Carnegie Mellon University

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February 05, 2015

News Briefs

2014-15 CMU Factbook Now Online

The 2014-2015 Carnegie Mellon University Factbook is now online at http://www.cmu.edu/ira/factbook/facts2015.html.

Each section is provided in a separate PDF, which is led by a linked Table of Contents and an introduction.
The introductions to each section include definitions necessary for accurate interpretation of the information.

Questions? Contact Laura Velasco at lvelasco@cmu.edu.

Research Team To Study Climate Change Impacts on Critical Infrastructure

A team of Carnegie Mellon engineering researchers has been awarded a National Science Foundation $1.44 million Resilient Infrastructure Systems and Processes grant for its work on the resilient operation of water and electricity infrastructure under climate change.

The team's research focuses on how climate change impacts energy systems. Specifically, the project aims to develop methods for studying the implications of climate change on electric power generation and water supply.

"This project will look at the climate induced risks on water rescues in the southeastern U.S. and identify how these risks may affect the operations of the power system," explained Engineering and Public Policy Assistant Professor Paulina Jaramillo, the lead principal investigator on the project. "We will also be looking at risk mitigation strategies, which may include changes in the operations of the water supply infrastructure, changes in the operations of the power system and long-term infrastructure planning."

Learn more.

Innovative Health Care Proposals Requested

The Disruptive Health Technology Institute (DHTI) will kick off its third request for proposals on Feb. 16.
 
DHTI is seeking proposals from CMU faculty directed at addressing pressing issues in health care and improving community health and wellness. Grants are intended to support research that identifies disruptive health care innovations that can be clinically tested and rapidly delivered to a clinical setting or practice in the field.

DHTI seeks proposals in several technical focus areas in which innovation is likely to lead to rapid gains in health care quality and affordability: Medical Diagnostics, Transforming Care Delivery, Chronic Disease Management, Computational Health Care, and Wearable Devices. DHTI specifically seeks proposals in the above focus areas but is open to any proposals that faculty deem relevant, provided they meet the criteria for leading to measurable, short-term impact on health care quality and affordability.

The deadline for proposals is March 9. Please visit www.dhti.cmu.edu/dhti/ for information and submission instructions on or after Feb. 16. You may also contact Charlotte Emig at cemig@cmu.edu with questions.

Qatar Foundation Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development — home to Education City and Carnegie Mellon’s Qatar campus — is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. More than 5,000 students, researchers and staff are now part of Qatar Foundation and the Education City campus.

“Technology, innovation and competition will continue to transform the world in ways that are still unimaginable," said Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation. "As we reflect on our achievements, we must recommit ourselves to the founding principles which have nurtured our progress and ensure that the future we envision is anchored in the needs and values of our society.”

Carnegie Mellon Qatar joined Education City in 2004, offering two programs to 40 students. Since then the campus has grown, now offering five programs to more than 400 students from 40 countries.

Carnegie Mellon Today Wins Awards

Carnegie Mellon Today magazine was named the Gold Award winner for print magazines in the 2015 Cuppie Awards competition, sponsored by CUPRAP (College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals). The honor will be presented during the awards dinner March 12 at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa., as part of CUPRAP’s annual professional development conference.
 
Carnegie Mellon Today also won an Award of Merit for its "First Word" column at the PRSA-Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards dinner Jan. 29 at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.
 
Carnegie Mellon Today has won 121 awards since 2007.

Orientation Counselor Applications Now Online

Students interested in becoming 2015 orientation counselors can now apply online. The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 20.

General Roles and Expectations:

  • Be available for training in April and August and throughout Orientation Week;
  • Serve as a mentor and academic and social role model for first-year students;
  • Have the ability to see things from the perspective of our new students, their family and guests;
  • Exhibit the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members;
  • Value differences in others and promote an understanding of respect for various opinions, values and cultural backgrounds;
  • Communicate accurate information to new students about resources, policies & regulations;
  • Work collaboratively with Residence Life staff, Housefellow staff and other members of the Division of Student Affairs;  
  • Facilitate and lead small group discussions;
  • Promote the cultural, academic, social, recreational & spiritual opportunities available in Pittsburgh;
  • Must have a 2.5 cumulative QPA and be an enrolled undergraduate or graduate student for fall 2015.

For more information and to apply, go to http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/first-year/oc/.

Tartans To Offer Swimming Lessons

Carnegie Mellon's swimming team is offering one-on-one swimming and diving lessons for children ages 3 and up. Lessons in the Cohon University Center pool are designed to benefit all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

Lesson dates are: Feb. 23, 24 and 25, and March 2, 3 and 4.

