content in order to produce the Army. I tied that in to other course for Game Development. a graduate with skills that go beyond gaming projects that were Baylor’s program is highly design and implementation. happening around the Army. regarded as one that consistently The program features a traditional I did a number of very cool produces graduates capable of computer science core, with a projects there.” positively impacting a business three-course game development After launching the IC2 immediately. The addition of sequence and a four-course media Institute at UT, Thibault moved Thibault will only advance the production sequence taught in Film to the Dallas area where he “Find what’s really University’s reputation in this area. and Digital Media. As a concentration served as Deputy Director and “Aaron Thibault is a major of the BSCS, the curriculum features Senior Lecturer at Southern interesting to you player in the industry and vice the breadth of an undergraduate Methodist University’s Guildhall president of a major studio, said Computer Science degree along graduate program in videogame and work to improve Dr. Jeff Donahoo, a professor with specialization in areas central arts and sciences. of computer science at Baylor. each and every day.” to the game development industry. The time spent teaching “He brings many years of Graduates of the program are and researching was a highlight experience on a variety of high awarded a fully-accredited for Thibault but his desire to profile projects to the capstone Computer Science degree with all return to commercial gaming class, providing a tremendous the associated career and graduate led him to his current company, benefit to Baylor students.” education opportunities. Gearbox Software. Thibault’s involvement will give “Gearbox has a great team,” Baylor students a very special says Thibault. “I’m able to work opportunity to learn directly from directly with the founders of the one of the best in the industry. They company, who are awesome will be the beneficiaries of hands- game makers, having made on instruction and practical advice some games I loved playing: that could only originate from one Counter Strike,Tony Hawk, and Halo PC.”

baylor university school of engineering and computer science 17 “I’ve always “I’m really grateful for the people who stepped up to help,” he says. “I know it’s liked getting my been a help to my family.” As a Baylor student-athlete, Kolt had hands dirty and to learn quickly how to devote substantial amounts of time to a rigorous degree program and still be physically able to take building things,” the mound during a game. “My parents have always said that school comes before baseball. I’d say school and “I’ve always liked getting my hands baseball are equal,” he says with a grin. dirty and building things,” Kolt says. To maintain the proper balance, Kolt works ahead “I took two years of agricultural on his assignments when he can. He works with his Baylor strives to provide not only mechanics in high school and coaches when he needs to carve out extra time for a high quality classroom education loved it. We built all sorts of schoolwork. He works with his professors when he but a complete experience that, as agricultural equipment like trailers, needs to be away for baseball road trips. the mission reads, “educates men truck bumpers and heavy-duty Kolt schedules his classes in the morning. After and women for worldwide leadership toolboxes. We also repaired tractor class, he grabs something to eat – usually at one and service by integrating academic mowers and hydraulic hayforks.” of the sandwich shops near campus – and takes excellence and Christian commitment The interest in mechanics coupled self-prescribed “power naps” before afternoon within a caring community.” with his love of math led him to explore practice. After practice, it’s back to the books. Such an effort — whether it’s providing the engineering option. This daily routine often ends at 2 a.m. the best professors, cutting-edge “My dad suggested engineering “Engineering is really time consuming,” he academic facilities, smaller class sizes, because this kind of incorporated says, offering the following advice to others who diverse areas of study, chaplains in the details behind how mechanical declare the major: “Stay on track. Don’t get equipment works and how it’s each residence hall, or opportunities behind. Power naps help out a lot.” to turn knowledge into service through designed,” Kolt explains. “He suggested As a student, Kolt has learned the I talk to a few people he knew who mission trips — comes at a cost. President value of asking a lot of questions in class Starr has called on all Baylor alumni to were petroleum engineers, and after as well as building and maintaining strong chatting with them about what they did demonstrate their love for the university relationships with his classmates. and the students who are following in their on a daily basis I thought I might enjoy “I have lots of study partners,” he says. doing something like that as well. footsteps by supporting the President’s “It’s always helpful to have good Scholarship Initiative, a $100 million, three- So I decided mechanical engineering relationships with people who you can get would be a good field.” year initiative to endow student scholarships help from when you don’t understand for years to come. While in high school, he was wooed something or where working together as a baseball player by several junior speeds up the process of solving a For more information on how you can support colleges and a few smaller universities. problem. If we work together we can the President’s Scholarship Initiative and help When he’s on the mound staring But academic opportunities won the tutor each other.” ensure academically qualified students from down a batter, Baylor Bears pitcher day. His decision to attend Baylor was Kolt enjoys the challenge to achieve all walks of