May 24, 2002, Vol. 34, No. 33
Roggemann to Receive Michigan Tech Research Award
Sproule and Flaspohler Named Distinguished Teachers
Huckins Receives Graduate Faculty Council Excellence Award
Governor Appoints Baillod to State Transportation Commission
IT Administrative Computing Services Offers Hotline
MTU Preschool Accepting Applications for Fall Term
In the News
MTU Notables
In Print
On the Road
Calendar
New Job Postings
Bill Curnow, director, University Relations
Marcia Goodrich, Tech Topics editor
Gail Sweeting, electronic marketing assistant
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News (Back to Contents)
Roggemann to Receive Michigan Tech Research Award
Michael Roggemann, who once called the atmosphere "one big, thick, random lens," has been chosen to receive Michigan Tech's 2002 Research Award.
"Mike sets the standard for excellence in research," said Tim Schulz, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who nominated Roggemann for the award. "His selection is consistent with Michigan Tech's high standard of research achievement."
Roggemann, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, is an expert in imaging through turbulence. Recently his research has been focussed on making lasers fly straight and true.
It's a skill that's in high demand. Since coming to Michigan Tech in 1997, Roggemann has been a principal investigator on approximately $3.8 million in externally funded projects, most of them supported by the U.S. Air Force and its subsidiary agencies.
Lasers are used by the military for targeting and are being investigated as possible high-energy weapons. What makes a laser a laser is the high degree of coherence between the waves of light it emits.
"You can think of a laser beam as being a lot of flat plates, stacked up together and shooting through the air" Roggemann said. This is the wave front, and if it reaches its target in formation, it can have quite an impact. But if something happens during the trip to break it apart, it might do no more damage than a beam of sunshine.
The atmosphere is tailor-made for diffusing light in this way, so compensating for this effect has become Roggemann's specialty.
Using massive amounts of information, most of it statistical, he and his fellow researchers use computers to estimate how the atmosphere will disrupt a laser beam in any given situation. Then the computers use liquid crystal lenses and deformable mirrors to do exactly the reverse.
"We estimate what the atmosphere will do to the beam, and then we do the opposite of that, so that when the beam reaches the target, it's back in phase."
It's like that old junior high experiment, he said, in which waves sent out from opposite sides of a tank of water cancel each other out, and the surface stays calm.
"That's exactly what we do, except with optical waves," he said.
Roggemann has an unparalleled record for research in his department, Schulz said.
"In the history of electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Tech, no one has been as proficient as Mike, both in terms of publications and in garnering external support for research.
"He's very well known in the community of imaging through turbulence, and he has set a new standard for the department. That's very important when you are trying to move to the next level."
Roggemann's contributions go beyond his research.
"He picks up the ball on all aspects of what it means to be a professor," Schulz said. "He's a very, very helpful person.
"He gets us headline recognition, and he also does all the little things that make him a joy to have in a department. I'm sure every chair on campus would love to have a person like Mike on board."
Roggemann is coauthor of the book "Imaging through Turbulence" and has authored or coauthored more than 60 journal articles and over 70 conference papers. Among his current research projects, he is co-principal investigator with Schulz at Michigan Tech on the Air Force's Multi-University Research Initiative, to investigate the use of lasers as directed energy weapons. Other universities involved in the project are Georgia Tech, the Air Force Institute of Technology and the University of California at Los Angeles. Michigan Tech's share of the $7.5 million initiative is $1.8 million over five years.
Before coming to Michigan Tech, Roggemann was an associate professor of engineering physics at the AFIT. He also served as the electro-optics program manager at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, in Ohio, and an imaging researcher at Kirtland Air Force Base, in New Mexico. He earned a PhD in Electro-Optics from AFIT.
Roggemann is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America and SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering and has served two terms as associate editor for the "Journal of the Optical Society of America."
The Research Award includes a $2,500 cash prize and will be presented at President's Convocation on Sept. 18.
Sproule and Flaspohler Named Distinguished Teachers
by Laura Walikainen
Associate Professor William Sproule (Civil and Environmental Engineering) is this year's Distinguished Teaching Award winner in the associate professor/professor category. In addition, David Flaspohler, assistant professor in the School of Forestry and Wood Products, will receive the 2002 award in the assistant professor/lecturer category.
"Sproule is the best teacher on this campus and really knows how to relate concepts to students!" said one of his students.
"He is extremely energetic and always willing to do whatever it takes to make sure students understand the material and why it is important in the real world," another student said.
