Events for September 2008


Monday, September 1

Labor Day Holiday -- no classes





Tuesday, September 2

Career Center at CEC Resume Reviews

300 Main, Main Lobby, 1 to 3 pm:

  • Tues, Sept 2
  • Thurs, Sept 4
  • Thurs, Sept 11

Swearingen, CEC Career Center (behind the Reading Room), 1 to 3 pm

  • Wed, Sept 3
  • Tues, Sept 9
  • Wed, Sept 10

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Thursday, September 4

Mechanical Engineering Seminar, 1 pm, Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

Everyone is welcome to attend. All Mechanical Engineering graduate students are required to attend the seminar. Light refreshments will be served.

Speaker: Prof. Samim Anghaie, Department of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering andDirector, Innovative Nuclear Space Power & Propulsion Institute (INSPI), University of Florida

Title: Combined Radiation and Convective Heat Transfer in High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors

Abstract:
The envisioned Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) is a High-Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGR) uses a finely dispersed coated-particle fuel and high pressure helium or supercritical carbon dioxide as coolant. The combined use of a refractory coated particle fuel and a chemically inert coolant allows HTGRs to operate at temperatures in excess of 800 °C that is needed for non-power applications such as thermochemical hydrogen generation. The use of a large quantity of graphite moderator reduces the average power density while increasing the heat capacity (thermal inertia) of the HTGR systems. The Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) is the primary engineered safety system for transferring the core residual and decay heat to the environment following a pressurized or depressurized conduction cooldown event. Consequently, the RCCS plays an important role in determining the core temperature distribution, peak fuel temperatures, and peak structural temperatures for a given design and power rating. There are currently two main types of proposed RCCS designs. If a confinement is used, the RCCS will likely be air-cooled. If a containment is used, the RCCS will likely be water-cooled. In either case, the largest fraction of the energy transferred from the reactor vessel to reactor cavity walls occurs through radiation heat transfer. Heat transfer from the walls to the environment may be either through a natural circulation-driven air-cooled duct system or through a water-cooled sleeve. A detailed model is developed to predict the combined radiative, conductive and convective heat transfer in RCCS for a variety of design that are currently under consideration for the NGNP program. Results of new RCCS heat transfer modeling approach and validation process will be discussed.

Bio:
Dr. Anghaie’s assigned duties and responsibilities are in the areas of teaching, research and service. In the area of teaching, Dr. Anghaie’s duties include graduate and undergraduate instruction (3-4 courses per year), primarily in the following areas: Nuclear Reactor Thermal Hydraulics, Nuclear Power Plant Design, and Radiation Interactions. He is also supervising graduate and undergraduate students (109 total graduate students – Chair: 44 Ph.D. and 65 M.S. research supervisory committees, Member: 43 PhD and 26 M.S. committees, Supervises undergraduate research: Average of 5 per year). Dr. Anghaie conducts externally funded research (44 research projects for total of $12.3M). Dr. Anghaie serves on a number of internal and external boards and committees, participate in various professional societies, and provide technical expert services to the local community.

National Society of Black Engineers, 6 pm, SWGN Lobby

Fall Kick-Offi Social
Open to all. Firehouse subs and beverages!


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Friday, September 5

Career Center at CEC Workshops: 12:30-1:30 pm, Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

"Create a Winning Resume"
Will discuss basic resume development, such as what a resume should look like, what information it should include about you, etc.

Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar, 1:30 pm, B201 (300 Main)*

Title: Terminal and Operations Overview

Speaker: Stevenson E. Kemp, Jr., P.E., General Manager of Operations, South Carolina State Ports Authority

Abstract:
Steve Kemp's presentation will provide a background in terminal operations including SCSPA’s missions, business services, methods utilized for carrying out these tasks, and a brief video of terminal operations in action.

Biomedical Seminar, 2 pm, Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

Speaker: Prof. Tom Borg, Carolina Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Anatomy, Columbia, SC

Title: The Heart as a Composite... A Biologist's View Point

Abstract:
The heart is composed of at least 3 major compartments: 1) cellular consisting of myocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells (vasculature); 2) extracellular matrix, insoluble components such as collagens and 3) fluid component. The dynamic interaction of these compartments determines the function of the heart. How these compartments develop (embryo, fetal, and adult) and how they change with growth and pathophysiology is critical to overall function. This seminar will present an overview of the function of these compartments, how they interact, models for analysis, and their importance of bioengineering to cardiac biology.