life continue to find their place at reached after visiting campus, meeting success in both areas. He says he Baylor, visit baylor.edu/extraordinarystories. Kolt Browder wants nothing less with faculty members from Baylor’s falls short sometimes, but, like most engineering department and receiving mechanical engineers, he’s always than the swing and the miss. an academic scholarship. He eventually seeking ways to improve. joined the baseball team as an invited “The best feeling in the world is striking someone out with a fastball,” walk-on. An athletic scholarship came Kolt says. “I don’t like people to even touch the ball with the bat.” a few years later. Kolt’s passion for Baylor baseball is palpable, but the junior mechanical “I did some research and asked engineering major doesn’t let that intensity upset the balance he’s established around and found that Baylor has a between life on the mound and life in the Baylor classroom. His 4.0 grade point great engineering program,” Kolt says average crowns an already impressive academic record which includes being of his decision to attend the University. named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll five times and a 2009 Fall “The classes are smaller. You can meet Semester Baylor Award for Academic Excellence. with professors. They know your name. Kolt’s academic and athletic journey started in his hometown of Coldspring, They all have office hours when you can Texas. The son of a rancher, Kolt attended Oakhurst High School, where come in and meet with them.” he played shortstop and outfield on the baseball team and graduated Kolt says he made the correct as class valedictorian. decision, adding that the opportunity His interest in engineering was something that developed on the family to attend Baylor was made possible by ranch and in high school. the scholarship assistance. GPA ERA W-L SV IP SO 4.0 4.88 4-2 1 27.2 36

CAREER HONORS 2010 First-Team Academic All-Big 12 • 2010 Texas Collegiate League No. 10 Prospect (Baseball America) • 2009 Fall Semester Baylor Award for Academic Excellence • Five-time Big 12 Commissioner’s 18 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs Honor Roll (Fall 2008-10, Spring 2009-10) AROUND THE LAB > FACULTY PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Anderson, Will and Meneveau, topography with a dynamic surface Biology and 10th European Radar R&D Panel, International Sustainable Economic Opportunities that Actually Propel Ventures wafer-scale uniform SERS/plasmonic American Concrete Institute, Strategic C., 2011: A dynamic large-eddy drag model. American Phys. Conference on Computational Symposium on Advanced Radio for Poor Farmers in Under Developed Forward,” NCIIA 2011 Open structures based on nanoimprint Development Council, CDC Session simulation model for boundary Soc. Division of Fluid Dynamics, Biology. Vienna, Austria. (2011). Technologies (ISART), National Countries by Utilizing Agricultural Conference, Washington, D.C., lithography and self-assembly,” #29, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, layer flow over multiscale, fractal- Baltimore, MD. Telecommunications and Information Waste to Make More Sustainable March 2011. International Conference on Electron, Canada, March 2011. like surfaces. J. Fluid Mech., 679, Baylis, Charles, Wang, L., Moldovan, Administration (NTIA), Boulder, CO, Polymeric Composite Materials.” Ion, Photon Beam Technology and 288-314. Baker, Erich J., Jay JJ, Bubier M., Martin, J., Miller, H., Cohen, July 2011. Fry, Cynthia, Rife, William, Carpenter, Nanofabrication (EIPBN), Las Vegas, Jean, Buford Randall, “Principles JA, Langston MA, Chesler EJ: L., and de Graaf, J., “Designing Kenley, Edward C. and Cho, Young- Donald, and Yoder, John-David, NV, paper 5C.2, 2011. of Applied Microwave Metrology,” Anderson, Will and Meneveau, “GeneWeaver” a web-based system Transmitters for Spectral Conformity: Baylis, Charles, Solid-State Power Rae, “Detecting protein complexes “Best Practices for Teaching the Presented at GE Global Research, C., 2011: Large-eddy simulation of for integrative functional genomics.” Power Amplifier Design Issues and Amplifiers for Next-Generation and functional modules from protein Entrepreneurial Mindset to Faculty Li, W.-D., Ding, F., Hu, Jonathan, and Niskayuna, NY, May 2011. atmospheric boundary layer flow Nucleic Acids Research. (2011). Strategies,” IET Radar, Sonar, and Radar Transmitters,” International interaction networks: a graph entropy Members,” NCIIA 2011 Open Chou, S., “Nanoantenna Coupled over multiscale topographies with Navigation, Vol. 5, No. 6, July 2011, Symposium on Advanced Radio approach,” Proteomics, Vol. 11, No. Conference, Washington, D.C., Plasmonic Nanodots in a Three- Webster, Jack M., Jean, B. Randall, a dynamic surface drag model. Jay JJ, Baker Erich J., Chesler pp. 681-685. Technologies (ISART), National 19, pp. 3835-3844, 2011. March 2011. dimensional cavity for uniform and Neculaes, V. Bogdan, Katz, Sarah, American Geophysical Union, Fall EJ. “Extracting relationships from Telecommunications and Information ultra-high surface-enhanced Raman “Enabling Automated Calorie Meeting 2011, San Fransisco, CA. integrated functional genomics Baylis, Charles, “Simultaneously Administration (NTIA), Boulder, Kenley, Edward C. and Cho, Fry, Cynthia and Pistrui, David, scattering(SERS) over large area,” Counting at the Touch of a Button,” data with the Ontological Discovery Reconfigurable RF Circuitry and CO, July 2011. Young-Rae, “Entropy-based “Assessing the Entrepreneurial International Topical Meeting on The 29th Annual Scientific Meeting Anderson, Will and Meneveau, C., Environment.” 19th Annual Optimizable Waveforms to Meet graph clustering: application to Mindset within Engineering Nanophotonics and Metamaterials of the Obesity Society, Orlando, FL, biological and social networks,” IEEE Programs,” 2011 ASEE National (Nanometa), Tirol, Austria, paper poster presentation, October 2011.

