New Tool Developed to Protect Rig in Hurricanes
(September 29, 2008) A new technology being created by Benton Baugh (1967 BSME), an adjunct professor in the University of Houston's Department of Mechanical Engineering, is expected to help protect BP America's Thunder Horse, the largest moored semi-submersible oil platform in the world, from perils next hurricane season.

Hurricane Center to Study Recovery Protocols, Safety Tools
(September 24, 2008) Twelve UH engineering professors making up the Texas Hurricane Center for Innovative Technology, are pooling expertise after Ike to jumpstart research exploring the creation of hurricane protection tools and protocols ensuring a speedier recovery following future hurricanes. THC-IT is led by Cumaraswamy "Vipu" Vipulanandan, chair and professor of civil and environmental engineering.

High-tech Equipment to Fuel Start-up of Nanofabrication Facility
(September 10, 2008) Dmitri Litvinov, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Houston, has received grants totaling more than $500,000 to purchase Houston's first production-quality nanofabrication tool. Once Litvinov's dual beam focused ion beam system is operational, it will be able to provide device metrology and materials analysis services to basic research programs throughout the Greater Houston area. The state-of-the-art system is scheduled to arrive in October.

Professor Among Two Nationwide Named to Distinguished Lecturer Post
(September 10, 2008) Ji Chen, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Houston, has been named a distinguished lecturer by the Electromagnetic Compatibility Society, a division of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He is among two nationwide chosen to travel and lecture on his chosen topics—biomedical electromagnetic compatibility, wireless EMC and electromagnetic computation.

Grant to Aid in Establishment of New Engineering Minor
(September 9, 2008) The University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering is developing a nanoengineering (NEMO) minor designed to provide hands-on experience for students who will be working with nanotechnology instrumentation and fabrication techniques. The minor, requiring 18 semester hours of course work, is slated to be a choice at the college as early as fall 2009, upon approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.