Bio:
Dr. Borg received his bachelor and Master’s degrees in Biology and Zoology from Colorado State University. Then, he received his PhD in Entomology from University of Wisconsin. Dr. Borg was appointed as the Director for integrated Microscopic facilities at USC in 1975. In 1994 he was designated as the Carolina distinguished professor. Prof. Borg is the author of 108 journal articles and recipient of numerous NIH and NSF grants. He has also served as the Chair for the Department of Developmental Biology & Anatomy, School of Medicine University of South Carolina from 1997 to 2005.

Seven Minute Madness, 3:30 pm, B201 (300 Main)

Research Presentations of the Faculty Computer Science and Engineering

In recent years the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has sponsored the “Seven Minute Madness” presentations where faculty have 7 minutes to overview their research. This years Madness presentations are scheduled for September 5th and 12th. Come hear about some of the exciting research in computing at USC.

  1. Duncan Buell, Chair
  2. Steve Fenner, "The Limits of Computation"
  3. Michael Huhns, "Agents and the Semantic Web"
  4. Jijun Tang, "Phylogenetic Reconstruction, Medical Imaging Processing and Computer Games"
  5. John Rose, "Genomics and Proteomics"
  6. Csilla Farkas, "Information Assurance"
  7. Caroline Eastman, "Search in Multifaceted Information Spaces"
  8. Wenyuan Xu, "Wireless networking and security"
  9. Song Wang, "Research in the USC Computer Vision Lab"
  10. Manton Matthews, "Natural Language, Logic and the Web"


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Monday, September 8

Fellowships and Scholar Programs: Truman Scholarship, 4 pm, Legare College, Room 322

Scholarships up to $30,000 for graduate school. This scholarship is for Juniors (any major) preparing for a career in public service; leadership abilities, academic performance and potential, community service records, and commitment to public service are required. Must be nominated by the University.

USC Nomination Deadline: October 17, 2008

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Tuesday, September 9

Magellan Proposals Workshops

The Magellan scholar program provides up to $3000 to fund a mentored, undergraduate research project - ANY discipline. More information can be found at: sc.edu/our/magellan.shtml. Questions should be directed to Julie Morris, Program Director (777-1141 or jmorris@sc.edu).

DEADLINE: Weds, Oct 15, 2008 for Spring 2009 projects.

All students and faculty applying for Magellan funding are REQUIRED to attend one 30-min application workshop. Faculty and students do not have to attend the same session. If you attended a workshop previously, you do not need to attend a second workshop - however, please review the Magellan guidebook at sc.edu/our/magellan.shtml for recent revisions. Applications will not be accepted from students who have not attended a workshop.

Workshops will be held in Russell House room 303 on:

  • Tuesday, Sept 9th at 4pm
  • Wednesday, Sept 10th at 4pm
  • Thursday, Sept 11th at 5pm
  • Thursday, Sept 18th at 4pm
  • Wednesday, Sept 24th at 5:30pm

Each Magellan Scholar receives up to $3,000 to fund his or her research project, competing for this award with the submission of a research, scholarship, or creative project proposal developed in collaboration with his or her faculty mentor. Selection is based on the project's educational and intellectual merit, the potential impact of the project, and the student's previous academic success.

**This process is designed to provide the student with experience in writing a research proposal. The student must be the primary author of the proposal. While the student is responsible for writing the proposal, the faculty mentor is responsible for submission through USCERA (https://sam.research.sc.edu/uscera/).

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Forums on our Energy Future, 6:30 pm, Claflin University, Orangeburg

Forum on Energy Conservation Policy. See http://www.engr.sc.edu/energy for more info.


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ECC, 7 to 9 pm, Meet in Bates

Featured Activity: Tours Academic Centers for Excellence, Student Success Center, and Undergrad Research Opportunities



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Wednesday, September 10

Fellowships and Scholar Programs: National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, 4 pm, Gressette Room, Harper College 3rd Floor

Three years of support (up to $115,000) for study and research in the sciences or in engineering, leading to master’s or doctoral degrees in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, behavioral, and social sciences, and in the history and philosophy of sciences. High GPA and high GRE General scores. Commitment to a career in research.

