1. BRAD KING TO RECEIVE PRESIDENTIAL RESEARCH AWARD

Assistant Professor L. Brad King (MEEM) travels to Washington, DC, this week to accept a 2003 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers at the White House.

King is among 60 faculty members selected from U.S. colleges and universities to receive a Presidential Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers at the beginning of their careers. The recipients are chosen by the White House from among nominees selected by the top U.S. research agencies, including NASA, the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. King's name was put forward by the Department of Defense. All nominees have received their PhD degrees within the last five years.

As part of the Presidential Award, King receives a five-year, $500,000 grant to continue his research on very-high-powered ion engines, which could be used for manned Mars missions or ambitious robotic space science missions.

Ion propulsion engines currently rely on xenon gas for fuel. However, xenon's pricetag-about $3,200 a pound-gives new meaning to the cliche "skyrocketing energy costs."

King is experimenting with an alternative fuel that could slash the cost of ion propulsion. The white, brittle metal bismuth goes for about $3.60 a pound, is much easier to handle and store, and could reduce the cost of developing a manned mission to Mars by a factor of 200 over conventional xenon engines.

"Not only is bismuth a lot cheaper, it actually works better," King said. "It's also easier to use and more efficient. People have known this for a long time, but the technology to implement it hasn't existed until now."

The critical system that enables bismuth to be used as a propellant was developed by King at MTU; a patent is pending.

King, a 1989 graduate of Calumet High School, joined the Michigan Tech faculty in 2000. Along with other President Award recipients, he will be honored at an award ceremony Thursday, Sept. 9, and will tour the White House on Friday, Sept. 10.

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2. CAMPUS FORUM SEPT. 22

President Glenn Mroz will host a campus forum on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. in the Rozsa Center. All members of the MTU community are invited. Release time will be granted to Michigan Tech employees who attend.

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3. GHATU SUBHASH NAMED ASME FELLOW

by Kelly Wesemann, Tech Topics editorial assistant

Professor Ghatu Subhash (MEEM) has recently been named a Fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in recognition of his exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession.

Subhash's accomplishments include fundamental and groundbreaking achievements in education, research and service, as well as international recognition.

"He has been responsible for a series of significant engineering accomplishments, and he does it all exceptionally well," said department chair William Predebon (MEEM). Predebon, also served as one of the six sponsors in nominating Subhash for Fellow.

Subhash's teaching accomplishments include the Society of Automotive Engineers Ralph R. Teetor Education Award and the MTU Distinguished Teaching Award. He has also graduated numerous PhD and master's students and has recently been named associate chair and director of graduate studies.

"Another key attribute to Subhash's success is his ability to convert his ideas into patentable products," Predebon said.  Subhash designed, built and patented a dynamic hardness tester now in use by government labs. His invention is being considered as a standard by the American Society for Testing Materials.

Subhash is productive in his research as well. He has authored the book "Deformation, Fracture and Failure of Advanced Materials," received three patents and has published dozens of papers in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, his research is supported by government labs and agencies such as the NSF and Department of Defense.

In the area of service, the ASME has recognized Subhash for his efforts and in reviving Michigan Tech's ASME Student Branch. He was also a key factor in getting Michigan Tech students involved in the human-powered vehicle competition and received the ASME Student Advisor Award.

"This is truly a tremendous honor for Dr. Subhash, and he deserves a great amount of recognition for all of his hard work," said Predebon.

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4. SCAM ALERT

Michigan Tech is again being targeted by scammers. This time, instead of overpriced printer cartridges, however, the con artists are trying to get Michigan Tech to spend money on stuff that may not even exist.

A Steve Smith from Commutel recently targeted Financial Assistant Sue Kerttu (Accounting Services). "He was so smooth on the phone I knew something wasn't right," she said.

The scammers record the conversation, trying to get you on tape and tricking you into believing you've actually purchased something, such as a directory listing. In Kerttu's case, the caller tried to get her to accept a bill from an employee in another department, when in fact that person had never talked to Commutel and never ordered anything.

Scammers also send fraudulent bills for goods and services that are never ordered and never delivered, in hopes that someone will just send them a check.

In addition to Commutel, two companies using similar ploys go by the names of American Business Solutions and Global Management Solutions.

