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Highlights from April 2009New Paleontology
Research Center Dedicated on Campus New Paleontology Research Center Dedicated on CampusAfter nearly 20 years of dreaming, the Museum of Geology and Department of Geology and Geological Engineering are excited to announce that a state-of-the-art paleontological/geological research facility at the School of Mines is becoming a reality. Groundbreaking for the new building was held on April 7, 2009. “The School of Mines has the largest paleontological program in the country, one that is complemented by an exceptional geology/geological engineering program,” said Dr. Jim Martin, Executive Curator, Museum of Geology/Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering. “And now we are excited to announce that we will have a first-class facility to match.” "The School of Mines is dedicated to being a leader in 21st century engineering and science education, and one way that is achieved is by providing students with the best facilities possible in which to learn," School of Mines President Robert A. Wharton said. "The Paleontology Research Center will be an invaluable resource that will allow both students and researchers, as well as the public, to benefit from this world-class collection for many years to come." The new building will house the Museum of Geology’s extensive collections of fossils and mineral specimens from around the world, rocks, historical documents, photographs, equipment, recent comparative animal skeletons, and a paleontological/geological library of books and reprints. The facility will accommodate and complement fieldwork and provide laboratories to serve as the basis for the university’s educational programs. “The new facility will allow museum staff to ensure that specimens are stable and well cared for while they serve an educational purpose,” added Martin. Unlike the current home to the museum collections, the new facility will feature large public viewing windows into laboratories and educational displays to complement the displays currently housed in the Museum of Geology in the O’Harra Building. “The Museum of Geology collections are used by both researchers and the public to educate and enrich our understanding of the paleontological sciences and our own associated history,” said Martin. “We are glad that we will finally have a facility to enhance the mission of the museum.” The planning and fundraising for the $8 million building have been in progress for more than a decade, and funding is nearly complete. The state of South Dakota invested $7 million in the new Paleontology Building via its research-based economic development, and private donors and federal earmarks have supported the new building as well. Efforts are still underway, however, to ensure that this new facility can be properly outfitted with the necessary equipment and supplies. Additional funds will be used to equip two special laboratories and to purchase special shelving where the specimens will be curated. Each lab will cost over $100K to fit out with fixtures, furnishings, and equipment. Please contact the Foundation or Jim Martin (James.Martin@sdsmt.edu) if you can help in this endeavor. “The Paleontology Research Center will afford our faculty and staff access to one of the best collections in the world,” added Dr. Duane Hrncir, Dean, College of Science and Letters. “We will soon have a facility that complements the quality of the paleontology program at the School of Mines.” “The collection space, laboratories, and equipment in this new building will allow our students, faculty, and researchers to learn about our future by studying the scientific secrets of paleontological history left behind by the great creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago,” concluded Martin. “We will discover answers to some of the most challenging issues facing our world today – energy, biodiversity, natural catastrophes, extinction, and climate change.” Students, Faculty Honored at ConvocationSDSM&T’s 58th Annual Honors Convocation and Luncheon was held on April 7, 2009, at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rushmore Hall. The convocation is held annually to recognize SDSM&T’s students, colleagues, and friends for their academic and leadership achievements as well as their contributions to the campus and the community. The Benard A. Ennenga Faculty Award Benard Ennenga was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended SDSM&T and received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1949. Ben and his wife, Susan, moved to Bozeman, Montana, where he received his master’s degree in chemical engineering. They moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he began his long career with Amoco Oil Company. He retired from Amoco in 1985 having held the position of Operations Manager at the Casper Refinery and spending his last three years as Results Management Coordinator for the three Amoco Refineries at Casper, Salt Lake City, and Mandan, North Dakota. Ben passed away in 1997, and Susan passed away in 2008. The Ennengas established the Benard A. Ennenga Faculty Award to recognize excellence in teaching and motivating students. This year’s recipient was Dr. Darrin C. Pagnac, Haslem Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering. Pagnac inspires his students with his wealth of knowledge and unique experiences. His passion and enthusiasm for teaching are contagious, and he has the ability to make students recognize their own capabilities. He supports and motivates his students to excel in ways that they might not have considered possible. Pagnac regularly goes far above and beyond the demands of his fellowship, essentially functioning as an assistant professor without the title. He teaches several courses and has also taken on a full advising load and mentors his students with great understanding and patience. Pagnac is friendly and approachable and guides students in the direction for success. His students know that he will listen to them and back them up when they need support and encouragement. He models the selflessness of a true teacher by leading workshops for middle school teachers, explaining paleontology to middle school students, and putting in countless hours to help the Museum of Geology. Perhaps most importantly, he never loses sight of his profound responsibility to his students. He is committed to their education and future, and he never compromises his expectations for the sake of making a course less demanding. Because of this, his students graduate with a good and comprehensive knowledge of the key concepts in paleontology, and they learn what goes into making a successful paleontologist from the field to the lab to research and publications. The Dick Kitchen Award for Outstanding Staff Person The Dick Kitchen Award for Outstanding Staff Person was established by Gail H. March and Bruce R. Johnsen in honor Dick Kitchen. Johnsen is a 1959 civil engineering graduate of SDSM&T. A remarkable number of students received moral support, friendship, and encouragement from Dick Kitchen who served as public relations director at Tech from 1954 through 1961. The award was established to recognize a non-faculty staff member at SDSM&T who has demonstrated excellence by encouraging students to complete their education at SDSM&T. This year’s recipient was William Arbegast, director, Advanced Materials Processing Center (AMP). William J. Arbegast (or Bill as he is known to students) has demonstrated an outstanding and continued commitment to students at the School of Mines. As director of AMP, Bill has used his background in industry to supplement SDSM&T students’ formal education with truly unique research and design experiences. Bill has always reminded his students of the importance of finishing their degrees, and he tells of his personal experiences and of the hard-won opportunities that would have come much more easily if he had completed his graduate degree. The impact of his counseling has kept high-risk students on track and has kept other students in programs when they are on the verge of throwing in the towel. He makes every effort to encourage women in a male-dominated field and has supported women from multiple departments at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Most importantly, he allows students to make their own mistakes without fear of failure. Bill truly influences students to not only complete their bachelor’s degrees, but to continue their education in seeking master’s and doctoral degrees as well. He loves his work and inspires his students with his dedication. Virginia Simpson Award Virginia Simpson was a Rapid City resident, a long-time supporter of Tech, and an active member of the community. In addition to her community involvement, she volunteered for the SDSM&T Foundation, serving eight years as a trustee and four years as a member of the board. Simpson passed away in 2002. The Virginia Simpson Award was established by Simpson to help support and encourage new or continued involvement of SDSM&T faculty or staff in the Rapid City community through participation in community activities, social services, or volunteer services. This year’s recipient was Dr. Carter Kerk, professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering. Kerk has worked with the Gear Up program on the School of Mines campus for over 10 years, and he has served as a volunteer for 9 of those years. The goal of Gear Up is to create a cohort of Native American students who graduate from high school each year and go onto earn a college degree. During the time he has worked with the program, Kerk has been a tireless advocate for the Gear Up