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  • Virginia Tech Shootings Fast Facts | CNN

    Virginia Tech Shootings Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is some background information about the shootings at Virginia Tech in April 2007, one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history.

    Twenty-three-year-old Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people on the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, before taking his own life.

    Cho was a senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in English. He was born in South Korea in 1984 and became a permanent US resident in 1992.

    December 13, 2005 – Cho is ordered by a judge to seek outpatient care after making suicidal remarks to his roommates. He is evaluated at Carilion-St. Alban’s mental health facility.

    February 9, 2007 – Cho picks up a Walther P-22 pistol he purchased online on February 2 from an out-of-state dealer at JND Pawn shop in Blacksburg, across the street from Virginia Tech.

    March 2007 – Cho purchases a 9mm Glock pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition from Roanoke Firearms for $571.

    April 16, 2007 – (Events are listed in local ET)
    7:15 a.m. – Police are notified in a 911 call that there are at least two shooting victims at West Ambler Johnston Hall, a four-story coed dormitory on campus that houses approximately 895 students.

    9:01 a.m. – Cho mails a package containing video, photographs and writings to NBC News in New York. NBC doesn’t receive it until two days later due to an incorrect address on the package.

    9:26 a.m. – The school sends out an email statement that a shooting took place at West Ambler Johnston Hall earlier that morning.

    9:45 a.m. – 911 calls report a second round of shootings in classrooms at Norris Hall, the engineering science and mechanics building.

    9:50 a.m. – “Please stay put.” A second email notifies students that a gunman is loose on campus.

    9:55 a.m. – University officials send a third message about the second shooting via email and text messages to students.

    10:16 a.m. – Classes are canceled.

    10:53 a.m. – Students receive an email about Norris Hall shooting, with the subject line, “Second shooting reported: police have one gunman in custody.”

    12:42 p.m. – VT President Charles Steger issues a statement that people are being released from campus buildings and that counseling centers are being set up. He announces that classes are canceled again for the next day.

    April 17, 2007 – Virginia Tech Police announce that they “have been able to confirm the identity of the gunman at Norris Hall. That person is Seung-Hui Cho. He was a 23-year-old South Korean here in the US as a resident alien.”

    April 18, 2007 – NBC News announces that they have received a package containing pictures and written material which they believe to be from Cho, sent between the two shootings.

    August 15, 2007 – It is announced that the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, funded by private donations, will donate $180,000 to the families of each of the 32 victims. Those injured will receive $40,000 to $90,000, depending on the severity of the injuries, and a waiver of tuition and fees if applicable.

    March 24, 2008 – The state proposes a settlement to the families related to the shooting. In it, $100,000 is offered to representatives of each of the 32 people killed and another $800,000 is reserved to those injured, with a $100,000 maximum. Expenses not covered by insurance such as medical, psychological, and psychiatric care for surviving victims and all immediate families are also covered.

    April 10, 2008 – Governor Tim Kaine announces that a “substantial majority” of the families related to the shootings have agreed to the $11 million settlement offered by the state. It isn’t clear how many families have not accepted the deal. The settlement will pay survivors’ medical costs for life and compensate families who lost loved ones. By accepting the settlement, the families give up their right to sue the university, state, and local government in the future. Neither the attorneys representing the families nor the governor would discuss the exact terms until final papers are drawn.

    June 17, 2008 – A judge approves the $11 million settlement offered by the state to some of the victims and families of those killed in the shooting rampage. Families of 24 of the 32 killed, as well as 18 who were injured are included in the settlement.

    April 10, 2009 – Norris Hall reopens. The 4,300-square-foot area will house the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention, which relocated to the building.

    December 9, 2010 – The US Department of Education releases a report charging that Virginia Tech failed to notify students in a “timely manner,” as prescribed by the Clery Act.

    March 14, 2012 – A jury awards $4 million each to two victims’ families who sued the state for wrongful death. The jury finds Virginia Tech failed to notify students early enough following the discovery of two shooting victims at West Ambler Johnston dormitory. The families of Erin Peterson and Julia Pryde argued that had officials notified students and staff earlier of the shooting, lives might have been spared. The Peterson and Pryde families did not accept a portion of an $11 million settlement between the state and the families of victims, opting instead to sue for wrongful death. The amount is later reduced to $100,000 per family.

    October 31, 2013 – The Supreme Court of Virginia overturns the jury verdict in a wrongful death suit filed against the state by the families of two of the victims, that “there was no duty of the Commonwealth to warn students about the potential for criminal acts” by Cho.

    January 21, 2014 – The court denies a request by the Pryde and Peterson families to reconsider its ruling.

    April 2014 – Virginia Tech pays fines totaling $32,500 to the Dept. of Education for violation of the Clery Act, a law requiring colleges and universities to provide timely notification of campus safety information.

    West Ambler Johnston Hall (dorm)
    Ryan Clark, 22, Martinez, Georgia
    – Senior, English, Biology and Psychology
    – Resident Assistant on campus, also in the Marching Virginians college band
    – Known as “the Stack” to friends

    Emily Jane Hilscher, 19, Woodville, Virginia
    – Freshman, Animal and Poultry Sciences

    Norris Hall (dept. bldg/classrooms)
    Ross Alameddine, 20, Saugus, Massachusetts
    – Sophomore, English
    – Died in a French class

    Dr. Christopher “Jamie” Bishop, 35, Pine Mountain, Georgia
    – Instructor, Foreign Languages and Literatures (German)

    Brian Bluhm, 25, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
    – Graduate Student, Civil Engineering

    Austin Cloyd, 18, Blacksburg, Virginia
    – Sophomore, International Studies and French

    Jocelyn Couture-Nowak, 49, born in Montreal, Canada
    – Instructor, French

    Daniel Alejandro Perez Cueva, 21, Woodbridge, Virginia, originally from Peru
    – Junior, International Studies
    – Died in French class

    Dr. Kevin Granata, 45, Toledo, Ohio
    – Professor, Engineering Science and Mechanics

    Matt Gwaltney, 24, Chesterfield, Virginia
    – Graduate Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering

    Caitlin Hammaren, 19, Westtown, New York
    – Sophomore, International Studies and French

    Jeremy Herbstritt, 27, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
    – Graduate student, Civil Engineering

    Rachael Hill, 18, Richmond, Virginia
    – Freshman, Biology

    Jarrett Lane, 22, Narrows, Virginia
    – Senior, Civil Engineering

    Matt La Porte, 20, Dumont, New Jersey
    – Sophomore, Political Science

    Henry Lee, 20, Roanoke, Virginia
    – Sophomore, Computer Engineering

    Dr. Liviu Librescu, 76, from Romania
    – Professor, Engineering Science and Mechanics
    – A Romanian Holocaust survivor

    Dr. G V Loganathan, 53, born in Chennai, India
    – Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
    – Had been at VA Tech since 1981

    Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan, 34, Indonesia
    – Doctoral student, Civil Engineering

    Lauren McCain, 20, Hampton, Virginia
    – Freshman, International Studies

    Daniel O’Neil, 22, Lafayette, Rhode Island
    – Graduate student, Environmental Engineering

    Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz, 26, San Juan, Puerto Rico
    – Graduate student, Civil Engineering

    Minal Panchal, 26, Mumbai, India
    – Graduate student, Architecture

    Erin Peterson, 18, Centreville, Virginia
    – Freshman, International Studies
    – Died in a French class

    Michael Pohle, 23, Flemington, New Jersey
    – Senior, Biological Sciences

    Julia Pryde, 23, Middletown, New Jersey
    – Graduate Student, Biological Systems Engineering

    Mary Karen Read, 19, Annandale, Virginia
    – Freshman, Interdisciplinary Studies

    Reema Joseph Samaha, 18, Centreville, Virginia
    – Freshman, University Studies
    – Went to the same high school as Cho

    Waleed Mohammed Shaalan, 32, Zagazig, Egypt
    – Doctoral student, Civil Engineering

    Leslie G. Sherman, 20, Springfield, Virginia
    – Junior, History and International Relations

    Maxine Turner, 22, Vienna, Virginia
    – Senior, Chemical Engineering

    Nicole Regina White, 20, Smithfield, Virginia
    – Sophomore, International Studies

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  • Metra inks contract to purchase new zero-emission, battery-powered trains

    Metra inks contract to purchase new zero-emission, battery-powered trains

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    Metra will become one of the first in the nation to utilize the new technology

    CHICAGO — Metra has announced the purchase of new zero-emission, battery-powered trains.

    The Metra Board of Directors approved a contract on Wednesday to purchase the new trainsets.

    The Board of Directors agreed on a contract with the Salt Lake City-based railroad company Stadler U.S. for a $154 million base order that will include eight two-car, battery-powered trainsets, including engineering, training, and spare parts. 

    The contract also included options for eight more trainsets and up to 32 trailer cars for an additional $181.4 million. Metra said the additional cars could be added to two-car trainsets to make three-or four-car trains.

