Author: Darius Isaiah Craig

Dropping a Graduate Course or Withdrawing from all Courses

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 17, 2020

On November 16, the Provost emailed all students announcing that the deadline to withdraw from a course has been extended to November 30 to provide students who have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic conditions with more flexibility. In considering your options, it is important that graduate students and program advisors understand the potential implications of withdrawing from a course (or an entire semester) so they can work together to make an informed decision.

When you register for a course, a seat is taken. Dropping after the end of the schedule adjustment period means that someone on the waiting list was unable to take the course. For this reason, the cost of a dropped course is charged to the student. If you received tuition remission as a result of a graduate assistantship or a tuition award in addition to your fellowship, you may incur tuition charges if you drop a course or withdraw from all courses.

Withdrawl from all courses

Unless you are granted a leave of absence, withdrawal from all classes will result in termination of admission and withdrawal from the University.

Graduate Assistantships

The assistantship stipend ceases.
Assistantship benefits (health, tuition remission) terminate.
The tuition remission will charge back to the student’s account and the student will be responsible for the cost of courses taken according to the Office of the Registrar schedule attached below.

Fellowships

The fellowship stipend may be rescinded.
Any associated tuition award will be revoked and the student will be responsible for the cost of courses taken according to the Office of the Registrar schedule linked below.

Dropping a Course

The key consideration is whether full-time status is retained after the course is dropped.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistants must retain full-time status during the period of the assistantship. See here for the requirements for full-time status.
When receiving assistantship tuition remission, dropping a course may result in a charge to the student’s account for the percentage of the refund not covered.

Fellowships

If the fellowship requires full-time status (48 units), dropping a course may result in the fellowship being rescinded.
When receiving an associated tuition award, dropping a course may result in a charge to the student’s account for the percentage of the refund not covered.

Graduate Students – Refund Schedule for Drops

Graduate students may obtain refunds for courses that are dropped during the Schedule Adjustment Period. Students may drop and add courses without penalty provided that the changes are made on the same day and that the total number of credits does not change. Graduate students are charged by the credit hour. A percentage charge and/or complete charge will be imposed according to the schedule below:

Prior to the first day of classes: 100% refund. There will be no charge for courses dropped prior to this date.
During the Schedule Adjustment Period: 80% refund. There will be a 20% charge imposed for courses dropped during this period.
Any time after the Schedule Adjustment Period: 0% refund. There will be no refund; students incur the full charge for courses dropped during this period.

For related questions, please first consult the program’s Director/Coordinator of Graduate Studies (DGS/CGS) and then, if necessary, University Human Resources Benefits (for assistantships), or The Graduate School (for fellowships).

REFUND SCHEDULE

Dropping courses or withdrawing may impact your financial aid eligibility. Visit the Office of the Registrar’s page of academic deadlines for dropping a course or withdrawing from all courses. For related questions about refunds, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Fellowships & Scholarships

NREL Internship Opportunity and Solar Decathlon Mentor Program

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 12, 2020

We are reaching out to share an exciting internship opportunity as a Student Design Competition Intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. This will be a full-time, one-year, paid position, and the successful candidate will support various NREL efforts and projects, including support to student competitions in building science; domestic technical assistance programs to federal partners; and projects focused on building science.

Candidates must be enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree program, or have graduated in the past 12 months from an accredited institution. The preferred candidate will be a master’s degree student in building science, hold an engineering or architecture undergraduate degree, and have experience as a student in the Solar Decathlon, Solar District Cup, or other buildings student design competition. More details about the opportunity can be found here.

We are also still accepting applicants to our Solar Decathlon Mentor Program! The Mentor Program will pair Solar Decathlon alumni with 2021 Design Challenge teams. Mentors will provide up to 15 hours of support to student teams during the competition period from November 2020–April 2021. Mentors will develop leadership skills, earn recognition on the Solar Decathlon social media channels, receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Energy, and be invited to virtually participate in the Solar Decathlon Competition Event in April 2021.

We look forward to seeing some of our 2020 Design Challenge alumni apply for the internship opportunity and become Solar Decathlon mentors!