Application Deadlines vary according to discipline in early November. Check www.fastlane.nsf.gov.



IEEE, 6 pm, Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

First Meeting of the year
Open to all students




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Thursday, September 11

Last day to apply for December graduation






AIChE, 6:30 pm, AMOCO Hall

Considering Grad School? Advice from Dr. Christopher Williams. Current Grad Student Panel answers your questions!

FREE FOOD for Members! 


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Friday, September 12

Study Abroad Fair, 10 am to 3 pm, Russell House University Union

University of South Carolina students interested in study-abroad opportunities can learn about programs available for the summer,semester and academic year at the annual Study Abroad Fair Friday, September 12th.

Representatives from foreign universities and program providers, as well as exchange students and returned study-abroad participants, will be available from 10 am to 3 pm in the Russell House University Union to answer questions about overseas study, as well as internships and volunteer opportunities.

From Argentina to Thailand, programs in more than 35 countries spanning six continents will be represented.

Many new programs will be highlighted at this year's fair: Capstone Abroad programs in Italy and Peru; university exchange programs at:

* Kansai University, Osaka, Japan
* Institut International de Commerce et Distribution, Paris, France
* Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF), Madrid, Spain

And a new Hispanic Studies Program in cooperation with the University of Virginia, located in Valencia, Spain.

Representatives from the university's South Carolina Honors College, the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, the Green Quad and Preston College also will be available to discuss study-abroad opportunities in their respective areas.

The annual fair is sponsored by the university's Study Abroad Office.

Student interest in overseas study continues to increase. Last year, over 800 students studied, interned, volunteered or conducted research abroad, a 13.6 percent increase from the previous year's participation rate.

For more information, call 777-7557 or visit the website: www.sa.sc.edu/sa/

Career Center at CEC Workshops. Both are in the Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

11:30 am to 12:30 pm. "You’re Hired!: Tips for Successful Interviewing"
Will discuss interview preparation, making a good impression, behavioral interviewing, etc.

12:30 to 1:30 pm. "Navigating a Career Fair"
Will discuss ways to be successful at a career fair, including appropriate attire, items to bring to the fair, researching companies, etc.

Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar, 2:10 pm, B201 (300 Main)*

Title: Constructing a Port Terminal

Speaker: Joe T. Bryant, P.E., Vice President, Terminal Development, SC State Ports Authority

Abstract:
Joe Bryant’s presentation will include a discussion of soil conditions typical of Charleston and a brief description of the SCSPA’s specific plans to consolidate the deep silty clay subsurface to support the construction of a marine cargo terminal for containerized cargo.

Biomedical Seminar, 2:15 pm, Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

Speaker: Dr. Shawn Chillag, Chair and Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, USC School of Medicine, Columbia, SC

Title: Medical School and Residency Training -- Getting accepted, How they acceptors think and what they want

Abstract:
I will discuss the requirements for medical school admission and how the admissions committee functions at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine including interview process, what medical experience means, frequent interview questions and what can enhance the applicants desirability. The electronic residency application service is required for all United States medical school graduates entering directly into specialty training. I will discuss this process and generally how the selection process is conducted. I can comment in detail about several specialties and generally about most.

Bio:
Dr. Chillag has been involved in academic internal medicine for 28 years after 3 years of practice in 2 small, rural West Virginia towns. He has been involved with most every job description for a clinician in academic medicine. Mostly he has been focused on education, patient care and running educational programs for students and residents along with some scholarly activity and research. Dr. Chillag’s training is in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases and geriatrics. He has been involved in everything from admissions to graduation ceremonies.

Seven Minute Madness, 3:30 pm, B201 (300 Main)

Research Presentations of the Faculty Computer Science and Engineering

In recent years the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has sponsored the “Seven Minute Madness” presentations where faculty have 7 minutes to overview their research. This years Madness presentations are scheduled for September 5th and 12th. Come hear about some of the exciting research in computing at USC.