    According to Metra, a trainset is a group of permanently or semi-permanently coupled railcars that are powered by a propulsion system. Operators sit at both ends of the so they can quickly change directions.

    “This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.

    The two-car trainsets will each seat 112 people and any additional cars would add space for about 46 more people. The new trains will also include bike racks, luggage racks and USB outlets.

    According to Metra, the new trains will also offer low-level boarding and will be equipped with lifts to make them ADA-compliant. 

    Metra officials said the first trains are expected to be delivered in 2027 or 2028.

    Metra plans to debut the new trains on the 16.4-mile stretch between LaSalle Street and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line. 

    According to Metra, the chosen line for the new trains would benefit the air quality in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South Side and in parts of the south suburbs. 

    The trains are expected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles when fully charged. According to Metra, charging times for the trains will vary, but it is only expected to take between 20 and 30 minutes to get the train’s battery from 20% to 80%, which is the amount needed to operate the train.

    Charging infrastructure and its cost have not yet been determined.

    Officials say the purchase of the new trains will allow Metra to retire some of its oldest railcars and diesel locomotives, which are beyond their useful life.

    “This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.

    The recent purchase was made using $169.3 million Metra received through a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant. The grant money will cover the base order and some options. 

    According to Metra, the new trains could offer a more economical and environmentally friendly way to offer the same service as the railway operator works to achieve its vision of providing more frequent all-day service.

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    Gabriel Castillo

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  • 25 Facts About Manhattan Bridge That You Didn’t Know 2024: Engineering, History, and Impact –

    25 Facts About Manhattan Bridge That You Didn’t Know 2024: Engineering, History, and Impact –

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    Spanning the East River, the Manhattan Bridge stands as a vital artery in the urban landscape of New York City, connecting the bustling neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

    Its status as one of the key suspension bridges in the city is underscored by the continuous flow of commuters, whether they be in cars, on subway trains, or utilizing pedestrian walkways and bikeways for their daily travels. 

    With its majestic presence and significant role in the city’s infrastructure, the Manhattan Bridge not only serves a practical purpose but also emerges as an iconic symbol within the rich tapestry of New York City’s history.

    As a piece of engineering prowess, the bridge’s design and functionality continue to support the city’s relentless pace, firmly establishing it as an essential structure within the energetic metropolis.

    Key Takeaway

    • The Manhattan Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, embodying NYC’s engineering and historical depth.
    • Repainted blue to honor Dutch heritage and represent Manhattan.
    • Political ambitions influenced its design, highlighting politics’ role in urban architecture.
    • A structural flaw causing sway was addressed with significant renovations for safety.
    • Reflects the challenges of urban growth and infrastructure demands.
    • An iconic symbol of NYC’s blend of history and modernity.

    1. Overview

    Manhattan Bridge facts

    The Manhattan Bridge is a renowned suspension bridge spanning the East River that links the notable boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. Notably, it figures as one of the trio of major suspension bridges constructed across the East River, accompanying the iconic Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges. When beholding the Manhattan Bridge, one’s gaze is also met with the impressive backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, featuring landmark spires like those of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings.

    2. Location of Manhattan Bridge

    Engineering feats Manhattan BridgeEngineering feats Manhattan Bridge

    The Manhattan Bridge provides a pivotal connection, linking Downtown Manhattan to Downtown Brooklyn. It spans the gap across two bustling areas, securing passage between Canal Street in Manhattan and the Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn according to NYC Gov.

    3. Construction Timeline

    It was the last of the 3 suspension bridges to be built across the East River. The nearby Brooklyn Bridge was built first and completed in 1883, followed by the Williamsburg Bridge in 1903.

    Construction of the Manhattan Bridge started in 1901 and the bridge officially opened for traffic on December 31, 1909.

    4. It Was Supposed to Have a Different Name

    Historical significance Manhattan BridgeHistorical significance Manhattan Bridge

    • Intended Name: Initially deemed “Bridge Number 3”
    • Reason: It was the third of its kind over the East River
    • Change Occurred: Renamed to “Manhattan Bridge” in 1902
    • Decision by: The overseeing construction board

    Knowing it was almost called “Bridge Number 3” adds a layer of trivia that fascinates me. The decision to name it the Manhattan Bridge feels more personal, more connected to its identity and the borough it serves.

    5. The New York Times Didn’t Approve of the Moniker

    Manhattan Bridge construction detailsManhattan Bridge construction details

    The New York Times had a distinct perspective on naming the bridge. They felt the chosen name fell short in significance, suggesting instead a name connected to the bridge’s location, offering “Wallabout Bridge” as an option – alluding to Wallabout Bay to give it a sense of historical and geographical context. They argued that since every bridge spans the East River, the title “Manhattan Bridge” lacked distinctiveness.

    6. Engineer Behind the Manhattan Bridge

    • Nationality: Immigrant from Latvia
    • Name: Leon Solomon Moisseiff
    • Education: Graduated with a civil engineering degree from Columbia University in 1895
    • Achievement: Regarded as a top authority on suspension bridges in the early 20th century
    • Notable Works: Manhattan Bridge showcased his expertise
    • Later Career: Career tarnished by the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse in 1940
    • Death: Suffered a heart attack three years post-Tacoma disaster according to Dokumen.pub

    7. Financial Shortfalls

    Impact of Manhattan BridgeImpact of Manhattan Bridge

    Construction efforts for the Manhattan Bridge began in 1901, focusing first on the tower foundations with active progress by 1903. Fast forward to 1908, the initial allocation of $10 million proved to be insufficient as it covered less than half of the necessary expenses. Eventually, they utilized a total sum of $31 million to complete the bridge according to Study.com.

    • Foundation Start: 1901
    • Active Construction on Caissons: 1903
    • Initial Budget: $10 million
    • Final Cost: $31 million

    Budget Overrun:

    • Original budget fell short
    • Additional $22 million required

    8. Pioneering Journey Across the Bridge

    Structural engineering Manhattan BridgeStructural engineering Manhattan Bridge

    100 of the most notable citizens of Brooklyn were allowed to be the first people to ever cross Manhattan Bridge. This happened on December 5, 1909 as per Hotels.com.

    This event marked the “unofficial opening” of Manhattan Bridge, which was followed on December 31, 1909, with the official opening by outgoing Mayor George B. McClellan Jr.

    Imagining the first group of Brooklyn’s notable citizens crossing in 1909 gives me a sense of connection to those early moments of anticipation and pride. It must have been a remarkable sight, signaling a new era of connectivity.

    9. Stabilizing the Manhattan Bridge

    Manhattan Bridge infrastructureManhattan Bridge infrastructure

    • 1907: Decision taken to add subway tracks to the Manhattan Bridge.
    • March 1908: Start of construction for railway tracks.
    • 1917: Completion of the track installation and the onset of stability issues due to the subway trains’ weight causing the bridge to tilt laterally.
    • 1956: Completion of structural modifications that corrected the tilting issue.

    The incorporation of the subway tracks significantly challenged the bridge’s equilibrium, necessitating important modifications for consistent stability across the span.

    10. Significant Renovation Expenditure

    Manhattan Bridge architectural detailsManhattan Bridge architectural details

    • Duration: Spanned over 12 years.
    • Completed: In 2004.
    • Expenses: Exceeded $800 million USD.
    • Necessity: The bridge was no longer accommodating heavy vehicles on its lower deck due to structural concerns.
    • Objective: Undertake extensive refurbishments to restore the bridge’s integrity.

    11. It Has a Structural Flaw in the Design

    Unique features Manhattan BridgeUnique features Manhattan Bridge

    When visiting the bridge, you might have felt a noticeable sway, a testament to an engineering oversight during its construction. This flaw stems from additional expansions that weren’t part of the original design, including seven external lanes and four subway tracks.

    As trains travel in parallel, the bridge experiences a significant dip, oscillating four feet towards the south and then four feet to the north, resulting in a total deflection of eight feet.

    12. The Original Color was Grey

    Manhattan Bridge design elementsManhattan Bridge design elements

    12 Quick Facts About Manhattan Bridge

    Manhattan Bridge construction challengesManhattan Bridge construction challenges

    1. Main Span: 1,470 feet (448 meters)
    2. Suspension Cables Length: 3,224 feet (983 meters)
    3. Total Bridge Length: 6,855 feet (2,089 meters)
    4. Width: Approximately 120 feet (37 meters)
    5. Tower Height: 336 feet (102 meters)
    6. Under-bridge Clearance: 135 feet (41.1 meters)
    7. Relative Size: Surpassed by Williamsburg Bridge, larger than Brooklyn Bridge
    8. Structural Layout:
      • Double-deck
      • Seven vehicular lanes
      • Four railway tracks
      • Dedicated bicycle lane
      • Pedestrian walkways
    9. Influential Design: Served as a model for subsequent suspension bridges, including Golden Gate Bridge
    10. Daily Vehicle Traffic: Roughly 90,000 vehicles
    11. Entrance Landmark: Adorned with a Greek Revival triumphal arch and colonnade from 1915, part of the early 20th century “City Beautiful movement”
    12. Designation:
      • NYC Landmark Status given to arch and colonnade on November 25, 1975
      • Recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

    FAQ

    What Design Classifies the Manhattan Bridge?