Lesson times are: 4:30 - 5 p.m., 5 - 5:30 p.m., 5:30 - 6 p.m. and 6 - 6:30 p.m.

Costs are: One lesson is $20, three are $50, four are $75 and six are $100. Please make checks payable to CMU Swim & Dive.

For more information and to register, contact Kellie Ayres at 412-268-6082 or klayres@andrew.cmu.edu.

CMWA Presents "Why Women Struggle in the Workplace"

The Carnegie Mellon Women's Association (CMWA) presents "I Just Can't Say 'No'": Why Women Struggle in the Workplace," a panel discussion from noon - 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the Cooper Auditorium at the Tepper School of Business.

Discuss the challenges of women in the workplace, why saying “no” seems to be harder than it should be, and strategies for being more assertive with a distinguished panel of CMU faculty, including:

  • Linda Babcock, the James M. Walton Professor of Economics, Heinz School of Public Policy & Management and Social & Decision Sciences Department;
  • Brenda Peyser, associate dean and adjunct faculty, Heinz School of Public Policy & Management; and
  • Laurie Weingart, senior associate dean and Carnegie Bosch Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory, Tepper School of Business.

Admission is $10, which includes a light lunch. Open to CMWA members only. CMWA members may RSVP. Not a member of the CMWA? Become one today and bring your dues to the event, along with the admission fee.

Give Your High School Students a SPARK

SPARK Saturdays, an educational program for high school students created and run by volunteers studying electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon, is now accepting applications. SPARK aims to introduce beginners to concepts in electrical and computer engineering and expose them to engineering as a potential career choice.

Workshops are held on campus on four Saturdays from 9:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. Dates and topics are:

  • Feb. 14: Mechanical Logic;
  • Feb. 28: Programming;
  • March 21: Smart Light; and
  • April 4: Radio Building.

Go to http://eceoutreach.ece.cmu.edu/index.html for additional information and to register. The cost is $5 to reserve a space.

Student Employee of the Year Award Nominations Now Open

Student Employee of the Year Award nominations are due on Friday, Feb. 20. This award program, sponsored by the National Student Employment Association (NSEA), recognizes the outstanding contributions of students who work while attending college. All undergraduate student employees are eligible for nomination.

Nominated students will be recognized and honored at the Student Employee Appreciation Lunch on April 8, which is part of Student Employee Appreciation Week.
 
The nomination process and forms are available at http://www.cmu.edu/career/student-employment-experiential/.

Questions? Contact Pati Kravetz at pk13@andrew.cmu.edu.

Children’s Hospital Seeks Overweight Teens for Health Study

Are you concerned with your teen’s weight gain and inactive lifestyle? Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC share your concern and are investigating the benefits of regular exercise on reducing teens’ risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

If your child is between the ages of 12 and 17, overweight, and leads a physically inactive lifestyle, they may be eligible for this study. Interested parents should call 412-692-7567 or 412-692-5914. 

Conduct of Research Seminar Series Begins Feb. 24

CMU's Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC) is sponsoring the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Seminar Series during the spring 2015 semester for faculty, students and staff. All sessions for the spring 2015 semester are from 12 – 1 p.m. in the CUC, except where noted**.  Upcoming session dates and topics are scheduled as follows:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 24: Using the IRB and Ethical Issues with Research Involving Human Subjects;
  • Wednesday, March 4: Overview of Research Compliance;
  • Wednesday, March 18: Data Management;
  • Wednesday, March 25: Data Security;
  • Wednesday, April 1: Safeguarding Your Writing: Fair Use and Proper Attribution;
  • Wednesday, April 8: Intellectual Property at CMU, (time is 1 – 3 p.m.); and
  • Wednesday, April 22: Human Subject Research Best Practices.

More information is available on the RCR website. Space is limited, so please register earl

Last Call: Nominate Graduate Students for Teaching and Service

The Graduate Student Service and Teaching Award nominations are due on Friday, Feb. 6. The award committees encourage faculty, staff and students to nominate graduate students who have excelled in teaching or service so their efforts can be recognized by the university community.

The awards will be presented Thursday, April 9, during "Innovation with Impact: Celebration of Graduate Students," which is part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week (April 6-10). Award recipients will receive an engraved tray and monetary award and have their names added to the plaque in the Cohon University Center. Awardees also will be recognized at the Celebration of Education in April.

Learn more about the Graduate Student Teaching and Service awards.