  1. Jose Vidal, "Negotiation Networks"
  2. John Bowles, "Software Verification and Validation"
  3. Homayoun Valafar, "Computational Biology and Medicine"
  4. Jason Bakos, "Reconfigurable Computing"
  5. Srihari Nelakuditi, "ARENA for Research on Emerging Networks and Applications"
  6. Marco Valtorta, "Graphical Probabilistic Models for Hypothesis Management"
  7. Jianjun Hu, "Data Mining and Pattern Discovery in Genomics Data"
  8. Chin-Tser Huang, "Practically Useful Network Security"
  9. Gang Quan, "Real-time and embedded system design"
  10. Jason O’Kane, "Planning in Robotics"


Society of Women Engineers, 3:30 pm, Faculty Lounge

Event will have a member of Campus Wellness speaking about stress management, nutrition, and physical activity. Get on down to the Faculty Lounge to learn some techniques on how to take better care of yourself while enjoying some light refreshments.

This event is open to everyone interested so come on out and bring a friend, parent, loved/liked one, or simply a classmate.

For more information, contact Tristan Glodeck, SWE President, e-mail

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Monday, September 15

Fellowships and Scholar Programs: Goldwater Scholarship, 4 pm, Gressette Room, Harper College 3rd Floor

Scholarship of $7,500 for one to two years of undergraduate study. Sophomores and juniors pursuing bachelors' degrees in natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering; intent to earn a graduate degree in these fields to pursue a career in research and/or college-level teaching; strong GPA and research experience. Must be nominated by the University.

USC Nomination Deadline: October 22, 2008

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Tuesday, September 16

ECC, 7 to 9 pm, Meet at Green Quad Learning Center

Featured Activity: Green Learning Community Orientation Meeting

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Wednesday, September 17

Career Fair Blitz 2008, 11 am to 3 pm, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Kick off the fall recruiting season with USC's Annual Career Fair Blitz! Employers will be on campus looking for students of all majors to fill full-time, part-time, internship, and co-op positions.

Clear your schedule for Weds, Sept 17! Recruiters will meet you in the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from 11 am to 3 pm. Catch the free shuttle at one of three locations on campus!

For more info, see http://www.sc.edu/career/Fairs/CFB/

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Friday, September 19

Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar, 1:30 pm, B213 (300 Main)

Title: Managing the Australian Water Crisis through investment in water information research

Speaker: Dr. David Lemon, Research Stream Leader - Water Informatics, Land and Water, CSIRO (www.csiro.au)

Abstract:
Large areas of Australia's food production zones are now entering their 8th straight year of drought. This has led to unprecedented lows in water storage inflows and river flows and continued lack of water for irrigated agriculture. Worse still, the water scarcity is now threatening the water supply to a number of towns along the Murray Darling system and many environmental assets are reaching points beyond which there is no hope for recovery. This crisis has led to a $12B investment by the Australian government to tackle many of the issues presented by this situation.

The Government also believes that management of the water crisis requires a new generation of water information system to underpin regular water accounting and assessment programs which will inform management and policy. This responsibility has been assigned to the Bureau of Meteorology which will be supported by a research alliance (known as WIRADA) with Australia's peak research organisation, CSIRO. WIRADA focuses on the innovation required for the Bureau to meet its newly gained role as the nation's water information manager and assessment provider. WIRADA has four main areas of research: Water Information Systems, Foundation Data Sets, Water Accounting and Assessment and Water Resource Forecasting. Early projects are concentrating on Water Data Transfer Standards, Management of framework data sets and development of next generation hydrological workbenches.

This talk will provide additional context on the water crisis, elaborate on the WIRADA research program, discuss some of the early results of this work as well as describe plans for the next year.

Biomedical Engineering Seminar, 2:15 pm, Faculty Lounge (SWGN)

Title: Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation of Livers for Transplantation

Speaker: Dr. Charles Y. Lee, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Abstract:
Liver transplantation is one of the only options for treatment of end-stage liver disease.  However, the number of patients on waiting lists (>17,000) outnumber the number of transplants performed each year (~6500).  As a result, there are almost 2000 deaths each attributed to the lack of donor organs.  Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) preservation has the potential to improve the preservation of the donor organ and to retrieve marginal donor organs that are currently not used.  This talk will focus on our work over the past 5 years on understanding the cause of damage, improving the technique of HMP and utilizing HMP to recover donation after cardiac death livers in the animal models.  Our work utilizes intravital microscopy, endothelial cell barrier function, and transplants to assess our experiments to improve HMP.