Thank you,
Zac Peterson and the Solar Decathlon Organizers
SDdesign@nrel.gov
Solar Decathlon Website

Workshops, Seminars, & Events

ORISE Virtual Info Seminars

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 11, 2020

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is hosting a series of monthly webinars highlighting the 700-plus STEM, technical, and policy internships and fellowships available through ORISE at federal facilities nationwide! Opportunities are available in a variety of fields for college students, recent graduates, postdocs, and faculty.

Join us for one of these upcoming virtual info sessions:
November 18, 2020, 2 p.m. ET
December 16, 2020, 2 p.m. ET
January 20, 2021, 2 p.m. ET

If you have any questions, please contact Ask-A-Recruiter@orau.org.

Defenses

Thesis Defense: Sriram Jayanthi

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 11, 2020
Sticky post

Title: Underfill Selection to Improve Solder Joint Reliability For Down Hole Drilling Applications

Author: Sriram Jayanthi

Date/Time: November 19, 2020 10:00am-12:00pm

Examining Committee:

Professor Patrick McCluskey, Chair
Professor Abhijit Dasgupta
Dr. Michael Azarian

Abstract: Underfill materials were originally developed to improve the solder joint reliability of the BGA packages under the thermal cycling when they are experiencing stresses due to the CTE mismatches between the board and the component. Although it is stated that the underfills will improve the shock reliability of the solder joints under the harsh environment for automobiles and military applications (-40 to 125oC). It has been found in the thermal cycling conditions the underfills will reduce the life of the solder balls. All the studies that had been performed were mostly below 150oC. There are no certain guidelines for selecting the underfills with the properties of the materials. The main aim of this research is to create a guideline for selecting the underfills for high-temperature applications (above 150oC) for different BGA packages. In the first section, initial characterization and benchmarking of the underfills that are available in the industry was performed. In the second section, all the selected underfills were subjected to a harsh environment to find failure modes and mechanisms. With the help of experimentation and FEA that was done, guidelines were created for selecting the underfills for different BGA packages. This will be helpful to oil & gas and military applications.

Jobs/Internships

Faculty Opening – Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, in Quantum Information Science and Technology

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 11, 2020
Sticky post

University of Washington: Academic Personnel: College of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering

Location: Seattle, WA

Open Date: Oct 20, 2020

Deadline: Dec 1, 2020 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description: The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, invites outstanding faculty candidates to apply for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level. This position is on a 9-month service period with an anticipated start date of September 16, 2021.

This position will perform research in quantum information science and technology (QIST) in one of the following areas of interest: quantum control, machine learning to optimize QIST systems, quantum machine learning, and quantum mechanical/acoustic systems.

UW is also committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the university.

The successful applicant will be expected to provide innovative, high-quality teaching; to develop a vigorous, externally-funded research program; and to contribute to the goals and missions of the department, college, and university. Candidates will also be expected to present how they will contribute to an innovative undergraduate curriculum, and develop graduate courses in their areas of expertise.

Seattle is a vibrant international city, known for its cultural diversity, robust economy, and natural beauty. The University of Washington is the top U.S. public institution for federal research funding. UW faculty are committed to outstanding research, excellent teaching, and exemplary service. The Mechanical Engineering department’s research and teaching portfolio covers all aspects of the broad field of mechanical engineering, including interdisciplinary work in engineering in medicine, robotics and controls, energy and the environment, fluid dynamics, data science and machine learning, materials, and advanced manufacturing. The department currently has 39 full-time faculty, 409 undergraduates, 261 masters students, 126 PhD students and 17 postdoctoral researchers, and continues to grow. More information about the ME department is available at http://www.me.washington.edu.

The University of Washington and the College of Engineering promote diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, staff, and public. These positions are contingent on budgetary approval.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline by the date of appointment.

Candidates with a strong background in all areas of quantum information science and technology (QIST) are particularly encouraged to apply

Positive factors for consideration include, but are not limited to: potential to conduct world-class research and to innovate in quantum-enabled technologies; ability to leverage the ME Department’s and the University’s competitive advantage in QIST to help launch multidisciplinary research efforts; potential to develop a high-impact research program with national and international recognition and impact; excellent communication skills; and research, teaching, and/or service that had prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage audiences in higher education from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

Application Instructions
Applications should be submitted at: http://apply.interfolio.com/79554

Please provide pdf files for the following requested materials:

Cover letter indicating interest and fit with the position.
A current curriculum vitae.
Three letters of reference.
A research statement that includes your vision for research for the next 5 years and the potential for research collaboration and QIST impact.
A statement of teaching and education interests, and/or philosophy that includes plans to effectively develop and deliver educational materials, attract and mentor graduate students, and engage the broader community.
A statement of diversity/equity/inclusion reflecting how your lived experiences of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion and your approach to research, education and/or service contribute to positive social change and are inclusive of individuals with different gender, class, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, national and cultural boundaries, national origin, worldview, ability, and other identities.