    The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the East River of New York City. It features a double-decked roadway, four subway tracks, a pedestrian walkway, and a bike path.

    The Historical Importance of the Manhattan Bridge?

    Opening in 1909, the Manhattan Bridge has played a crucial role in the development and connectivity of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It enabled the flourishing of trade and commutes between these boroughs, becoming a landmark of engineering and design during the early 20th century.

    Features Compared to the Brooklyn Bridge?

    • Design: Unlike its neighboring Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge employs a more conventional suspension design with modern touches.
    • Traffic Flow: It holds a double-deck motorway with reversible lanes to better accommodate traffic flow.

    Measurements of the Manhattan Bridge?

    The bridge stretches a total length of 6,855 feet or approximately 2,089 meters, with the suspension span alone measuring 1,480 feet, or 451 meters.

    Final Words

    Exploring the Manhattan Bridge reveals a fascinating blend of history, engineering, and cultural significance. From its initial grey hue to the vibrant blue it dons today, each aspect of the bridge tells a story of New York City’s evolution.

    Political influences, financial challenges, and structural innovations have all played a part in shaping this iconic structure.

    Despite facing design flaws and undergoing extensive renovations, the Manhattan Bridge stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and ingenuity.

    It’s more than just a bridge; it’s a symbol of connection, progress, and enduring strength in the face of change.

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    Srdjan Ilic

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  • Friday 5: STEAM education in action

    Friday 5: STEAM education in action

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    Key points:

    STEAM education–science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics–prepares students for success beyond high school by helping them develop much-needed durable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

    An integrated STEAM education also puts students on the path to success with higher test scores, stronger attendance records, better disciplinary records, and increased engagement and graduation rates.

    STEAM education is trending at an opportune time: The COVID-19 pandemic caused learning loss across the board, and a STEAM-centered curriculum that engages students while weaving important 21st-century education principles into real-world lessons is critical for success.

    Let’s take a closer look at STEAM education:

    What is an example of STEAM education?

    Makerspaces are a great example of STEAM learning, letting students combine creativity and art elements into more traditional STEM topics. School makerspaces have emerged as centers of creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and more. These skills–often referred to as soft skills, but also known as durable skills for their importance in the workplace–are a focus of 21st-century classrooms. These days, school libraries often include makerspaces and librarians are becoming well-versed in the coding, robotics, engineering, and tinkering skills necessary to help students bring their ideas to fruition. Let’s look at some STEAM education facts: Here are 5 resources (digital and non-digital) for school makerspaces that might be worth a look.

    What does STEAM do for education?

    As STEM has risen in prominence over the past decade, arts education has yet to achieve the same recognition and integration. In order to provide a rich, robust, and inclusive curriculum for youth, STEM needs to evolve to STEAM. And in many ways, that transition is already taking place as technology and engineering drive the next wave of art and creative expression. You can’t have one without the other. As our digital world encompasses new storytelling mediums across design, audio engineering, music production, digital art, and more, new unique skill sets are required to prepare young people for careers of the future. STEAM education principles need to become embedded into media production, music production, and graphic design to enable the next wave of innovation and creativity needed for these major technological shifts. STEAM education lesson plans can incorporate so many learning principles. Here’s why creativity is essential in today’s curriculum.

    What is STEAM and STEM activity?

    Much STEM and STEAM activity happens in labs. A STEM or STEAM lab is an environment where students, irrespective of grade, can come together and actively participate in hands-on STEM and STEAM learning. These educational spaces encourage active learning and problem solving. In these STEM laboratories, students can develop their science, engineering, and mathematics skills by using technology to create, collaborate, and complete projects–learning and applying knowledge to find new solutions. Imagine a technology-enhanced learning environment where everything is student-centered and supports theme and project-based learning–that’s a STEM lab! And these are just a few STEM and STEAM education examples. Here are 4 ideas to consider when creating a STEM or STEAM lab.

    What is the value of STEAM education?

    Science, technology, engineering, and math are broad but dynamic subjects that contain innumerable and specific learning concepts. Arts and sciences have traditionally been perceived as different subjects with few commonalities, and STEM programs often omit the arts from the conversation. But with a STEAM-centered curriculum, students are trained to introduce design, agile thinking, and creative solutions to solve social and scientific problems and bring new inventions to fruition. What’s more, a multi-subject approach to a STEAM education promotes deeper conceptual learning and career self-determination, and prepares youth for interdisciplinary STEAM careers in a rapidly changing workplace. So, what’s the impact of STEAM education? A STEAM learning approach encourages collaboration to understand and distill new concepts. By integrating the arts, a STEAM-centered curriculum uses tools such as quantitative visualization or fine arts imagery to deepen one’s understanding of science, math, and technology. Here’s why students will benefit from STEAM learning.

    What are 3 benefits of STEM?

    A new study at the University of Missouri–in partnership with Harvard-Smithsonian researchers–shows that when colleges host ‘STEM Career Days,’ the students who attend are far more likely to pursue a career in a STEM-related field. The findings not only highlight the benefits of college recruiters introducing high school students to STEM-related opportunities, but they can also help increase and diversify the STEM workforce in the United States. The benefits of STEAM education and STEM learning help students develop much-needed skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students learn how to navigate challenging situations regardless of what career field they pursue. STEM learning benefits are invaluable.

    Laura Ascione
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    Laura Ascione

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  • Endless biotechnological innovation requires a creative approach

    Endless biotechnological innovation requires a creative approach

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    BYLINE: Laura Thomas

    Newswise — Scientists working on biological design should focus on the idiosyncrasies of biological systems over optimisation, according to new research.

    In a study, published today in Science Advances, researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Ghent have shown how exploring the unknown may be the crucial step needed to realise the continual innovation needed for the biotechnologies of the future.

    Recognising the role of open-endedness in achieving this goal and its growing importance in fields like computer science and evolutionary biology, the team mapped out how open-endedness is linked to bioengineering practice today and what would be required to achieve it in the lab.

    For success, algorithms used for biological design should not solely focus on moving toward a specific goal – such as better yield ­– but also consider the creation and maintenance of novelty and diversity in the solutions that have been found.

    Dr Thomas Gorochowski, co-author and Royal Society University Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at Bristol, explained: “When we try to design a complex biological process, it’s often tempting to just tweak something that partially works rather than take the risk of trying something completely new.

    “In this work we highlight that in these situations the best solutions often come from unexpected directions, because we don’t always fully understand how everything works. With biology, there are lots of unknowns and so we need a vast and diverse toolkit of building blocks to ensure we have the best chance of finding the solution we need.”

    Professor Michiel Stock, lead author from Ghent University, added: “Biological systems have a natural capacity for innovation that has led to the overwhelming biodiversity we see in nature today.

    “Our own attempts to engineer biology, in contrast, lack this creativity – they are far more rigid, less imaginative, and often doesn’t make the best use of what biology is capable of.

    “With all life around us originating from the open-ended process of evolution, wouldn’t it be awesome if we could harness some of that power for our own biological designs.”

    The ability to create new biotechnologies is becoming increasingly important for tackling global challenges spanning the sustainable production of chemicals, materials and food, to advanced therapeutics to combat emerging diseases. Fueling this progress are innovations in how biology can be harnessed in new ways. This work supports this goal by offering a fresh direction for new research and design approaches.

    The study was made possible due to a travel grant from the FWO Flanders and funding from the Royal Society, BBSRC and EPSRC.

    Paper:

    ‘Open-endedness in synthetic biology: a route to continual innovation for biological design’ by Michiel Stock and Thomas E. Gorochowski in Science Advances (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi3621)

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    University of Bristol

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  • Some mosquitoes like it hot

    Some mosquitoes like it hot

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    Newswise — Certain populations of mosquitoes are more heat tolerant and better equipped to survive heat waves than others, according to new research from Washington University in St. Louis.

    This is bad news in a world where vector-borne diseases are an increasingly global health concern. Most models that scientists use to estimate vector-borne disease risk currently assume that mosquito heat tolerances do not vary. As a result, these models may underestimate mosquitoes’ ability to spread diseases in a warming world.

    Researchers led by Katie M. Westby, a senior scientist at Tyson Research Center, Washington University’s environmental field station, conducted a new study that measured the critical thermal maximum (CTmax), an organism’s upper thermal tolerance limit, of eight populations of the globally invasive tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. The tiger mosquito is a known vector for many viruses including West Nile, chikungunya and dengue.

    “We found significant differences across populations for both adults and larvae, and these differences were more pronounced for adults,” Westby said. The new study is published Jan. 8 in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.

    Westby’s team sampled mosquitoes from eight different populations spanning four climate zones across the eastern United States, including mosquitoes from locations in New Orleans; St. Augustine, Fla.; Huntsville, Ala.; Stillwater, Okla.; St. Louis; Urbana, Ill.; College Park, Md.; and Allegheny County, Pa.

