September 11-17, 2017

Newsletter

September 11, 2017

Faculty News
Research & Grants:
Dr. Lorena Barba (MAE) was awarded a $299,847 grant from the National Science Foundation for the project “Cyberinfrastructure Reproducibility Project: Computational Science and Engineering.” The project began September 1. It is a response to the NSF CISE Directorate's Dear Colleague Letter Encouraging Reproducibility in Computing and Communications Research. It uses methodical replication of studies in computational fluid dynamics as the model for understanding sources of non-reproducibility in science, and for developing guiding principles of study design that can guarantee, as much as possible, reproducible findings.

Dr. Ekundayo Shittu (EMSE) is a principal investigator on a two-year, $300,000, National Science Foundation EAGER grant titled “Collaborative Research: Broadening participation and strengthening capacity in interdisciplinary engineering model development.” Through this grant, Dr. Shittu will work with his collaborator at North Carolina A&T State University to create a proof-of-concept that evaluates different adaptive learning formalisms to identify effective strategies to aid students’ capabilities to develop and apply mathematical models for problem solving in engineering. The role of anticipatory cognition is to influence students’ reasoning about the problem content prior to the development and application of the mathematics-based approach. This project will enhance our understanding of how thinking and narrative identity evolve over time and how the process of coaching scholars of color in a supportive academic context might strengthen the value proposition of entering the professoriate. GW’s share of the award is $199,906.

Media Mentions:

Dr. Joseph Barbera (EMSE) appeared on WTTG-Fox 5’s “News @ 6:30’’ September 5 broadcast in a segment about the cost of cleaning up after Hurricane Harvey.

In the September 3 segment “Behavioral Sciences at the CIA,’’ Radio Health Journal spoke to Dr. David Broniatowski (EMSE) about his research that was presented at a National Academy of Sciences summit.

Dr. Russell Hemley (CEE) and his recent paper, “Melting and High P-T Transitions of Hydrogen up to 300 GPa,”were highlighted in the September 4 Chemistry World article, “Tentative claims for new metallic hydrogen.” Since 1935 when theorists first predicted hydrogen could take on a metallic form under immense pressure, the quest to find it has been on. Dr. Hemley has now mapped out what could be several metallic states for hydrogen.

Publications:
The article “A Bridge Forward,” published in the September 2017 issue of Modern Steel Construction Magazine recognized the George Washington University for its pioneering research work on the maximum spacing for steel studs, which recently led to a major change in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications by extending the spacing from 24 inches to 48 inches. This research was conducted in NCHRP 12-65, sponsored by the National Academy of Science. Dr. Sameh Badie (CEE) was the principal investigator. Scroll to page 45 of the magazine link to see the article.

Dr. James Lee (MAE) and his former students, Dr. Jiaoyan Li, Dr. Zhen Zhang, and Dr. Leyu Wang, have published the following book chapter: J. Lee, J. Li, Z. Zhang, and L. Wang. “Sequential and Concurrent Multiscale Modeling of Multiphysics: From Atoms to Continuum” in Micromechanics and Nanomechanics of Composite Solids (edited by S. Meguid and G. Weng), Springer, 2017.

SEAS Computing Facility
MATLAB Workshops:
Wednesday, September 13
Session 1: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Session 2: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
SEH, B1220
Register

Session 1: Machine Learning with MATLAB Seminar
Engineers and data scientists work with large amounts of data in a variety of formats such as sensor, image, video, telemetry, databases, and more. They use machine learning to find patterns in data and to build models that predict future outcomes based on historical data.

In this session, we explore the fundamentals of machine learning using MATLAB. We introduce machine learning techniques available in MATLAB to quickly explore your data, evaluate machine learning algorithms, compare the results, and apply the best technique to your problem.