Jobs/Internships

Faculty Opening – Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, in Biomedical Imaging and Analysis

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 11, 2020
Sticky post

University of Washington: Academic Personnel: College of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering

Location: Seattle, WA

Open Date: Oct 6, 2020

Candidates are being targeted for a cluster of hires that will occur over the next few years within the College of Engineering in the area of high-throughput biomedical imaging and big-data analysis. New hires will join a strong existing network of faculty who are pioneering this field within the College of Engineering, School of Medicine, and College of Arts and Sciences. For this particular hire within the cluster, the primary appointment and teaching responsibilities will be in mechanical engineering, but adjunct/affiliate appointments in other relevant departments/institutions will be encouraged. UW has a culture of inter-departmental and cross-college collaborations, close relationships with regional institutes, clinics, and industry partners. UW is also committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the university.

The ME department seeks to build on its existing strengths in areas that include (but are not limited to): high-resolution imaging instrumentation, sample/patient-preparation technologies, advanced visualization techniques, machine learning for big-data image analysis, and imaging-based interventions (including robotics and automation). Ideal candidates should be able to leverage the competitive advantages in healthcare, biotechnology, and data sciences that exist within the University of Washington and the surrounding region, including (but not limited to): UW Medicine, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the VA Puget Sound health care system, the Allen Institutes, and numerous companies leading the big-data revolution. Our ultimate goal is to leverage our collective expertise to address critical challenges in clinical care, health equity, and social transformation.

Successful candidates will be expected to develop a high-impact federally funded research program of international repute, to contribute to an innovative undergraduate curriculum, to develop graduate courses in their areas of expertise, and to contribute to efforts in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the campus climate for students, faculty, and staff. Our department faculty are also expected to serve as mentors for relevant capstone design projects, such as through our Engineering Innovation in Health (EIH) biodesign program.

The Mechanical Engineering department’s research and teaching portfolio covers all aspects of the broad field of mechanical engineering, including interdisciplinary programs in healthcare, robotics and controls, materials, advanced manufacturing, and alternative energy. The department is growing and currently consists of 39 full-time faculty, 409 undergraduates, 261 master students, 126 PhD students and 17 postdoctoral scholars. More information about the ME department is available at http://www.me.washington.edu.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD (or other foreign equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, or a discipline that is related to this targeted search, by the date of appointment

Application Instructions
Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a brief research statement (maximum 3 pages), teaching statement (1 page), and diversity statement (1 page). Names and contact information should be provided for at least three references. Please submit all applications at:

http://www.engr.washington.edu/facsearch/apply.phtml?xxxxxx

Review of applications will begin immediately and full consideration will be given to applications received by December 15, 2020. The process remains open until the position is filled.

Guidance for research, teaching, and diversity statements (junior faculty candidates)
The research, teaching, and diversity statements can be organized in a variety of ways, but should, at a minimum, communicate the following information:

The broad vision and long-term impact that the applicant seeks to have
Examples of prior activities and accomplishments, if any, that showcase the ability of the applicant to achieve their vision
Immediate plans and specific strategies for addressing that vision.

Candidates are encouraged to be creative with how they structure their statements, and to provide any additional information that they feel is relevant (within the page constraints). For example, figures and references are not necessary, but can be helpful in some cases, as well as mentioning other faculty and programs associated with the UW that can be synergistic with the applicant’s proposed programs.

Workshops, Seminars, & Events

Tale of Two Pandemics: Illuminating Structural Racism and COVID

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 10, 2020
Sticky post

Powered by Research Commons at University Libraries. Starting in 2015, the Interdisciplinary Dialogues have addressed such important issues as income inequality, immigration, social media and elections, and sex and gender in academia. Please note that all Fall 2020 events will be held virtually via Zoom. Registrants will receive an event link in their confirmation email.