"I attempt to teach in a practical manner," said Sproule, who earned his BS in Civil Engineering from MTU in 1970 and, after receiving his PhD from Michigan State University, came back to teach in 1996. "I try to think like a student and explain to them how they are going to use what they are learning when they get on the job. I also use fun projects, experiments and tests. I will, for example, put names of fictitious people in tests, so students will sometimes break into laughter during a test."
Robert Baillod, chair of the civil and environmental engineering department, is "surprised he hasn't won it before," when asked about Sproule's award. "He is a true master teacher. Our department is extremely fortunate to have someone of his caliber."
Another of Sproule's students wrote, "Professor Sproule represents what Michigan Tech is all about; he is not only liked by the students, he is more importantly, respected by all."
"I'm always touched when students use the word respect on evaluations," Sproule said. "I have a lot of respect for the students. We have an outstanding group of students at Michigan Tech."
Sproule, who teaches a number of different classes including airport traffic and design, transportation planning and traffic engineering, has been influential in the lives of many of his students.
"Sproule's classes provide tons of first-hand experience and common sense‚ learning. With Dr. Sproule's mentorship, I am ready for a career in traffic engineering," wrote a student.
"I like to think that I make a difference," said Sproule. "When I looked at my career, I thought that if I wanted to make a difference, I could do it best in the classroom. I can make a much greater impact teaching than I could in consulting or research. I think the students take away some of that enthusiasm, which is always great."
When describing Flaspohler, one of his students wrote, "He makes time for his students and genuinely wants them to learn the material so they can apply it to their everyday lives."
"I'm fortunate to cover material that I believe in and that I'm excited about," said Flaspohler, who currently teaches ornithology and conservation biology. "I think they are subjects that relate fairly directly to people's lives."
According to Glenn Mroz, dean of the School of Forestry and Wood Products, Flaspohler has "done a great job ever since we interviewed him. You could tell even then that he was really in love with teaching."
Students have also commented on how comfortable they feel in Flaspohler's class.
"He teaches in a way that makes students feel at home when in class with him," said one.
"Flaspohler really cares if we learn the material and will do all kinds of thing to make sure we will, even if it looks or sounds silly," said another student.
"I like to have a casual and open atmosphere in the classroom," said Flaspohler. "I try to accomplish this by using humor, by creating a lot of interchange with the students and by drawing information out of them. My preference is to share an experience with the students and have an exchange of ideas rather than simply imparting my knowledge to them."
Flaspohler, who has been at MTU for 3 1/2 years, has been able to reach students in a way that goes beyond the classroom.
"I feel that he has made an impact on my life like no other teacher or professor ever has; he is by far the most influential person in my life to date," one student said.
Another student wrote, "I was so influenced by his teaching that I am now working on my teaching certificate here at MTU."
"One of my favorite parts of teaching is forming relationships with young people early in their careers when they are still sorting out what they want to do," Flaspohler said. "It's really rewarding for me to share the things that I believe in with people who are at a time in their life that's often a bit turbulent but also very formative."
The Distinguished Teaching Awards, each of which includes a $2,500 cash award, will be presented at President's Convocation on Sept. 18. In addition to Sproule and Flaspohler, other finalists for the Distinguished Teaching Award were assistant professors Susan Amato-Henderson (Education), Heidi Bostic (Humanities), William Cooke (Biomedical Engineering) and Lawrence Sutter (Technology) in the assistant professor/lecturer category; and professor Mary Ann Beckwith (Fine Arts), associate professor Jeffrey Bell-Hanson (Fine Arts), professor Karl Rundman (Materials Science and Engineering) and professor Dennis Wiitanen (Electrical and Computer Engineering) in the professor/associate professor category. The Distinguished Teaching Award Committee included representatives from the Undergraduate Student Government and Blue Key as well as Steph Olsson, executive director of Alumni Relations; Martha Janners, vice provost and dean for student affairs; Bill Kennedy, director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development; and Nancy Seely, assistant director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development.
Governor Appoints Baillod to State Transportation Commission
Governor John Engler has appointed C. Robert Baillod, chair of civil and environmental engineering, to the State Transportation Commission. The committee establishes policy for the Department of Transportation, its programs and facilities and other public works of the state, as provided by law.
"It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Bob Baillod, someone who not only has the experience but also the expertise to effectively make a lasting contribution to the commission," said State Representative Douglas Bovin, State Transportation Committee member.
Baillod teaches in the area of biological waste treatment processes and industrial pollution prevention and is a diplomat of the American Academy of Environmental Engineering Professors. His term expires December 21, 2003.
Huckins Receives Graduate Faculty Council Excellence Award
Assistant Professor Casey Huckins (Biological Sciences) has received the Graduate Faculty Council Excellence Award for including undergraduates in his research.