2011: LES of atmospheric boundary International Conference on Spectral Mask Requirements Jost, R., Cohen, L., and Baylis, >FACULTY PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS layer flow over fluvial-like anisotropic Intelligent Systems for Molecular and Maximize Power Efficiency,” Charles, Tutorial: “Introduction to International Conference on Data Conference & Exposition, Vancouver, WED4f.40, 2011. Radar Transmitters,” IEEE Radar Mining (ICDM), Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia, June 2011. Jean, Buford Randall, “A Microwave Conference, Kansas City, MO, December 2011. Li, W.-D., Hu, Jonathan, and Chou, Frequency Sensor for Measuring May 2011. Fry, Cynthia and Jordan, William, S. Y., “Nanoantenna enhanced W/CM in Fresh Concrete,” invited Soltau, Nicholas and Cho, Young- “Engineering Education and the transmission through blocked metallic presentation, ASTM Technical Baylis, Charles and Marks II, Rae, “Assessment of cluster overlaps Entrepreneurial Mind at Baylor subwavelength holes,” International Committee C09, Research Committee > NEW FACES Robert J., “Power Amplifier Circuit to improve accuracy of module University,” 2011 ASEE National Topical Meeting on Nanophotonics Meeting, ASTM International and Waveform Optimization for detection from PPI networks,” Conference & Exposition, Vancouver, and Metamaterials (Nanometa), Tirol, Conference, Tampa, FL, December 2011. Reduced Spectral Spreading in IEEE International Conference on British Columbia, June 2011. Austria, paper WED4f.41, 2011. William Anderson Radar Power Amplifiers,” 2011 IDGA Bioinformatics and Biomedicine Jordan, William M., “Careers in (BIBM), Atlanta, GA, November 2011. Gravagne, Ian A., Johns, E., Davis, Zhang, D., Smith, D.E., Jack, David Engineering and Entrepreneurship,” Assistant Professor / Mechanical Engineering Military Radar Summit, Vienna, VA, February 2011. J.M., “Switched Linear Systems A., and Montgomery-Smith, S. presented to the Sonrise School, Kenley, Edward C., Kirk, Lyles, and on Time Scales with Relaxed “Numerical Evaluation of Single Fiber Musanze, Rwanda, May 21, 2011 Bradley, Walter, Teipel, Elisa, Cho, Young-Rae, “Differentiating Commutativity Constraints,” IEEE Motion for Short-Fiber-Reinforced party and date hubs in protein Proceedings of the 43rd Meeting Composite Materials Processing.” Fry, Cindy and Jordan, William, Prior to joining the Baylor mechanical Greer, Stanton, Conroy, Sean, and Vano, Ryan, “More Sustainable interaction networks using of the Southeastern Symposium on Journal of Manufacturing Science and “Engineering Education and the engineering faculty, Dr. Will Anderson completed his Polymeric Composites that Utilize semantic similarity measures,” System Theory, Auburn University, Engineering, 133(5):051002-9 2011. Entrepreneurial Mind,” presented PhD in mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins Coconut Fiber and Coconut Shell ACM International Conference March 14-16, 2011. at the A.S.E.E. Annual Meeting in University (2011). As a doctoral candidate, his Powder,” Proceedings of Society of on Bioinformatics, Computational Montgomery-Smith, S., Jack, David Vancouver, June 2011. In CD based research focus was the development of a novel Plastics Engineers’ Global Plastics Biology and Biomedicine (BCB), Hu, Jonathan and Gmachl, C., A., and Smith, D.E. “The Fast Exact Proceedings (no page numbers). (and simple) tool for use in computer simulation Environmental Conference (GPEC), Chicago, IL, August 2011. “Quantum cascade lasers enhance Closure for Jeffery’s Equation with mid-IR spectroscopy,” Photonics Diffusion.” Journal of Non-Newtonian Jordan, William, “Engineering Ethics of atmospheric flows over topography commonly Atlanta, GA, October 17-19, 2011. Wang, J., Dong, Liang, and Fu, Y., Spectra, feature article, Dec. 2011. Fluid Mechanics, 166:343-353, 2011. and Justice: How do they Relate?” found in nature, such as eroded landscapes or “Modeling of UHF voltage multiplier presented at the A.S.E.E. Annual the rough ocean surface. In addition, he earned Teipel, Elisa, Conroy, Sean, DeMassa, John, and Bradley, Walter, for radio-triggered wake-up circuits.” Li, W., Hu, Jonathan, and Chou, S. Montgomery-Smith, S., Hei, W., Meeting in Vancouver, June 2011. a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University “Polymeric Composites Reinforced International Journal of Circuits Y., “Extraordinary light transmission Jack, David A., and Smith, D.E. In CD based Proceedings (no page in mechanical engineering and a master of science with Natural Powders and Fibers Theory and Applications, vol. 39, No. through opaque thin metal film with “Exact Tensor Closures for the Three numbers). in civil engineering from Texas Tech University. from Renewable Resource By- 11, pp. 1189-1197, November 2011. subwavelength holes blocked by Dimensional Jeffery’s Equation.” Dr. Anderson’s current research at Baylor products / Agricultural Waste,” metal disks,” Opt. Express 19, pp. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 680:321- Jordan, William, “Christian, Engineer, focuses on numerical simulation, with large- Proceedings of SPE International Brown, L. J., Dong, Liang, and 21098-21108, 2011. 