Syracuse University

Can you imagine a bridge constructed from pasta, or a car made from a mousetrap? Students in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) will show how it can be done during E-Month, a series of events throughout February aimed at showcasing the work of students and celebrating innovations. The theme for E-Month 2004 is "Innovations: Turning Ideas Into Reality."

"Our students and faculty are turning ideas into reality across our full breadth of programs: cutting-edge research in biomaterials and systems assurance, development of new products in microwave engineering and air filtration, informing practitioners in geotechnical engineering and environmental systems, and more," says Douglas D. Danforth Dean Eric F. Spina.

The E-Month schedule includes academic and social events that will provide students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and network with other students, alumni and professionals. Among the highlights of E-month:

• An E-Month Kickoff Celebration, Feb. 2 from 4-5 p.m. in Rooms 304B-C of the Schine Student Center. The event will feature remarks by Spina and local engineering professionals and the reading of an E-Month proclamation from local officials.
  
  
• A discussion on "Innovation and Risk: The Perils of Establishing a Start-Up Company," by ECS alumnus Jim Ambras '77, vice president for product development with OnStation Inc. in San Mateo, Calif. Ambras will speak Feb. 9 at 7:15 p.m. in 369 Link Hall.
  
  
• A lecture titled "Bioengineering-The Next Frontier of Innovation" by Jeremy Gilbert, chair of the Department of Bioengineering and Neuroscience will take place Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in 105 Link Hall.
  
  
• A presentation called "Innovations: What the Heck is Terrestrial Engineering?" by alumnus Phil Dorante '88, director of terrestrial engineering at Sirius Satellite Radio, will be held Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in 369 Link Hall.
  
  
• Michelle Tomlinson '97 G'98, vice president with JP Morgan Chase Bank in New York, will present "We've Come a Long Way Baby," Feb. 20 in the Schine Student Center Underground.
  
  
• On Feb. 22, "Building Destiny," interactive displays for children, will be shown at Carousel Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  
  
• "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day," a daylong series of events that will introduce young girls to opportunities that exist in the engineering profession, will be Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Schine Student Center Underground.
  
  
• There will also be several ECS Olympics competitions. On Feb. 4 at 5 p.m., in Room 369 of Link Hall, students will build suspension bridges using pasta. Feb. 12 at 1 p.m., students will build calculator launch vehicles, an engineering and therapeutic exercise to be held at a location to be determined. Finally, students will build and race mousetrap cars on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. in the Schine Student Center Underground.
  
  

A full schedule of E-Month events is available at http://www.ecs.syr.edu/events/emonth/. For more information, call Kelly Homan Rodoski at 443-3784.