Update on my trip to the mines

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be able to go up to Soudan, Minn. to tour the Sound Underground Mines and the Soudan Underground Laboratory. While there I learned all about the history of the mines (I definitely suggest stopping by for a tour if you are ever in the neighborhood!), and learning about all of the fantastic physics experiments being conducted underground.

I also learned that the University is building another lab for the School of Physics and Astronomy near the Ash River (about 40 miles southeast of International Falls) called the NuMI Off-Axis Electron Neutrino Appearance (NOvA) detector facility. Learn more about this brand-new facility by watching the video below:

Who knows? Maybe someday you'll be working on a research project in this lab!

-Dani

Snow days

Being a native Alabamian, this crazy Minnesota climate often facinates me...especially when I'm driving down snow-covered streets on my way to campus. 

I find myself wondering about what it takes to ensure the safety of the streets we rely on after all these big snowfalls. I guess this isn't a surprise considering the state of Alabama must only own a handful of snowplows (don't quote me on that!). I assume there must be a limited quantity due to the fact that I never once saw a snowplow in action growing up. Trying imagining that up here!

A snow plow on the streets of St. Paul, circa 1917. Oh, how technology has changed! (source)

It seems that I'm not the only one at the University of Minnesota that's thinking about snowplows!  Researchers in the mechanical engineering department are developing technology that will essentially create 'smarter' snowplows, which I'm sure we all agree could benefit Minnesotans.

Check out the new technology here.

Safe driving,

Dani

Physics Circus and trip to the mines

Don't forget--the Physics Circus in this Thursday, January 7, 2010, in Northrop Memorial Auditorium! I encourage you to come to campus for the fun, free event to see exciting physics demonstrations performed by Physics Force (you can also catch them online here).

As a side note, I am off to Soudan, Minnesota, to visit the Soudan Underground Laboratory at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park.  Despite the cold weather up north, I am so stoked to be visiting the lab--they may have detected 'dark matter'!

Dani

Exciting changes for the IT

Effective July 1, 2010, the Institute of Technology will be called the College of Science and Engineering!

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has approved a name change for the Institute of Technology. IT, which houses the University's engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics majors, will become the "College of Science and Engineering" this summer.

This isn't the first name change for the college, which was established in 1884 as the College of Engineering. In fact, it was in 1935 that the present-day Institute of Technology was created by consolidating architecture, mines, and chemistry majors in one collegiate unit that already consisted of engineering, physics, geology and mathematics. 

Many things have changed since then (for instance, in 1989 the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture separated from IT to become its own college within the University). You can learn more about these important milestones by visiting the Historical Milestones portion of the college's Web site.
Dani

Guest Blogger: Nicole Frisk, WISE House community advisor

Today's post features Nicole Frisk, community advisor for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House Living Learning Community in Frontier Hall. Learn more about the U of M's Living Learning Communities on the Housing and Residential Life Web site.

In many ways, the WISE community is just like any other in the U of M residence halls. We hang out, explore Minneapolis, and hold social events such as birthday parties, movie nights, and other fun get-togethers.

In addition to the typical residence hall feel, there are some important differences about the WISE community. First of all, we all come here with something in common: Our goal of becoming professionals in the fields of science and engineering. Many WISE residents find that others in this community are more understanding and sensitive to their academic and study needs due to this shared experience.

Also, many WISE residents take similar classes, so there are always study groups and friends to help you out right where you live. Finally, as a community advisor, I try to tailor our hall’s offered programs to match the academic interests of WISE students by planning events that focus on science and engineering, such as related tours, career planning info sessions, and more.

The WISE community offers a fun environment that is conducive to academic success, strong and lasting friendships, and a good sense of direction as you continue your education.

-Nicole

Don't forget!

Tomorrow is the big day -- the December 15 priority application deadline!

If you are wondering about the status of your application, we have a great online tool that you can use to track your application's progress called Application Tracker. You may also want to check out our list of frequently asked questions about completing an application for admission. If you are a high school senior and you are interested in the U of M, be sure to submit your application right away. Applications received after the December 15 deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis and admission is more competive.

As always, if you have any questions you are more than welcome to contact the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000.

Stay tuned...this week, I will have a guest blogger! IT student and Women  in Science and Engineering (WISE) Community Advisor Nicole Frisk will be writing about the WISE Living Learning Community located in Frontier Hall for women interested in technical studies.

Dani

What is your college experience going to be?

A really important part of being in college and successfully working towards a degree in engineering, physical sciences or mathematics (outside of going to class!) is getting involved within the IT community.

Students in the Institute of Technology have the opportunities to expand their horizons, discover new passions, and engage their minds in new innovations everyday outside of the classroom.  

Beyond the classroom you can:

Get involved in award-winning student groups like Engineers Without Borders, Solar Vehicle Project, or IAESTE - the International Association for hte Exchnage of Students for Technical Experience. (In other words, this student group helps you travel the globe to earn on-the-job experience through a technical internship!)

Gain international experience through IT's Learning Abroad Program. Choose from among hundreds of programs (ranging from 3 weeks to 1 year) available in Africa, Australia, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, and Europe where you can enhance your cross-cultural skills, language ability or professional experience!

Explore research in topics that you find interesting. As a student you can participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) to work with a faculty member on a research topic that you help develop. This isn't the only way to get involved -- talking with your advisers and professors can also open doors to other research opportunities on campus.  By doing this, I landed an awesome job as an Undergraduate Research Assistant working at the Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Lab helping to build components of life-sized structures to see what happens to them during extreme events like earthquakes. You can check out a video of what I worked on here!  Below is a picture of the lab:

Dani

p.s. Remember, the December 15, 2009, priority application date is fast approaching!!! If you have not already, be sure to submit your complete application today.