students. He has sought faculty and staff to work with the students and give them an enriched experience during the six weeks they spend on campus. He is here daily during the six weeks doing everything from teaching to helping coordinate schedules to running errands. He spends many hours throughout the program ensuring that students have a positive experience on campus. As a result of his efforts, Kerk has enabled the School of Mines to build a stronger relationship with the Native American community, and School of Mines enrollment officials are beginning to see an increase in Native American student applicants which is important as one of the university’s immediate goals is to increase the Native American student population. Kerk is viewed as a role model for students, the “go to” person by many, and an excellent ambassador for the School of Mines. Through his dedication to programs like Gear Up, he is helping to increase the number of South Dakota Native American students who graduate from high school and go on to college. Jim and Connie Green CAMP Faculty Award The Jim and Connie Green CAMP Faculty award was established by Jim (ME 73) and Connie Green in order to recognize a faculty member’s support of student projects involved in the Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (CAMP). In Jim’s 30-year-plus career at Caterpillar, he has maintained a close association with the School of Mines, even championing funding for the Caterpillar Student Excellence Center, an addition to the Mechanical Engineering Building to provide lab space for student projects. This award provides support to a School of Mines faculty advisor of any major student project that is competing at the national level and involves mechanical engineering students. This year’s recipient is Dr. Dan Dolan, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dolan is co-director and founder of CAMP at the School of Mines. His teaching style and interaction with the students has brought national recognition to the School of Mines through CAMP with the prestigious Boeing Outstanding Higher Educational award. Dolan’s success in promoting project-based, team-oriented learning in the classroom and laboratory has been an inspiration to his colleagues across campus. He gives tirelessly of his time to students and faculty alike who are engaged in CAMP projects. Presidential Award for Outstanding Professor The Presidential Award for Outstanding Professor was established to recognize a fulltime faculty member who has demonstrated a sustained record of outstanding overall accomplishments at SDSM&T. This year’s recipient was Dr. William Roggenthen, professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering. Roggenthen has given over 30 years of sustained and outstanding commitment and service, almost his entire career, to the School of Mines. He has a long record of successfully mentoring students and student research. He teaches with enthusiasm and provides hands-on experimentation with geophysical equipment, spending hours and weekends in the field. Many projects he undertakes with students also serve the community. He has provided exceptional leadership in his administrative duties which include serving as a dean of the College of Earth Systems, head of his department, and interim dean of Graduate Education and Research. He has also contributed to his profession by serving as an ABET reviewer for the accreditation of geological and geological engineering programs at 12 universities. Roggenthen has contributed to research in his area of expertise for over 30 years, including his recent activities related to the implementation of the Homestake/DUSEL project. He has played a leadership role by promoting the lab at the state and national level, reaching out to educate the community about DUSEL, managing scientific workshops, and coordinating efforts between the School of Mines and Homestake-DUSEL. These activities will have a lasting educational and economic impact on the School of Mines and South Dakota. Close UpsDr. Arden Davis (Mickelson Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering) attended the February 2009 SME Annual Meeting in Denver and presented an ABET Accreditation Training Session for program evaluators in geological engineering and mining engineering. In addition, he authored two papers that were presented during the technical sessions. The first paper, “Instrumentation of the Homestake Underground Laboratory for Drawdown Measurements during Dewatering,” was presented by a co-author, Dr. Larry Stetler (associate professor, Geology and Geological Engineering). Other co-authors included Dr. W.M. Roggenthen (professor, Geology and Geological Engineering), Dr. Zbigniew Hladysz (professor, Mining Engineering and Management), and Dr. Rohit Salve. The second paper, “Encapsulation of Limestone Waste in Concrete after Arsenic Removal from Water,” was presented by Pradeep Chintalapati (MS GeoE 08). Other co-authors included Dr. M.R. Hansen (professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering), Dr. David Dixon (chair/professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering), and Dr. Cathleen Webb. After nearly two decades of involvement in Hardrocker athletics, Hugh Welsh will be transitioning out of his role as part-time athletic director, a position he’s held for the last four years, on June 21, 2009. Welsh has been both a familiar face and a long-time driving force for Hardrocker athletics. He has served as athletic director, coach, professor of physical education, and mentor to many athletes. Welsh’s transition was spurred by a gift to the Hardrock Club which will fund a full-time athletic director, allowing the athletic program to capitalize on new opportunities. A national search is underway with the goal of having a new athletic director at the beginning of the 2009-2010 academic year. Email may be sent to Welsh at Hugh.Welsh@sdsmt.edu Dr. Keith W. Whites (professor/Steven P. Miller Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department) recently presented a paper, “Direct-write printing of highly functional, passive, microwave frequency circuits and devices,” at the 2009 Flexible Electronics & Displays Conference held in Phoenix from February 2-5, 2009. The paper was co-co-authored by T. Amert. Dr. Kyle Riley (chair/associate professor, Mathematics and Computer Science) and several department faculty recently attended the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in Golden, Colorado. The MAA conference is one of the largest gatherings of professional mathematicians in the region and occurs every spring. Other SDSM&T faculty from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science who attended the MAA conference were Dr. Don Teets (professor), Dr. Janet Burgoyne (associate professor), Dr. Travis Kowalski (assistant professor), Dr. Roger Johnson (professor), and Professor Laura Geary (assistant professor). In addition, two students were accepted to present papers at the MAA conference. Cody Alsaker, a senior math and civil engineering major from Sheridan, Wyoming, presented “Taylor Series solutions for systems of Ordinary Differential Equations.” Barry Longden, a senior math and computer science major from Rapid City, presented “Resonance of the Human Voice.” Echelberger Named Engineer of the YearDr. Wayne F. Echelberger, Jr. (CE 56), trustee of the SDSM&T Foundation, was honored as “Engineer of the Year” by the Tampa Chapter of the Florida Engineering Society at the February 2009 Tampa Bay Engineers Week Banquet. Echelberger, originally from Pierre, South Dakota, earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from SDSM&T in 1956. After graduation, he continued his education and earned his two master’s degrees and one doctoral degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Echelberger’s teaching, research, and administrative career spanned three decades at five universities including the University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, the University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of South Florida. Echelberger’s research and teaching experience and interests include environmental engineering, environmental quality planning and management, water quality engineering, environmental health and sanitation, solid and hazardous waste management and public works administration. In addition to his academic experience, he has had a wide variety of engineering consulting and public service involvements with government and industry in water and air quality control, solid and hazardous waste management, occupational safety and health, and environmental planning management and impact assessments. During his professional career, Echelberger has authored or co-authored more than 80 technical publications and presentations and presented over 30 invited lectures. Echelberger is also a recipient of the Water Environment Federation’s Harrison Prescott Eddy Medal for noteworthy research, a Diplomat in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, a SDSM&T Centennial 100 Alumni Award Recipient (1985), and a SDSM&T Distinguished Alumni (2003). In addition, in 1999 Dr. Echelberger established the Wayne & Iris Echelberger Scholarship through the SDSM&T Foundation, and he has served as a trustee for the Foundation since 2007. Dan LandguthDaniel Peter Landguth (EE 68) passed away on January 11, 2009, after a courageous 4 ½ month battle with brain cancer. Dan was born May 9, 1946, in Deadwood to Ben and Clara (Rosencranz) Landguth. He graduated from Lead High School in 1964, and it was in Lead that he met the love of his life, Barbara Sankey, and married her on April 17, 1965. Dan and Barb raised four children, Nancy, Mark, Scott (CE 97), and Erin (Math 02/MS ATM 04). His children and grandchildren loved to hear him tell stories about his many high jinks while growing up in Lead in the 50s and 60s. Dan graduated from the School of Mines in 1968 with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for PG&E in California before returning to Rapid City in 1969, where he began his 35-year career with Black Hills Power and Light, starting as a power use engineer. Dan retired from Black Hills Corp in 2005 as chairman, president, and CEO. Dan was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and was always planning his next adventure that may have been as simple as making a birdhouse with a friend, fishing on the Big Horn River, or going on a memorable trip with Barb and friends. Every day mattered and everyone mattered to him. A very community and civic minded man, Dan lent his knowledge and leadership expertise to many organizations over the years. He was a former trustee and chairman of the Spearfish Canyon Foundation and Land Trust, was involved with Youth and Family Services, and served as a trustee for both the Crazy Horse Foundation and Rapid City Regional Hospital. Dan was also named as a School of Mines Distinguished Alumni in 2001. In addition, he and Barb were national leaders at the Cabinet Level during the university’s first-ever capital campaign, VISION 2000. The Landguths also established the Daniel and Barbara Landguth Scholarship at the School of Mines. Dan was a graduation speaker for the School of Mines in December 2004, he served as a Foundation Associate, and he also served as a trustee for the SDSM&T Foundation from 2001 until the time of his death. Dan loved life to its fullest and was a humble, generous, and thoughtful man of great integrity who was always a true gentleman. He will be missed. Tom BolgerThomas Edward Bolger (EE 50) died peacefully at home on February 19, 2009, from complications of cancer. Born in 1927, Tom Bolger graduated in the Moorhead high school class of 1944. He attended St. Johns University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and then earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1950 after serving aboard the USS Lexington at the end of World War II. Upon graduation from the School of Mines, Bolger began his wide-ranging career within telecommunications. He excelled as a lineman, service foreman, plant engineer, and plant manager. At age 40, he became president of Pacific Northwest Bell in Seattle, Washington. From 1974 he was assigned as chairman and CEO of the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Companies. He was then appointed executive vice president of AT&T and was a leading figure during the divestiture of the Bell System. In 1983, Bolger was elected the founding chairman and CEO of the Bell Atlantic Corporation, one of the "Baby Bells." He served on several corporate boards, but he was most fond of his work as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Geographic Society. Throughout his impressive career, Tom and his family continually came home to Minnesota where he held his Moorhead/Fargo roots close to his heart. He and his brothers built their Lake Bad Medicine retreat which was cherished by generations of family and friends. Like any good Minnesotan, he enjoyed the lakeside evening saunas with his grandchildren most of all. He enjoyed many rounds of golf in Detroit Lakes and Fargo, and his love and talent for golf took him to some of the most renowned courses in the world. He enjoyed participating in numerous pro-am competitions and fondly recalled playing golf with Arnold Palmer on more than one occasion. Tom received the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Guy March Medal in 1984, he was named a Centennial 100 Award recipient, and he also served as a Foundation Associate. In addition, he and his wife, Mae, were national leaders at the Co-Chair level during the university’s first-ever capital campaign, VISION 2000. Spring Phone-a-thon a SuccessTwelve School of Mines students made more than 7,000 phone calls over nine nights of calling, and the Foundation processed over 600 pledge cards or requests for information during its spring phone-a-thon held from February 1 – 12 2009. Pledges and contributions totaled $44,258.33. Held semi-annually, the phone-a-thon is the most effective way the Foundation has found to reach a large number of alumni in a short period of time. Over $1.4 million has been contributed by way of the phone-a-thons since fall 1998. Many alumni choose to give unrestricted dollars which are allocated to the area of greatest need on campus. Others choose to direct their funds toward a particular group, department, endowment, or need on campus. The SDSM&T Foundation offers our sincerest thanks for the continued generous support of alumni and friends who have participated in the phone-a-thon or have otherwise made gifts to the Foundation. Students participating in the spring 2009 phone-a-thon included: Alex Brech is a three-time phone-a-thon caller who is a sophomore computer engineering student from Wabasso, Minnesota. He came to the School of Mines because he knew about its great reputation from his brother, Dale Brech (EE 99), and his father who was a past student. Alex likes being in the Black Hills, he likes being relatively close to home, and he likes the size of the campus. When he’s not busy studying, he is involved with the Amateur Radio Club, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, CAMP, and Phi Eta Sigma. He is also a proud member of Theta Tau. Alex decided to work on the phone-a-thon again because he likes getting future career ideas from the alumni he speaks with. He added that he also works on the phone-a-thons because he is a “poor college student who needs money.” Tom Cox is a mechanical engineering sophomore from Hillsboro, New Hampshire. He worked on his first-ever phone-a-thon because he has experience making calls in a call center and because he had some extra time. After having lived in several states including California, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, Tom decided to study at the School of Mines because he feels “it’s a great, affordable engineering college.” On campus, Tom has been involved with Residence Life. His reaction after his first phone-a-thon and talking to hundreds of alums across the country? “Even after learning of hiring freezes, strikes, and layoffs, I’m still glad I chose to be an engineer.” Josh Green is a junior mechanical engineering student and a five-time student caller from Peoria, Illinois, who carried on tradition and made up half of “Team Lola” during the spring phone-a-thon (the other team member is Josh’s roommate and fellow phone-a-thon caller, Adam Schulz). Josh’s dad, Jim Green (ME 73), helped Josh decide that the School of Mines is the place for him, and Josh agrees, saying the School of Mines “is awesome!” When he is not busy studying and having fun, Josh enjoys playing the guitar (he taught himself to play two years ago), and he also started training for a competitive triathlon in which he’ll compete this summer. Leah Koch is a sophomore geology major from Mitchell, South Dakota. She transferred to SDSM&T from the University of South Dakota after her freshman year because of the excellent geology program offered at the School of Mines. Leah chose to join us for her second phone-a-thon because she had fun at the fall phone-a-thon, she likes talking to alumni, and she enjoys the extra spending money. Randy Lloyd is a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Hecla, South Dakota. He decided to come to the School of Mines because of the good education in a great location and also because of the statistics on job placement rates for School of Mines graduates. On campus, Randy is involved in a variety of activities and enjoys playing intramural sports, and off campus, he loves to go snowboarding. He joined us on this, his second phone-a-thon, because he needed to earn some extra money, and also because he enjoys talking to alumni on the phone. Michelle Pinsdorf is a recent graduate of the School of Mines’ paleontology program and took a few more classes during the spring semester. Michelle came to the School of Mines from Cortlandt Manor, New York, because it has “one of the best paleontology programs in the country.” She has been a long-time member of the Museum of Geology staff, leading tours and answering questions for the many individuals and groups that come through the doors every day, and she is also a member of the SDSM&T Paleontology Club. In her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, loves spending time outdoors, and is an avid tea drinker. Michelle joined us on this, her second phone-a-thon, because she says it’s a fun job, a good way to meet other students, and also because she enjoys helping generate funds for school improvements. Adam Schulz is a senior computer engineering major who will graduate in May and a six-time student caller from Emery, South Dakota. Adam made up half of “Team Lola” during the spring phone-a-thon (the other team member is Adam’s roommate and fellow phone-a-thon caller, Josh Green). “Team Lola,” incidentally, took its name from Adam’s pet rabbit, Lola, which brought Team Lola extra luck during the phone-a-thon. On campus, Adam is active in the Alternative Fuel Vehicle, Phi Eta Sigma, Eta Kappa Nu, and Tau Beta Pi. Adam owns three cars all made before 1980: a 1952 GMC truck, a 1966 Mustang Coupe, and a 1972 Mustang Coupe. He chose to work this, his last phone-a-thon, to improve his interpersonal communication skills, and also because it’s fun. Kathleen “Kate” Schwabe is a junior geology/paleontology major who left her