Engineering Update

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois
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Student Newsletter of the College of Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Week of January 5

Patent Pilot Program: Kickoff
Friday, Jan. 30, 12:00-2:00 p.m. 141 CSL
The Patent Pilot Program (PPP) is a joint effort between the Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC) and the University of Illinois College of Law (COL) in which a number of participants in the Cozad New Venture Competition may have a patent application written for them at no cost if their business plan includes a novel and potentially patentable device, system, or method. For additional information, email tec@uiuc.edu or visit: http://www.tec.uiuc.edu

'Geek Out' videos wanted
CBS News Productions is producing a new weekly science news show called 'Brink,' which airs on Friday nights on Discovery’s Science Channel. The producers are soliciting user-submitted “geek out” videos which convey people’s passion for science. The topic possibilities are endless, but should be rooted in science. The more specific the subject of the video, the better. Was there just a study about the brain that turned you on? Or an announcement from NASA that got you excited? Or a futuristic electric car that you just can’t wait to test drive? We want you to tell the audience something they don’t already know about your favorite science topic or subject.
The specs are simple: no more than 1 minute in length with for LOTS of passion and excitement--don’t hold back! And as far as format, the producers want you to film this at the highest possible quality you’re able. Any kind of video camera is fine--even a webcam would be ok in a pinch. If you or anyone you know might be willing to submit a video, send it, or any questions, to geekoutvids@gmail.com.

Mark Your Calendars - ECS Career Fair
Feb. 10-11, 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Illini Union, Rooms A,B,&C
This job fair is for students seeking full-time positions as well as co-ops or internships, in the field of engineering. Companies may schedule interviews during the fair, the evening of the fair, or the following day. Proper dress for this event is business casual or suit (No jeans.).

Order of the Engineer Sign Up Now Open
Friday, Feb. 20, 5:00 p.m. Grainger Library
Are you graduating in the Spring or Fall of 2009? Join the Order of the Engineer. The order is a prestigious organization of engineering students that believe and feel a sense of responsibility to uphold ethics in their careers. The students will go through a ceremony where they will publicly accept the 'Obligation of the Engineer' and receive a ring as a sign of their commitment to this oath. The ceremony will take place February 20 in Grainger Library. The cost is $10 to cover the cost of the ring. Questions? Email orderofengineer@gmail.com. Registration will be open until Feb. 13. To register or find more information, visit the website. http://eweek.ec.uiuc.edu/?page=ooe

Engineers Bowl For Kids
Monday, March 2, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Illini Union Rec Room
The Engineering Council Service Committee is hosting a bowling tournament to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are renting out the bowling alley in the Union Rec Room for two hours of non-stop bowling fun. There will be free food and free t-shirts for all participants. The event is only open to the first 14 teams who register, so register today. http://service.ec.uiuc.edu/soc-getinvolved.php

Two new ENG courses will be offered this Spring, 2009
Spring Semester, 2009 Engineering Hall
ENG 298--CAREER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN IN ENGINEERING (CRN 51593)
Meets Wednesdays 1:00–1:50 p.m. Credit Hours: 1 hour
Instructor: Prof. Rose Mary Cordova Wentling
Every woman in engineering is a potential leader. As she succeeds at each stage of her career she shows the way for others, she influences the people around her, and her leadership grows. However, in order to move forward, she must exercise her leadership potential. This course will help facilitate the students’ career development by assisting them in gaining a better appreciation of the career opportunities available in the engineering field, and the ways in which people working in these fields benefit society. The course will encourage leadership self-awareness by giving students an opportunity to learn what it is like to be in a particular position; to learn what strategies can be used to navigate their various responsibilities and advance in their careers. Issues that are common for women at all stages of their careers, such as work-life balance, techniques for time management, conflict management, and the use of power and influence will be addressed.

