As Vermont emerges to brilliant sunshine from a late winter snowstorm, the College of Engineering and Mathematical Science reflects on what has already been an exciting and eventful spring semester. From a dynamic new partnership for the Center of Biomedical Engineering to our ongoing suite of programs to support the state’s next generation of CEMS students, the commitment of our students, faculty, and staff to achieving our shared goals is as impressive as it is inspiring.
Recently, the University has introduced a new brand shaped by a clear focus on our responsibilities and contributions to “people and planet.” At CEMS, we are proud of the leadership role we play on and off campus as UVM successfully positions itself as a top-tier research University. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into our busy semester here at the college and the many important contributions being made in a broad and diverse portfolio of education and research priorities.
Warmest regards,
Linda S. Schadler, Dean
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
In the News
Amber Doiron receives NSF CAREER Award
Assistant professor in the Department of Electric and Biomedical Engineering, Doiron, won the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for her ongoing research to develop innovative methods and materials to combat a particularly dangerous type of bacterial infection called a biofilm. The award also recognizes Doiron's efforts to inform and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders through after-school STEM programs aimed specifically at girls and non-binary youth.
With nearly 65 percent of its population living in rural areas, Vermont is considered the most rural state in the nation. Delivering high-quality care to rural communities has always been a top priority for the University of Vermont Health Network; a new partnership with UVM’s Center for Biomedical Innovation aims to develop a creative and scalable solution to that complex mission in the form of an innovative modular healthcare delivery vehicle.
On April 8, at 3:26 p.m., as anticipated record crowds fill Burlington, a shadow will sweep across Lake Champlain to cloak the city in middle-of-the-night dark. The 2024 Solar Eclipse is on the horizon. The Vermont Space Grant Consortium and Physics faculty are gearing up to create an unforgettable experience for the campus community as this major natural event approaches.
Mechanical Engineering (ME) Professor Rachael Floreani was featured on WCAX news to discuss “The Whey Forward” research Floreani’s team is pioneering through the start-up company she co-founded, Burlington Bio. The recent recipient of a $200,000 grant from UVM’s Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, Burlington Bio is developing a process to capture the liquid byproduct left over from cheese and milk production that is typically spread on fields and turn it into a nutritious food product.
A cacophony of whirring motors, timing buzzers, and shouts of encouragement filled the Lamoille Union High School gymnasium this past February during the 2024 Vermont First Tech Challenge (FTC) as 19 teams from across the state took center stage for the annual robotics competition that is sponsored by CEMS and supported by faculty and staff volunteers.
The faculty of the former Electrical Engineering (EE) program in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) has recently voted to adopt a new name— the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Program—that better reflects the scope and breadth of the undergraduate curriculum and highlights the importance of computer engineering as a core research and hands-on learning opportunity for students studying to become electrical engineers.
Verde Technologies, a Burlington company with deep roots at the University of Vermont, has been selected as the first Perovskite Startup Liftoff Contest grand prize winner. Founded in 2021 by professor and Physics department chair Randall Headrick and Doctor Chad Miller, the firm also includes recent UVM Alumni Skylar Bagdon (CEO), and Nicole Eaton (Head of Partnerships). Verde Technologies is pioneering the use of perovskites in the manufacturing of lightweight, flexible solar panels whose groundbreaking attributes in accessibility and affordability are poised to help accelerate the renewable energy transition. As the inaugural contest winner, the team was awarded a $500,000 cash prize and a $100,000 technical support voucher to help support the commercialization of the technology.
Computer Science Senior Lecturer Lisa Dion was recognized for her ongoing commitment to helping young girls enter the world of computer science with confidence and skill through the Girls Who Code program, providing programming lessons on Saturday mornings for girls from 6th to 12th grade. Since its founding, the program has expanded to include UVM coding students as educators, helping young girls accomplish long-term computer coding projects.
Last week 72 senior CEMS engineering students participated in the 40th annual Order of the Engineer ceremony held at UVM. The students recited the Obligation of the Engineer creed in their acceptance of a canon of professional ethics, a pledge to uphold the standard of the engineering profession, and to commit to using their professional skills to better serve humanity.
Top Chapter
The UVM chapter of the Society of Physics Students has earned the designation of Outstanding Chapter. The honor is the highest level of distinction given to Society chapters and is received by less than 15% of the top chapters annually.
Alum Newsmaker
Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Alum Benjamin Heath is featured as one of the Top 25 Newsmakers by Engineering News-Record for his work with Engineers Construction Inc. for the emergency response to a breach of a major sewer line in Burlington this past July during the record flash flooding.
Thanks to the Gerry Beatty Fund, several UVM undergraduates had the opportunity to attend the IEEE PES IGST (Innovative Smart Grid Technologies) North America conference in Washington, D.C. where they networked with industry leaders, policymakers, and prominent researchers to observe and absorb their collaborative vision for the future of our power grid.
Academy Recognition
Professor Matthew Scarborough has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 40 Under 40 Recognition Program from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. The 40 Under 40 Recognition Program was introduced to recognize talented individuals who have, either personally or as part of a team, been responsible for helping to advance the fields of Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering.
Over 75 students, alumni, and STEM professionals attended the 3rd annual Women and Non-Binary Professionals and Students in STEM Conference this month. Hosted by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences in partnership with the UVM Career Center, the Larner College of Medicine, and the UVM Women & Gender Equity, the conference featured a panel conversation with professionals in various stages of their careers followed by engaging roundtable discussions focused on a variety of STEM-related themes.
Join CEMS Dean Linda Schadler for the second edition of our webinar series featuring Electrical Engineering Professor Mads Almassalkhi who will share how he and his team are addressing the challenge of creating resilient and sustainable energy grids as we transition to a greater reliance on renewable energy sources.
