NASA Summer Research Program at Carnegie Mellon University, June 6-August 1, 2009

{ February 18, 2009 @ 2:03 am } · { Undergraduate Opportunities }
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Program Title: NASA Summer Research Program 
Program Dates: June 6- August 1, 2009 
Program Coordinator: Nancy Klancher 
Email: neetha@andrew.cmu.edu 

This program is designed to introduce undergraduate students majoring in engineering, math and science to research opportunities in space-related sciences, both theoretical and experimental. Applications from women and minorities are especially encouraged. Participants in the program receive research experience and mentoring from CMU research faculty, a stipend of approximately $3,000, and housing in a CMU dormitory. To complete the program, participants must submit a written report on their research project. The program must be completed to receive the total amount of the stipend.  Applicants may choose from two space-related research projects. Please review the project descriptions below to see if one fits with your interests and/or any related coursework you have completed.

Projects:
Wetting of Hydrogels by Surfactant Solutions
Principal Investigator, Professor Stephen Garoff, Department of Physics and the Center for Complex Fluids Engineering

“Snake Robots” 
Principal Investigator, Associate Professor Howie Choset, Robotics Institute, and the Medical Robotics Technology Center, the Center for Robotic and Synthetic Performance, and the Space Robotics Initiative.

Application Process:
The program is intended primarily for undergraduates who are in their junior year at the time of application. However, all undergraduates currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university are eligible.  Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or holders of a Green Card indicating their intention to become a citizen.

The deadline for receipt of all materials relating to your application is March 6, 2009. 

Awards will be announced after March 15, 2009.  Selected applicants will be notified by telephone.

To apply, you must print out the application at 
http://www.cmu.edu/uro/NASA%20Summer%20Rsrch%20Pgm%20APPLICATION%20FORM_2009.pdf 

Fll it out and mail it to:
Office of Graduate Education
Carnegie Mellon University 
Warner Hall, Room 530B
5000 Forbes Avenue 
Pittsburgh, PA 15213


February Hot Topic: Getting People Out When It’s Cold

{ February 15, 2009 @ 10:47 pm } · { Hot Topics }
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by Islin Moy
FY09 Region Collegiate Newsletter Editor, Region i

When I was staring blankly at this month’s hot topic, I realized it was time for help. 

me: What does SWE mean by “Getting People Out When it’s Cold?” 
lmuniste:  A health piece. Something about exercise? 
me: Possibly? We’ve written a bit about events, so perhaps a continuation of that? 
lmuniste: I don’t know.
me: Me neither.  

Local Events

After some further thought, there are a variety of things to do in your local area right by your college (or inside of it!) with your SWE-isters! Google the follow terms and the town you live in or where you have a close proximity (for example: Denver art gallery): 

The list goes on. I invite to add your own by commenting on this post. 

Last thoughts on the cold…

Also, if you find that you move slower in the winter outside, the Society of American Military Engineers paper on The Effects of Cold Weather on Productivity  has an explanation for that too, complete with nomographs to find out your decrease in efficiency. And remember, if you are griping about the cold, be happy that it isn’t 1709 (New Scientist). 

Islin (islinmoy at gmail dot com) also serves as FY09 COR MEGA Issues Task Force Chair. 

Congratulations to the FY10 RCR and RCNE for Region i and the winner of the conference bid is…

{ February 13, 2009 @ 9:53 pm } · { Collegiate Events, Meet the Region }
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by Islin Moy
FY09 Regional Collegiate Newsletter Editor, region i 

Congratulations to this year’s new collegiate leadership for Region i! The FY10 RCR is Katrina “Kati” Keilholz with the FY10 RCNE being Emily Miller! Both are from the University of Missouri. Region i is happy to have you represent us in the upcoming fiscal year!  They were voted in during the Collegiate Business Meeting on February 7, 2009 at the Region i Regional Conference at Washington University at St. Louis. 

University of Missouri will also be the host for next year’s Region i Conference! Great prep work and keep it up!