335, 2011. and Entrepreneur: How Are They Cerullo, A. G. “Technology Related?” presented at the Annual eddy simulation (LES), of turbulent flows over Polyolefins Conference, Woodlands, TX, Feb. 27 - Mar. 2, 2011. engineering and management Li, W., Ding, F., Hu, Jonathan, and Tsai, C.-H, Zhang, C., Jack, David Meeting of the American Scientific surfaces with roughness that is multiscale and in aviation: Advancements and Chou, S. Y., “Three-dimensional cavity A., and Wang, B. “The Effect of Affiliation, Naperville, Illinois, fractal-like. This effort has relevance to problems (Conference award for best paper for early career presenter). discoveries,” Book Chapter: “The nanoantenna coupled plasmonic Inclusion Waviness and Waviness August 2011. in engineering and geophysics. Common evaluation of wireless communication nanodots for ultrahigh and uniform Distribution on Elastic Properties geophysical examples of multiscale roughness Bradley, Walter, featured lecture devices: To improve in-flight security surface-enhanced Raman scattering of Fiber-Reinforced Composites.” Jordan, William, “A Logistic include geomorphological evolved fluvial “the opportunity to engage with for Society of Plastics Engineers on-board commercial aircraft,” pp. over large area,” Opt. Express 18, pp. Composites, Part B, 42:62-70 2011. Framework for the KEEN Initiative,“ landscapes, the wind-drive ocean surface, outstanding students and colleagues (SPE) Annual Technical Meeting 190-202, IGI Global, July 2011. 3925-3936, 2011. presented at the KEEN Fall and vegetation. in a Christian environment.” (ANTEC), Boston, May 2-5, 2011, Kim, M., Okoli, O.I., Jack, David Conference, Milwaukee, September Xi, S., Zoltowski, M. D., Zhao, Y., Menyuk, C. R., Hu, Jonathan, A., and Park, Y.B. “Manufacturing 30-October 1, 2011 He was drawn to Baylor by what he described Dr. Anderson and his wife, Brittany, as the recipient of the Outstanding and Dong, Liang, “Single-node Weiblen, R. J., and Docherty, A., Process Improvement and Mechanical as “the opportunity to join a university at such have a very young son, Samuel. Educator in SPE Award for 2011, on the “Use of Agricultural Waste MMSE for MMSE cooperative “Supercontinuum Generation at Modeling of Multi-Walled Carbon Jordan, William, and Van Treuren, an exciting time in its history: in Baylor’s case, Although Dr. Anderson admitted positioning,” Proceedings of SPIE - Mid-IR Wavelengths in Chalcogenide Nanotube/Epoxy Composites.” Kenneth, “Wisdom for (and from) “my research is my hobby; I also enjoy as Reinforcement in Polymeric the ongoing focus on research and the trajectory Composite Materials: The Case of The International Society for Optical Photonic Crystal Fibers,” Frontiers Accepted in Plastics, Rubber and Engineers, presented at Educating following college football and mountain st towards research prominence at the national Coconut Shell Powder and Coir Engineering. vol. 8061, April 2011. in Optics, San Jose, CA, paper Composites: Macromolecular for Wisdom in the 21 Century and international level.” Also, he was drawn to biking.” Dr. Anderson said he and Fiber from the Coconut Husk.” FTuW1, 2011. Engineering. University,” Baylor Symposium Brittany “are so appreciative of the Fry, Cynthia and Leman, Gregory, on Faith and Culture, Waco, many warm welcomes we’ve received Bradley, Walter, invited lecturer for “Baylor University’s Technology Li, W.-D., Ding, F., Liang, Y., Wang, Jean, Buford Randall, “A Microwave Texas, October 2011 from our new ‘Baylor family’.” Distinguished Jones Lecture Series Entrepreneurship Practicum – C., Chen, H., Hu, Jonathan, Zhang, Frequency Sensor for Measuring W/ at Dartmouth College, Hanover, Creating Learning Opportunities Via W., and Chou, S., “Design and CM in Fresh Concrete,” Technology Khaleghi, Milad, Farsangi, Malihe M., NH, November 2010, “Creating Student Consultative Engagements fabrication of high enhancement yet Showcase Invited Presentation, Nezamabadi-Pour, Hossein, and Lee,

20 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs baylor university school of engineering and computer science 21 Kwang Y., “Pareto Optimal Design Vlachogiannis, J. G. and Lee, IEEE 43rd Southeastern Symposium Mart, S. R. and McClain, Stephen Jung, H. J., Ha, K. S., Song, Ben M., Computation Symposium (RACS), Song, Eungee, “Using Model- Enhancing Techniques, and Wind of Damping Controllers Using Kwang Y., “Optimal Operation on Systems Theory (SSST), Auburn T., “Protuberances in a Turbulent Lai, J. S., Hyun, D. S., and Kim, R. Y., Miami, FL, November, 2011. Driven Engineering (MDE) Tunnel Testing for Small Scale, Low Modified Artificial Immune Network of Smart Grids in an Open University, March 14-17, 2011, Thermal Boundary Layer,” Journal “Low Frequency Current Reduction Approaches in Complex Software Reynolds Number Wind Turbines,” Algorithm,” IEEE Transactions on Energy Market Environment,” pp. 49-54. of Heat Transfer, Vol. 134, No. 1, Using a Quasi-Notch Filter Kim, Yoonjeong, Na, Hyun-Hea, System Development,” Invited IMECE 2011-65351, ASME IMECE, Systems, Man and Cybernetics, “Coordinated Aggregation Particle 011902, 2012. Operated in Two-Stage DC-DC-AC Lee, Ji-Youn, and Song, Eunjee, Talk at IBM Watson Research, Denver, Colorado, Nov. 11-17, 2011. Part C, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 240-250, Swarm Optimization Applied Davis, John M., Gravagne, Ian A., Grid-Connected Systems,” IEEE “An Arithmetic Operation Hawthorne, NY, March 