Highlights include:

Training, evaluating, and comparing a range of machine learning models
Using refinement and reduction techniques to create models that best capture the predictive power of your data
Running predictive models in parallel using multiple processors to expedite your results
Deploying your models in a variety of formats

Session 2: Parallel and Distributed Computing with MATLAB
Large-scale simulations and data processing tasks that support engineering and scientific activities such as mathematical modeling, algorithm development, and testing can take an unreasonably long time to complete or require a lot of computer memory. You can speed up these tasks by taking advantage of high-performance computing resources, such as multicore computers, GPUs, computer clusters, and cloud computing services.

Using the parallel computing capabilities in MATLAB allows you to take advantage of additional hardware resources that may be available either locally on your desktop or on clusters and clouds. By using more hardware, you can reduce the cycle time for your workflow and solve computationally and data-intensive problems faster.

In this session, we will discuss and demonstrate how to perform parallel and distributed computing in MATLAB. We will introduce you to parallel processing constructs such as parallel for-loops, distributed arrays, and message-passing functions. We will also show you how to take advantage of common trends in computer hardware, from multiprocessor machines to computer clusters.

Highlights Include:

Built-in support for parallel computing
Creating parallel applications to speed up independent tasks
Scaling up to computer clusters, grid environments, or clouds
Employing GPUs to speed up your computations
Programming with tall and distributed arrays to work with large data sets

MATLAB and SOLIDWORKS workshops and tutoring: SEAS Computing Facility will hold a series of workshops covering MATLAB and Solidworks programming through the fall semester. The workshops will be held on Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in Tompkins 405.

MATLAB:
MATLAB (matrix laboratory) is a multi-paradigm numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language used in various backgrounds of engineering, science, and economics. These workshops will cover the fundamentals of MATLAB programming.

September 22: Introduction, data structures, and programming basics I
October 13: Programming basics II
October 27: Figures & 3D plotting
November 10: Linear equation & ODE solving

Solidworks:
SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program that enables engineers and architects to design, inspect, and manage engineering projects within an integrated graphical user interface. Through these workshops you will learn how to navigate the Soldiworks interface, create sketches, set up parametric relations, and create 3D models. You will create the different parts of a V6 internal combustion engine from scratch, assemble it, and see it come to life.

September 29: Introduction and sketching
October 20: Extrusion; work planes
November 3: Special features
November 17: Assembly

Tutoring:
MATLAB and Solidworks tutoring will be offered throughout the fall semesterin Tompkins 401 on the following days:

Wednesdays: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Thursdays: 12:00 – 3:30 pm
Fridays: 4:00 – 6:00 pm

To schedule a tutoring appointment, please email [email protected]. The MATLAB and Solidworks workshops and tutoring will be hosted by SEAS graduate student Makan Payandehazad.

SEAS Events
CEE Colloquium: "Compatibility, hysteresis and the direct conversion of heat to electricity"
Speaker: Prof. Richard James, University of Minnesota
Monday, September 11
2:30 - 3:30 pm
SEH, B1220

CEE Colloquium: "Gas Hydrates as a Problem or Solution to Energy Production and Storage"
Speaker: Dr. Carolyn Koh, Center for Hydrate Research, Colorado School of Mines
Monday, September 25
3:00 - 4:00 pm
SEH, B1220

ECE Distinguished Lecture Series: “High-Capacity Optical Communications Using Multiplexing of Multiple Orbital-Angular-Momentum Beams”
Speaker: Dr. Alan Willner, University of Southern California
Wednesday, September 27
1:00 – 2:00 pm
SEH, B1220 (reception to follow immediately after)

Career News & Events
Cisco Meraki: Information Session
Tuesday, September 12
6:00 - 8:00 pm
SEH, 2000
Register
Come learn about Cisco Meraki and the future of cloud networking! Our team will discuss the company’s mission, what it’s like to work in our San Francisco office, and the magic of Meraki dashboard. Our network engineers will introduce our different products through the dashboard live. This event is open to all those interested in learning more about Cisco Meraki. Food and beverages will be provided.

Cisco Meraki will be hiring for network support engineers at this event. If you are interested in this position, please send resumes to [email protected]. Learn more about the position’s roles and responsibilities.

