$1M Grant To Support Meta-Materials Research
(August 29, 2007) A group of researchers led by Pradeep Sharma, professor of mechanical engineering, have received a $1.22M grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a novel class of meta-materials that generate electricity when placed under stress. These new materials could impact everything from next generation artificial limbs and medical diagnostic tools to electronic devices worn by soldiers.

Allen Rhodes, Cullen College Adjunct & NAE Member, Dies
(August 21, 2007) Allen Rhodes, a former adjunct professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 18, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

UH Names New Engineering Dean
(August 20, 2007) The University of Houston has named Joseph W. Tedesco the sixth dean of the Cullen College of Engineering, effective Jan. 1, 2008. Tedesco is currently professor and chairman of the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering at the University of Florida. He has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a master's in civil engineering from Tufts University and a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Lehigh University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the states of Florida and Alabama and is the author of the internationally renowned textbook Structural Dynamics: Theory and Applications.

Navy Taps UH Researcher to Develop Diagnostic Tool
(August 1, 2007) The U.S. Office of Naval Research has awarded a $400,000 grant to Kirill Larin, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, to develop a non-invasive tool that can diagnose decompression sickness for scuba divers, submarines and airplane pilots. Larin, along with Dr. Bruce Butler from UT Health Science Center in Houston, is developing a novel optical device that can locate the presence of microbubbles in blood and tissues. These bubbles can restrict the flow of blood throughout the body, leading to decompression sickness.

Cullen College of Engineering Bids Farewell to Dean Raymond Flumerfelt
(August 1, 2007) University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering faculty, staff, alumni and friends, along with several university administrators, gathered at the Petroleum Club of Houston on Tuesday evening, July 31, to celebrate the accomplishments of the college's fifth dean, Raymond Flumerfelt, as he officially steps down from his leadership position after nine years. Flumerfelt will be on sabbatical for one year before returning to the classroom and lab. He will be serving as the vice director of the new National Large Wind Turbine Research and Test Center granted to the university by the U.S. Department of Energy last month.