What to do? If you get a suspicious call, just hang up. If you're not sure, refer the caller to Purchasing. Chances are they'll hang up on you.

For more information on this type of con, visit http://members.tripod.com/internetcons2003/

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5. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Alumni Association has announced the appointment of several new members to its Board of Directors. Linda D. Kennedy, a '91 graduate in scientific and technical communications, currently works as an attorney with Dow Chemical Co. of Midland. Paul J. Ninefeldt, a '96 graduate in chemical engineering, is a sales administration specialist at Delphi Corporation in Troy. Jane L. Nordberg received her BA in Liberal Arts in '04 and works as a staff writer for the Daily Mining Gazette in Houghton. Derhun D. Sanders, a '97 graduate in biological sciences, is a program manager/physical scientist in the U.S. Army located in Warren. Lori Ann Sherman graduated in '01 in business administration and works as coordinator for Native American outreach at Michigan Tech. Karin J. VanDyke graduated in '78 in forestry and currently works as director of human resources at Portage Health System in Hancock.

The Alumni Association is one of three governing boards at Michigan Tech and is the policy-making body of the Michigan Tech Alumni Association. The term of a board member is six years, and the full board meets twice a year. The first official meeting for the new board members will be during Winter Carnival 2005.

Updated board listings can be viewed at http://www.mtu.edu/alumni.

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6. RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE

The September issue of the Research & Sponsored Programs Newsletter is now available at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/research/vpr/nwsltrs/Newsletter0904.pdf.

Topics in this issue are cost share guidelines, electronic financial report distribution, help in writing proposals, no cost time extensions,

conflict of interest coordinator, foundation funding resources, and Investigator 101, a program for investigators doing research on human subjects.

The Research & Sponsored Programs Newsletter is published quarterly and is posted on the web. A limited number of paper copies will be sent via campus mail to each department.

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7. MICHIGAN TECH ENTERPRISE SMARTZONE RECEIVES COOLEST PROJECT AWARD

The Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone received an award on Aug. 20 from the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance. UPEDA's Michigan's Cool U.P. Awards recognize businesses and organizations that make the Upper Peninsula a cool place to live and work. Judging is based on the ability of a business or organization to attract and retain youth in the U.P. and the uniqueness of projects, attractions, products, services and workplaces. The SmartZone won in the Economic Development Project category.

"I want to thank U.P. Engineers and Architects, Inc. and the Keweenaw Industrial Council for nominating the SmartZone," said Alan West, C.E.O. of the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corp. "It was satisfying to note that there were a large number of nominees for each of the categories in this first summit, with stiff competition. It was a privilege to make it to the final list and an honor to win."

Governor Jennifer Granholm presented the awards during ceremonies, and a number of state and federal officials were in attendance, including U.S. Senator Deborah Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, State Senator Michael Prusi, State Rep. Richard Brown and head of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Don Jakeway.

ThermoAnalytics, Inc., a local company that started as a spin-off from Michigan Tech, received an award for the coolest workplace. Other local finalists included the SmartZone's GS Engineering and IR Telemetrics.

For more information please contact Alan West at 487-7000 or awest@mtecsmart.com

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8. ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWING ROOMS NEEDED FOR CAREER DAY

The Career Day Job Fair, promoting full-time, co-op and internship opportunities, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5. The Career Center is beginning the search to line up potential conference rooms, offices, etc. to accommodate as many interview spaces as possible for the large number of companies interviewing later in the week.

If you have any rooms available for on-campus interviewing Wednesday, Oct. 6, or Thursday, Oct. 7, please contact Rita Smith at rsmith@mtu.edu or 487-2313 as soon as possible.

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9. MICHIGAN SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM APPLICATIONS NOW ONLINE

Applications for fellowships of $5,000 and $2,500 from the Michigan Space Grant Consortium are available for students, as well as seed grants for new faculty. The application deadline is Nov. 22. For applications, visit http://www.engin.umich.edu/dept/aero/msgc/

For more information and a check list of items to be included with the applications, contact Chris S. Anderson, Michigan Tech's MSGC representative, at csanders@mtu.edu or 487-3539 or Sandy Henkel at shenkel@mtu.edu or 487-2920.

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10. NEED STUDENT WORKERS? CAREER CENTER CAN HELP

Need student workers? With an average of 2,000 to 2,500 students employed on-campus each year, nearly every department utilizes students as employees.

