The Bridge - March 2006

Question of the Month

Results of the February Question: Got engineers?

Is there an "engineering shortage" that will undermine the competitive position of the United States as a leader in science and technology?

Yes–65 %, No–23 %, No opinion/Don't know–12 % (127 responses total).

Comments: "Every profession seems to go through cycles-- popularity, availability, prestige, compensation, etc. As corporations downsize and outsource, how is a high school graduate to know where the best chances for a job offer and early advancement are? Engineers--at least those of my generation, could do anything asked of them-- 'jacks of all trades.' As long as WPI turns out well-rounded and highly motivated graduates, WPI alumni will stand a good chance to succeed at whatever path(s) they take, and they will come to value their four years at Tech. A perceived engineer shortage is not necessarily a bad thing." --Dave Kujala '52

"We should quantify this 'engineer shortage' before asking everyone their opinion. Depending on how one frames the population and the question (e.g.,new engineers just coming into the field, the subset of engineers coming into the field from U.S. universities, foreign engineering graduates, others), different opinions are likely to emerge. One factor that may be pushing down the desirability of engineering in the U.S. is the inexorable movement of engineering jobs to India and other countries. World trade dynamics must also be understood and factored in. This has been a political hot potato for obvious reasons. I believe we are not addressing the root causes of the problem, just scratching at the symptoms." --Dick Scholz '70

Technical limitations preclude the tabulation of another Question of the Month. Look for the return of this feature in future issues of The Bridge.

We welcome your feedback! Send questions and comments to thebridge@wpi.edu. To share you thoughts about anything in The Bridge, check out The Bridge forum in the Alumni Cafe. Go hereand select General Forums.

WPI NEWS ALERTS

Beth Howland Returns to Higgins House

Beth Howland, familiar to many from her previous service in the Alumni Office, has returned to WPI as assistant vice president for alumni relations and annual giving. Howland joined WPI as a senior development officer in 1998 and was promoted to director of alumni relations in 2002. She was recruited to Amherst College as associate director of major gifts in 2004. Howland’s new role is a merger of two positions, the previous directorships of alumni relations and of annual giving.

"I am so pleased to be back at WPI," she says. "I look forward to reconnecting with our alumni as we continue to build and strengthen our programs. This is a unique community of which I am proud to be a part." Howland and her husband, David Gouin, live in Brimfield, Mass., with their beloved chocolate lab, Hershey.

VP for Advancement and Alumni Relations

Dexter A. Bailey, most recently director of external relations for intercollegiate athletics at the University of California, Berkeley, has been chosen to oversee all of the fundraising and outreach activities with WPI's nearly 30,000 alumni in 80 countries around the world. Bailey brings a broad range of experience in external relations, development, and alumni affairs to the university. Read the full press release:

Men's Basketball Wrap-up

The men’s basketball team wrapped up an outstanding season in March. For the second year in a row, WPI hosted first and second round games of the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament in Harrington Auditorium, where they defeated Bridgewater State before falling to Utica College in the second round. Overall it was a tremendous season, with WPI winning both the Worcester City Tournament and Williams College Tournament en route to tying the school record with 23 wins. The Engineers claimed their first ever outright NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) regular season title and second consecutive NEWMAC tournament crown. More sports:

WPI President Testifies on Future of Higher Education

Dennis D. Berkey was one of nine higher education leaders from New England to testify before the U.S. Secretary of Education’s Commission on the Future of Higher Education at a public hearing in Boston on March 20. Appointed by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, the commission is charged with developing a comprehensive national strategy for postsecondary education that will meet the needs of America's diverse population and address the nation’s economic and workforce needs. Members include Nicholas Donofrio, executive vice president for innovation and technology at IBM, and Charles Vest, president emeritus of MIT. Read Dr. Berkey’s testimony:

Highest Honors for Metal Processing Institute Director

Diran Apelian, Howmet Professor of Engineering at WPI and director of the university's Metal Processing Institute, was recognized as a TMS Fellow by the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS). There are only 100 living TM Fellows globally. Apelian also received the 2006 Bruce Chalmers Award. Read more:

MEMS Fabrication Facility Unveiled

WPI recently dedicated a new laboratory designed for research and education in micro/nanoscale fabrication, expanding the university's research strengths in MEMS (micro-electrical mechanical systems). The new Lufkin MEMS Fabrication Facility, also known as a clean room, is a state-of-the-art laboratory that will be used for MEMS-related courses. It also will give undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience with fabricating MEMS for projects and research studies. MEMS are an essential part of many of today's advanced technologies, and are found in airbag deployment systems, aircraft controls, and biochemical sensors. Read more:

Register Now for Summer Session

Don't let the learning stop when the weather gets hot! WPI offers undergraduate and graduate courses, online graduate courses, continuing education seminars, and certificate programs, as well as customized corporate training and programs for teachers. Classes begin May 15. Five-week classes end June 15, and seven-week classes end June 29. Call 508-831-5999 or visit

In Memoriam: Michael A. Plumer '06

Michael A. Plumer, 21, a WPI senior majoring in chemical engineering, died Saturday, March 18, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Kensington, N.H. He grew up in Exeter and Kensington, N.H., and graduated from Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine. Read the complete obituary:

Alumni Events

View the complete listing of alumni events.

April 2: WPI Hartford/Springfield Alumni Club 2006 Brunch, Hartford Downtown Marriott, $15 (includes parking). RSVP by e-mail to alumni-office@wpi.edu or call 508-831-5600.

April 12: Tech Old Timers: "Elderhostel in Mongolia," presented by Chester Jacobson '59, 9:45 a.m.- 1 p.m., Campus Center, Odeum. Lunch is available following the meeting. E-mail alumni-office@wpi.edu or call 508-831-5600.