Bio:
Dr. Lee received his BS in Bioengineering and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley. He received further training at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.  He came to UNC Charlotte in 1999 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2003.  He is also the Vice President of Research and Development at HepatoSys, Inc. where they are trying to develop a new perfusion preservation solution for recovery of donation after cardiac death organs.

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Tuesday, September 23

ECC, 7 to 9 pm, Meet at Bates

Featured Activity: FIRST LEGO Challenge build; Elect leadership team (team to plan five fall open weekly meetings).

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Wednesday, September 24

Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar, 1:30 pm, B201 (300 Main)*

Title: Terminal and Operations Overview

Speaker: Stevenson E. Kemp, Jr., P.E., General Manager of Operations, South Carolina State Ports Authority

Abstract:
Steve Kemp's presentation will provide a background in terminal operations including SCSPA’s missions, business services, methods utilized for carrying out these tasks, and a brief video of terminal operations in action.

2:10 pm, B201 (300 Main)*

Title: Constructing a Port Terminal

Speaker: Joe T. Bryant, P.E., Vice President, Terminal Development, SC State Ports Authority

Abstract:
Joe Bryant’s presentation will include a discussion of soil conditions typical of Charleston and a brief description of the SCSPA’s specific plans to consolidate the deep silty clay subsurface to support the construction of a marine cargo terminal for containerized cargo.

Carolina Motorsports, 7:30 pm, B101 (300 Main)

Meet and Greet
Join us for Forza 2 on the Xbox 360 and an overview of the club




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Friday, September 26



















Biomedical Seminar, 2:15 pm, Faculty Lounge

Title: Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation of Livers for Transplantation

Speaker: Dr. Charles Lee, Assoc Prof, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, UNC-Charlotte

Abstract:
Liver transplantation is one of the only options for treatment of end-stage liver disease. However, the number of patients on waiting lists (>17,000) outnumber the number of transplants performed each year (~6500). As a result, there are almost 2000 deaths each attributed to the lack of donor organs. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) preservation has the potential to improve the preservation of the donor organ and to retrieve marginal donor organs that are currently not used. This talk will focus on our work over the past 5 years on understanding the cause of damage, improving the technique of HMP and utilizing HMP to recover donation after cardiac death livers in the animal models. Our work utilizes intravital microscopy, endothelial cell barrier function, and transplants to assess our experiments to improve HMP.

Bio:
Dr. Lee received his BS in Bioengineering and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley. He received further training at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute. He came to UNC Charlotte in 1999 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2003. He is also the Vice President of Research and Development at HepatoSys, Inc. where they are trying to develop a new perfusion preservation solution for recovery of donation after cardiac death organs.

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CEC Faculty/Staff Follow-up Forum Meeting, 3:30 pm, AMOCO Hall







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Monday, September 29

Fellowships and Scholar Programs: Udall Scholarhip, 4 pm, Legare College, Room 322

One year of support for eligible expenses up to a maximum of $5,000. Sophomores and juniors, who study the environment and related fields, or Native Americans and Alaska Natives who have outstanding potential and are in fields related to health care, the environment, or tribal public policy. College GPA of at least a B or equivalent; must be nominated by the University.

USC Nomination Deadline: October 29, 2008

AIChE meeting, 6:45 pm, AMOCO Hall

Speaker: Tom Stratton, Syngenta

Learn more about Syngenta and their products. If you are interested in Internships, co-ops or full-time positions, bring your resumé!

FREE food for members!

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Tuesday, September 30

ECC, 7-9 pm, Meet at Bates

Featured Activity: Engineering/Computing Student Organization Presentations

FREE food and drinks!

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Upcoming Events
(click on dates below for expanded event info)
Have something to announce? E-mail Cyndy with details.

Swearingen Engineering Center • Columbia, SC 29208 • 803.777.4177 • webmaster@engr.sc.edu