The University Career Center can help you find student employees by advertising your on-campus/local student job opening on our Web site at no cost. Your postings will be on-line for a full month, and candidates will apply directly to your designated contact person.

To post your student position, visit http://www.ucc.mtu.edu and click on "Post a Job" to complete the on-line submission form.

The Career Center job posting system is available for all non-work-study position postings. All work-study position requests must be completed through the Financial Aid Office; see http://www.admin.mtu.edu/finaid/finaid.htm for more information.

For more information on on-campus employment, visit http://www.ucc.mtu.edu/students/jobpostings/resources.asp or contact the Career Center at career@mtu.edu.

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11. PHASE II OF HOCKEY MATCHING CHALLENGE COMPLETE

The $3 million Hockey Enrichment Campaign at Michigan Tech has successfully raised the funds necessary to complete phase two of a $900,000 matching challenge by an anonymous donor.

The matching challenge called for the hockey program to have raised $400,000 by April 30, and that goal was met, which allowed phase two to begin.

"We had to raise $300,000 in phase two of the matching challenge by the end of August, and I'm pleased to say that we've accomplished that goal," said athletic director Rick Yeo.

Now that the phase two goal has been met, MTU can obtain the full $900,000 in matching funds by raising an additional $200,000 by the end of December.

"It's exciting to see the progress we've made," said head coach Jamie Russell. "We'll work hard to make sure we raise the money to get the final $200,000 in matching funds by the end of 2004, and that will put us well over half way to our $3 million goal.

"I'm very thankful to all who have helped us, and I know we have a lot more alumni and friends of the hockey family out there that will continue to contribute as we finish work on this campaign in the next 12 months."

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12. MTU-RED WINGS HOCKEY ALUMNI GAME SLATED FOR SEPT. 25

Professional hockey was born in Houghton in 1904, and the city is putting on a weekend celebration Sept. 23-26 to celebrate its 100th birthday.

"Needless to say, we're very proud of the fact that professional hockey started in our city," said MTU alumnus Scott MacInnes, Houghton city manager and son of legendary Michigan Tech hockey coach John MacInnes. "The sport is a big part of our culture, and we're looking forward to showcasing that fact with many activities the last weekend in September."

One of the weekend's highlights is a hockey game on Saturday, Sept. 25, between former Detroit Red Wings players and Michigan Tech hockey alumni. Opening faceoff is set for 7 p.m. in the MacInnes Student Ice Arena, and tickets are on sale at the Student Development Complex. All seating is reserved, and tickets are $15 each or $7 for those 14 and under.

"The hockey game is going to be a lot of fun," said MacInnes. "I'm glad we're able to bring something like this to the community."

Michigan Tech hockey coach Jamie Russell, who will play in the game, is excited about the contest. "It's not too often you're able to put together a game like this. It should be a tremendous event for the area, and it'll be fun to see both the former Huskies and Red Wings."

Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, will drop the ceremonial puck for the game. In addition, Howe will sign copies of his new book beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the MTU Sports Hall of Fame area of the Student Development Complex.

Following Saturday night's hockey game, the Huskies Club is hosting a public reception in the SDC Gym featuring players from both teams, as well as the current MTU hockey team. Those attending will have the chance to get autographs from the players. Ticket ($5 adults, $2 under 14) will be available at the door.

"We're happy to be part of a very festive weekend," said Rick Yeo, athletic director. "The game and the reception will both be terrific events."

For more information, including a full roster for both teams, can be found online at http://www.michigantechhuskies.com

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13. DEAN'S LIST NOW ONLINE

The Dean's List can be viewed online at http://www.sa.mtu.edu/deanlist/. The website includes the Dean's List for the 2003 fall semester, the 2004 spring semester and the 2004 summer semester. Each semester has a alpha listing of students who have a 4.0 grade point average and those students who have grade point average between 3.50 and 3.99.

If you have any questions about the Dean's List, contact the Student Affairs Office at 487-2212.

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14. BLOOD DRIVE SEPT. 14-15 AT MICHIGAN TECH

In cooperation with Phi Kappa Theta, the U.P. Regional Blood Center, a service of Marquette General Hospital, will hold a blood drive from noon to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, and on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom B.