    The scientists collected eggs in the wild and raised larvae from the different geographic locations to adult stages in the lab, tending the mosquito populations separately as they continued to breed and grow. The scientists then used adults and larvae from subsequent generations of these captive-raised mosquitoes in trials to determine CTmax values, ramping up air and water temperatures at a rate of 1 degree Celsius per minute using established research protocols.

    The team then tested the relationship between climatic variables measured near each population source and the CTmax of adults and larvae. The scientists found significant differences among the mosquito populations.

    The differences did not appear to follow a simple latitudinal or temperature-dependent pattern, but there were some important trends. Mosquito populations from locations with higher precipitation had higher CTmax values. Overall, the results reveal that mean and maximum seasonal temperatures, relative humidity and annual precipitation may all be important climatic factors in determining CTmax.

    “Larvae had significantly higher thermal limits than adults, and this likely results from different selection pressures for terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae,” said Benjamin Orlinick, first author of the paper and a former undergraduate research fellow at Tyson Research Center. “It appears that adult Ae. albopictus are experiencing temperatures closer to their CTmax than larvae, possibly explaining why there are more differences among adult populations.”

    “The overall trend is for increased heat tolerance with increasing precipitation,” Westby said. “It could be that wetter climates allow mosquitoes to endure hotter temperatures due to decreases in desiccation, as humidity and temperature are known to interact and influence mosquito survival.”

    Little is known about how different vector populations, like those of this kind of mosquito, are adapted to their local climate, nor the potential for vectors to adapt to a rapidly changing climate. This study is one of the few to consider the upper limits of survivability in high temperatures — akin to heat waves — as opposed to the limits imposed by cold winters.

    “Standing genetic variation in heat tolerance is necessary for organisms to adapt to higher temperatures,” Westby said. “That’s why it was important for us to experimentally determine if this mosquito exhibits variation before we can begin to test how, or if, it will adapt to a warmer world.”

    Future research in the lab aims to determine the upper limits that mosquitoes will seek out hosts for blood meals in the field, where they spend the hottest parts of the day when temperatures get above those thresholds, and if they are already adapting to higher temperatures. “Determining this is key to understanding how climate change will impact disease transmission in the real world,” Westby said. “Mosquitoes in the wild experience fluctuating daily temperatures and humidity that we cannot fully replicate in the lab.”

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    Washington University in St. Louis

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  • Korean Artificial Sun, KSTAR, Installation of a tungsten divertor for long pulse operations

    Korean Artificial Sun, KSTAR, Installation of a tungsten divertor for long pulse operations

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    Newswise — The Korean artificial sun, KSTAR, has completed divertor upgrades, allowing it to operate for extended periods sustaining high-temperature plasma over the 100 million degrees.

    The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy announced the successful installation of the newly developed tungsten divertor for KSTAR. KSTAR, now equipped with the new divertor, commenced a plasma experiment on the 21st of December 2023.

    The divertor, a crucial plasma-facing component installed at the bottom of the vacuum vessel in a magnetic fusion device known as a Tokamak, manages the exhaust of waste gas and impurities from the reactor and also endures the highest surface heat loads. This is why it is important to develop and deploy a divertor that is highly heat-resistant.

    Initially, KSTAR had a carbon divertor, but for KSTAR’s enhanced performance and prolonged operations at 100 million ℃, the heat flux exceeded the limit of the carbon divertor.

    Consequently, the development of a divertor using tunsten has begun in 2018. The first prototype was completed in 2021, and installation of a new divertor took place from September 2022 for approximately one year. The recently installed divertor consists of 64 cassettes, each crafted from tungsten mono-blocks. These 64 cassettes fully surround the bottom of the vacuum vessel.

    Tungsten material possesses a high melting point and low sputtering characteristics. Therefore, the heat flux limit has improved by over two-fold compared to the carbon divertor, reaching 10 MW/m².

    The plasma experiments of KSTAR in the new tungsten divertor environment will continue until February 2024. The primary objectives include verifying stable operations in the new tungsten divertor environment and reproducing KSTAR’s 100-million-degree plasma.

    KFE President, Dr. Suk Jae Yoo stated, “In KSTAR, we have implemented a divertor with tungsten material which is also the choice made in ITER. We will strive to contribute our best efforts in obtaining the necessary data for ITER through KSTAR experiments.”

    Previously, KSTAR has demonstrated high performance plasma operation for 30 seconds with an ion temperatures over 100 million degrees, and now the goal is to achieve 300 seconds by the end of 2026 with this new divertor.

     

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    The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy(KFE) is Korea’s only research institute specializing in nuclear fusion. Based on our development and operation of KSTAR, a superconducting fusion research device, the KFE seeks to achieve groundbreaking research results, develop core technology for commercializing nuclear fusion, and train outstanding nuclear fusion personnel. In addition, the institute is spearheading a joint effort to open the era of nuclear fusion energy in the mid-21st century through active participation in the ITER Project.

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    National Research Council of Science and Technology

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  • Frontline Education Announces Chris Tonas as Chief Technology Officer

    Frontline Education Announces Chris Tonas as Chief Technology Officer

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    Malvern, Pa. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Frontline Education, a leading provider of administration software purpose-built for educators in K-12, today announced that Chris Tonas has joined the company’s executive team as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Chris brings with him over three decades of invaluable experience in software engineering and development, having held leadership roles at Pluralsight and Oracle.

    As CTO, Chris is responsible for leading the technological aspects of the company including engineering and development and managing cloud infrastructure and security.

    Mark Gruzin, CEO of Frontline Education, expressed his excitement about Chris joining the team: “As we continue to grow and innovate, we are pleased to welcome Chris as our new CTO. We will gain the benefits of Chris’ extensive experience in software engineering, a track record of strategic leadership, and his commitment to engineering advancements. Chris’ passion for innovation and collaborative spirit align seamlessly with Frontline’s goals.”

    Chris has a distinguished career marked by his involvement in major technology advancements. As CTO at Pluralsight, he was responsible for engineering, drove standardization and modernization initiatives, and led the company’s global expansion of the product and technology organizations. At Oracle, he developed and operated the frameworks and platforms powering Oracle Cloud Applications, including Human Capital Management and Enterprise Resource Planning. His leadership extended to a global team of engineers, spanning the U.S., India, Czech Republic and Mexico.

    “I am thrilled to join Frontline, a company dedicated to supporting K-12 leaders across the country,” said Tonas. “My focus will be on continuing to drive clarity in technology initiatives, aligning them with business objectives, and ensuring that we are consistently creating meaningful impact for the users of our products. I am also committed to fostering a culture of excellence within our engineering teams.”

    Chris’ position as CTO is effective immediately. He will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

    About Frontline

    Frontline Education is a leading provider of school administration software, connecting solutions for student and special programs, business operations and human capital management with powerful analytics to empower educators. Frontline partners with school systems to deliver tools, data and insights that support greater efficiency and productivity, enabling school leaders to spend more time and resources executing strategies that drive educator effectiveness, student success and district excellence.

    Frontline’s broad portfolio includes solutions for proactive recruiting and hiring, absence and time management, professional growth, student information systems, special education, special programs, Medicaid reimbursement, school health management, inventory control and asset management, payroll, benefits and financial management, and analytics solutions that help district leaders tap into their data to make more informed decisions for the benefit of their students and communities. Over 10,000 clients representing millions of educators, administrators and support personnel have partnered with Frontline Education in their efforts to develop the next generation of learners.

    eSchool News Staff
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  • Materials Research Institute names 2023 Roy Award winners

    Materials Research Institute names 2023 Roy Award winners

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    Newswise — UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Six Penn State materials researchers have received the 2023 Rustum and Della Roy Innovation in Materials Research Award, covering a wide range of research with societal impact. The award is presented by the Materials Research Institute (MRI) and recognizes recent interdisciplinary materials research at Penn State that yields innovative and unexpected results.  

    The award includes three categories: Early Career Faculty, Non-Tenure Faculty, and Research Staff and Graduate Student. It exists thanks to a gift from Della and Rustum Roy, who are both late alumni of Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and were long-serving faculty in the college.  

    This year’s winners, listed below, were announced at the 2023 Materials Day event in October.  

    Early Career Faculty category

    Amrita Basak, assistant professor of mechanical engineering 

    Basak’s work is built around high-impact transdisciplinary research that addresses the global requirement of sustainable manufacturing in power generation, propulsion, defense, energy storage and construction. For metals, her research group uses laser powder bed fusion and laser directed energy deposition techniques to process high-performance materials such as iron and nickel alloys and oxide-dispersed strengthened alloys. Her research group is also interested in learning what makes certain materials have superior properties and how to use them.  

    “Our research has the potential to improve properties of parts fabricated by 3D printing reducing cost and material wastage,” Basak said. “These would result in higher performance. For example, if we can make parts that can withstand high temperatures, gas turbines’ efficiency would increase.” 