two dogs in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and came all the way to the School of Mines because “the Black Hills are a natural laboratory.” After graduation from the School of Mines, Kathleen plans to go on to graduate school where she will major in sedimentation and stratigraphy. On campus, Kathleen is active in the Paleontology Club and the Society of Economic Geologists, and this past summer, she worked for Earthscope. In addition to activities and classes, Kathleen also works part-time at the PetSmart grooming salon. She worked on this, her sixth phone-a-thon, to make a little extra money and because it’s fun to work with her friends. Marc Smith is a freshman mining engineering and management student from Spearfish, South Dakota. He chose to come to the School of Mines because of its great reputation and because it’s close to home. Marc’s brother, Nick Smith, is also a current student at the School of Mines (a junior studying metallurgical engineering). On campus, Marc is involved in the Tech Association of Gamers. Off campus, he enjoys caving and unicycling. He chose to work on this, his first-ever phone-a-thon, because he needed the extra money. Joe St. Amand is a computer engineering sophomore from Waconia, Minnesota, who worked on his first phone-a-thon to earn money to pay his way through college. Joe enjoys the School of Mines and says he was accepted to many other great schools, but SDSM&T was the only affordable one, so he made his decision to attend and registered for classes without ever seeing the campus. Joe is a member of the Robotics Team and considers himself a normal student whose days are filled with “classes, study, robotics, study, and study.” In his spare time, he enjoys working on his car which he describes as a never-ending project; he even diagnoses car problems for people over the Internet for fun. Joe added that he makes “a conscious effort not to be a computer geek” and tries to get together with friends when possible. Jennifer “Smiley” Trosvig is a sophomore applied geology major from Ottertail, Minnesota. She became interested in the School of Mines after receiving a flyer in the mail during her senior year in high school which touted the school’s geology program. She agrees that the geology program is top-notch, and she loves going to school in the Black Hills. On campus, Jennifer is involved with the Drama Club, Hall Council, Student Conduct Board, and Circle K. She loves performing in plays, giving speeches, and playing the guitar, and she has been a CNA at a nursing home since age 16. She joined us for her second phone-a-thon because she had so much fun calling alumni last fall. Josh Wornson is a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He chose to study at the School of Mines because “it is the best bang for the buck as far as engineering schools go.” In addition to a full course load, Josh also works as a front desk clerk in a local hotel to help earn his way through college. Although Josh is a scholarship recipient, he also declares that he’s a “broke college student!” When he is not in class, studying, or working, Josh likes to drift and autocross in his car, and he also enjoys photography. Back to the Future REU Site at the School of MinesFor the next three summers, the School of Mines will offer undergraduate students a chance to experience Back to the Future, a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site supported by the National Science Foundation. Back to the Future will offer 10 undergraduate students a unique 10-week summer program focused on student research projects in metallurgical engineering. The goal of any REU site is to involve students in meaningful, ongoing research programs and projects. Students involved in Back to the Future will focus on cutting-edge topics in metallurgical engineering such as fundamental elements of friction stir processing (associated with the campus NSF sponsored Center for Friction Stir Processing), nanotechnology, alloy chemistry, microstructural interrogation, and transmission electron microscopy. The research projects will also have prevailing historical, social, or artistic themes. Dr. Michael West, assistant professor, Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering and lead investigator for Back to the Future, stated, “Studies show that providing such a context for knowledge content can be an important aspect in student intellectual development.” “Throughout the experience students will also participate in a series of seminars and workshops in art and archaeometallurgy that will intersect their prior academic training in materials and metallurgical engineering and provide a unique historical and cultural framework for current research,” added West. In addition to research, Back to the Future will offer other activities for student participants. “We plan to include technical communication and professional development programming, and students will also participate in an Expanding Horizons field trip geared toward establishing collegiality and broad cultural understanding.” Students who participate in the REU will come from varied backgrounds. The program will seek Native American participants from Sinte Gleska University and Oglala Lakota College. Other REU participants will be recruited from SDSM&T as well as from a national network of metallurgy and materials programs. The metallurgical engineering research focus for the Back to the Future REU Site came about as a result of several developments over the past few years. The first notable development has been the rise of the Advanced Materials and Processing (AMP) Center. AMP hosts the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Friction Stir Processing and provides a robust research base for the REU Site. The other notable development has been an influx of faculty at SDSM&T who have research expertise in metallurgical engineering and who have an appreciation for how this research can be integrated into a historical/artistic context. “We believe that students who participate in this REU will be well suited to emerge from the program equipped with the confidence and skills to make them competitive in a research environment,” concluded West. “Students will be able to go on to participate in graduate-level research with a unique perspective.” Litzen’s KL Energy One of “50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy”When Dave Litzen (ChemE 81) arrived from Hoven, South Dakota, as a chemical engineering student at the School of Mines over 30 years ago, he might have never predicted that he would return to Rapid City, melding his technical degree with his agricultural background. But after years of industry experience with Shell Oil, that is exactly where Litzen has ended up, and Rapid City, South Dakota, the United States, and the future of “green” energy are reaping the benefits. Litzen, along with business partner Randy Kramer, founded KL Process Design Group, LLC in 2000 (later becoming KL Energy Corporation in 2008), with a focus on design-build operations services for bio-ethanol plants. At its beginning, KL’s emphasis was on efficient construction, process optimization, industry leading energy-efficiencies, and ethanol marketing services. In its nine-year existence being headquartered in Rapid City, KL has acquired corn ethanol plants, managed ethanol plants, and worked on a variety of corn ethanol projects in other areas. “The petrochemical industry has spent years researching ways to make aging plants more efficient,” said Litzen. “Industrial experience says that the renewable fuel industry can also benefit from similar process designs.” With KL Energy and a professional team of engineers at his side (mostly graduates of SDSM&T), Litzen has made use of the knowledge he gained in the petrochemical industry to apply proven technology in new ways. As a result, KL Energy has developed and implemented new energy saving technologies for the ethanol industry and has created the most efficient corn-to-ethanol plant in the country. While their work in the corn-based ethanol industry is admirable, even more exciting is the fact that KL has branched out into a variety of advanced technologies, including cellulosic ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol is an alternative to traditional grain-based and sugar-based ethanol. It is produced using wood waste from wood mill and lumber processing facilities or feedstock in “standing dead” forests from insect infestation or “slash pile” accumulation from private and national forest thinning operations. Because of their revolutionary research, KL Energy has developed exclusive processes to create cellulosic ethanol as an alternative energy source. Litzen commented that KL’s “environmentally friendly process is the ‘greenest’ of all the technologies currently in development for the production of cellulosic ethanol.” Even more extraordinary, KL has succeeded in designing, engineering, constructing, and operating the first small commercial scale second generation cellulose-based ethanol plant in the United States. This facility, Western Biomass Energy located near Upton, Wyoming, has been online since January 2008 and produces cellulosic ethanol using waste wood from ponderosa pine wood chips in the foothills of the Black Hills as feedstock. To the best of Litzen’s knowledge, the facility is the first of its kind in the country. “We are not only producing ethanol from wood waste, but we are helping with forest management at the same time,” said Litzen. Others are starting to take notice of KL’s cutting-edge technology. KL Energy was recently recognized by Biofuels Digest “50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy” rankings. KL