There are so many reasons I should be thankful. Below are just a few of the many people that make my life more enjoyable. I look forward to and cherish the predictability and comfort that some always meet me in the same place at the same time, and the thirst and curiosity that others never meet me in the same place twice. My time with you all is the best.
Einstein bagel and coffee morning dates with Christina. Emails from my favorite South African friend. Lunches with Joan. Phone calls from Denver. Messages from my friends in New Mexico. Over-the-cubicle-chats with my coworkers. Coloring with Stiles. Dinners with Jennifer. Book reviews from Jacob. Patio chats with my neighbors.
The people who sells books on Amazon for a penny. Who even are you?
The fuzzy kitty that keeps my windowsill warm and greets me at the door.
A job that I actually enjoy and coworkers that make the day seem short.
The Barnes & Noble employees that haven’t kicked me out, even though they know very well that I’ve been reading entire books in the cafe for months now, bringing the profit margin down by a hair.
My nephews who keep me laughing with their weird sense of humor, their versatility (football player and in the band), one who is building me a website, and the youngest who continually surprises me, learning new things every day and growing entirely too fast.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
UA EWB Gets a Makeover
EWB-USA student chapters are feeling a lot of tension between their respective universities and the national organization. The students aren’t getting any less passionate about their work, so they are turning their energy and resources to other means.
The University of Arkansas chapter will proceed with activities, functioning under EWB guidelines. Their current project in Belize, however, will be completed under the heading of another group called Arkansas Engineers Abroad because the project wasn’t sanctioned by EWB.
AEA is an independent group that branched off from the University of Arkansas Engineers Without Borders in October to finish social work in the community of More Tomorrow, where they have collaborated with villagers and improved quality of life through engineering projects for more than two years now. The UA chapter felt free to do this partially because so many other student groups are doing the same. OKEWB is one such group, who also separated from USA-EWB and teamed up with the EWB professional chapter of Oklahoma.
“EWB is losing chapters and incentive isn’t high,” said Ben Marts, EWB international project chair. “AEA is a single-project organization that will do whatever it takes to finish up our projects in More Tomorrow. We’re contracting the work on the water tower that we’re building, digging pipes, and we hope to be down there during construction.”
EWB National recognized the UA-EWB group as an official chapter in May, but the University of Arkansas also has to sign papers attesting to the same- which they have yet to complete.The pressure on the group is to finish the Belize project, which is not sanctioned by EWB national, before becoming an official national chapter.
Each EWB project requires an extensive series of paperwork, calls, emails and other communications with EWB officers and community leaders of the assisted city. Each design is approved by a professional engineer and members must take a precursory trip to begin assessment and planning.
In some cases, Marts and his superiors find the extra trips and extra cost unnecessary. For instance, the current Belize project began with contacts that had been made by engineering professor Thomas Soerens, who took his summer classes there regularly.
“Hiring a local engineering firm would be cheaper than sending paperwork through EWB,” Marts said. “To become a national chapter…both EWB and the University of Arkansas have to agree.” The university insists that the student organization covers insurance for their international excursions, but USA-EWB considers that the responsibility of the university.
If things take longer to wrap up in Belize than originally considered, or the University of Arkansas declines the paperwork for nationals, Marts believes the AEA could be the solution, the easier way for Arkansan engineers to reach out and help other people.
“Perhaps more professional and student chapters should be combined,” he said. “You get the best of both worlds, with the knowledge and expertise of older engineers and the passion and strong sense of responsibility of the younger engineers.”
The University of Arkansas chapter will proceed with activities, functioning under EWB guidelines. Their current project in Belize, however, will be completed under the heading of another group called Arkansas Engineers Abroad because the project wasn’t sanctioned by EWB.
AEA is an independent group that branched off from the University of Arkansas Engineers Without Borders in October to finish social work in the community of More Tomorrow, where they have collaborated with villagers and improved quality of life through engineering projects for more than two years now. The UA chapter felt free to do this partially because so many other student groups are doing the same. OKEWB is one such group, who also separated from USA-EWB and teamed up with the EWB professional chapter of Oklahoma.
“EWB is losing chapters and incentive isn’t high,” said Ben Marts, EWB international project chair. “AEA is a single-project organization that will do whatever it takes to finish up our projects in More Tomorrow. We’re contracting the work on the water tower that we’re building, digging pipes, and we hope to be down there during construction.”
