Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Let me share with you some notable recent news concerning the School of Mines.
This past week middle school and high school students along with their supportive parents and teachers, as well as local volunteer judges participated in the 54th annual High Plains Regional Science and Engineering Fair here at the School of Mines. Some 400 students offered glimpses into the future of science and technology with more than 300 science projects showcasing the results of their research work in the biological, physical, and social sciences. Regional winner, Nathan Willen, a junior from Belle Fourche High School, will advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair National competition May 10-15, 2009 in Reno, Nevada with his entry "Assessing Bacterial Sensitivity to an Antimicrobial." We are grateful to Dr. Brian Hemmelman and all the School of Mines volunteers who helped with this exceptional event.
Dr. Jack Redden, Professor Emeritus of Geology and Geological Engineering, is co-author of a US Geological Society publication that has been 50 years in the making, "Maps Showing Geology, Structure, and Geophysics of the Central Black Hills, South Dakota." Dr. Redden has spent his career advancing the geological knowledge and understanding of the Black Hills. In recognition of his numerous accomplishments, the South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists bestowed the John Paul Gries Geologist of the Year Award to Dr. Redden during a recent program at The Journey Museum in Rapid City.
Dr. Paul Gnirk, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering and Executive Vice-President of the School of Mines Alumni Association, has been appointed to the Board of Water and Natural Resources by Governor Mike Rounds. Dr. Gnirk's extensive expertise in engineering consulting and geology, his knowledge of water issues important to South Dakota's ranchers and farmers, and his recent leadership of the Viewfield rural water project near New Underwood make him an invaluable asset to the Board and always to Mines.
Dr. Dimitrios Anagnostou, an assistant professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department, is one of 222 researchers nationwide selected by the Department of Defense to be funded through the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP). Dr. Anagnostou's work on "Capability to Measure Microwave Circuit and Antenna Research" led to his being the only researcher in South Dakota recognized this year with this prestigious award.
Regarding our legislative session, two bills that passed both houses and were signed by the Governor have relevance to the School of Mines. The passage of House Bill 1074 permits us to expend external resources to modify the scope of two new buildings, the Paleontology Research Center and the Chemical and Biological Engineering / Chemistry Building. House Bill 1183, authorizes the Board of Regents and the South Dakota Building Authority to contract for construction of the Higher Education Center-West River.
Let me end with some fantastic news - at the close of February research awards for the year to date reached $14,512,897, exceeding total research awards from last year ($10.1M) by more than $4,000,000. Congratulations and thank you to all of the faculty, staff, and students involved in the research enterprise at the School of Mines.
All of us at Mines, and our alumni, thank you for your continuing support of and dedication to our university.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D.
President