As the United States faces a global COVID-19 pandemic that has killed over 200,000 and confronts longtime and systemic racism and violence against Black Americans, researchers have highlighted a clear intersection between structural racism and high risk situations for contracting COVID. By drawing from research expertise, this panel explores the concurrent pandemics of racism and COVID, causes of inequity, and ways in which our community can address them.

Panelists include:

Dr. Rashawn Ray, Professor of Sociology, Executive Director of the Lab for Applied Social Science Research (LASSR)
Twitter

Dr. Jennifer Roberts, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology, Director of Public Health Outcomes and Effects of the Built Environment (PHOEBE) Laboratory
Twitter

Amelia Jamison, MAA, MPH, Faculty Research Affiliate at the Maryland Center for Health Equity, PhD Candidate at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Twitter

John P. Salerno, MPH, PhD Candidate, Behavioral and Community Health, Investigator at the University of Maryland Prevention Research Center (UMD-PRC)
Twitter

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Audience:

Faculty/Staff General Public Graduate Students Undergraduate Students

Registration is required. There are 38 seats available.

Fellowships & Scholarships Jobs/Internships

Internship Opportunity – Seagate Technology

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 9, 2020

There is an exciting internship opportunity for the Spring of 2021 at Seagate Technology, a hard drive manufacturing company. In this internship, the intern will get a chance to work on real-world machinery data, and industry 4.0 related projects.
Here are the preferred qualifications:

Current master or PhD students in mechanical engineering.
Solid programming experience in Python, Keras, Tensorflow, Flask and/or Django.
Deep understanding and experience in machine learning/deep learning: time-series analysis, CNN and RNN, unsupervised methods.
Experience in design of experiment and prognostics and health management.
Experience in GIT, Docker container, Kubernetes, AWS, microservices is preferred.

Interested applicants can send their CV directly to Ramin Moradi (raminmrd@umd.edu).

Announcements Workshops, Seminars, & Events

Virtual Technical Meeting: Exploring Data Requirements for Risk and Reliability Analysis in Hydrogen Systems

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 9, 2020
Sticky post

Presenters: Camila Correa Jullian & Katrina Groth

Host: University of Maryland

Date/Time: November 17, 2020. 11:00AM EDT

Risk and reliability analysis are critical to the development of safe
systems, designing maintenance strategies, and creating codes and
standards. We are exploring the suitability of modern tools for risk
assessment, such as QRA (Quantitative Risk Assessment), and reliability
analysis, such as PHM (Prognosis and Health Management), in hydrogen
systems. Both have the potential to close knowledge gaps from different
perspectives and enable H2 infrastructure deployment.
This technical meeting will address common data requirements for QRA
and PHM in hydrogen systems, with a focus on identifying data sources
with potential to enable research to close knowledge gaps.

Topical Discussion Points:

QRA data needs: Component failure and event frequency data on hydrogen systems and components.
PHM data needs: Condition-monitoring data-based methods to explore PHM-informed risk-mitigation measures.
Engage with researchers with hydrogen stakeholders for collaboration and data sharing.

To confirm attendance: https://bit.ly/32jnszj

For more info, please contact Kevin Hartmann Kevin.Hartmann2@nrel.gov orKatrina Groth
kgroth@umd.edu

Jobs/Internships

ORISE Research Opportunities

Post author By Darius Isaiah Craig
Post date November 9, 2020

The ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is an educational and training program designed to provide college students, recent graduates, and university faculty opportunities to connect with the unique resources of the FDA. With the support of an assigned mentor, participants have authentic research experiences using equipment not found on most college campuses.

These research experiences compliment the educational nature of the programs and make participants aware of potential STEM employment opportunities at the sponsoring agency. Participants will have access to unique research and training opportunities, top scientists and engineers, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

VIEW ALL OF OUR CURRENT OPPORTUNITIESThe ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is an educational and training program designed to provide college students, recent graduates, and university faculty opportunities to connect with the unique resources of the FDA. With the support of an assigned mentor, participants have authentic research experiences using equipment not found on most college campuses. These research experiences compliment the educational nature of the programs and make participants aware of potential STEM employment opportunities at the sponsoring agency. Participants will have access to unique research and training opportunities, top scientists and engineers, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.