2011. March 2011. in Reactive Power and Voltage Marks II, Robert J. and Jackson, McClain Stephen T., Tino, P., 2011 Energy Conversion Congress Implementation Strategy for Privacy- Burdett, Tim A., Gregg, Jason R., Control,” Proc. of the 18th IFAC Billy J., ``Regions of Exponential and Kreeger, R. E., “Ice Shape & Exposition (ECCE 2011), Phoenix, Aware Role-Based Access Control”, Paretti, Marie, Layton, Richard, and Van Treuren, Kenneth W., Moon, Un-Chul and Lee, Kwang World Congress, Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, Stability for LTI Systems on Characterization Using Self- AZ, Sep. 17-22, 2011, pp. 2746-2750. poster presentation at 20th USENIX Laguette, Stephen and Speegle, 2011, “An Examination of the Y., “An Adaptive Dynamic Matrix 2011, Milan, Italy. Nonuniform Discrete Domains,’’ Organizing Maps,” Journal Security Symposium, San Francisco, Greg, “Managing and Mentoring Effect of Reynolds Number on Control with Fuzzy-Interpolated Proceedings of the 2011 IEEE of Aircraft, Vol. 48, No. 2, Song, Ben M. and Choi, J. Y., “A CA, Aug. 2011. Capstone Design Teams: Airfoil Performance,” ASME 2011 Step-Response Model for a Drum- Head, J. D., Gomes, J. R., Williams, 43rd Southeastern Symposium on pp. 724-730, 2011. Low-Speed High-Torque Permanent Considerations and Practices for International Conference on Energy Type Boiler-Turbine System,” C. S., and Lee, Kwang Y., Systems Theory (SSST), Auburn Magnet Motor for Electric Song, Eungee, “Using Model- Faculty,” International Journal of and Sustainability, Washington, D.C., IEEE Transactions on Energy “Implementing Real-Time Gain University, March 14-17, 2011, Wright, Lesley M., McClain Scooters,” IEEE 2011 Vehicle Power Driven Engineering (MDE) Engineering Education, 27(6):1192- Aug. 7-10, 2011. Conversion, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. Optimization in a Multi-Agent pp.37-42. Stephen T. , and Clemenson M. D., and Propulsion Conference (VPPC Techniques for Complex Software 1205, 2011. 393-401, June 2011. System Designed for Optimized “Effect of Freestream Turbulence 2011), Chicago, IL, Sep. 6-9, 2011, Development,” Baylor/CTU Burdett, Tim A., Gregg, Jason R., Multiobjective Power Plant Control,” Baylis, Charles and Marks II, Intensity on Film Cooling Jet pp. PS-32. Joint Workshop, Czech Technical Gregg, Jason R., Burdett, Tim and Van Treuren, Kenneth W., Sha, R., Nadarajah, M., and Lee, Proc. of the 18th IFAC World Robert J., “Frequency Multiplexing Structure and Surface Effectiveness University, Prague, Czeck Republic, A., Van Treuren, Kenneth W., 2011, “Testing and Analysis of Kwang Y., “Contribution of PV Congress, Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, 2011, Tickle Tones to Determining using PIV and PSP,” Journal of Abedi, M., Song, Ben M., and Kim, September 2011. and McClain, Steven T., “Design Torque Production in Low Speed Systems with Ultra Capacitor Milan, Italy. Harmonic Coupling Weights in Turbomachinery, Vol. 133, No. 4, R. Y., “Nonlinear-Model Predictive Considerations, Performance Wind Turbines,” ASME District Energy Storage on Inter-Area Nonlinear Systems,” ARFTG, 78th 041023, 2011. Control Based Bidirectional E 2011 Early Career Technical Oscillation,” IEEE Power Engineering Choi, Jaeseok, Park, Jongie, Cho, ARFTG Microwave Measurement Converter for V2G Battery Charger Society General Meeting, Detroit, Kyeonghee, Jeon, Donghoon, Conference, Nov. 29 - Dec. Wright, Lesley M., McClain Applications,” IEEE 2011 Vehicle MI, July 24-28, 2011. Cha, Junmin, Lee, Heung-Jae, and 2, 2011, Tempe, Arizona 78th Stephen T. , and Clemenson M. Power and Propulsion Conference Lee, Kwang Y., “Reliability-Based ARFTG Microwave Measurement D., “Effect of Density Ratio on Flat (VPPC 2011), Chicago, IL, Sep. 6-9, Ma, Liangyu and Lee, Kwang Y., Grid Expansion Planning of Power Symposium, Dec 1-2, 2011 Plate Film Cooling with Shaped 2011, pp. S28-4. > NEW FACES “Neural Network Based Superheater Systems Considering Wind Turbine Holes Using PSP,” Journal of Steam Temperature Control for Generators,” Proc. of the 18th IFAC Baylis, Charles, Marks II, Robert Turbomachinery, Vol. 133, No. 4, Liu, B. and Song, Ben M., Yang Li a Large-Scale Supercritical Boiler World Congress, Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, J., Martin, Josh, Wang, Loria, 041011, 2011. “Modeling and Analysis of an Assistant Professor Electrical & Computer Engineering Unit,” IEEE Power Engineering 2011, Milan, Italy. Moldovan, Matthew, and Miller, LCL Filter for Grid-Connected Society General Meeting, Detroit, Hunter, ``Wirtinger Calculus as McClain Stephen T., Hodge, B. Inverters in Wind Power Generation MI, July 24-28, 2011. Li, Yiguo, Shen, Jiong, and Lee, a Means to Assess and Improve K., and Bons, J. P., “The Effect of Systems,” IEEE 2011 PES General Kwang Y., “Data-driven Nonlinear Linearity and Efficiency in Radar Element Thermal Conductivity on Meeting, July 24-29, 2011. Dr. Li completed his PhD in electrical Lee, Kwang Y., Head, J. D., Gomes, Control of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Amplifiers,’’ URSI National Turbulent Convective Heat Transfer and computer engineering at the J. R., and Williams, C. S., “Multi- System,” Proc. of the 18th IFAC Radio Science Meeting, University of from Rough Surfaces,” Journal of Song, Ben M., Hwang, C., and Park, University of Texas (Austin) in 2011 before Agent System Based Intelligent World Congress, Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, Colorado, Boulder, (Jan. 4-6, 2011). Turbomachinery, Vol. 133, No. 2, M., “Analysis of Voltage Faults in the joining the Baylor faculty. He also earned Grid-Connected Inverter of a Wind Distributed Control System for Power 2011, Milan, Italy. 