CSE in the News — January 2025 archive

January 2025

Quantum Milestones, 1923: Photons Are Real
 Compton’s experiments represented a fundamental “turning point in physics,” says historian Roger Stuewer of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, author of a book on Compton’s work. Jan. 27: Physics

Are Marvel Movies More Realistic Than We Realize? Insights from a Physicist
According to Jim Kakalios, a physicist and professor at the University of Minnesota, some of the gadgets and inventions showcased in these films are more plausible than one might think. Jan. 26: News Textarea

Scientists Discovered Astounding New Capabilities Hidden In Stacks of High-Tech Materials
In 1920, American physicist Joseph Valasek discovered ferroelectricity as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. More than a century (and some 20,000 research papers) later, these materials still have the capacity to surprise. Jan. 17: Yahoo! Tech; AOL; Jan. 18: MSN; (3 as of Jan. 21 at 8:30 a.m.)

50 years of hair-raising fun and science at the Bakken Museum
As a child, Bakken spent his time building and taking apart different electronic devices. When he saw the movie version of “Frankenstein,” he knew he wanted to pursue a career in electrical engineering, which he studied at the University of Minnesota. Jan. 17: MPR News

University of Minnesota scientist receives nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors
This week, the White House honored University of Minnesota Professor Maria Gini with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Gini is one of only 25 individuals from across the country to receive the nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors. Jan. 16: UMN; Jan. 19: Hoodline; (2 as of Jan. 21 at 8:20 a.m.)

Use of PFAS-tainted sludge as fertilizer raises cancer risk on farms, EPA says
“What’s surprising is it took (EPA) so long to recognize it,” said Matt Simcik, a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Jan. 16: ArcaMax; The Minnesota Star Tribune; Jan. 19: The Columbian; (3 as of Jan. 21 at 8:20 a.m.)

Are Two Disciplines Better Than One? The Push for Integrated Majors
Mats Heimdahl, who heads the University of Minnesota’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, says boosting the number of female computer scientists is one of the key reasons his department is partaking in the new project. Jan. 13: Inside Higher Ed

Hermantown grad on her way to becoming an engineer and enjoying solar vehicle project
Ella Seboe has always loved math and physics and problem solving. The 2022 Hermantown grad is now a junior at the University of Minnesota, majoring in mechanical engineering. She’s also the Director of Engineering on the Solar Vehicle Project, and they are finishing up modifications on the car that will compete in Australia this summer. The team took second in 2023. Jan. 10: WDIO

MIT affiliates awarded 2024 National Medals of Science, Technology
Richard Lawrence Edwards ’76, a professor at the University of Minnesota, received a National Medal of Science for his work in geochemistry. Jan. 3: MIT News; MyScience; Jan. 5: Banking Finance; Forbes: Jan. 6: UMN News; USA News Hub; KAALTV; Scientific American; Jan. 7: HST MIT; Hoodline; WN; Twin Cities Pioneer Press; Yahoo! News; Pune Media; MSN; (15 as of January 9 at 11:25 a.m.)