EWB National recognized the UA-EWB group as an official chapter in May, but the University of Arkansas also has to sign papers attesting to the same- which they have yet to complete.The pressure on the group is to finish the Belize project, which is not sanctioned by EWB national, before becoming an official national chapter.
Each EWB project requires an extensive series of paperwork, calls, emails and other communications with EWB officers and community leaders of the assisted city. Each design is approved by a professional engineer and members must take a precursory trip to begin assessment and planning.
In some cases, Marts and his superiors find the extra trips and extra cost unnecessary. For instance, the current Belize project began with contacts that had been made by engineering professor Thomas Soerens, who took his summer classes there regularly.
“Hiring a local engineering firm would be cheaper than sending paperwork through EWB,” Marts said. “To become a national chapter…both EWB and the University of Arkansas have to agree.” The university insists that the student organization covers insurance for their international excursions, but USA-EWB considers that the responsibility of the university.
If things take longer to wrap up in Belize than originally considered, or the University of Arkansas declines the paperwork for nationals, Marts believes the AEA could be the solution, the easier way for Arkansan engineers to reach out and help other people.
“Perhaps more professional and student chapters should be combined,” he said. “You get the best of both worlds, with the knowledge and expertise of older engineers and the passion and strong sense of responsibility of the younger engineers.”
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wake Up
Maybe it's that I'm naturally goal-oriented, but lately I've felt suffocated by my schedule. I work at least 40 hours a week, of course, but in the evenings and on the weekends, I write for other publications, run several miles and read a certain amount of magazines, newspapers, fiction novels and consume other media- there is a lot of NPR to listen to, it turns out.
As much as I enjoy my job and enjoy having the time to stay on top of my reading and current events, I am still an artist. I need those nights of staying up late to write a song, or just staying up late so that everyday isn't exactly the same.
Alarm clocks should be helpful suggestions, not dictators.
A friend of mine recently returned from South Korea and brought along a refreshing perspective- let it go. Allow for things to happen. Stop trying so hard, and things, all the important things will happen.
So lately, I've given myself leeway. I sit and color, yes, coloring books. I've returned to some of the stress-relievers I formed during my time at Ouachita- coloring, charcoal, playing piano frequently, listening to music intensely.
This weekend, I rolled up my sleeves and did several large, poster-board-sized finger paintings and did some sewing by hand (see green pillow above), and for once it was just nice to be. To feel as if I had woken up from the foggy haze of routine and consciously thought about how I was spending my time.
I believe in black holes. I believe that as the universe empties into nothingness, past and future will smack together in the last swirl around the drain. Cutting For Stone, Abraham Verghese
These are some of the moments that things come together for me- when a past version of me catches up with my present self and hopefully, I'm more balanced because of it, made better by it.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Meet the Professor: Dr. Kaiming Ye
Dr. Kaiming Ye, associate professor of biomedical engineering, began teaching at the University of Arkansas in 2004. He earned a bachelor’s of science, master’s of science and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Shanghai.
Intro to engineering
Ye didn't forsee becoming a biomedical engineer. He began as a nuclear physicist. Originally from China, he took interest-based tests there and made one of the highest scores possible, which gave him the freedom to study anywhere and anything he wanted.
Upon entering the workforce, he was drawn to the petroleum industry, and enjoyed it. “I liked industry very much…it’s rewarding because you see the product actually work,” he said. But soon, Ye turned to the field of medicine. “Molecular biology became important at the time…to the quality of life and the impact of DNA technology, DNA modified genetics and how to practice medicine,” he said.
Engineering Influences
Ye’s first research endeavor was a bio-fermentation project. “Working with Penicillin, we designed a bio-reactor fermentation system that was 300 tons, four-stories high,” he said. “As an on-site engineer, I participated in vitamin C design bioreactor control system. This research experience was a crucial because it brought his career to where it is today.
Ye never chose a scientific role model or tried to emulate any of his advisors; a quality that he says has driven and molded him. “I’m self-determined,” he said. “I convinced myself that I could be a chemical, biomedical engineer by doing that first research project.” And that was all the direction he needed.
University of Arkansas
Ye became a part of the University of Arkansas because he was excited about the opportunity to be a part of a budding biological engineering program.
In addition to teaching and researching, Ye advises several students and spoke very highly of them. “They work very hard, are very intelligent, very active, very involved in classroom discussion, smart…” he said. “When I ask hard questions, they answer quickly. It’s encouraging.”