April 13: Traditions Day 2006, featuring Pennant Rush, Cageball Competition, WPI Jeopardy, and the annual Alma Mater Contest. E-mail sas@wpi.edu or call 508-831-6049 for more info. Register for Alma Mater contest

April 29: Scavenger Hunt at the American Museum of Natural History, 79th and Central Park West, NY, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by New York City Regional Club. All WPI alumni and family welcome. RSVP to Cari Windt at 917-658-5723 or cari.windt@ge.com.

Register now for Reunion Weekend, June 9-11! .

University Events

View the complete listing of campus events.

March 31: H. J. Gay Lecture Series: "Degenerate Symmetric Matrices," 2 p.m., Higgins Laboratories, 218.

March 31: Lecture: "Reality Check: Human Factor Considerations in Designing Adaptive Equipment for People with Disabilities," Gary Rabideau, Massachusetts Hospital School, 2-3 p.m., Higgins Laboratories, 116.

April 2-8: National Library Week: "Authors that Change the World," award-winning IQP displays, student creative writing projects, and more. Gordon Library. Complete schedule:

April 3: Physics Colloquium: "Ballistic Electro Photonics," Dr. V. Narayanamurti, Harvard University, 4 p.m., Olin Hall, 107.

April 4: Lecture: "Finite Element Simulation of Mixed-Mode Crack Growth in Multifunctional & Functionally Graded Materials," 11 a.m., Salisbury, 105.

April 5: Colloquium: "Forensic Science: Thirty Years of Progress," 4 p.m., Atwater Kent, 116 (Newell Hall).

April 11: Venture Forum: "Marketing Your Business," 6 p.m., Campus Center, Odeum.

April 12: Symposium: Orthopedic Tissue Regeneration, 1-6 p.m., Kinnicutt Lecture Hall, Salisbury Labs. Sponsored by WPI Bioengineering Institute, showcasing research initiatives at WPI and University of Massachusetts Medical School. Questions: Grant McGimpsey or George Pins, bei@wpi.edu or 508-831-6800. Registration:

April 14: CS Colloquium: "Dragons, Robots and Snakes. Or, How I Spent My Summer Vacation," Michael Ciaraldi, 11 a.m. Fuller Labs, 320.

April 17: Colloquium: "Fascination of Diamonds," Dr. A. K. Ramdas, Purdue University, Department of Physics, 4 p.m., Olin Hall, 107.

April 18: Project Presentation Day. Details...

April 19: Colloquium: "Creating Heterojunctions Using Directed Assembly, Prof. D. Venkataraman, Chemistry Dept., UMass Amherst, 12-1 p.m., Goddard Hall, 227.

Careers

The Alumni Association's Career/Employment Program helps alumni in the search for new employment or with making a career change and provides counseling and mentoring on a private, one-to-one basis. For more information, e-mail alumni-office@wpi.edu or call 508-831-5600.

Looking for a Position in K-12?

MERC (Massachusetts Education Career Recruiting Consortium) 2006 Education Career Fair April 20, 2006, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bayside Expo and Conference Center, Boston More information:

New Job Listings


CRAFT Tech Seeks Research Scientists

Combustion Research and Flow Technology Inc. has multiple openings for energetic and motivated individuals with experience in computational fluid dynamics. U.S. citizenship is required. MS/PhD preferred, BS with at least 2 years direct experience will also be considered. Background in grid generation, turbulence modeling, DSMC, combustion and/or multi-phase flow a plus. Technical writing, presentation, and programming skills (Fortran, MPI) are essential. As a Research Scientist, you will join a rapidly growing small business supporting DoD, NASA, and prime aerospace contractors. CRAFT Tech offers a stimulating work environment with excellent opportunities for career growth, further education and responsibility, along with an attractive benefits and compensation package, including profit-sharing.

Contact: Peter Cavallo '93, Senior Scientist
(215)-766-1520
cavallo@craft-tech.com

Infoscitex Corp., in Waltham, Mass., has two openings:


1. Project Engineer, Advanced Materials and Biotechnology

As part of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists, the Project Engineer will apply their strong background in materials science and engineering to lead and aid in product-focused materials development, and process development and design. The Project Engineer will be expected to add value to existing R&D projects, as well as develop new concepts that will strengthen and broaden Infoscitex’ capabilities in the materials field. Proficiency in project management and technical proposal preparation will be required.

Minimum of a BS in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering with 4-6 years experience developing materials technologies. Candidates with an MS or PhD in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering should have at least 3 years practical professional experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must for this position. Project management experience highly desired. Demonstrated experience working on U.S. government contracts and interfacing with government personnel desirable.

2. Staff Engineer, Advanced Materials and Biotechnology

The staff engineer will apply their strong engineering background to become an integral part of a technology development team comprised of engineers and scientists. Typical projects will include product-focused materials development, chemical process equipment development, and process development and design. Work closely with senior personnel and laboratory staff to develop and carry out experimental test plans, fabricate and demonstrate prototypes, and prepare performance and cost estimates using appropriate engineering, statistical, and/or economic methodologies.

BS in Chemical, Materials, Biological or Mechanical Engineering required. Minimum of one year professional experience; strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Project management experience highly desired. In addition to technical competency germane to their engineering degree, successful candidates should be well-versed in one or more of the following areas: organic synthesis, energetic materials, polymer processing, or bioprocessing.

Both positions require U.S. citizenship.

Contact: Michael Cushman '01
Manager, Advanced Materials and Biotechnology
Infoscitex Corporation
303 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451
mcushman@infoscitex.com

EMPLOYERS: Send open position listings to thebridge@wpi.edu. Deadline is the first week of the month, for posting in that month's issue.

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Last modified: Dec 20, 2006, 10:50 EST