was ranked 21st in a field of more than 2,000 eligible bioenergy companies, and the company also received the Biofuels Digest Achievement Award for cellulosic ethanol, in recognition of achieving the largest actual production volume for an advanced biofuel, increases in glucose recovery rate and reduction in enzyme use. KL has developed important partnerships with many entities along the way, one of which is the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. “Our current success is in large part a result of six years of development efforts with the School of Mines,” commented Litzen. “The expertise found within the School of Mines community has allowed for the technology development that we are utilizing today.” Dave Litzen graduated from the School of Mines in 1981 with a degree in chemical engineering, and he is a registered professional engineer. He has over 25 years experience in the petrochemical industry, including 15 years as senior process engineer at Shell Oil. He has extensive background and experience in process simulation, plant process design, and process de-bottlenecking. He is married to Lori (Lien) Litzen who graduated from the School of Mines in 1981 with a degree in civil engineering. Lori also spent 15 years at Shell, and she currently plays an integral role at KL where she is works as an environmental permitting engineer. Additional information is available at the KL’s website at www.klenergycorp.com Brass LIFE Recipient Returns from Study AbroadTeneil Ryno, a junior metallurgical engineering student from Wood, South Dakota, recently returned from a semester of studying at Oslo University College in Oslo, Norway. This opportunity was available to Ryno thanks to the Brass LIFE Award Scholarship. Teneil had always wanted to study and travel abroad, but financially, it was not possible without the help of the LIFE award. “I’m thankful and blessed to have received this scholarship,” said Ryno. Lorin (MetE 75) and Mary (CE 77) Brass established the LIFE Award because of their own personal experiences living, working, and learning in The Hague, Netherlands, for eight years. The family lived abroad with Lorin’s final job assignment prior to retirement from Shell Oil, and this experience had a profound impact on the entire family. The Brasses feel that their experiences gave them exposure to different cultures, ideas, and ways of doing things, and also gave each of them a fresh perspective about themselves, our country, and the world in which we all co-exist. After a semester of studying and living abroad, Ryno came away from her experience with much of the same perspective as the Brasses. “I have learned more about myself and my own culture by learning more about other cultures,” said Ryno. “And I also discovered that no matter how different foreign cultures may be, there are also many similarities between all cultures and all people.” Ryno’s first experience traveling abroad was two years ago when she traveled to Vicuna, Chile, on a mission trip with the School of Mines student group Engineers and Scientists Abroad. This time, Ryno studied in Norway for a semester with 16 other students who were part of the European Project Semester (EPS). Her fellow EPS students came from six different countries, and while Ryno was the only student from the United States, English was language of the program. Because the group studied together, all of the students became familiar with and shared the cultures of their respective countries. “I chose to study in Oslo because some of my ancestors originated from Norway, and I’ve always been interested in the culture,” said Ryno. “I was also interested in studying there because of their partnership with the School of Mines.” During her time in Europe, Ryno’s roommates were Norwegian, and so she spent much time traveling around Norway. She also traveled to Spain, Sweden, and England, native lands to some of her fellow EPS students. Although Ryno is a metallurgical engineering student, her coursework in Norway was mostly centered on cross-cultural relationships and team building. “We spent time learning about different cultures and cultural etiquette,” said Ryno. “But EPS did incorporate our major course of study at the end of the semester when we worked on our projects.” For Ryno, the hardest part of living and studying abroad was adjusting to the new culture. “It was evident when all the EPS students arrived that each one of us would have to make adjustments culturally,” admitted Ryno. “Personally, once I became more acclimated to my new surroundings and environment, I realized that even though I was very far from home, many things were very similar.” When culture shock did hit, technology would have made it easy for Ryno to contact friends and relatives in the United States, but she curbed her desire to immediately call or email. This decision forced her to transition more quickly so that she was also able to more quickly appreciate a different country and culture. In the end, Ryno’s choices afforded her a high level of independence. Interestingly, Ryno explains that her transition back to the United States was also difficult. “The semester in Norway went quickly, and just as I was really starting to get acclimated to the Norwegian culture, it was time to come back home,” stated Ryno. “While it’s great to be home, it would have enjoyed staying for another semester.” For the immediate future, Ryno will continue her studies at the School of Mines, where she plans to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Once she’s in the workforce, though, the sky is the limit. “Studying in Oslo and being immersed in a different culture has made me more receptive to opportunities to work internationally, and I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for different cultures,” concluded Ryno. “I’ve learned valuable life lessons, lessons I could not have learned in a textbook, and my time in Norway has truly been life-changing.” Heifer Helps HardrockersAl and Deb Vedvei, along with their daughters and former Lady Rocker basketball standouts Stacie Olson (IS 05) and Melanie Vedvei (IE 08), donated a yearling heifer named “VCR Lady Rocker 52/14” to the Hardrock Club. The heifer was auctioned at the Black Hills Stock Show in late January, and the nearly $8,000 proceeds from the auction will benefit the Hardrock Club Scholarship program. Thanks to everyone involved for their contributions to support Hardrocker athletics. The Future of BioEnergy and BioProcessingThe administration of President Barack Obama has stated that one of the nation’s highest priorities must be to focus on renewable, clean, environmentally friendly energy as well as energy independence. In a recent speech, Obama announced that the production of alternative energy should “double within three years.” Not by mere coincidence but because of a decade of planning and foresight by many members of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology community, SDSM&T is in a great position to heed this call to action. With a well-defined BioInitiative in place, the School of Mines has moved aggressively to ensure that the university is well-positioned for the future. The goals of the School of Mines BioInitiative echo the national agenda set forth by Obama and include reducing the national dependence on imported fuels and petroleum-based chemicals, mitigating the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions, and combating climate change through collaborative projects between researchers and their industrial and federal partners. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The BioInitiative set forth by SDSM&T includes several areas. One area concentrates specifically on coursework in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. In an effort to create an environment for innovative bioenergy and bioprocessing research and work force development, the department has added a biochemical engineering emphasis which provides a unique curriculum for students. In addition, SDSM&T offers the only chemical engineering degrees with master’s and doctoral programs in South Dakota. 2010 Center for Bioprocessing and Research (CBRD) A significant result of this BioInitiative is the addition of two new bioprocessing and bioenergy centers headed up on campus. The 2010 Center for Bioprocessing and Research (CBRD) was established through the Governor's 2010 Initiative for Economic Development in 2006. CBRD brings together the bioprocessing research and development resources of SDSM&T and South Dakota State University (SDSU). The director of CBRD, Dr. Lew Christopher, is housed on campus and furthers CBRD’s mission to provide farmers, small business, entrepreneurs and industry in South Dakota with expertise in cutting edge technologies, research facilities, education, training and administrative support. Over 20 faculty and staff and their students representing a myriad of science and engineering fields are working to achieve the next generation of advances required to fully realize the creation of the lignocellulose based bioindustry. Industry/University Collaborative Research Center’s Center for BioEnergy Research and Development (I/UCRC CBERD) Another center which includes six universities across the country with SDSM&T as lead institution is the Center for BioEnergy Research and Development (CBERD). This is an Industry/University Collaborative Research Center created through an award from the National Science Foundation and sponsored by industries, state, and federal government entities. Dr. Duane Abata is the executive director of CBERD and leads CBERD from the School of Mines campus. He strives to bring together universities and over 30 industrial and federal