Faculty, student and alumni news
Faculty News
Associate Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry Mark Benvenuto was elected to the Board of Governors of the Council for Chemical Research.
Caspers, left, with TV2 interviewer
In November, Professor of Chemistry Mary Lou Caspers was interviewed by Fox TV2 News as an expert for its "Hall of Shame" investigation of an Indianapolis company offering bogus forensic science certificates.
In December, eight E&S faculty and staff members were recognized for their special anniversaries of service, including Arthur Haman, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Science, who has served the University for 50 years. Other individuals recognized were:
- Mary Lou Caspers, professor, Chemistry, 30 years
- Mary Jackman, administrative assistant, Biology, 25 years
- Leo Hanifin, dean, E&S, 15 years
- Mark Schumack, professor, Mechanical Engineering, 15 years
- Valarie Steppes-Glisson, administrative assistant, Product Development, 15 years
- Gregory Grabowski, associate professor and chair, Biology, 10 years
- Sandra Yost, CSJ, associate professor, Electrical Engineering, 10 years
Engineering & Science Dean Leo Hanifin won the 2007 Dean's Chili Cook-Off, held during the Homecoming tailgate party, Feb. 10, in the Engineering High Bay.
Photo: Hanifin, right, receives the Chili Cook-Off trophy from Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Barbara Schirmer during the men's Homecoming basketball game.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Alan Hoback received the 2007 Magis Award for faculty in March. Sponsored by the Jesuit 100 Association, the award recognizes individuals for promoting UDM's mission, especially its Catholic identity.
Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering James Lynch presented his research on nondestructive evaluation of deep foundations to the Southeast Michigan Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers in November.
The Polish Radiation Research Society has granted Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Shulamith Schlick the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medal, in appreciation of her achievements in the field of radiation chemistry and photochemistry and her collaboration with Polish scientists. She will receive the award in Poland this September and also present a lecture on her research.
Associate Professor of Biology Mary Tracy-Bee and two of her students, pictured below, presented their research poster at the Faculty and Student Research Symposium & Poster Fair, April 17. The UDM event included two discussion tables and 45 poster presentations. Approximately 20 posters described collaborative research between UDM students and faculty.
From left: student Cleo Vidican, Associate Professor of Biology Mary Tracy-Bee, and student Marlina Judd
Alumni News
Chemistry alumnus Karl A. Gschneidner, Jr., '52, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in February. He was cited "for contributions to the science and technology of rare-earth materials." Gschneidner is the Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and a senior scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory on the Iowa State campus.
Gschneidner is acknowledged to be one of the world's foremost authorities in the physical metallurgy and thermal and electrical behaviors of rare earth materials, a group of chemically similar metals naturally occurring in the earth's crust. UDM's College of Engineering & Science recognized Gschneidner as Science Alumnus of the Year in 2000.
Student News
Engineering student Laura Uschold, pictured at right, spent winter term on a co-op experience with Charles Pankow Builders Ltd. (whose president is alumnus Rik Kunnath '71) in Honolulu, Hawaii. She worked on a shopping center project that included "a slab-on-grade concrete pour for a new walkway," and found "wearing a reflective vest and a hard hat is fun and empowering."
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) presented its annual ACEC/M Scholarship Awards in February. Civil Engineering senior Thomas DeHondt received the $2,000 third-place award. As part of the scholarship requirements, each applicant must have worked part time for an established private consulting engineering or surveying firm.
More CES news
Also see College News for the College of Engineering & Science.
