Sky's the Limit for Civil Engineer Kyle Berg

This spring, Kyle Berg graduates from UMD with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Berg started at UMD in pursuit of his B.S. in Civil Engineering. He says the individualized attention from professors and conducting a funded research project definitely helped prepare him for the new job.

"My research project doesn't specifically pertain to my future job, but it served as an excellent basis of how to critically think in engineering applications," he said.

"It will be refreshing and challenging to venture in a new path." His structural focus ties directly to his position at the company, which has created iconic buildings like the Hearst Tower and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The idea of designing a building that will be standing for years to come is one of Berg’s favorite aspects of engineering.

And soon enough, a new iconic building just might have Kyle Berg’s engineering as the cornerstone of its foundation. (full article, written by Maeggie Licht)

SCSE Faculty Promotions and Tenure

Several SCSE faculty were honored with promotions including several who received tenure.

Sergei Katsev — promoted to Associate Professor and tenured; Physics
Jennifer Liang — promoted to Associate Professor and tenured; Biology
John Dahl — promoted to Associate Professor and tenured; Biology
Bob Feyen — promoted to Associate Pr0fessor and tenured; Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Joseph Johnson — promoted to Associate Professor and tenured; Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ahmed Heikal — promoted to Full professor and tenured; Chemistry and Biochemistry
Victor Nemykin — promoted to Full professor; Chemistry and Biochemistry
Joseph Werne — promoted to Full professor; Chemistry and Biochemistry

SCSE Faculty Honored with Campus-wide Awards

Steve Sternberg, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, was named one of the University of Minnesota's best teaching professors. Sternberg's current courses are Chemical Reaction Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, and Air Pollution Control. He will receive the Morse-Alumni Award for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education on April 23rd. (more infomation here)

Other Awards for 2012

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching will be presented to Colleen Belk, instructor, Biology
The Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award will be presented to Imran Hayee, professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Outstanding Faculty Adviser Award to Christina Gallup, associate professor, Geological Sciences

New Major Program at SCSE

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department announced changes in its curriculum. Based on market analysis and external advisers, the current Electrical and Computer Engineering major (ECE) will be replaced with an Electrical Engineering major (EE).

A new minor in Energy Engineering was introduced reflecting the new focus of the department on Power and Energy.

In order to maintain continuity with Computer Engineering a minor in that field was also introduced. The change of the department name into Department of Electrical Engineering is accompanying the new programs. All changes will be in place for Fall 2012.

Other College News and Events

SCSE Seminars