    Elizabeth Elacqua, assistant professor of chemistry 

    Elacqua’s research group focuses on developing ways to synthesize new polymers. This research is nature-inspired and founded on using polymer chemistry to address bottlenecks in organic synthesis and using organic chemistry to address challenges in polymer synthesis. Her group also studies the use of abundant chemicals, such as those left over from the petroleum refining process, to make new rigid, diamond-like polymers. 

    “The polymers we are making thus far have specific applications ranging from light-promoted catalysis to organic semiconductors and high tensile strength materials,” Elacqua said. “While everything is still in its infancy, we can envision accessing polymers that are integral components of future technologies, such as solar cells and composite materials.” 

    Non-Tenure Faculty and Research Staff category  

    Seng Huat Lee, assistant research professor of bulk crystal growth 

    Lee’s research revolves around new quantum materials, unique substances with extraordinary properties that make them of interest for developing faster computers and advanced energy systems. He works to develop new quantum materials with tailored properties, particularly materials that potentially generate new types of quantum technologies. He uses various bulk growth techniques to synthesize and discover emergent quantum phenomena on bulk single crystals, which are crystals that form as a single, uniform piece which gives them unique behaviors. 

    “Government agencies have recognized the importance of developing novel quantum materials,” Lee said. “Quantum materials hold the potential to revolutionize numerous industries, encompassing quantum information science, energy harvesting and telecommunications, by ushering in next-generation technologies.” 

    Wenjie Li, associate research professor of materials science and engineering 

    Li’s research focuses on the development of sustainable and renewable energy conversion materials and devices. One example is converting waste heat energy to useful electricity using thermoelectric materials. This research emphasizes both materials innovation and translation of materials properties to device and system performance to deliver practical solutions. 

    “My research focuses on materials and device innovations to accelerate science-based solutions that solve pressing societal problems in the area of energy, climate and environmental sustainability,” Li said. “My research can ultimately contribute to development of sustainable and renewable energy supplies and decarbonizations that can benefit everyone.” 

    Graduate Student category 

    Sarbashis Das, graduate student in electrical engineering 

    Das’s research includes work to start a 2D materials foundry which will make the high-quality films grown by MRI’s Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium Materials Innovation Platform available to the commercial marketplace. This was inspired by his participation in the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program, which is for university-based researchers interested in exploring the commercialization potential of their work. His research also involves developing commercial artificial intelligence-aided graphene chemical sensors for use in real-time detection of food spoilage, adulteration and contamination in food processing facilities. 

    “Our efforts will potentially lead to the mainstream adoption of 2D materials and their fascinating properties to solve real-world challenges,” Das said. “The use of 2D materials for real-time food spoilage sensors will enable us to tackle the global problem of food safety in a scalable and sustainable manner. Apart from food, this technology could have broad applications such as real-time monitoring of corrosion in critical infrastructure, which will improve public safety.” 

    Tyus Yeingst, graduate student in biomedical engineering 

    Yeingst’s research focuses on biomaterials, specifically hard polymers, hydrogels and nanoparticles. The applications of these biomaterials are for tissue regeneration and cancer treatment. These materials are controlled using high-intensity focused ultrasound and near-infrared light to properly deliver and release the therapeutics. Along with his Roy Award, he was recognized as one of six Penn State graduate students to win the prestigious National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

    “Applications for my research include bone regeneration for those suffering from aging, osteomyelitis, cancer and battlefield injuries,” Yeingst said. “Cancer treatment also covers a large base of the population, as everyone knows someone or is someone who has been affected by cancer.” 

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  • BIM-based Digital Collaboration Platform, Initiating Construction Digitalization

    BIM-based Digital Collaboration Platform, Initiating Construction Digitalization

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    Newswise — A Korean research team has developed a BIM-based digital collaboration platform that allows construction owners and engineers to collaborate with each other on digital design tasks.

    The importance of digital transformation has been increasingly recognized worldwide. Digital transformation refers to the process of leveraging digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data, to innovate conventional operating systems. The Korean government is actively working toward achieving digital transformation in the construction industry by 2030, with a primary focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM), fundamentally changing the ways construction tasks are performed and information management systems work.

    From a conventional perspective, collaboration in the construction sector is often seen as merely sharing an integrated workspace. However, this approach comes with drawbacks associated with space rents, difficulties in properly managing collaborative information, and ambiguity in defining roles and responsibilities. These problems can be addressed by establishing an integrated digital work environment for collaboration.

    Against this backdrop, the BIM Cluster Research Team (led by Dr. Hyounseok Moon) of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT, President Kim Byung-suk), developed a cloud-based BIM collaboration platform aimed at digitalization of collaboration in order management and design tasks for the first time in Korea. The developed technology thoroughly complies with the Common Data Environment (CDE) system for BIM information management proposed by the international standard ISO 19650. It also integrates BIM order placement and design collaboration processes into an online environment.

    The developed platform streamlines conventional order placement and design collaboration processes, reducing the time required by more than 30%. This platform integrates more than 20 BIM files to concurrently visualize, review, approve, submit, and manage them. Another key advantage is that it allows for real-time collaboration, regardless of when or where you are, through a digitalized construction work environment, eliminating the need for printed documents.

    The research team established an online environment for digital collaboration while developing its own cloud environment to ensure data security across public facilities. For services using overseas public clouds, in particular, it is possible to build a platform that complies with a customized cloud environment while ensuring data security.

    Predefined unit functions for collaboration are made available as open sources through a collaboration tool development framework. These features allow anyone to develop the online collaboration tools they want, adding scalability to this approach. Additionally, the research team has implemented an integrated web-based visualization viewer, specifically designed to visualize various BIM data for review on a single screen, including various meetings; issue management; schedule management; BIM data review, approval, and management; BIM models; documents; drawings; and images. This viewer facilitates online collaboration among relevant stakeholders, enabling them to work together seamlessly.

    The researchers have recently developed an online collaboration web service in the form of software as a service (SaaS). This open-source-based integrated viewer allows various documents, drawings, and models to be visualized and displayed on a single screen. All these functions empower multiple team members to collaboratively review BIM models and efficiently record and address relevant issues in real time. Furthermore, when linked to commercial software packages and platforms (Autodesk, Bentley, etc.), this system also facilitates the seamless exchange and sharing of any BIM data created by engineers, demonstrating exceptional versatility and interoperability.

    The developed platform can be an attractive, cost-effective option for countries, including Korea, aiming to establish their own BIM collaboration platforms that meet international standards.

    Dr. Hyounseok Moon, who led the project, said, “There will certainly be a transition from traditional work processes reliant on written documents, offline interactions, and manual labor to BIM-based digital collaboration processes. The platform developed by KICT will significantly contribute to this digital transformation across the construction industry.”

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    The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, a government-funded research institute with 40 years of extensive research experience, is at the forefront of solving national issues that are directly related to the quality of the people’s life.

    This research was funded by the “Development of BIM-based Digital Collaboration Platform supporting Order and Design Process for the Infrastructure Projects(2022-2024, jointly conducted by Basissoft, Saman, NHNInjeINC, SangSangJinHwa, Korea Express Corporation)”project implemented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement) as a research project for promoting road construction and traffic technology.

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  • Environment-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality realizes sustainable building of the future with new energy technology

    Environment-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality realizes sustainable building of the future with new energy technology

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    Newswise — In line with the Korean government’s recent efforts to achieve the goal of “going carbon neutral by 2050,” the energy transition from fossil fuels to new and renewable sources of energy has been gaining speed. In this context, the joint research team led by Principal Researcher Young Kim of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), an institute under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT, and professors Min-sung Kim and Dong-kyu Kim of Chung-Ang University has successfully developed an environment-friendly refrigerant compressor using an electrochemical method instead of a mechanical method.

    In contrast to conventional refrigerants containing HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) that destroy the ozone layer and cause global warning, environment-friendly refrigerants (ammonia, R1234yf, etc.) have very small environmental impacts. In accordance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, advanced nations in Europe as well as the United States and Japan are in the process of transitioning to eco-friendly refrigerants until the complete phase-out of the use of HFCs in 2024. Using environment-friendly refrigerants can help to prevent environmental pollution and contribute to sustainable development.

    Meanwhile, mechanical compressors have several limitations such as problems with durability of parts due to rapid rotation, contamination of refrigerants caused by lubricants, and loud noise. As electrochemical compressors have no moving parts and do not require the use of lubricants, they can help to overcome the shortcomings of conventional mechanical compressors. Additionally, a constant flow rate can be provided at various pressure ratios with electrochemical compressors, and the high efficiency thereof can help to significantly increase the COP (coefficient of performance) of the heat pump.

    To maximize the energy-saving effect of the rooftop greenhouse, the research team developed a “optimized smart farm operating solution” capable of controlling every aspect of the system such as air conditioning, LED, and hydroponics system in accordance with external weather conditions, and plans to demonstrate this solution through the demonstrated rooftop greenhouse.

