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2 Spring 2009 U of A Engineer Message from theDean As the second century of engineering education at the University of Alberta begins to unfold, we reflect upon and celebrate the success of Campaign 2008. The incredible support received over the course of this campaign from our alumni, corporate partners, friends, and government entities has allowed us to carefully manage our growth so that we can meet the strong demand for our programs—while continuing to provide the high quality education for which our Faculty of Engineering is known. The real lesson of this campaign has been that every gift, no matter how large or small, has played a part in the transformation of our Faculty. Over the course of Campaign 2008, we have received over 20,000 gifts from our alumni—on average one for every engineering graduate since 1908. We were able to multiply the collective power of these gifts in discussions with other supportive groups such as government agencies and foundations, which then matched or otherwise augmented the significant cumulative amount. A key example of what can be made possible through this type of amplification of private support is our scholarship program—one of the most comprehensive available to new engineering students in all of North America. The generosity of our alumni and corporate partners has also helped construct the classrooms, laboratories, and administrative space to facilitate our growth. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of our physical facilities in creating a strong identity and sense of community within the Faculty of Engineering. Over the past nine years, as the walls of our new buildings have gone up, separations between departments and disciplines have come down. The physical interaction between students, faculty and staff has led to collaborations and connections never before imagined. The success of Campaign 2008 has allowed for an integrated transformation where all areas—teaching, research, and infrastructure—have grown simultaneously, resulting in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The truly outstanding support received from our students, our alumni, our corporate partners, and other friends has shown us that we are on the right course. On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of the Faculty of Engineering, I express our heartfelt appreciation for the commitment you—our alumni and friends—have shown and continue to show for one of the premier engineering programs in North America. We would not be the Faculty we are today without your assistance. Thank you! David T. Lynch, PhD, PEng Dean of Engineering VISION To be one of the largest and most accomplished engineering teaching and research centres, a leader in North America. MISSION To prepare top quality engineering professionals, to conduct world-leading research, and to celebrate the first-class reputation and outstanding accomplishments of alumni. UofA Engineer Spring 2009 Issue 26 U of A Engineer is the Faculty of Engineering alumni magazine. It is published three times a year by the Dean’s Office and is distributed to Faculty of Engineering alumni, friends, students and staff. Dean of Engineering David T. Lynch (PhD Chemical ’82), PEng Acting Assistant Dean, External Relations Laurie Shinkaruk External Relations team Stephan Bogner, Peggy Hansen, Nena Jocic-Andrejevic, Linda Kelly, Leanne Nickel, Jamie Reid Publisher/Managing Editor Richard Cairney Copy Editor Scott Rollans Art Direction Halkier + Dutton Strategic Design Contributing writers and photographers Blue Fish Studios, Andrea Collins, Phoebe Dey, Judy Monchuk, Julia Necheff, Mike Sadava, Bruce White, U of A Creative Services Send Comments to: Richard Cairney Faculty of Engineering E6-050 Engineering Teaching and Learning Complex University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4 Tel: 780.492.4514 or 1.800.407.8354 Fax: 780.492.0500 E-mail: richard.cairney@ualberta.ca Website: http://www.engineering.ualberta.ca Change of address: peggy.hansen@ualberta.ca Publications Mail Agreement No. 40051128 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta E6-050 Engineering Teaching and Learning Complex Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4 e-mail: richard.cairney@ualberta.ca VALUES Dedication, integrity, professionalism, and excellence in teaching, research, and service to the global economy and community.
Table S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 of Contents 5 Calgary presence A new street-level office in downtown Calgary is strengthening the Faculty of Engineering’s connections to alumni and partners. C O V E R S T O R Y 6 Big Shoes Engineers are applying their management skills in the boardroom and in service to the community, and the Faculty of Engineering is helping equip students with management skills early in their careers. F E A T U R E S 11 Discover E Discoveries Three former Discover E engineering camp instructors learned something about themselves: they love to teach. Today, they follow that passion as Faculty of Engineering professors. 14 The Never-Ending Student Project Randy Marsden and Michael Tanne set out to help a disabled man with their third-year project. It changed lives, created new technologies, and shaped careers. 19 A History of Service Doug Dale’s family has a history with the U of A. Knowing the impact education had on his father’s life and on his own family, Dale takes pride in giving back in any way he can. 22 From Student to President Guaning Su seemed to cherish every challenge that has come his way, from working on a beet farm as a student in the early 1970s, to presiding over Singapore Nanyang Technological University today. 26 26 Guru of Gadgetry Pete Pachal’s career has taken an interesting twist, from engineering to journalism. Pachal edits DVICE, a technology review blog run by NBC. The site sates his curiosity about all things high-tech, from solarpowered submarines to “shock resistant” watches. 28 Canada’s First Energy Megaproject From the 1960s to the early 1990s, Canada’s nuclear industry was on a roll, with 22 reactors built across the country. U of A engineers played a significant role in the industry’s development and success. 32 The Gift Gary and Graeme Wicentowich started the Engineering Head Shave when their father was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Today, it’s an annual event that honours their father and provides support to cancer patients at the Cross Cancer Clinic. 37 Thank You! The Faculty of Engineering puts your gifts to work—and offers sincere thanks for all gifts great and small. 28 37 D E P A R T M E N T S 4 Letter to the Editor 34 Crosshairs — State of Mind The Peng-Robinson Equation of State is simple and elegant and, unlike many such equations, it works. Developed in the mid-1970s, it has had a remarkable impact on the way oil and gas industries work. 38 In Memoriam 39 Kudos 22 Spring 2009 U of A Engineer 3
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Page 9 and 10: shareholder value,’” he says. S
Page 11 and 12: Aritual takes place at the Universi
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Page 15 and 16: The never-ending student project th
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Page 19 and 20: Doug Dale knows his family has bene
Page 21 and 22: You’re invited ALUMNI WEEKEND 200
Page 23 and 24: Courtesy Dr. Guaning Su Nanyang Tec
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Page 31 and 32: Alberta’s nuclear future debated
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Page 35 and 36: Drs. Donald Robinson and Ding-Yu Pe
Page 37 and 38: second-year electrical engineering
Page 39 and 40: Kudos CHEN, TONGWEN PEng Has been n

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