“Communicating with them is rewarding. They make a difference.”
Research
Ye is working on a number of biomedical research projects at the moment. His main research focuses on turning a Beta Cell differentiation into a bio-function cell treatment to improve the glucose sensor, which he spent a couple of years developing and improving.
“Diabetes patients are constantly monitoring glucose levels because they have no beta cells in the pancreas that can fend off disease,” he said. This dependence is a severe impediment, in many ways because everyday tasks are made difficult by the disease when, perhaps, they don’t have to be. “These patients cannot go to the beach, they have holes in them everywhere (from monitoring,)” he said.
Ye’s research could lead to the end of diabetes. By recreating beta cells and transplanting them into patients’ bodies, the cells could create insulin in the body and eliminate the disease. If this is successful, it could bring hope to similar treatments for other diseases.
Off the Clock
When Ye isn’t conducting research or advising students, he spends a lot of time watching sci-fi movies and other genres, a habit he developed to counter the hours of consecutive problem-solving. “I like to go hiking and also like to travel a lot on holidays,” he said.
Intro to engineering
Ye didn't forsee becoming a biomedical engineer. He began as a nuclear physicist. Originally from China, he took interest-based tests there and made one of the highest scores possible, which gave him the freedom to study anywhere and anything he wanted.
Upon entering the workforce, he was drawn to the petroleum industry, and enjoyed it. “I liked industry very much…it’s rewarding because you see the product actually work,” he said. But soon, Ye turned to the field of medicine. “Molecular biology became important at the time…to the quality of life and the impact of DNA technology, DNA modified genetics and how to practice medicine,” he said.
Engineering Influences
Ye’s first research endeavor was a bio-fermentation project. “Working with Penicillin, we designed a bio-reactor fermentation system that was 300 tons, four-stories high,” he said. “As an on-site engineer, I participated in vitamin C design bioreactor control system. This research experience was a crucial because it brought his career to where it is today.
Ye never chose a scientific role model or tried to emulate any of his advisors; a quality that he says has driven and molded him. “I’m self-determined,” he said. “I convinced myself that I could be a chemical, biomedical engineer by doing that first research project.” And that was all the direction he needed.
University of Arkansas
Ye became a part of the University of Arkansas because he was excited about the opportunity to be a part of a budding biological engineering program.
In addition to teaching and researching, Ye advises several students and spoke very highly of them. “They work very hard, are very intelligent, very active, very involved in classroom discussion, smart…” he said. “When I ask hard questions, they answer quickly. It’s encouraging.”
“Communicating with them is rewarding. They make a difference.”
Research
Ye is working on a number of biomedical research projects at the moment. His main research focuses on turning a Beta Cell differentiation into a bio-function cell treatment to improve the glucose sensor, which he spent a couple of years developing and improving.
“Diabetes patients are constantly monitoring glucose levels because they have no beta cells in the pancreas that can fend off disease,” he said. This dependence is a severe impediment, in many ways because everyday tasks are made difficult by the disease when, perhaps, they don’t have to be. “These patients cannot go to the beach, they have holes in them everywhere (from monitoring,)” he said.
Ye’s research could lead to the end of diabetes. By recreating beta cells and transplanting them into patients’ bodies, the cells could create insulin in the body and eliminate the disease. If this is successful, it could bring hope to similar treatments for other diseases.
Off the Clock
When Ye isn’t conducting research or advising students, he spends a lot of time watching sci-fi movies and other genres, a habit he developed to counter the hours of consecutive problem-solving. “I like to go hiking and also like to travel a lot on holidays,” he said.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Meet the Professor: Dr. Christa Hestekin
Dr. Christa Hestekin, assistant professor of chemical engineering, has taught at the University of Arkansas since Fall 2006. Hestekin earned a bachelor's of science in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Northwestern University.
Intro to Engineering
Christa entered college with no idea what her major should be, so she consulted a professor. After discussing her interest in medical school, the professor advised her to consider engineering as a way to accomplish her goals.
As an undergraduate, Hestekin was a researcher and completed an internship. She tried different things to figure out what she liked best before pursuing it, and discovered that she preferred research, more than industry.
Influences
Christa’s first impression of engineering came from her dad, who was a civil engineer. “I couldn’t get passionate about bridges,” she said lightheartedly, “but I liked the logical side of the brain that you had to use to be an engineer.” Her appreciation of math and science, paired with encouragement from her first chemical engineering professor, Dr. Bhattacharyya, kept her on the track to become a chemical engineer.