laboratory partners to conduct industry-relevant bioenergy research and development. CBERD’s mission is to assist the National Science Foundation in achieving the national priority goal of augmenting the petroleum-based economy with renewable energy, chemicals, and biomaterials. More can be found at CBERD’s website at www.bioenergynow.org Faculty of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department along with faculty of CBRD and CBERD hope to play an increasingly significant role in building the foundations of South Dakota’s bioeconomy and its significance to the region, state, and nation. The South Dakota Advantage Dr. Dave Dixon (chair, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; site director, I/UCRC CBERD) stated, “The bioenergy industry in South Dakota is a relatively untapped and underdeveloped resource. We are, however, uniquely poised to become a leader in bioenergy production based on a number of developmental opportunities related to the state’s location and its natural resources, the presence of bioprocessing industries, and our strong research capabilities.” Christopher added, “South Dakota has many advantages in this bioenergy initiative. In addition to being strategically located and nationally secure, workers here are well-trained, knowledgeable, and known for their Midwest work ethic. Many graduates from SDSM&T typically stay within the region, and many remain in South Dakota.” “In addition, South Dakota has a population of less than 1 million and yet is among the nation’s largest agricultural states,” added Christopher. “We are uniquely positioned to serve as a natural laboratory providing the opportunity to produce biofuels from a variety of available feedstock – grasses, forestry, and agri-waste.” South Dakota has other advantages in the bioenergy and bioprocessing arenas as well. According to Christopher, “South Dakota and other Midwestern states are currently home to bioprocessing industries that generate nearly $100 million dollars in gross revenues. This industrial sector now contributes over $100 billion dollars to the Gross National Revenue in several locations throughout the United States and is estimated to grow to over $10 billion dollars in the next five to seven years.” In addition, South Dakota has been selected as the ground of the first U.S. $8 billion oil refinery in more than 30 years described as a "green energy technology center,'' which would create as many 10,000 construction jobs and employ 1,800 after its completion in four years. South Dakota is also home to Poet, the largest dry mill corn ethanol producer in U.S., and KL Energy Corporation, among the first wood-based ethanol producers on a demo scale in U.S. Start up industries such as C-Lock, located in the technology park of western South Dakota, are investigating carbon capture to further reduce the impact of greenhouse gasses on climate change and other noxious environmental effects caused by petroleum based fuels. “All in all, the School of Mines and the state have and will continue to undertake national leadership in the essential area of energy production,” concluded Dixon. A Closer Look at CBEConstruction of an addition to the Chemical and Biological Engineering/Chemistry Building is tentatively scheduled to begin late spring or early summer 2009 and be completed by spring semester 2011. The unit operations laboratory will also be completely renovated during this time. The new addition and renovation will allow for teaching and laboratory facilities that are higher quality, safer, more flexible, and more conducive to teaching modern programs in chemical and biochemical engineering curriculum and emerging research programs for the students of today and the future. Just how did the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department become the cutting-edge program it is today? The answer can be found by taking a look back into the history of the department and the university. The Beginnings In 1921, the South Dakota Board of Regents authorized a degree program in chemical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines (just over 35 years after the university had been founded as the Dakota School of Mines). Dr. Andrew Karsten (1922-1960), the first professor of chemical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines, founded the chemical engineering program. Karsten shaped the department for the next 20 years, along with other chemistry colleagues Drs. G.G. Osterhof and G.W. Bond. In 1935, the South Dakota Board of Regents authorized a master’s program for the Department of Chemical Engineering, and in the late forties and early fifties, accreditation became key. R.L. Sandvig led the department not only through the accreditation process, but for many years following. A New Building In 1957, a new Chemical and Chemical Engineering Building was dedicated. The building (which still stands today) included a state-of-the-art chemical engineering unit operations laboratory that was designed and fabricated by chemical engineering students with the help of their mechanical engineering colleagues. During the 1970s, the biology program was integrated into the department structure. This planted seeds for the development of the biochemical engineering emphasis within the chemical engineering program. Within the past 15 years, more changes have taken place. The chemical engineering program has developed a biochemical engineering emphasis, and a unique curriculum now produces graduates with practical knowledge of bioprocesses at the undergraduate level. Students are immersed in hands-on, open-ended biochemical engineering laboratory experiences. Growth of the department has also recently led to the approval of the Ph.D. degree in chemical and biological engineering and the hiring of additional faculty. The Faculty Component The current faculty of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department include chemical engineers, biochemical engineers, biologists, and microbiologists. Seven of the nine faculty have industrial experience, which allows the department to provide an applied dimension to its teaching and research. Members of the department faculty include Dave Dixon (professor and chair), Robb Winter (professor), Jan Puszynski (professor), Sookie Bang (professor), Patrick Gilcrease (associate professor), Todd Menkhaus (assistant professor), Rajesh Sani (assistant professor), Ken Benjamin (assistant professor), and Rajesh Shende (assistant professor). CBE Students Students in the department have access to the Materials, Automation, Processing, and Simulation Laboratory (M.A.P.S.) funded by the Dow Corning Foundation. The lab exists to help teach design skills through the laboratory environment and experience. Students also maintain an active student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and a ChE Car Competition team—a multi-disciplinary team including environmental, metallurgical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering students. Ongoing Research Research is also prevalent within the department, with current research funding exceeding $1 million per year. The Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD), a 2010 Research Center of the State of South Dakota, was established at the same time as the Ph.D. program. The focus of CBRD is on research that leads to new technologies for processing plant-derived lignocelluloses materials into biomaterials such as ethanol and key building-block chemicals. In 2008, the department was also awarded the status of a lead site for a National Science Foundation Industrial/University Cooperative Research Center (NSF I/UCRC), formally titled the Center for BioEngery Research and Development (CBERD). The biological-research component of the department has also recently received an additional boost from the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) which will be located in Lead, South Dakota, approximately 50 miles from the SDSM&T campus. In the area of polymers and materials, department researchers help lead and take advantage of the school’s Composite and Polymer Engineering Laboratory (CAPE), a 9,500 square-foot facility housing state-of-the-art equipment for cutting-edge research and development of polymer and composite processing, prototyping, and tooling. Great things have been happening at the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the School of Mines, and the future looks just as bright. Check the department website at http://cbe.sdsmt.edu/ for more information. Dublin Dash Assists AIChENearly 360 runners and walkers from age 4 to 70 participated in the third annual Dublin Dash St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk held on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The 2009 Dublin Dash, sponsored by the SDSM&T AIChE Student Chapter, raised almost $2,400 which will be used by the AIChE Student Chapter for student scholarships, plant trips, and convention travel. The group of runners and walkers started from the School of Mines campus and journeyed 3.2 miles to their end destination in downtown Rapid City where post-race refreshments and door prizes were offered. Runners were encouraged to come in costume, and this year’s prize for the best costume was bestowed upon the “Dublin Dog.” All entrants received a Dublin Dash t-shirt. Turnout for this year’s Dublin Dash was nearly 50% higher than last year. The overall male winner was Daniel Black, 18:06. The overall female winner was Kimberly Osberg (secretary/teams coordinator, CAMP), 23:21. Student Leadership Hall of Fame 2009The School of Mines Leadership Development Team created the
Leadership Hall of Fame in 2000 to raise awareness about the importance of