January Hot Topic: Making the most of Regional Conference & Preparing Future Leaders (revisited)

{ February 2, 2009 @ 6:30 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Kristina: Send mostly underclassmen to region conference and encourages them in the future to consider positions such as RCR, RCNE, etc.

Wendy: RCR/NE must be at least a sophomore, junior. Must be a paid SWE member (nationally) for at least two years.

Kate: My biggest advice is to have a post-conference meeting with those who attend from your section. This gives you time to discuss what you learned, succession planning, and how you can implement ideas in your section. 

Wendy:  It is a good idea to send section officers to the Collegiate Leadership Coaching Committee presentations to gain info on improving your section.  In the past my section has encouraged members to attend these sessions and/or current officers have attended them with potential future officers.  We have also sent people to different sections to take notes that can then be shared with everyone later.

Wendy: It is also good to encourage all freshmen and sophomores that have shown potential to attend the regional conference. Often just telling them you think they should attend is enough to make them consider the idea.

Wendy: One of the biggest opportunities regional conference provides is the opportunity to network with members of other SWE sections.  It is good to encourage members to talk with members of other sections.  You may also want to brief your members attending on the section practices/issues you want more info/advice on.

Computer Security Research Experience for Undergraduates in Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park

{ January 29, 2009 @ 3:26 am } · { Undergraduate Opportunities }
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We’re looking for Computer Security Scholars for the 2009 summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Maryland, College Park.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 2, 2009

The Women in Engineering Program at the University of Maryland is seeking applications for Scholars to become integral members of 4 team-based research projects in computer security coordinated by faculty in the A. James Clark School of Engineering and Collegeof Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences. Students majoring in engineering, computer science, math, and physical science are strongly encouraged to apply.

Teams conduct research from June 1 through August 7, 2009. The program offers multiple tiers of mentorship and training in team skills and project organization, as well as addressing issues of concern to women in science and engineering. Each Scholar receives a $4,000 stipend, $300 food allowance and housing. Funding is available for transportation.

For additional information and applications, please review the Computer Security REU website at http://www.wie.umd.edu/undergrad/reucomps.html or contact Dr. Paige Smith (pesmith@umd.edu or 301-405-3931).

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Clark School of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Women in Engineering Program.

Winner of SWE Region i Treasure Hunt

{ January 25, 2009 @ 4:09 am } · { Region Conference }
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Congratulations to Kristina Wang, section president for the University of Colorado, Boulder! You will be contacted by the Regional Collegiate Newsletter Editor for your reimbursement.

Leadership Profile: Cindy Hoover, FY09 Region i Lieutenant Governor

{ January 13, 2009 @ 4:49 am } · { Meet the Region }
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Cindy HooverBackground

Cindy Hoover is Director for Lean Operations within the Fuselage Structures & Systems business segment at Spirit AeroSystems.

Ms. Hoover came to Spirit in late 2007 from LSI Corporation, where she was the Director of Customer Operations, responsible for the overall customer experience within operations, and Site Manager for the Wichita, KS facility.  

Ms. Hoover has more than 18 years of industry experience in engineering, project management, Six Sigma, and a variety of operations management roles.  She has a diverse back-ground, giving her a wide range perspective on business from development through delivery.  

A graduate of Wichita State University, Ms. Hoover received her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.  She received her executive MBA from Friends University and her Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from Six Sigma Academy.

Ms. Hoover and her husband, Bryan, have three sons, Jeremy, Marcus and Cameron.   In addition to numerous school activities, family time is spent at the soccer fields and traveling to soccer tournaments.

Why I love SWE

SWE is has been a part of my life since college.  I know that I have a network of professional women, friends and colleagues that I can count on for advice and council whenever I choose to take advantage of their expertise.  SWE was like a security blanket for me when I started my professional career, and I knew that I would find someone in the group who would listen to and likely share my concerns and issues.  While my participation in SWE has gone up and down, depending on my circumstances, I always know that I can come back and be welcomed with open arms. 