In addition to his graduate students, Huckins employs undergraduate students to work in all aspects of his aquatic ecology projects. His research has included 18 undergrads, with five more to be added this summer.
Huckins has been studying the ecology and restoration of coaster brook trout on the south shore of Lake Superior. He is also involved in a sister project on the ecology of brook trout in the Keweenaw Peninsula and in a coaster restoration project with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
This is the first award that the GFC Committee on Recognition and Rewards has given. It includes $1,500 to pay undergraduate students' research expenses.
IT Administrative Computing Services Offers Hotline
You can now call the IT Administrative Computing Services Hotline at 370-2265 to report a system problem or to get updates on problem resolutions. This cellular telephone number can be called 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. According to Gary Marcotte, manager of data solutions, "The new hotline will handle calls from customers as well as calls from our new automated fault-sensing intelligence systems."
Should you encounter a problem with an administrative system such as Banner, please call 370-2265.
MTU Preschool Accepting Applications for Fall Term
The MTU Preschool is currently accepting applications for its fall term. Children ages 3-5 may enroll in morning or afternoon classes. The program features structured learning activities, indoor and outdoor playtimes, field trips and special events, small class sizes and a certified, dedicated staff.
The MTU Preschool is a nonprofit, cooperative preschool not affiliated with or funded by Michigan Tech. All interested families are welcome. For information, call 487-4067 or 487-2720.
Regular Features (Back to Contents)
Senior Research Scientist Scott Huang (IMP) was featured in an article, "Steel-Surfaced Aluminum Resists Heat and Wear," published in the May issue of Advanced Materials and Processes Magazine.
The AFROTC program received an outstanding rating from the Inspector General's office following a full inspection, according to Lt. Col. John Casserino. The inspection is conducted every three years by personnel from AFROTC headquarters and rates programs from marginal to outstanding.
Training Specialist Jim Dougovito (SFWP) received the 2002 H.H. Jefferson Memorial Safety Award from the Forest Resources Association at their annual awards dinner in Charlotte, N.C., on April 15.
Dougovito helps to secure funding from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services for safety training and implements safety consulting and training programs for wood products companies in Michigan.
According to the association, "Jim's work with these small companies has had a dramatic effect on safety in Michigan's forests."
Research Assistant Professor Mary Hindelang (Education/SFWP) published a paper, "Mathematics and Science: Island Hopping Across the Curriculum" in ENC Focus on Classroom Innovators, Vol. 9, No. 2, 2002, followed by two accompanying articles by graduate students in the Educators' Science and Mathematics Institute Series, "Experiencing Math Through Nature" by Colleen Neimi and "Batty About Bats" by Elizabeth Grenke.
Associate Professor Barry Solomon (Social Sciences) gave an invited seminar on a proposal to institute air pollution emissions trading in Beijing, China, at the University of Delaware's graduate program in Energy and Environmental Policy on April 11.
Assistant Professor Donna Michalek and graduate student Wilson Hii (ME-EM) attended the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Internal Combustion Division Spring 2002 Technical Conference in Rockford, Ill.
Michalek presented a paper, "Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Vapor Formation in a Fuel Rail," co-authored by graduate student Krista Stalsberg-Zarling and Professor Lawrence Evers (ME-EM).
Hii presented a paper, "Development of a Transient CFD Model of an SI Fuel Injector," co-authored by Michalek.
| 3 | Monday |
| Noon-1 p.m.--Weight Watchers meeting--Memorial Union 105B | |
| 11 | Tuesday |
| Noon--Staff Recognition Luncheon--Memorial Union Ballroom |
Job descriptions will be available at 1 p.m. on Friday or by e-mail from <JOBS@MTU.EDU>. For a complete listing of available jobs, visit http://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/postings/index.shtml
The following position will be posted Friday, May 24, 2002, at 1 p.m. through noon, Friday, May 31, 2002, in the Human Resources Office.
Band Director/Instructor--Department of Fine Arts (Temporary, full-time, nine-month position)
Faculty Coordinator, UN1001--Vice Provost for Instruction (Academic year release time, one month summer support; internal only)
Area Coordinator--Residence Life
Assistant Research Scientist--School of Forestry and Wood Products
Technology Specialist--Educational Technology Services/Information Technology
University employees are reminded to apply in writing prior to noon, Friday, May 31, 2002, to be considered as internal candidates for bargaining unit positions only. Applicants from the recall pool will be given first consideration for non-bargaining-unit positions only. Vacancy announcements are normally posted every Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Human Resources Office. Complete job descriptions are available in the Human Resources Office or by calling 487-2280. More information regarding employment opportunities is available by calling the Job Line at 487-2895. Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.