student leadership and to recognize the valuable contributions student leaders
make. The Hall of Fame recognizes students based on their contributions to the
campus community. The award recognizes students who have made a difference
rather than those who can list the most leadership positions on their resumes.
The following South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students were inducted into the university's Leadership Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in April 2009: Benjamin Bangasser is a native of New Hope, Minnesota, and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering this May. While at the School of Mines, Benjamin was active in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapter, the Chemical Engineering Car Team, and he chaired the Dublin Dash 5K Run/Walk. Following graduation, Benjamin will pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and hopes to ultimately serve as a university professor teaching students and researching renewable fuels. Tom Clay is a senior mechanical engineering student from Springview, Nebraska, who will graduate in December 2009. After graduating, Tom plans to pursue employment in the field of energy, HVAC, or any other applicable industry focusing on engineering skills in the thermal sciences. Tom says that he someday aspires to own his own business. Danielle Olinger is a senior geology major from Buffalo, Minnesota, who will graduate in May 2009. In the fall of 2009, she plans to attend graduate school and work on a thesis in igneous petrology. Danielle’s goal is to become a teacher in geology/earth science at the high school or college level. Melanie Satchell is a senior interdisciplinary sciences major from Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, who will graduate in May 2009. After graduation, Melanie will work as a financial advisor with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Rapid City. In the fall of 2010, she plans to attend law school near where she will be stationed with her husband who is in the Army. Ashley Vayer-Jenkins is a senior metallurgical engineering student who came to the School of Mines from Castro Valley, California. She plans to graduate in December 2009. After graduation, Ashley plans to work for an aerospace manufacturing company with future plans of pursing a master’s degree in metallurgy. Golden West Supports the Future of Computer ScienceGolden West has long been associated with innovation and the use of technology in western South Dakota. In recent years, Golden West has made valuable contributions to the School of Mines through their support of a Golden West Scholarship Fund (started in 2005) and the Golden West Computer Sciences Program Support Fund (started in 2008). The Golden West Scholarship Fund has supported several outstanding students in computer science over the years. The students selected for the award this year are Jordan Ritz and Barry Longden. Jordan Ritz is a highly capable computer science junior form Mandan, North Dakota. Jordan is already involved in an active research project under two faculty members, and he started the project as a sophomore. He was also a valuable member to one of the ACM programming teams this past November. Barry Longden is a senior from Rapid City who is double majoring in computer science and mathematics. Barry is an outstanding student who remains active in the department across several projects, and he has also been involved as a teaching assistant with the College Algebra labs. The Golden West Computer Sciences Program Support Fund is dedicated to stimulating innovation in the computational sciences and the funds are to be directed towards the highest priorities that relate to this goal. Currently, recruitment is a clear need in the computer science program since enrollments have remained flat while national and local demands for graduates have significantly increased in recent years. The Golden West Computer Sciences Program Support Fund has been directed to hire a student, Lisa Rebenitsch, to extend her senior design project and to work on recruitment materials. Lisa has developed two different software packages for prospective students that are used to demonstrate what School of Mines graduates are capable of producing. Lisa is currently working on a user interface for software that is designed to encourage middle school students to learn the fundamentals of programming by illustrating the necessary programming structure to command a simulated Mars rover to navigate through a landscape. Lisa will also develop a demonstration piece using one of the robots from the computer lab used in the Engineers Week program that took place in February. Helping Create Future Scientists and EngineersThe School of Mines is once again offering a variety of educational opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students. The goal is to allow students to try their hand at engineering and science before they arrive at college by attending a summer residential camp or day class. Here are just some of the great camps being offered: Socket to Me! Computer Science and Computer Engineering Camp This camp provides a hands-on computer science and engineering experience. Students will learn the importance of being computer literate, computer basics, how to disassemble and reassemble a computer, PC maintenance, basic and Web programming, and electronics. Space Adventures! Camp Students will explore the birth of the universe, the life cycle of stars, black holes, relativity and time travel, star mythology, satellites and global positioning. Participants will take field trips to the Air & Space Museum and the Hidden Valley Observatory, as well as build and launch their own model rocket! STEPS Engineering Camp Science Technology Engineering Preview Summer Camp (STEPS) is an introduction to the world of technology and engineering. Campers will participate in hands-on activities that give them an understanding of what engineers do, science and engineering topics such as materials, clean manufacturing, CAD, and team building, and group presentations of their project Super Science Camp Students will get excited about science in this camp! Students will explore Physics (impulse and momentum, phases of matter, and building catapults), Earth Science (geology of the Black Hills, water quality field trip, and meteorology), Astronomy (Mars, the Hubble telescope, NASA, comets and meteors), and Chemistry (safety and experiments). Youth Geology Field Camp Through daily field trips, participants will learn an introduction to rocks and how they form, mining, gold panning, geologic history of the Black Hills, and unique rocks and different fossils. Field trip locations include the Mammoth Site, The Black Hills Institute, Mt. Rushmore, and the Badlands. More information on these camps and scholarship forms can be found at http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/learn/youth or by calling (605) 394-2693. If you know of a young person who might be interested, please let them know about these terrific programs. Faculty AwardsWilliam Cross (associate professor, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering), Dan Heglund (chair/associate professor, Chemistry), and Jon Kellar (chair/professor, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering) received $89,944 from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for their project entitled Select Testing to Screen Materials for Specification Compliance. Joseph Fazio (associate professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering) received $39,287 from South Dakota State University for his project entitled South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program (SDLTAP) 2009. Brian Hemmelman (chair/associate professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering) received $32,504 from Idaho National Laboratory for his project entitled System Identification (SysID) Research. Alvis Lisenbee (professor, Geology and Geological Engineering) and Arden Davis (Mickelson Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering) received $18,380 from West Dakota Water Development District for their project entitled Mt. Rushmore Quadrangle, South Dakota: Aquifer Mapping (1:24,000). Lisenbee and Davis also received $13,573 from West Dakota Water Development District for their project entitled Silver City Quadrangle, South Dakota: Aquifer Mapping (1:24,000). Dana Medlin (associate professor, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering) and Jon Kellar received an additional $50,000 from Radiance Technologies for their project entitled Advanced Electronic Rosebud Integration (AERI) Research and Development Program. Jan Puszynski (professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering), Hao Fong (associate professor, Chemistry), and Phil Ahrenkiel (assistant professor, Nanoscience and Nanoengineering) received $269,709 from the University of South Dakota for their project entitled Establishment of the SD Catalysis Group at USD and SDSM&T – Addressing Basic Research Needs for Solar Energy Utilization. Lance Roberts (assistant professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering) received $53,251 from South Dakota State University for his project entitled LRFD Deep Foundation Design Method. Roberts also received $30,000 from the University of Nevada, Reno for his project entitled Evaluation of Warm Mix Asphalt Concrete Pavement in South Dakota Conditions. Rajesh Sani (assistant professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering) received $87,000 from Montana State University for his project entitled Biogeochemical Mechanisms of Nanocrystalline Uraninite Oxidation by Fe(III)‐(hydr)oxides.