021024, 2011. a master’s degree from The University Plants,” IEEE Power Engineering Matthew Moldovan, Martin, Josh, Power Generation System using of Texas and an undergraduate degree Society General Meeting, Detroit, Wu, Xiao, Shen, Jiong, Li, Yiguo, Baylis, Charles and Marks II, Austin, Katherine, Gorsuch, Greta, Real-Time Digital Simulator,” IEEE MI, July 24-28, 2011. and Lee, Kwang Y., “Stable Model Robert J., ``Using Wirtinger Calculus Lawson, William, and Newberry, 2011 ECCE/ICPE, May 30 - June 4, from the University of Science and Predictive Control Based on TS Fuzzy to Predict the Behavior of Time- Byron, “Developing and Designing 2011, pp. 1358-1363. Technology of China. Yao, Wang and Lee, Kwang Y., “A Model with Application to Boiler- Invariant Periodicity Preservation Online Engineering Ethics Instruction At Baylor, Dr. Li continues his research Control Configuration of Wind Farm turbine Coordinated System,” Proc. Systems,’’ 2011 Mini-Symposium on for International Graduate Students,” Abedi, M. and Song, Ben M., interests, which include antenna design, for Load-Following and Frequency of the IEEE Conference on Decision Wireless and Microwave Circuits and Instructional Science, Vol. 39, No. 6, “Optimum Tracking of Nonlinear- wireless propagation, electromagnetic Support by Considering the Inertia and Control, Dec. 12-15, Orlando, Systems (WMCS), Baylor University, 2011, 975-997. DOI: 10.1007/s11251- Model Predictive Control for Boost- meta-materials and radar research. Based PFC Rectifiers,” IEEE 2011 Issue,” IEEE Power Engineering FL, 2011. April 2011. 010-9162-1. Baylor’s fast growing electrical and Society General Meeting, Detroit, ICIT/SSST, March 15-17, 2011. computer engineering department and MI, July 24-28, 2011. Guo, Zhitong and Lee, Kwang Baylis, Charles, Dunleavy, Newberry, Byron, “The Axiology Y., “Modeling and Simulation of Lawrence, Lardizabal, Steven, of Engineering,” Workshop on Seo, H. R., Park, M., Yu, I. K., and new PhD program, along with the Baylor Bijami, E., Jadidoleslam, M., a Power Conditioning System for Marks II, Robert J., and Rodriguez, Engineering and Sociology, Song, Ben M., “Performance Research and Innovation Collaborative Ebrahimi, A., Farsang, M. M., and the Hybrid Fuel-Cell/Turbine Power Alberto, ``Efficient Optimization Graduate University of the Chinese Analysis and Evaluation of a (BRIC), are factors that excited Dr. Li about Lee, Kwang Y., “Power System Plant,” Proc. of the IEEE Conference Using Experimental Queries: Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, Multifunctional Grid-Connected joining the Baylor family. Since his arrival, Stabilization using Brain Emotional on Decision and Control, Dec. 12-15, A Peak-Search Algorithm for Oct. 18-21, 2011. PV System Using Power Hardware- a number of additional reasons he enjoys Learning Based Intelligent Orlando, FL, 2011. Efficient Load-Pull Measurements,’’ in-the-Loop Simulation,” IEEE being at the University have been added 2011 Applied Power Electronics Controller,” IEEE Power Engineering Journal of Advanced Computational Lee, S., Song, Ben M., and Won, to the list. “The co-workers at Baylor – from Society General Meeting, Detroit, Li, Yang, Wu, M. F., Yilmaz, A., Intelligence and Intelligent T. H., “Evaluation of a Software Conference (APEC), March 6-9,

>FACULTY PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS PUBLICATIONS >FACULTY senior administration to ECE department MI, July 24-28, 2011. and Ling, H., “Analysis of wave Informatics, Vol.15, No.1 Configurable Digital Controller for 2011, pp. 1945-1948. propagation mechanisms in large- pp. 13-20, 2011. the Permanent Magnet Synchronous faculty and staff – are very supportive to Yao, Wang and Lee, Kwang Y., “A scale dielectric rod array,” IEEE Motor using Field-Oriented Park, M., Hwang, C., Kim, G. H., Dr. Yang Li became a member of the new faculty like me. The students are wind Farm Configuration for Load- Antennas and Propagation Society Jackson, B.J., Davis, J.M., Gravagne, Control,” International Journal of Song, Ben M., and Lee, Kwang Y., Baylor faculty in fall 2011 in the Department smart and humble. They are performing Following and its Application to International Symposium, July 2011. Ian A., Marks, Robert J. II, ``Linear Engineering Research & Innovation, “Voltage Transient Analysis of Electrical and Computer Engineering. well in my class. And I am ready to move Primary Frequency Support,” state feedback stabilization on time Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 5-10, Feb. 2011. of a PMSG Wind Power System Before coming to Baylor, Dr. Li worked as a into the re-innovated Research Annex to Proc. of the 2011 North American Li, Yang and Ling, H., “Investigation scales,’’ International Journal of Using Controller-Hardware-in-the systems engineer at Ericsson’s research and carry out exciting research!” Power Symposium, Boston, MA, of directive antenna radiation in a Dynamical Systems and Differential Song, Ben