University of Arkansas
Christa and her husband, Jamie Hestekin, accepted positions in the chemical engineering department and were drawn to the strength of the Honors College and the emphasis on undergraduate research. Hestekin’s research assistants are sometimes as young as college sophomores, and she’s delighted that University of Arkansas students begin research early and stay with the same lab for years at a time.
She also seems to enjoy the challenge of teaching. “Students will ask you about a concept in ways you never thought,” she said. “Being a teacher makes you learn all the things you know in different ways.”
Research
Hestekin researches biomedical and environmental matters. Her biomedical research seeks to detect genetic alterations that lead to disease, such as identifying early protein aggregation or DNA mutations. Her solution is to screen patients as early as possible and identify the appropriate treatment.
In her environmental research, she creates improved biofuels, particularly from algae. “It’s my job to figure out whether algae has oil to make better biodiesel or carbohydrates for bioethanol,” Hestekin said. Her work may give insight into different processing techniques and shed light on the use of wild algae, as well as farm-grown algae.
Off the Clock
Hestekin is a black belt in martial arts. She likes to sing on occasion, accompanied by her husband, who plays the piano. She is an avid video game player, and is on a God of War kick right now.
Intro to Engineering
Christa entered college with no idea what her major should be, so she consulted a professor. After discussing her interest in medical school, the professor advised her to consider engineering as a way to accomplish her goals.
As an undergraduate, Hestekin was a researcher and completed an internship. She tried different things to figure out what she liked best before pursuing it, and discovered that she preferred research, more than industry.
Influences
Christa’s first impression of engineering came from her dad, who was a civil engineer. “I couldn’t get passionate about bridges,” she said lightheartedly, “but I liked the logical side of the brain that you had to use to be an engineer.” Her appreciation of math and science, paired with encouragement from her first chemical engineering professor, Dr. Bhattacharyya, kept her on the track to become a chemical engineer.
University of Arkansas
Christa and her husband, Jamie Hestekin, accepted positions in the chemical engineering department and were drawn to the strength of the Honors College and the emphasis on undergraduate research. Hestekin’s research assistants are sometimes as young as college sophomores, and she’s delighted that University of Arkansas students begin research early and stay with the same lab for years at a time.
She also seems to enjoy the challenge of teaching. “Students will ask you about a concept in ways you never thought,” she said. “Being a teacher makes you learn all the things you know in different ways.”
Research
Hestekin researches biomedical and environmental matters. Her biomedical research seeks to detect genetic alterations that lead to disease, such as identifying early protein aggregation or DNA mutations. Her solution is to screen patients as early as possible and identify the appropriate treatment.
In her environmental research, she creates improved biofuels, particularly from algae. “It’s my job to figure out whether algae has oil to make better biodiesel or carbohydrates for bioethanol,” Hestekin said. Her work may give insight into different processing techniques and shed light on the use of wild algae, as well as farm-grown algae.
Off the Clock
Hestekin is a black belt in martial arts. She likes to sing on occasion, accompanied by her husband, who plays the piano. She is an avid video game player, and is on a God of War kick right now.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Meet the Professor: Dr. Kevin Hall
Dr. Kevin Hall, professor and department head of the Civil Engineering Department, has taught at the University of Arkansas since 1993. Hall earned his B.S. and M.S. of civil engineering from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. of civil engineering from the University of Illinois.
Intro to Engineering
Hall was one of the many children inspired by the space program, and for a long time, he wanted to be an aerospace engineer, making it his goal to fly the shuttle.
Civil engineering won him over when, as a child, he read a non-fiction book based on two civil engineers and spurred the fascination while playing on construction sites in Memphis. Hall spent his junior high and high school years in Jonesboro, Ark., and his search for a college led him to the University of Arkansas because it was relatively near home and he was interested in their Civil Engineering Program.
Influential Engineers
Hall found that Marshall Thompson, a professor at University of Illinois, and Dr. Bob Elliott, a former University of Arkansas professor and civil engineering department head, to be helpful guiding forces in his career. After completing a B.S., Hall went to work in industry for a time, but it was Elliott who recruited him for graduate school at the University of Arkansas.
“Some say that my biases on certain (civil engineering) matters have definitely been influenced by them,” he said.