Dale Skillman
(director, Office of Technology Transfer/interim vice president of research, Steve Smith (associate professor, Nanoscience and Nanoengineering Department) received an additional $133,332 from the United States Department of Energy – National Renewable Energy Laboratory for his project entitled Development of Super‐Resolution Optical Microscopy Techniques for Visualization of Plant Cellular and Cellulose Enzyme Activity. James Stone (associate professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering) received $10,000 from South Dakota State University for his project entitled Swine Facility Life Cycle Assessment Model Development. Stone and Larry Stetler (associate professor, Geology and Geological Engineering) received an additional $83,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency – United States Department of Agriculture – Forest Service for their project entitled South Dakota Uranium Mining Impacts Evaluation. Andrea Surovek (associate professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering) received $100,000 from the National Science Foundation for her project entitled Collaborative Research: Structural Mechanics of Steel Columns and Beam‐Columns Under Fire Loading. Surovek also received an additional $12,000 from the National Science Foundation Laboratory for her project entitled Collaborative Research: Structural Mechanics of Steel Columns and Beam‐Columns Under Fire Loading. Michael West (assistant professor, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering) and William Arbegast received $100,000 from the Los Alamos National Laboratory for their project entitled Joining of 14YWT Plates. Engineers Week 2009The faculty, staff, alumni, and students of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology joined forces with practicing engineers of the Black Hills Chapter of South Dakota Engineering Society (SDES), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, scientists, and K-12 teachers to host the 32nd annual Engineers Week at the School of Mines. A variety of activities, panels, workshops, and speakers were scheduled throughout the week. The traditional favorites were back again this year. The Kids’ Block Contest, open to grade school children and sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction, Black Hills Chapter, asked participants to build engineering projects using interlocking blocks. South Dakota Engineering Society, Black Hills Chapter, sponsored the MathCounts contest for West River area schools. MathCounts is celebrating 26 years as one of the most successful educational partnerships involving volunteers, educators, industry sponsors, and students. In addition, the South Dakota Engineering Society teamed with the Engineers Week Committee to sponsor an educational forum and luncheon. The year’s topic was “Sanford Underground Laboratory: Personnel Present Engineering Challenges and Proposed Experiments.” This forum was attended by students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public. An Engineers Week luncheon, during which current seniors were inducted into the Order of the Engineer, was also held. The Order of the Engineer fosters a spirit of pride and responsibility in the profession of engineering. Initiates were presented the traditional stainless steel ring and a certificate of membership. At the end of the week, almost 800 area middle and high school students were on campus to take departmental tours and watch the Chemistry Magic Show under the direction of SDSM&T chemistry faculty, students, and staff. Those visiting campus were also treated to a new and exciting addition to Engineers Week – Bed of Nails. During this demonstration, Carter Kerk (professor, Industrial Engineering) was sandwiched between two boards filled with over 1,250 nails while Dean Jensen (assistant professor, Industrial Engineering) smashed a cinder block placed on two other cinder blocks that were stacked on top of the board. The Bed of Nails demonstration taught the spectators a lesson about pressure. After Kerk walked off unscathed, student spectators had the opportunity to be lowered onto the bed of nails. Beth Francis, secretary for the College of Engineering, was the primary organizer for Engineers Week. “I know that the middle and high school students as well as the teachers and parents who were here on the Friday department tours had a great time and learned a lot,” Francis said. Engineers Week culminated with an evening banquet sponsored by the South Dakota Engineering Society (SDES). Dr. Robert A. Wharton, 18th president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, was the featured speaker. “This was my first year to coordinate Engineers Week,” added Francis. “I think it is an excellent opportunity for our students and faculty to show what exactly engineering and science has to offer the community and future engineers and scientists.” Recent Graduate Earns Top HonorsElizabeth Burg (CE 06) was recently selected as one of five honorees to receive the 2009 “Top Five New Faces in Engineering” for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Burg, who graduated with high honors with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2006, is a project engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Balad, Iraq. She started her career with the Army Corps of Engineers as a co-op student in the Omaha district. After graduation, she joined the Engineering Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Lab, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where she does physical modeling. Burg volunteered to deploy and has been working in Balad since November. Burg was selected for the “New Faces” award by a panel at Corps of Engineers headquarters in Washington, D.C. The program provides a national forum to single out the contributions of new civilian and military engineers and to promote the opportunities for prospective engineers considering a career with the Corps of Engineers. The panel bases its selection on professional registration, engineering achievements, professional and technical society activities, and support of community and humanitarian activities outside the workplace. Burg was selected partially for her work on coastal hydraulic models and physical structures. She has designed water systems for a women’s ministry complex in Uganda, and she has also done volunteer work supporting engineering, math, and science education. Burg’s current projects in Iraq include a number of military construction projects, construction of two Iraqi police stations, and the Pipeline Exclusion Zone project. While a student on campus, Burg worked with Dr. Sangchul Bang (professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering) as an undergraduate research assistant for two years, and she also received an international research paper award in 2006. She was a member of ASCE and Tau Beta Pi. She now attends Mississippi State University, working toward her master's degree in civil engineering.
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