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 Pathways to Knowledge: A Lecture Series for Undergraduates and Graduate Students
Fall 2005
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Stolkin Auditorium, Physics Building
A Revolutionary Aero-Propulsion System
Ryan K. Dygert
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
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A new propulsion concept which aims to dramatically improve the flight characteristics and abilities of an aircraft through integrated flow control is currently being developed at Syracuse University. By embedding a cross-flow fan, in the trailing edge of a wing, it has been demonstrated that substantial increases in angle of attack, lifting capability, and propulsive efficiency can be attained. This translates to extremely high maneuverability, short take-off and landing capability, and low flight speeds, while still maintaining amazingly high cargo carrying capacity with substantially lower drag penalties.
Both experiment and computer simulations have proven the feasibility of the concept and a flying prototype is currently being constructed to fully demonstrate the abilities of the new propulsion system.
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Wednesday, November 2, 2005
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Gifford Auditorium, H.B. Crouse
"As You Like IT:"
The Occupational Acculturation of Information Technologists
Indira R. Guzman
Ph.D. Candidate
School of Information Studies
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As information and communication technologies have become more and more essential to produce goods and services in organizations, the role of the people in charge of the development, acquisition, management, use, support and maintenance of these information technologies (IT) and systems has become very important. As a result, the demand for a skilled IT workforce is constantly increasing. Unfortunately, the general trend in recent years has been decreasing enrollments in academic programs in information technology majors, and high turnover intentions of IT personnel are reported even at early stages of their careers, particularly women and minorities.
The goal of this study is to identify the cultural aspects of the occupation that may influence commitment to and persistence in the occupation.
This dissertation is supported by the IT workforce project of the National Science Foundation.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2005
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Gifford Auditorium, H.B. Crouse
Cholesterol Transport and the Production of Cellular Energy
Andrew Campbell
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Biology
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The mitochondrion is often referred to as the power plant of the cell and is responsible for the production of an overwhelming majority of the energy needed by the cells in our bodies. The enzymes involved in energy-producing reactions are membrane- associated complexes that produce a usable form of chemical energy, ATP. The chemical composition of a membrane is a critical determinant of the activity of the proteins and enzymes that are dispersed throughout the membrane. Cholesterol is an important component in regulating the structure and characteristics of cellular and organelle membranes and directly affects the function of important enzymes.
In this presentation, I will discuss the protein- dependent mechanism responsible for transporting cholesterol to and away from these membranes, its role in the function of mitochondria, and the effect on the overall health of the cell.
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