University of Arkansas experience
Hall returned to the University of Arkansas, after completing his Ph.D., because it’s home to him. He loves that the faculty members make students a priority, always interacting with them. “We’re a large enough university to provide students with the best experience and small enough for professors to know each student personally.”
“I can’t imagine not being here,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to do what I’m doing anywhere else.”
Research
Hall does applied research on civil engineering materials, such as pavement and asphalt. “I take solutions (that other people develop) and make them work,” he said. The need for this kind of research stems from the need for a geographical, regional application. For example, thickness and material of pavement has been the same since the 1960s. “Now that there is a new process at the national level, and we’re trying to figure out how to apply it to Arkansas,” he said.
In the past, Hall developed similar applications when asphalt changed in the 90s. The process of making asphalt hadn’t changed in 60 years, so he refined, adapted the process to materials used in Arkansas.
Students
“I want my students to understand professionalism, and I encourage them to get their Professional Engineer license and conduct themselves as professionals,” Hall said. He prides himself in being very real in his teaching approach.
Hall advises ASCE and Chi Epsilon, officially, and tries to make it to as many of the engineering RSO meetings as possible.
Off the Clock
Hall stays busy during his non-office hours. He reads a lot, and even built his house around his personal library. He particularly likes Sci-Fi and thriller books, on medical, terror and legal issues. Clancy, Harry Potter and the Hunger Games are among his most enjoyed books. He enjoys the outdoors, doing yardwork and golfing, and loves to travel.
Intro to Engineering
Hall was one of the many children inspired by the space program, and for a long time, he wanted to be an aerospace engineer, making it his goal to fly the shuttle.
Civil engineering won him over when, as a child, he read a non-fiction book based on two civil engineers and spurred the fascination while playing on construction sites in Memphis. Hall spent his junior high and high school years in Jonesboro, Ark., and his search for a college led him to the University of Arkansas because it was relatively near home and he was interested in their Civil Engineering Program.
Influential Engineers
Hall found that Marshall Thompson, a professor at University of Illinois, and Dr. Bob Elliott, a former University of Arkansas professor and civil engineering department head, to be helpful guiding forces in his career. After completing a B.S., Hall went to work in industry for a time, but it was Elliott who recruited him for graduate school at the University of Arkansas.
“Some say that my biases on certain (civil engineering) matters have definitely been influenced by them,” he said.
University of Arkansas experience
Hall returned to the University of Arkansas, after completing his Ph.D., because it’s home to him. He loves that the faculty members make students a priority, always interacting with them. “We’re a large enough university to provide students with the best experience and small enough for professors to know each student personally.”
“I can’t imagine not being here,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to do what I’m doing anywhere else.”
Research
Hall does applied research on civil engineering materials, such as pavement and asphalt. “I take solutions (that other people develop) and make them work,” he said. The need for this kind of research stems from the need for a geographical, regional application. For example, thickness and material of pavement has been the same since the 1960s. “Now that there is a new process at the national level, and we’re trying to figure out how to apply it to Arkansas,” he said.
In the past, Hall developed similar applications when asphalt changed in the 90s. The process of making asphalt hadn’t changed in 60 years, so he refined, adapted the process to materials used in Arkansas.
Students
“I want my students to understand professionalism, and I encourage them to get their Professional Engineer license and conduct themselves as professionals,” Hall said. He prides himself in being very real in his teaching approach.
Hall advises ASCE and Chi Epsilon, officially, and tries to make it to as many of the engineering RSO meetings as possible.
Off the Clock
Hall stays busy during his non-office hours. He reads a lot, and even built his house around his personal library. He particularly likes Sci-Fi and thriller books, on medical, terror and legal issues. Clancy, Harry Potter and the Hunger Games are among his most enjoyed books. He enjoys the outdoors, doing yardwork and golfing, and loves to travel.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Meet the Professor: Dr. Min Zou
Dr. Min Zou, the Twenty-First Century Endowed Chair and associate professor of mechanical engineering, has taught at the University of Arkansas since 2003. She earned a B.S. and M.S. of aerospace engineering from the Northwestern Polytechnical University in China and a M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Intro to Engineering
Zou’s first experience with engineering was learning from her dad, who was a materials engineer in aerospace engineering. She was fascinated by various aircraft designs when she was young. She chose to study at Northwestern Polytechnical University, reputable for Aircraft Engineering.