    The joint research team has secured the core technologies necessary for producing the environment-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor and for designing the system thereof, and has successfully implemented the test run. With the newly developed environment-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor, the desired flow rate and pressure can be obtained by stacking.

    Unlike conventional mechanical compressing, an electrochemical compressor compresses refrigerants through the movement of ions by charging the ion exchange membrane with DC (direct current) voltage, while using hydrogen as the carrier gas. Additionally, it also allows for isothermal compression by applying a multi-layer freezing technology where cells are accumulated in a stack configuration. To date, the refrigerants that have been successfully compressed are ammonia, a natural refrigerant, and R1234yf, an eco-friendly refrigerant. The joint research team designed cells capable of operating solidly even under repeated high-pressure conditions and also demonstrated a leak-free design to prevent the leakage of refrigerants at high pressure. Moreover, by designing a channel capable of producing high performance even at high voltage, the joint research team has succeeded in maximizing the compression efficiency of the electrochemical compressor.

    The electrochemical compressor is capable of offering the desired compression ratio regardless of the size thereof, and can provide a stable flow rate in accordance with the compression ratio, and has excellent efficiency. Therefore, it can be used not only for constructing high-efficiency plants and heat pumps but also for building small-scale systems. In particular, as an electrochemical ammonia compressor can be used for compressing ammonia even when the ammonia acts as a hydrogen carrier, it can also be used for constructing hydrogen infrastructure.

    Dr. Young Kim of the KIMM’s Department of Thermal Energy Solutions was quoted as saying, “The eco-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor is highly efficient and requires a small footprint, which makes it economically attractive.” Dr. Kim added, “We are planning to develop a heat pump system using this technology to contribute to the achievement of the goal of going carbon neutral by 2050.”

    Meanwhile, this research was conducted with the support of the project for the “development of a chemical absorption-type heat pump using an electrochemical compressor” led by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

     

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    The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) is a non-profit government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT. Since its foundation in 1976, KIMM is contributing to economic growth of the nation by performing R&D on key technologies in machinery and materials, conducting reliability test evaluation, and commercializing the developed products and technologies.

    This research was conducted with the support of the project for the “development of a chemical absorption-type heat pump using an electrochemical compressor” led by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

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  • How faces teach robots to smile

    How faces teach robots to smile

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    Newswise — Osaka, Japan – Robots able to display human emotion have long been a mainstay of science fiction stories. Now, Japanese researchers have been studying the mechanical details of real human facial expressions to bring those stories closer to reality.

    In a recent study published by the Mechanical Engineering Journal, a multi-institutional research team led by Osaka University have begun mapping out the intricacies of human facial movements. The researchers used 125 tracking markers attached to a person’s face to closely examine 44 different, singular facial actions, such as blinking or raising the corner of the mouth.

    Every facial expression comes with a variety of local deformation as muscles stretch and compress the skin. Even the simplest motions can be surprisingly complex. Our faces contain a collection of different tissues below the skin, from muscle fibers to fatty adipose, all working in concert to convey how we’re feeling. This includes everything from a big smile to a slight raise of the corner of the mouth. This level of detail is what makes facial expressions so subtle and nuanced, in turn making them challenging to replicate artificially. Until now, this has relied on much simpler measurements, of the overall face shape and motion of points chosen on skin before and after movements.

    “Our faces are so familiar to us that we don’t notice the fine details,” explains Hisashi Ishihara, main author of the study. “But from an engineering perspective, they are amazing information display devices. By looking at people’s facial expressions, we can tell when a smile is hiding sadness, or whether someone’s feeling tired or nervous.”

    Information gathered by this study can help researchers working with artificial faces, both created digitally on screens and, ultimately, the physical faces of android robots. Precise measurements of human faces, to understand all the tensions and compressions in facial structure, will allow these artificial expressions to appear both more accurate and natural.

    “The facial structure beneath our skin is complex,” says Akihiro Nakatani, senior author. “The deformation analysis in this study could explain how sophisticated expressions, which comprise both stretched and compressed skin, can result from deceivingly simple facial actions.”

    This work has applications beyond robotics as well, for example, improved facial recognition or medical diagnoses, the latter of which currently relies on doctor intuition to notice abnormalities in facial movement.

    So far, this study has only examined the face of one person, but the researchers hope to use their work as a jumping off point to gain a fuller understanding of human facial motions. As well as helping robots to both recognize and convey emotion, this research could also help to improve facial movements in computer graphics, like those used in movies and video games, helping to avoid the dreaded ‘uncanny valley’ effect.

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  • Developing carbon-negative cementitious materials, giving new life to ‘unusable’ waste

    Developing carbon-negative cementitious materials, giving new life to ‘unusable’ waste

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    Newswise — ROLLA, Mo. – A Missouri University of Science and Technology research team was recently awarded $2.5 million in funding to find new ways to turn waste products into supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) – plus use those materials to store carbon permanently in concrete.

    “Years ago, SCMs were used as a cheap option to replace some Portland cement and also have a stronger and more durable concrete mixture,” says Dr. Hongyan Ma, Francisco Benavides Scholar and associate professor of civil engineering at S&T. “There is now a severe shortage of these materials, so my team is looking at creative ways to develop new alternatives that are carbon-negative and will make the industry greener.”

    Ma also serves as director of S&T’s Laboratory of Future Cements and Carbon-Negative Initiatives.

    He says one of the most common SCMs has traditionally been coal combustion residue, or fly ash, but a large percentage of this type of waste is not currently usable in cement. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, 2.5 billion tons of this type of waste have been disposed of in ponds and landfills throughout the United States.

    Ma’s two-year research project, which received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and $500,000 in matching funds from S&T and industry partners, aims to make this unusable waste into something of value.

    The research will also cover the ash from municipal solid waste incinerators, steel slag, recycled concrete and other waste products. The team is currently developing processes to break down the structure of the solid wastes in ways that will also allow them to store CO2.

    The carbon that is combined with these new SCMs will primarily come from the flue gases of power plants and the manufacturing industry, Ma says. By using CO2 directly from the flue gasses, as long as the concentration is high enough, his team will not have to use energy-intensive carbon-capture methods.

    Ma says this project is designed to make a significant difference in the concrete industry in the near future, as opposed to focusing on more general, long-term concepts.

    “The work we are conducting is mission-oriented,” he says. “Part of our research is to make sure what we develop is economically feasible. It can’t be too expensive, as it needs to be a realistic option to support the supply chain.”

    Ma is the project’s principal investigator (PI). Serving as his co-PIs at Missouri S&T are: Dr. Aditya Kumar, associate professor of materials science and engineering; Dr. Mahelet Fikru, associate professor of economics; and Dr. Wenyu Liao, assistant research professor of civil engineering. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is also collaborating with S&T for the project.

    For more information about Missouri S&T’s civil engineering programs, visit care.mst.edu.

    About Missouri University of Science and Technology 
    Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.

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  • Rubber behavior: Dynamics decoded

    Rubber behavior: Dynamics decoded

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    Newswise — Rubber-like materials, commonly used in dampeners, possess a unique property known as dynamic viscoelasticity, enabling them to convert mechanical energy from vibrations into heat while exhibiting spring-like and flow-like behaviors simultaneously. Customization of these materials is possible by blending them with compounds of specific molecular structures, depending on the dynamic viscosity requirements.

    However, the underlying mechanisms behind the distinct mechanical properties of these materials remain unclear. A primary reason for this knowledge gap has been the absence of a comprehensive system capable of simultaneously measuring the mechanical properties and observing the microstructural dynamics of these materials. While X-ray computed tomography (CT) has recently emerged as a promising option for a non-destructive inspection of the internal structure of materials down to nano-scale resolutions, it is not suited for observation under dynamic conditions.

    Against this backdrop, a team of researchers, led by Associate Professor (tenure-track) Masami Matsubara from the School of Creative Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at Waseda University in Japan, has now developed an innovative system that can conduct dynamic mechanical analysis and dynamic micro X-ray CT imaging simultaneously. Their study was made available online on October 19, 2023 and will be published in Volume 205 of the journal Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing on December 15, 2023.

    “By integrating X-ray CT imaging performed at the large synchrotron radiation facility Spring-8(BL20XU) and mechanical analysis under dynamic conditions, we can elucidate the relationship between a material’s internal structure, its dynamic behavior, and its damping properties,” explains Dr. Matsubara. At the core of this novel system is the dynamic micro X-ray CT and a specially designed compact shaker developed by the team that is capable of precise adjustment of vibration amplitude and frequency.

    The team utilized this innovative system to investigate the distinctions between styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and natural rubber (NR), as well as to explore how the shape and size of ZnO particles influence the dynamic behavior of SBR composites.

    The researchers conducted dynamic micro X-ray CT scans on these materials, rotating them during imaging while simultaneously subjecting them to vibrations from the shaker. They then developed histograms of local strain amplitudes by utilizing the local strains extracted from the 3D reconstructed images of the materials’ internal structures. These histograms, in conjunction with the materials’ loss factor, a measure of the inherent damping of a material, were analyzed to understand their dynamic behavior.

