Tag College of Engineering

New early career awards support biofuels research

May 31, 2012

A young generation of researchers are seeking biofuels in some unlikely-sounding places: toxic algae blooms and cow stomachs.

New stem cell technique promises abundance of key heart cells

May 28, 2012

Cardiomyocytes, the workhorse cells that make up the beating heart, can now be made cheaply and abundantly in the laboratory.

In chemical reactions, water adds speed without heat

May 17, 2012

An international team of researchers has discovered how adding trace amounts of water can tremendously speed up chemical reactions-such as hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis-in which hydrogen is one of the reactants, or starting materials.

Unsafe at any speed: Even for driving pros, distractions increase crash risk

May 15, 2012

The ringing cell phone you're reaching to answer. The text message that demands a reply now. The GPS you're trying to program as you're frantically rushing to your destination.

UW–Madison launches online Sustainable Systems Engineering Graduate Program

May 14, 2012

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has introduced a new online Master of Engineering in Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE) program, which will begin January 2013 with applications being accepted through October 15, 2012.

In metallic glasses, researchers find a few new atomic structures

May 11, 2012

Drawing on powerful computational tools and a state-of-the-art scanning transmission electron microscope, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison and Iowa State University materials science and engineering researchers has discovered a new nanometer-scale atomic structure in solid metallic materials known as metallic glasses.

UW-Madison earns DOE funding for nuclear engineering innovations

May 8, 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded the University of Wisconsin–Madison more than $2.6 million in grants for nuclear engineering research, fellowships and facilities upgrades.

At smallest scale, liquid crystal behavior portends new materials

May 2, 2012

Liquid crystals, the state of matter that makes possible the flat screen technology now commonly used in televisions and computers, may have some new technological tricks in store.

Modernized inventory system wins Qualcomm Wireless Innovation Prize

April 19, 2012

Christopher Beley's Flextory, a flexible, web-based inventory system designed for multiple inventory scenarios, won $10,000 and top prize at the 2012 University of Wisconsin–Madison Qualcomm Wireless Innovation Competition.

UW marks gains in engineering grad student diversity

April 17, 2012

During more than a decade, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has earned myriad accolades for everything from its status as a global powerhouse for research and education to its efforts in sustainability and its ability to produce corporate CEOs.

UW-Madison students to compete for Qualcomm Wireless Prize

April 13, 2012

Nearly 30 University of Wisconsin–Madison students will compete, with their smartphone apps and other wireless technology products, for more than $17,000 in prizes in the second Qualcomm Wireless Innovation Prize to be held Wednesday, April 18.

New Aquatic Sciences Center director named

April 9, 2012

University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School Dean Martin Cadwallader today (Monday, April 9) announced the appointment of James P. Hurley as the new director of the Aquatic Sciences Center, effective May 1.

Wisconsin technology powers California microgrid project

March 21, 2012

California’s Santa Rita Jail just got a little more secure this week, thanks to the completion of a $14 million “microgrid” project that gives the facility its own autonomous power supply — a feat rooted in University of Wisconsin–Madison technology.

Residential community helps science-minded college women succeed

March 20, 2012

The UW–Madison Women in Science and Engineering residential learning community offers a support system for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) that ranges from social connections to academic resources and mentoring connections.

Transportation engineer named to World Road Association committee

March 15, 2012

The World Road Association recently named University of Wisconsin–Madison professor Teresa M. Adams to its Freight Transport Committee.

UW-Madison graduate programs ranked among best by U.S. News and World Report

March 12, 2012

Several UW–Madison graduate programs are ranked among the nation’s best in the 2013 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools.”

For plastics knowledge, India looks to UW–Madison engineers

February 21, 2012

One of the oldest and most respected polymer engineering research and educational programs in the United States is contributing its expertise to a new plastics university in India.

Cheap, printable prosthetic hand wins top prize at 2012 Innovation Days

February 10, 2012

A prosthetic hand that could be cheaply created on a 3-D printer for amputees in developing countries won the top prize and $10,000 in the Schoofs Prize for Creativity, one of a pair of competitions that make up Innovation Days. Held Feb. 9 and 10, the event rewards University of Wisconsin–Madison students for creative and marketable ideas.

Peercy, longtime UW–Madison engineering dean, to retire

February 8, 2012

In 1999, first-year dean of the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Engineering Paul Peercy looked around at the other new kids - the undergraduate students - and wondered why more than half of them were not persisting into their second year as engineering majors.

Smallest tools could give biggest results in bone repair

February 6, 2012

When William Murphy works with some of the most powerful tools in biology, he thinks about making tools that can fit together. These constructions sound a bit like socket wrenches, which can be assembled to turn a half-inch nut in tight quarters, or to loosen a rusted-tight one-inch bolt using a very persuasive lever.