M., Kim, Y., Cha, H., Loops,” IEEE 2011 PES Conference development center in San Jose, California. on Innovation Smart Grid Dr. Li and his wife, Dandan, met at Aug. 4-6, 2011. metal cut-wire array,” USNC-URSI Equations 3 (2011), 163-177. and Lee, H., “Current Harmonic While at Ericsson, Dr. Li worked to develop Technologies (ISGT), Anaheim, The University of Texas in Austin where National Radio Science Meeting, arXiv:0910.3034v1 [math.OC]. Minimization of a Grid-Connected a next generation access network, an Guo, Zhitong and Lee, Kwang Y., Jan. 2011. Photovoltaic 500kW Three-Phase CA, Jan. 17-19, 2011. she is currently pursuing a doctoral “A Self-Adaptive Fuzzy PI Controller Baylis, Charles, Marks II, Robert Inverter using PR Control,” IEEE experience he views as “very valuable… degree. Their hobbies include a variety of Power Conditioning System for Poulsen, Dylan R., Spivey, Michael J., Martin, Josh, Miller, Hunter, 2011 Energy Conversion Congress & Cerny, Tomas, Song, Eunjee, I could connect the knowledge gained of sports and travel. Hybrid Fuel-Cell/Turbine Power Z., and Marks II, Robert J., ``The and Moldovan, Matthew. “Going Exposition (ECCE 2011), Phoenix, AZ, “UML-based Enhanced Rich Form in school with product development Plant,” Proc. of the 2011 North Poisson Process and Associated Nonlinear” IEEE Microwave Sep. 17-22, 2011, pp. 1063-1068. Generation,” ACM International in industry. I will definitely share such American Power Symposium, Probability Distributions on Time Magazine, April 2011, pp. 55-64. Conference on Research in Applied experiences with my students at Baylor.” Boston, MA, Aug. 4-6, 2011. Scales,’’ Proceedings of the 2011

22 SYNERGY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2012 VOL. 10 / www.baylor.edu/ecs baylor university school of engineering and computer science 23 >FACULTY PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS > NEW FACES Conference, Fayetteville, AR, March Van Treuren, Kenneth W., and Wright, Lesley M., McClain, Martin, E.L. and Wright, Lesley M., 31-April 2, 2011. (Best Presentation Jordan, William, “Wisdom for (and Stephen T., and Clemenson, M.D., “Development of an Experimental Award for this session). from) Engineers,” Presentation made 2011, “PIV and PSP Investigation of Technique for High Temperature as part of the 2011 Baylor Symposium the Effect of Freestream Turbulence Impingement Studies,” 2011 AIAA Dr. Hu completed his BS in Electrical Burdett, Tim A., Gregg, Jason on Faith and Culture, Educating for Intensity on Film Cooling from Region IV Student Paper Conference, Engineering at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, R., and Van Treuren, Kenneth Wisdom in the 21st Century University, Shaped Holes,” ASME Paper No. Arlington, TX, April 29 – May 1, 2011. China (1997) and his MS, Electrical Engineering, at the W., 2011, “A Numerical Study on Baylor University, Oct. 27-29, 2011. GT2011-46127, 2011 ASME Turbo University of Tulsa (2001). He completed his PhD Improving Airfoil Performance at Low Expo, Vancouver, Canada. Jordan, C.N., Ramirez, A.R., in 2008 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Reynolds Numbers for Small-Scale Wright, Lesley M. and Martin, E.L., and Wright, Lesley M., “Flow Before arriving at Baylor for the fall semester, Wind Turbines using Intentional Visualizations in a Rectangular 2011, “Film Cooling Effectiveness Jordan, C.N. and Wright, Lesley M., Dr. Hu was a postdoctoral research associate Roughness,” AIAA Region IV Distributions on a Flat Plate with a 2011, “Heat Transfer Enhancement Channel with V-Shaped Dimples,” Student Conference, Arlington, Double Hole Geometry using PSP,” in a Rectangular (AR = 3:1) Channel 2011 AIAA Region IV Student Paper in the Department of Electrical Engineering TX, April 29-May 1, 2011. (This ASME Paper No. AJTEC2011-44541, with V-Shaped Dimples,” ASME Paper Conference, Arlington, TX, April 29 – at Princeton University. While at Princeton, he paper won first place in the ASME/JSME 8th Thermal Engineering No. GT2011-46128, 2011 ASME Turbo May 1, 2011. worked on sensor technology using nanostructure graduate paper competition). Joint Conference, Honolulu, HI. Expo, Vancouver, Canada. photonic devices for surface-enhanced Raman Becker, J.W. and Wright, Lesley M., scattering towards biomedical application. Van Treuren, Kenneth W., and Mart, S.R., McClain, Stephen T., and Case, L.C., Jordan, C.N., and Wright, 2011, “Investigation of High Density Baylor’s “integration of faith and scholarly Gravagne, Ian, “An Engaged Wright, Lesley M., 2011, “Turbulent Lesley M., “Effect of Dimple Depth Ratio Film Cooling on a Flat Plate activities and the potential to grow with a Learning Group to Address Energy Using PSP,” 2011 AIAA Region IV Convection from Deterministic on Heat Transfer Enhancement in promising future in the School of Engineering and Education: Helping Students to Roughness Distributions with Varying a Rectangular Channel (AR = 3:1) Student Paper Conference, Arlington, Understand Energy Issues and Thermal Conductivities,” ASME Paper with Hemispherical Dimples,” AIAA TX, April 29 – May 1, 2011. Computer Science” drew Dr. Hu to the University. Their Impact on Society,” ASEE No. GT2011-45146, 2011 ASME Turbo Paper No. AIAA-2011-0825, 49th He feels it was the right move for a number of Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, Expo, Vancouver, Canada. AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, reasons: “It has been a good fit for me because Houston, TX, March 9-11, 2011. Orlando, FL, Jan.4–7, 2011. Baylor has given me the unique opportunity Jonathan Hu to work in a Christian environment and my Assistant Professor / Electrical & Computer Engineering colleagues are very welcoming and helpful.” At Baylor, Dr. Hu continues his research with > NEW FACES nanophotonics, metamaterials, nonlinear optics, When he is not teaching or working on his research, he enjoys photonic crystal fiber, mid-IR supercontinuum playing tennis and badminton. Dr. Hu takes regular advantage of the generation as well as coherent optical McLane Student Life Center, Baylor’s 100,000-square-foot physical communication, simulation and modeling. fitness center which includes a weight room, three regulation-size basketball courts, an indoor track, 10 racquetball courts and aerobics Liang Dong room among a number of additional features. Associate Teacher & Researcher / Electrical & Computer Engineering

Before arriving at Baylor for the fall semester, Dr. Dong was an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Western Michigan University where he received a Faculty Scholars Award for his work on Energy Harvesting > ALUMNI UPDATES for Wireless Sensor Networks. He received his Please stay in touch. MS (1998) and PhD (2002) in electrical and If you would like to let alumni and computer engineering from The University of friends of the School of Engineering and Texas at Austin. In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Computer Science know about recent 1982 2001 Trevor Hutchins (BSECE), along 2010 Science in applied physics from Shanghai Jiao events in your life, please contact us: Pat Keane (BS, Computer Dwight Horne (BSCS; MSCS with fellow alumni Eduardo Diana Joseph Milam (BSE) Tong University. Torrealba (BSME, 2011), Michael One Bear Place #97356 Science) has a new email address: 2004) welcomed his second received her Master of In recounting what drew him to Baylor, Dr. [email protected] child to his growing family in Clemenson (BSME, 2010), and Engineering in Biomedical Waco, TX 76798-7356 Dong quoted Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring November, 2011. Bradley Sanders (BSME, 2010) Engineering at Cornell in May [email protected] adventure or nothing.” He continued by saying, [email protected] recently formed the company 2011 and then got married in 1987 “Oso Simple Technologies.” June and started a new job in “My adventurous spirit and passion align very Steve McKechnie (BS, Computer Trevor wrote, “We are developing July. She works for Siemens as a well with Baylor’s mission to educate tomorrow’s Science, MBA 1988) has been a 2009 a wireless soil moisture monitoring member of the Siemens Graduate consultant for most of his career. Evan Martin (BSME; MSME 2011) world leaders with faith and excellence. When system for home gardeners. Our Program, which aims to develop He and his family have lived received the Abe M. Zarem Award I heard Baylor engineering was expanding, mission is to help gardeners future leaders for Siemens with >> Find us on overseas and currently live in for Distinguished Achievement I jumped to the opportunity.” have healthier gardens, by global and diverse perspectives Facebook and Texas where he works at North from AIAA (American Institute of At Baylor, Dr. Dong continues his research, limiting overwatering and on the company. Diana and her LinkedIn. Highland, an employee-owned Aeronautics and Astronautics). conserving water domestically. husband, Ben, will soon head focusing on communication systems, wireless Dr. Dong said, “I hope to serve more strategy and management In addition, he will have the And also to increase water access to Germany for a rotation as networks, digital signal processing, cyber-physical Baylor students as a bridge and bring consultancy. opportunity to present his work internationally by donating to and part of her job. systems and microelectronics for communications. them a global perspective.” [email protected] at the International Council of creating partnerships with some [email protected] Dr. Dong was born and grew up in Shanghai, He spent many years studying in the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) international organizations.” China. Having served as a visiting professor at Austin and working in Dallas and held in Australia next September They can be reached at 1999 (2012). [email protected] Shanghai Jiao Tong University from 2007 until considers Texas his “second home.” Jennifer Schmidt (Olomon) [email protected] 2011 Heather Benoit (BSE/ 2009 and with ongoing research collaborations, When not at work, he has been involved (BSCS, MSIS 2010) is now living in Mayowa Mosuro (BSME) and MSBME) now works for “a small with International Christian Fellowship the Seattle/Bellevue area working Shawn Adair (BSME) now work engineering start-up company as a BI consultant with Logic and Chinese Student Fellowship. for Schlumberger in Houston and is developing a device 20/20. She can be reached at Texas. [email protected] and to treat obesity” in California. jen@businessintelligence [email protected] [email protected] monkey.com

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