    When comparing materials SBR and NR, which have significantly different loss factors, the team found no discernible differences between their local strain amplitude histograms. However, the histograms displayed wider strain distributions in the presence of composite particles like ZnO. This suggests that strain within these materials is non-uniform and depends on the shape and size of the particles, which may have masked any changes from the addition of the particles.

    “This technology can allow us to study the microstructure of rubber and rubber-like materials under dynamic conditions and can result in the development of fuel-efficient rubber tires or gloves that do not deteriorate. Moreover, this technology can also enable the dynamic X-ray CT imaging of living organs that repeatedly deform, such as the heart, and can even pave the way for the development of artificial organs,” says Dr. Matsubara, highlighting the importance of this study.

    Overall, this breakthrough technology has the potential to advance the understanding of the microstructure of viscoelastic materials, likely opening the doors for the development of novel materials with improved properties.

     

    ***

     

    Reference

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110875

    Authors: Masami Matsubara1, Ryo Takara2, Taichi Komatsu2, Shogo Furuta2, Khoo Pei Loon2, Masakazu Kobayashi2, Hitomu Mushiaki3, Kentaro Uesugi4, Shozo Kawamura2, and Daiki Tajiri2

    Affiliations      

    1Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering, Waseda University

    2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology

    3Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology

    4Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute

     

     

    About Waseda University

    Located in the heart of Tokyo, Waseda University is a leading private research university that has long been dedicated to academic excellence, innovative research, and civic engagement at both the local and global levels since 1882. The University has produced many changemakers in its history, including nine prime ministers and many leaders in business, science and technology, literature, sports, and film. Waseda has strong collaborations with overseas research institutions and is committed to advancing cutting-edge research and developing leaders who can contribute to the resolution of complex, global social issues. The University has set a target of achieving a zero-carbon campus by 2032, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. 

    To learn more about Waseda University, visit https://www.waseda.jp/top/en

     

    About Associate Professor Masami Matsubara

    Masami Matsubara is an Associate Professor (tenure-track) at the School of Creative Science and Engineering of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Waseda University, Japan. He earned his Ph.D. from Doshisha University. His research focuses on the mechanics of materials, mechatronics, and dynamic modelling. He has recently worked on vibration reduction methods and dynamic design for large-scale numerical analysis models and detailed design and experimental methods for component and unit testing. He is a member of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) and SAE International. He received the JSME Medal for Outstanding Paper in 2014, 2020, and 2022.

     

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  • GMB Expands Education Services With Acquisition of Higher Education Marketing Firm, Up&Up

    GMB Expands Education Services With Acquisition of Higher Education Marketing Firm, Up&Up

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    HOLLAND, Mich., November 7, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    GMB, a professional services firm focused on the educational market, is thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking acquisition. GMB has officially acquired Up&Up Agency, an uplifting marketing leader specializing in higher education. This acquisition not only represents an exciting new chapter in GMB’s journey but also underscores the firm’s commitment to transforming education services. 

    Fusing GMB’s robust educational architecture and engineering services with Up&Up’s knowledge in educational marketing, this connection is designed to create tailored approaches that uniquely benefit educational institutions.

    “By welcoming Up&Up into the GMB brand, we are redefining what a full-service education company can look like,” said David Bolt, President and CEO of GMB. “GMB is building a new kind of firm that more holistically impacts students and supports the success of educational institutions across the country.”

    Adam Landrum, the current CEO of Up&Up, echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the shared vision and goals of the two organizations.

    “I am incredibly excited about this strategic acquisition of Up&Up by GMB,” said Landrum. “By combining our higher education-focused brand and marketing services with GMB’s services, we’re beginning an exciting new chapter of building a full-service education company to uplift our clients and the educational industry as a whole.”

    Up&Up’s mission is to help leaders of forward-thinking colleges grow enrollment and activate a compelling brand strategy that positions their school to attract and retain more right-fit students.

    GMB and Up&Up share a common dedication to innovation and knowledge sharing, eagerly anticipating the combined impact their skills will have on shaping future learning ecosystems. The newly united team is poised to provide unparalleled support and guidance to educational clients, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their projects.

    “This is more than an acquisition; it’s a collaborative journey towards creating impactful learning environments,” stated Rob DenBesten, COO at GMB. “Up&Up is a welcome addition to GMB’s growing team and this transition is a true testament to our culture that is focused on continual learning.”

    Up&Up, based in Greenville, South Carolina, will continue serving their existing clients across the U.S. while embracing GMB’s people-first philosophy. This philosophy encourages trusting teams that operate with open communication in the pursuit of common goals, aligning with GMB’s structure as a 100% employee-owned company.

    “We are thrilled to begin working with Up&Up, whose expertise will continue to connect us to courageous educators who are as excited as we are to engage in this meaningful work,” added Bolt.

    Source: GMB

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  • Carnegie Learning Awarded LEVI Grant to Double the Rate of Middle School Math Progress by 2027

    Carnegie Learning Awarded LEVI Grant to Double the Rate of Middle School Math Progress by 2027

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    Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Learning, a pioneer in AI-driven education technology, curriculum, and professional learning solutions for K-12, has been selected by the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute (LEVI) as one of seven teams committed toward accomplishing an ambitious goal: to DOUBLE the rate of middle school math progress for low income students by 2027.

    The seven teams – Carnegie Learning, Carnegie Mellon University, Eedi, Rising Academies, the University of Colorado Boulder, Khan Academy, and the University of Florida – are committed to harnessing the potential of AI and machine learning to develop innovative, affordable interventions to enhance middle school math education. Carnegie Learning has particularly deep collaborations, as a partner with three of the seven teams –  Carnegie Mellon University on the LEVI Plus grant, and the University of Colorado Boulder/Saga, who are using Carnegie Learning’s award-winning MATHia as part of their intensive tutoring.

    Carnegie Learning’s solution is MATHstream, which customizes avatars using generative AI to increase students’ motivation and engagement. It’s the only adaptive, interactive video streaming program for grades 6-12 where teachers who are high-profile math influencers deliver targeted instruction in an engaging, game-based environment.

    MATHstream pairs engaging video lessons with real-time questions, prompts, and feedback provides an effective tutoring alternative that can be used in low-income classroom settings to respond to some of today’s biggest challenges in education. The game-based learning program offers a 1:1 learning experience from streamer to student, and the generative AI adaptable, digital tutor meets the students where they are in their learning journey with personalized instruction. Overall, MATHstream can help scale tutoring accessibility, combat teacher fatigue and strain as a result of the ongoing teacher shortage, and help struggling students achieve higher proficiency levels and conceptual learning.

    “We are excited to be selected for a ‘dream team’ of educators and innovators by LEVI,” said Carnegie Learning CEO Barry Malkin. “This is truly the life’s work of our founder and Chief Data Scientist Dr. Steve Ritter, who created the first AI-driven math program over 25 years ago. His pioneering idea for Cognitive Tutor, now MATHia, started a revolution in education technology. We are on the cusp of a new level of innovation with this incredible team to reach new levels of success for students.”

    For a comprehensive overview of the institute, teams, and their groundbreaking projects, please visit https://learning-engineering-virtual-institute.org/.

    About Carnegie Learning, Inc.

    Carnegie Learning is celebrating 25 years as a leader in AI-driven technology, curriculum, and professional learning solutions for K-12 education. Our award-winning math, literacy, world languages, professional learning, high-dosage tutoring, and MATHstream products deliver real and lasting results. Born from cognitive science research at Carnegie Mellon University, we are known for harnessing the power of data to improve student performance. Our range of products allows us to support more than 2 million students and educators in all 50 states and Canada. Named a Top Place to Work for six years in a row, our employees are passionate about partnering with educators in the classroom. For more information, visit carnegielearning.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

     About the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute (LEVI) Program

    LEVI began operating in 2022 with the mission to spur deep collaboration across institutes and disciplines to drastically improve math outcomes for students in middle school grades within five years. The LEVI program selected seven teams – Carnegie Learning, Carnegie Mellon University, Eedi, Khan Academy, Rising Academies, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Florida – to develop interventions to tackle the LEVI goal. Each team developed a five-year plan to achieve the goal, which includes deep collaboration across institutions and disciplines, and a strong ethos of actual building and experimentation. To propel teams toward their goals, the LEVI program team also developed ‘hubs,’ or resource centers to create a single support or menu of supports, from which the overall field can also benefit.

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  • UWF, Leidos partner to launch cybersecurity infrastructure lab

    UWF, Leidos partner to launch cybersecurity infrastructure lab

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    Newswise — The University of West Florida and Leidos, a Fortune 500® science and technology leader, have launched the Leidos Cybersecurity Infrastructure Lab in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. The new lab is purpose-built to provide students with hands-on cybersecurity education in realistic digital environments.

