Monday, January 7, 2013
NSF award aids UNL engineer's efforts to build better solar cell
The sun provides all the energy humans could ever need. But capturing that power remains expensive and inefficient, which leaves fossil fuels as dominant energy sources.
Jinsong Huang, an assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, envisions a future when solar energy devices will become so inexpensive and pliable that nearly any surface, including windows and clothing, will harness the sun. He recently earned a five-year, $400,000 Faculty Early Career Development Program, or CAREER Award, from the National Science Foundation to continue his research into solar cell development. This prestigious award helps outstanding pre-tenure faculty develop as teacher-scholars and researchers. Read more about this award in Today@UNL.
Larkins, Paul, Van Etten earn innovation honor
Two professors and a vice chancellor at UNL have been named Charter Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors: Brian Larkins, associate vice chancellor for life sciences and professor of agronomy and horticulture; Prem S. Paul, vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development; and James Van Etten, William Allington Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology and co-director of the Nebraska Center for Virology. All are part of the group of 98 innovators elected to NAI Fellow status.
Election to NAI Fellows is a high professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. The fellows were announced Dec. 18. Read more about these honors in Today@UNL.
Reed, Siddiqui, place in Hearst journalism competitions
Two University of Nebraska-Lincoln journalism students are winners in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program, often called the Pulitzer Prizes of college journalism.
Faiz Siddiqui of Cincinnati placed third in the feature writing-competition. Anna Reed of Omaha placed fourth in the first of two photojournalism competitions. Siddiqui received a $1,500 award and Reed received a $1,000 award. The UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications will receive matching grants. Read more about this award in Today@UNL.
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Former chancellor honored for academic freedom
Former University of Nebraska chancellor E. Benjamin Andrews has been honored posthumously with an Academic Freedom award from the Academic Freedom Coalition of Nebraska. The award was presented to Peterson Brink, assistant university archivist with the University Libraries, on behalf of Andrews.
The award is given yearly to an individual, group or institution demonstrating exceptional courage and service in the promotion and defense of academic freedom. This is the first time in the 25-year history of the award that it was presented posthumously. Read more about this award in Today@UNL.
Chancellor issues welcome back message, outlines key issues
Dear Colleagues:
As we begin the new year, I want to thank you again for everything you do for the university and to encourage you to continue your efforts in 2013. While we may have had less drama in 2012 than in some years, our progress remains steady and our trajectory upward. I thought I would burden you with a short report on what lies ahead.
University Goals — Our ambitious growth objectives remain achievable. We have increased our admissions and recruitment infrastructure and early numbers for enrollment growth are promising. We are seeing increased faculty leadership in pursuing our research agenda, and initiatives such as the University Affiliated Research Center position us well for growth. We are trying, where possible, to make careful investments in new faculty, but this will intensify as enrollment increases. And there are several initiatives within Academic and Student Affairs to address our retention and graduation rates. In all, I'm very pleased with how you have all responded to the challenge of growing the university. Read the full message in Today@UNL.
UNL.edu now formatted for all devices
The Internet and Interactive Media group of University Communications and Information Services has concluded the first phase in its effort to provide full support to all devices - desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets - by implementing a suite of web technologies collectively known as 'responsive design.' This week, the internal and external homepages were re-launched as 'responsive' designs.
You can see the effects of responsive design in your desktop browser by simply re-sizing your browser window (the page will reformat as the window is narrowed), or by viewing on your tablet or smartphone. Please use the 'feedback' links at the bottom of the page if you would like to let us know of any issues. Thank you.