General Dynamics Electric Boat: Resume Review, Info Share (Walk-In)
Wednesday, September 13
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
SEH, 2990
Drop by and have your resume reviewed and participate in informal career discussions with Electric Boat. Connect with a senior engineer recruiter and an employee who is a SEAS alumna. Please note: All SEAS students are invited to this event; however, to meet clearance requirements, U.S. citizenship is required for employment.

Deloitte: Information Session
Tuesday, September 19
6:00 - 9:00 pm
SEH, 1270
SEAS undergraduates are invited to attend and learn about career opportunities at Deloitte. Refreshments will be served.

M.C. Dean: Information Session and Meet & Greet
Wednesday, September 20
5:00 - 6:30 pm
SEH, B1167 (The Commons/Green Wall space, SEH Level B1)
Meet a SEAS alumnus and the M.C. Dean recruiting team, enjoy refreshments, and learn about full-time and internship opportunities at M.C. Dean. The target audience for this event is sophomores through seniors who are mechanical, electrical, computer, or systems engineering majors or computer science majors.

IBM: Women in Technology Panel Discussion
Thursday, September 28
8:00 - 9:00 pm
SEH, B1220
Join women leaders from IBM's Public Service Sector Consulting Practice (Global Business Services) as they host a panel conversation to discuss their careers to-date, and what it is like working at IBM. Topics will also include women in technology and at IBM, work-life balance, corporate responsibility, and diversity. All who are interested in a career at IBM are welcome to attend. This event is sponsored by the GW chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

If you have questions about any of the SEAS employer events listed above, please contact Emmy Rashid at [email protected] or (202) 994-7892.

Entrepreneurship News & Events
VentureWell Programs:
Faculty Grants: VentureWell is seeking proposals for areas that will support the emerging generation of inventors and innovators and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems critical to their success. VentureWell provides grants of up to $30,000 to help fund and support faculty with innovative ideas to create new (or transform existing) courses and programs to help students develop novel, STEM-based inventions and gain the necessary entrepreneurial skills needed to bring these ideas to market. Applications are due November 8.

Webinar: “Orientation to the 2018 GW New Venture Competition”
Thursday, September 14
12:00 – 1:00 pm
WebEx: https://gwu.webex.com/meet/jbautista
Register
Were you unable to come to our earlier orientation workshops? No biggie! Learn about the 2018 GW New Venture Competition through this webinar. Join us at this online session to learn about how you can apply and compete next semester for over $300,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.

Workshop: “Where Do I Start?”
Tuesday, September 19
5:30 – 7:00 pm
GW Innovation Center, Tompkins Hall M06
Register
Do you have a great business idea but are feeling unsure of how to execute that idea? Or, are you unsure of where to start as an entrepreneur without an actual business idea? Don't worry! Join us for a great workshop on how you can begin in the startup community with or without a business idea!

SEED SPOT
Tuesdays, from September 19 through December 12
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Apply
Applications are open for the SEED SPOT evening program. The program is perfect for entrepreneurs who have just begun their journey in starting a company or are thinking about starting a company. Join an evening cohort of passionate entrepreneurs looking to hone their business skills and maximize their impact.

GW Idea Fest
Wednesday, September 27
5:30 – 7:30 pm
GW Innovation Center, Tompkins Hall M06
This event is open to all GW students from every corner of campus. Join us in a celebration of ideas; earn up to $1,000 in prizes; network; find a co-founder; team up with a designer; pitch ideas; meet our team; and carb up.

NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshop
Tuesday and Wednesday, October 17 and 18
INOVA Center for Personalized Health, Falls Church, VA
Register
This 1.5-day course is ideal for those serious about writing a compelling SBIR/STTR for the National Institutes of Health, particularly those who are considering the January 2018 NIH SBIR/STTR deadline. The session includes an in-depth discussion on SBIR/STTR, with a section-by-section overview on how to plan and write a compelling proposal.