    “The cybersecurity skills gap is an economic and national security issue,” said Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering Dean Jaromy Kuhl. “We are pleased that along with UWF, Leidos prioritizes growing the number of talented cybersecurity professionals by supporting students with hands-on, real-world experience that they gain in the Leidos Cybersecurity Infrastructure Lab.”

    The goal of the lab is to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and intuitively help address a critical workforce gap nationwide. As the White House has noted, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals tops 700,000 in the U.S. according to some estimates. 

    “We’re launching and expanding activities and investments that directly accelerate the upskilling and reskilling of cybersecurity professionals in support of our government customers,” said Dan Voce, Leidos senior vice president for growth and integration. “Leidos explored Pensacola as a strategic location and immediately recognized the high caliber talent at UWF. We are heeding the call from the White House to address the critical cybersecurity skills gap, and the new Cybersecurity Infrastructure Lab at UWF is a big step forward in this effort.”

    The lab includes a cloud based, enterprise platform that is modeled to represent an unclassified government enterprise platform. Students will receive hands-on experience in the areas of digital modernization, updated data processing techniques, modeling and simulation, capability and capacity planning assessments. Students will also gain familiarity with Amazon Web Services and multiple other vendor training tools and training modules. This exposure to application development and testing environments enables valuable industry experience and positions the students for internships supported by Leidos with the University’s collaboration.

    For more information about UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, visit uwf.edu/hmcse. For more information about Leidos, visit leidos.com. 

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    University of West Florida

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  • Underwater robot finds new circulation pattern in Antarctic ice shelf

    Underwater robot finds new circulation pattern in Antarctic ice shelf

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    Newswise — ITHACA, N.Y. – More than merely cracks in the ice, crevasses play an important role in circulating seawater beneath Antarctic ice shelves, potentially influencing their stability, finds Cornell University-led research based on a first-of-its-kind exploration by an underwater robot.

    The remotely operated Icefin robot’s climb up and down a crevasse in the base of the Ross Ice Shelf produced the first 3D measurements of ocean conditions near where it meets the coastline, a critical juncture known as the grounding zone.

    The robotic survey revealed a new circulation pattern – a jet funneling water sideways through the crevasse – in addition to rising and sinking currents, and diverse ice formations shaped by shifting flows and temperatures. Those details will improve modeling of ice shelf melting and freezing rates at grounding zones, where few direct observations exist, and of their potential contribution to global sea-level rise.

    “Crevasses move water along the coastline of an ice shelf to an extent previously unknown, and in a way models did not predict,” said Peter Washam, a polar oceanographer and research scientist at Cornell University. “The ocean takes advantage of these features, and you can ventilate the ice shelf cavity through them.”

    Washam is the lead author of “Direct Observations of Melting, Freezing and Ocean Circulation in an Ice Shelf Basal Crevasse,” published in Science Advances.

    The scientists in late 2019 deployed the Icefin vehicle – roughly 12 feet long and less than 10 inches around – on a tether down a 1,900-foot borehole drilled with hot water, near where Antarctica’s largest ice shelf meets the Kamb Ice Stream. Such so-called grounding zones are key to controlling the balance of ice sheets, and the places where changing ocean conditions can have the most impact.

    On the team’s last of three dives, Matthew Meister, a senior research engineer, drove Icefin into one of five crevasses found near the borehole. Equipped with thrusters, cameras, sonar and sensors for measuring water temperature, pressure and salinity, the vehicle climbed nearly 150 feet up one slope and descended the other.

    The survey detailed changing ice patterns as the crevasse narrowed, with scalloped indentations giving way to vertical runnels, then green-tinted marine ice and stalactites. Melting at the crevasse base and salt rejection from freezing near the top moved water up and down around the horizontal jet, driving uneven melting and freezing on the two sides, with more melting along the lower downstream wall.

    “Each feature reveals a different type of circulation or relationship of the ocean temperature to freezing,” Washam said. “Seeing so many different features within a crevasse, so many changes in the circulation, was surprising.”

    The researchers said the findings highlight crevasses’ potential to transport changing ocean conditions – warmer or colder – through an ice shelf’s most vulnerable region.

    “If water heats up or cools off, it can move around in the back of the ice shelf quite vigorously, and crevasses are one of the means by which that happens,” Washam said. “When it comes to projecting sea-level rise, that’s important to have in the models.”

    The research was funded by Project RISE UP (Ross Ice Shelf and Europa Underwater Probe), part of NASA’s Planetary Science and Technology from Analog Research program, with logistical support provided by the National Science Foundation through the U.S. Antarctic Program. It was facilitated by the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute, Aotearoa New Zealand Antarctic Science Platform and the Victoria University of Wellington Hot Water Drilling initiative.

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    Cornell University

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  • KERI’s thermoelectric technology, key to space probes, attracting German attention

    KERI’s thermoelectric technology, key to space probes, attracting German attention

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    Newswise — Drs. SuDong Park, Byungki Ryu, and Jaywan Chung of the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) developed a new thermoelectric efficiency formalism and a high-efficiency multistage thermoelectric power generator module. This innovation can boost nuclear battery performance, crucial for space probes, and has attracted attention from the German Aerospace Research Institute.

    A Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG), known as a thermoelectric-based nuclear battery, is a dependable power source that has been used in space probes, rovers, and other remote operations. In an RTG, radioisotopes like plutonium-238 and americium-241 decay within a sealed vessel, producing substantial heat—typically ranging from 400-700 degrees Celsius. The RTG captures this heat and directly converts the thermal energy to electrical energy in the cold environment of space.

    The core components of RTG technology are the “Radioisotope Heat Unit (RHU)”, which harnesses radioactive isotopes as a heating element, and the “thermoelectric power generator module” that converts this heat into electricity. While the development of the RHU is constrained by international restrictions, South Korea’s thermoelectric module fabrication technology is considered to be globally competitive.

    In RTGs, thermoelectric power modules are designed with a layered arrangement of thermoelectric materials, transitioning from the hot to the cold sides, each optimized for peak performance within specific temperature ranges. This multistage design is crucial given the inherent temperature dependence of thermoelectric material efficiency. Strategically positioning the top-performing materials based on temperature distribution is essential. KERI’s landmark accomplishment is their world-class design, synthesis, and analysis of this highly effective layered thermoelectric module.

    Initially, the research team identified the shortcomings and constraints of the ‘dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT)’, a traditional metric conventionally used in academia to evaluate thermoelectric performance. They then successfully formulated a new thermoelectric efficiency formalism and equations that allow for precise efficiency predictions. Leveraging this formalism and the thermoelectric data held by KERI, they can predict the performance of thermoelectric power generator modules across more than 100 million potential thermoelectric semiconductor stack combinations. By utilizing the thermoelectric device design program, pykeri, this design and search process has been expedited by several hundred times compared to previous methods. This innovation marks a substantial leap forward from earlier approaches that depended on single-stage thermoelectric materials and the traditional metric.

    The KERI research team successfully fabricated multistage thermoelectric modules, achieving an efficiency that surpasses traditional single-stage modules by over 3% when the hot side exceeds 500 degrees Celsius.

    Additionally, their innovative fabrication method permits these modules to be comprised of two to four layers, all fitting compactly within a height of just a few millimeters. This advancement not only ensures heightened efficiency but also offers superior compactness and a lightweight design compared to previous methods. Such an internationally competitive milestone stands out prominently in the space auxiliary power market—particularly for small satellites and exploration rovers—garnering significant attention in the civilian commercial sector.

    SuDong Park of KERI remarked, “We are the first institute in Korea to conduct thermoelectric power generation research and have a long history and abundant source technology and practical data.” He further added, “This achievement is the culmination of convergence research that incorporates mathematics and physics into materials science.”

    “The module technology developed at KERI is excellent when compared internationally” said Pawel Ziolkowski, Deputy Head of a group of Thermoelectric Functional Materials and Systems, at the German Aerospace Center, adding that “The achieved level of technological maturity provides the best conditions for the development of new RTG-based energy systems for space exploration. This makes a significant contribution to an expanding scope of human space exploration.”

    The research team believes that this achievement has applications not only in the aerospace and defense sectors that utilize nuclear energy but also in various industries such as industrial waste heat recovery, cooling of communication equipment and optical devices and temperature control of electric vehicle batteries, and plans to strengthen cooperation with related organizations and companies.

    Meanwhile, KERI is a government-funded research institute under the National Research Council of Science & Technology of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

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    National Research Council of Science and Technology

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  • 3 best practices to create a STEM-focused school

    3 best practices to create a STEM-focused school

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    Key points:

    • STEM education has myriad academic and career benefits for students
    • STEM-focused schools can engage their surrounding communities and stakeholders to craft strong learning programs
    • See related article: 5 science and technology videos to get students talking
    • For more news on STEM learning, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM page

    The benefits of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education are numerous, and one would be hard-pressed to find a school district that doesn’t have a project, initiative, class, or lesson with the acronym in its title.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2021, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations–a total projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031. This figure represents a growth rate twice as fast as non-STEM occupations.

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    Ashish Vadalia, STEM Program Manager, Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation

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