SWE Experience

Ms. Hoover has been a member of the SWE family since her college days at Wichita State University.  As a professional member of the Wichita Section, she has held almost every officer slot and has participated on numerous committees. 

  • Society of Women Engineers – Wichita Section
  • Region i Lt. Gov, FY09 
  • Executive Contact for Spirit Corporate Membership, FY 09                              
  •  Membership Chair, FY 2003-2005, FY09
  • Treasurer, FY 1991-1992
  •    Section Representative, FY 2001
  • Vice President, FY1998-1999, 2002
  • President FY2000

Other Community Experience

Ms. Hoover is an active member of the Wichita community, currently serving on the board of trustees for the Wichita Area Technical College and Sedgwick County Technical Training Authority, the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland and the board of advisors for Wichita State University’s College of Engineering.  Previously, she served on the boards of the United Way of the Plains, Wichita Area Outlook Team, and the Wichita Chamber of Commerce.

Why join SWE? An update from Wendy Jenkins, Region Collegiate Representative

{ January 12, 2009 @ 6:32 pm } · { RCR Updates, Updates }
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by the Society of Women Engineers

When you join SWE you’re joining more than an organization—you’re joining a movement toward equality and opportunity for women in engineering. Our mission is focused but our impact is vast. We provide the resources you need whether you are beginning, resuming, or building your career. We also encourage creative and intelligent girls at an early age to explore the field of engineering. Through such career development and awareness, we are making significant strides—together.

Membership Benefits

Community of Support
SWE is an inclusive organization focused on issues of interest to women specializing in engineering and technical careers.

  • A strong network of women engineers from academia, government and industry, corporate representatives, government officials, and other individuals supporting and advocating for the mission of SWE.
  • Awards and recognition programs honoring outstanding accomplishments of women in the engineering profession as well as those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women in engineering and technology professions.

Education and Development
SWE’s education and outreach activities are designed to enhance the quality of life for women of all backgrounds who pursue the profession of engineering.

  • Scholarship opportunities for all educational and professional levels, including undergraduate and graduate students, and women re-entering the workforce as engineers (at national and section levels).
  • Reduced fees for admittance to national and regional education conferences that offer networking, professional development, seminars, workshops, and leadership training.

Resources and Information
As a worldwide leader in engineering knowledge and support, SWE is a partner you can turn to for advanced, relevant information about women in technical careers.

  • SWE Magazine—the Society’s award winning magazine, covering issues of interest to women engineers including the achievements of women engineers, career development, career guidance, activities within the Society, and technical topics.
  • Monthly SWE News.
  • SWE Online Communities.
  • Webinars and podcasts.
  • Online career center where you can manage your resume and search hundreds of jobs posted monthly by SWE’s sponsors.
  • Outreach programs that encourage girls to pursue careers in engineering through SWE’s alliances with Girls Inc., Girl Scouts, and US FIRST (Foundation for the Insipration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

Leadership Skills
Members are encouraged and supported in the development of skills necessary to be effective leaders in a global marketplace.

  • Develop leadership experience in a non-threatening environment through leadership roles at the sectional, regional, and national levels.
  • Publish articles in the SWE Magazine.
  • Present technical papers at national and regional conferences.
  • Lead seminars and workshops at national and regional conferences.

Are you feeling ready to join or renew your membership with SWE? Please click on the links in the previous sentence.

Interesting thoughts on Simpleology

{ December 31, 2008 @ 9:29 am } · { Uncategorized }
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I’m evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they’re letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

  • The best blogging techniques.
  • How to get traffic to your blog.
  • How to turn your blog into money.

I’ll let you know what I think once I’ve had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it’s still free.

Taoist Advice on Leadership

{ December 29, 2008 @ 6:03 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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The leader is best,
When people are hardly aware of his existence,
Not so good when people praise his government,
Less good when people stand in fear,
Worst, when people are contemptuous.

Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you.

But of a good leader, who speaks little
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
The people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’

Resource: http://www.1000advices.com/guru/leadership_lao_tzu.html

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