This course fulfills 1 hour of the other 6 hours of the social science/humanities requirement. For more information, contact the instructor: rmcwent@illinois.edu

ENG 398--ENGINEERING RESEARCH IN ACTION (CRN: 51594)
Meets Mondays 1:00–1:50 p.m. Credit Hours: 1 hour
Instructor: Prof. Rose Mary Cordova-Wentling

Misconceptions about research and careers in research are common among the undergraduate female population. This lack of knowledge proves to be a real barrier that prevents many undergraduate female students from participating in research and/or considering graduate school. Research can be interesting and exciting and have a tremendous impact on society. Different types of research on campus will be showcased to demonstrate how research impacts new developments and technologies in the world. This course will provide students with a meaningful exposure to the research process, while developing an appreciation of the value of research and an awareness of research opportunities for their future. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a small scope class team research study that highlights the interactive, creative, and humanitarian side of the engineering field.

This course fulfills 1 hour of the other 6 hours of the social science/humanities requirement. For more information, contact the instructor: rmcwent@illinois.edu

Create-A-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship Contest
Nov. 1, 2008-Jan. 15, 2009
You are invited to enter The 2nd Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest. Submit photo, artwork or computer graphics for only the front of a greeting card. Design should be appropriate for business and consumer use. Photo, art or graphics submitted must be your own original work/creation. Entries should not exceed 16 x 23 inches and the preferred format is horizontal. One submission per person; submissions accepted through January 15, 2009. Application/Entry Form available on the website http://www.gallerycollection.com/scholarship

V. Dale Cozad New Venture Competition

The V. Dale Cozad New Venture Competition (CNVC) is open for registration. An intent to compete must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 for teams wishing to enter the 2008-09 CNVC: http://www.cozadcompetition.studentbusinesses.com. For an overview of the competition, visit http://www.tec.uiuc.edu/cozad

2009 Student Engineering Leadership Program (SELP)
February 12-14, 2009 Location TBA
SELP 2009, hosted by Engineering Council and Professor Raymond Price, will take place this spring on February 12-14. At SELP, participants will build the valuable leadership and communication skills that are essential for success. Approximately 40 students will have the opportunity to participate in this intensive and interactive leadership training program. We invite you to join us on a journey of self-discovery and development.

Applications will be available at http://elc.ec.uiuc.edu as soon as school resumes in the spring. Questions? Contact Emmy Riley, eriley2@illinois.edu. http://elc.ec.uiuc.edu

Live EDGE 2008--International $100,000 USD Challenge in support of Green Design

Premier Farnell plc, the leading multi-channel, high service distributor and its companies (Newark, Farnell, Premier Electronics, CPC, Farnell-Newark and MCM) today launched its international competition Live Edge--Electronic Design for the Global Environment, now in its second year. The competition is designed to provide a forum where electronic design engineers and students can design products that are environmentally friendly through the use of electronic components.

Entries can be submitted between October 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009; winners will be announced on the April 2, 2009. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Electronics engineers, students and inventors around the world are invited to submit designs for an innovative product that utilises electronic components and has a positive impact on the environment, for example by increasing energy efficiency or reducing carbon emissions. Full details are available at http://www.live-edge.com

NASA Aeronautical Scholarship/Internship Program
Application deadline Jan.16, 2009 The NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program which is administered by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) is officially accepting applications for the 2009 Aeronautics Scholarship Program. It is expected that approximately 20 two-year undergraduate, and five(5) two-year with an option of a third year graduate scholarships will be awarded annually to students pursuing aeronautical engineering and related fields such as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, physics and mathematics. Funds will go towards tuition and related costs, as well as to provide paid summer internship opportunities at a NASA research center. Competitive applicants interested in this amazing opportunity should begin completing application materials immediately. A completed application will consist of profile information, academic background (including transcripts), a resume, an essay for undergraduates, a proposal for graduates, letters of recommendations, and any test scores, such as GRE's, when appropriate.

Completed applications will be collected electronically from September 5, 2008 through January 16, 2009. To learn more about eligibility requirements, award benefits, application instructions, and to apply online, visit https://nasa.asee.org, or contact nasa.asp@asee.org with any questions regarding this program. For additional information on NASA's aeronautics research and other opportunities visit http://aeronautics.nasa.gov.

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