Multiple Scattering

When a weave hits an object, it is reflected or "scattered". For example, waves on the ocean are scattered by oil rigs, electromagnetic waves are scattered by aircraft, sound waves are scattered by fish and seismic waves are scattered by faults. All these waves have a common mathematical theory, and this theory has been developed in a recent book by Paul Martin, professor of mathematical and computer sciences. Published by Cambridge University Press, Multiple Scattering is concerned with the calculation of scattering when there are several objects present. The methods described in the book have many important applications, especially in situations where waves are used to interrogate a system. For example, how can ultrasonic waves be used to detect cracks in a nuclear reactor or to provide quality control during the manufacture of fiber-reinforced composites, concrete or mayonnaise? To an applied mathematician, such a Martin, these questions are closely related, and they can be studied using similar mathematical techniques.

Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

McGraw-Hill recently published the second edition of the textbook, Statistics for Engineers and Scientsts by William Navidi, professor of mathematical and computer sciences. This text is used at the Colorado School of Mines, and has also been adopted by more than 40 universities across the U.S., including Carnegie Mellon University, Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of California at Berkely and at Davis, and the University of Wisconsin. Included in the book are examples of Navidi's personal research, which currently focuses on the design of studies to estimate the health risks of exposure to air pollution.

K-12 Outreach: Identifying the Broader Impacts of Four Outreach Projects

The July 2007 issue of the Journal of Engineering Education includes an article contributed by Barbara Moskal, associate professor of mathematical and computer sciences (MCS); Catherine Skokan, associate professor of engineering; Laura Kosbar, IBM; Agata Dean, instructor in MCS; Caron Westland, University of Colorado Denver; Heidi Barker, Regis University; Que Nguyen '03, MS '05 (MCS); and Jennifer Tafoya '04, MS '05 (engineering). The paper documents for years of research, examining the impact of outreach programs is designed to illustrate the application of mathematics to science and engineering through hands-on activities. The programs are reinforced by a faculty member or graduate student providing support in the classroom to assist teachers with implementation of program strategies. The article pdocuments the improvement in the instruction in mathematics and science in the participating schools. A surprising outcome is also documented - the impact of these projects on the culture of the participating schools, both the participating middle schools and Mines.

Geo Families

Two professors of geology and geological engineering, Steve Sonnenberg and Robert Weimar, are featured in a film that was released this year entitled "Geo Families: How I learned to Love the Rocks." The documentary interviews seven multigenerational Colorado families, all close ties to the field of geology, four with close ties Mines. The film is directed and produced by private film maker Dave Emme, and can be obtained from the RMAG website: http://www.rmag.org/publications/index.asp.

ISScapades: The Crippling of America's Space Program

A book by Don Beattie '58 covers the story of the International Space Station was recently published by Apogee Books, Ontario Canada. Told by an insider, the book argues that powerful antagonists to the International Space Station delayed the program by six years and severely compromised the station in the process. In addition to several other positions within NASA between 1965 and 1983, Beattie was division director for NASA's Energy Systems Division and worked directly on the Apollo mission.