The center serves 12 U.P. hospitals, including Portage Health System in Hancock and Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center in Laurium.

No appointments are necessary.

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15. PAPER RECYCLING MONDAY

Students, faculty and staff are invited to drop off paper that they have been saving at home during the first "Second Monday of the Month Recycling Collection" on Monday, Sept. 13, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the Dow sixth floor loading dock, just west of where the Dow extends over Cliff Drive, off the main lobby. This month's collection is a week later than usual because of Labor Day.

Participants are asked not to empty paper from home into the blue recycling bins or carts because that creates more work for the custodial and grounds crews. Instead, dispose of your recyclable paper at the Dow loading dock when volunteers are available to help. As always, departments or offices that have a large amount of paper to recycle at one time should contact recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu to arrange a special pickup.

This recycling collection is sponsored by the Environmental Sustainability Committee and Circle K in cooperation with Facilities Management's Building Operations and Grounds departments.

For more information, see http://www.esc.mtu.edu or contact your departmental recycling liaison or recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu. Subscribe to mtugreen-l@mtu.edu to receive information and announcements related to environmental sustainability issues and activities at MTU and on other campuses.

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16. TEACHING AT TECH: MAKING THE GRADE

Submitted by William Kennedy, director, Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development

In 1950, only about 15 percent of the grades issued at Harvard University were B-pluses or better. Last year 50 percent of the grades issued at Harvard were either A or A-. Ninety-one percent of the senior class graduated with honors. Why? Could it be, as some suggest, that today's college students are coming to the university better prepared to succeed? Evidence from standardized tests would indicate the opposite. Over the last 30 years, the SAT scores of college-bound students have actually slightly declined. More than a third of first year students require remedial course work in math, reading, or writing.

Then, maybe today's incoming students work harder? The National Survey of Student Engagement indicates that less than 15 percent of college students put in the commonly suggested two hours of outside study, work and preparation per hour spent in class. Data from Michigan Tech students would suggest that the process of expecting high grades in return for very little effort begins well before students come to the university. In 2002, 57 percent of incoming MTU students said they studied two hours or less per week in their senior year of high school. At the same time, over 90 percent of these students reported graduating from high school with a B or better GPA. So much for rigorous national standards! Is it any surprise that somewhere around 40 percent of our first year students are likely to find themselves on academic probation for substandard grades?

College students believe that grades are what really matters, but most come unprepared to put forth the effort to achieve exemplary academic records. In 1993, 57 percent of surveyed college students said that the primary benefit of a college education was increasing their earning power. Over a third of the surveyed students said they would drop out immediately if it weren't for the economic horsepower that a college degree adds to their lives. So, as more and more students attend college primarily to bolster their income and gain a measure of economic security, it's not surprising that this pecuniary motivation affects how they approach their studies and what they will value during their undergraduate experience.

In response, I believe, many instructors have allowed themselves to be drawn in to the grade game. I have often spent over an hour arguing with a student about a grade on a paper that he/she spent a half hour preparing. When students care more about their grades than their learning, it's tempting for us to become quite defensive and equally obsessive about testing and grading.

Anyone who has taught a course or designed a test knows that you can create an exam that no one can pass or one that any student can ace. Some instructors key their grades to conform to a bell curve recognizing the effects of classroom chemistry and variable student performance. Some see exam grades as a tool to induce students to try harder, adjusting difficulty levels to spur them on. Researchers suggest that the vast majority of college exams emphasize lower-order learning (memorizing facts, basic concepts and simple applications) even in courses that profess to impart higher-order learning (synthesis, analysis).

Generations of well-meaning teachers have tirelessly contrived comprehensive multiple-guess exams and then analyzed individual test questions to determine whether items "discriminated" between the students who truly deserve the A and those that don't. One colleague at a school that shall remain nameless gleefully told me about a test item that "almost nobody ever gets right." He was all excited because that item also correlated highly with his students' overall grade point averages.

There is no doubt that tests and grades are a part of higher education. Like it or not, the students are right. Grades do affect initial job opportunities and the likelihood of admission to graduate school. Ideally, however, performance on assignments and tests should also provide instructors with data to create more engaging learning experiences and to fine-tune the course to meet the changing learning needs of the class, as well as to provide a comparative rendering of the performance of each student.

 

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