University of Arkansas experience
Prior to accepting the position at the UofA, Zou worked for an R&D division of a computer hard drive company, Seagate Technology, where she learned how a high-tech company operates. “In high tech industry, competition is very stiff and it was very fast-paced,” she said.
After several years in the industry, she was ready to return to academia to teach, mentor, and enjoy the broader range of research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Students
More than anything, Zou would like students to remember that “engineering is a large area of interesting disciplines…and your interests may change once you’re out of school.” Its breadth and adaptability is why she believes engineering is such a great choice. “You will work with all different disciplines,” she said. “Mechanical engineering has research all over.”
Research
Zou developed an active research program in the interdisciplinary areas of nano-surface-engineering, nanotribology and nanomechanics. Zou’s research focuses on developing novel techniques for fabricating nano-engineered-surfaces (NESs) and understanding the tribological, mechanical and wetting behavior of the NESs. The technologies developed by Zou’s group can be used in a variety of applications, including tribological, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, biomedical and photovoltaic. The University of Arkansas has filed two utility patents based on her research. Zou also secured approximately $2 million research funds from various government agencies, including the prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation.
Off the Clock
When she’s not in the classroom or lab, Zou loves to spend time with family. Together, they go to Chinese School on Sundays, where her daughter learns Chinese, her husband teaches a children’s Chinese martial arts class, and she practices Chinese dance with several other people. “Most people don’t know this, but there are 56 nationalities in China, so there are many types of dances,” she said. “That’s really what I do most.”
Intro to Engineering
Zou’s first experience with engineering was learning from her dad, who was a materials engineer in aerospace engineering. She was fascinated by various aircraft designs when she was young. She chose to study at Northwestern Polytechnical University, reputable for Aircraft Engineering.
University of Arkansas experience
Prior to accepting the position at the UofA, Zou worked for an R&D division of a computer hard drive company, Seagate Technology, where she learned how a high-tech company operates. “In high tech industry, competition is very stiff and it was very fast-paced,” she said.
After several years in the industry, she was ready to return to academia to teach, mentor, and enjoy the broader range of research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Students
More than anything, Zou would like students to remember that “engineering is a large area of interesting disciplines…and your interests may change once you’re out of school.” Its breadth and adaptability is why she believes engineering is such a great choice. “You will work with all different disciplines,” she said. “Mechanical engineering has research all over.”
Research
Zou developed an active research program in the interdisciplinary areas of nano-surface-engineering, nanotribology and nanomechanics. Zou’s research focuses on developing novel techniques for fabricating nano-engineered-surfaces (NESs) and understanding the tribological, mechanical and wetting behavior of the NESs. The technologies developed by Zou’s group can be used in a variety of applications, including tribological, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, biomedical and photovoltaic. The University of Arkansas has filed two utility patents based on her research. Zou also secured approximately $2 million research funds from various government agencies, including the prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation.
Off the Clock
When she’s not in the classroom or lab, Zou loves to spend time with family. Together, they go to Chinese School on Sundays, where her daughter learns Chinese, her husband teaches a children’s Chinese martial arts class, and she practices Chinese dance with several other people. “Most people don’t know this, but there are 56 nationalities in China, so there are many types of dances,” she said. “That’s really what I do most.”
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Meet the Professor: Dr. Micah Hale
Dr. Micah Hale, associate professor of civil engineering, has taught at the University of Arkansas since 2002. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
Intro to Engineering
Hale enjoyed math and science, so after ruling out architecture, chemical engineering and a pre-medical route, he chose civil engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering. He was excited about its future job potential, and felt that environmental was where he needed to be. An opportunity to do structures-related research arose for him in graduate school, further sealing the deal.
From the beginning, Hale thought he’d like to be a teacher, and enjoyed campus atmosphere. While in graduate school, he was a research assistant, and taught a class.
Influences
“There are bits and pieces of my past professors that I took away, admired some of the things they did, how they taught,” he said. “I also made note of what I didn’t like, but they all taught me something.” These admirable traits were varying. “Some of them were like MacGyver, where they could make something out of duct tape and a ball of twine, and some were good communicators.”
University of Arkansas Experience
Hale feels that fate or a higher power led him to being a professor at the University of Arkansas. His research interests narrowed job prospects, so he knew the likelihood of returning to the northwest Arkansas/Oklahoma area was slim.
The University of Arkansas already had a professor in his area of research, and schools in Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina expressed interest in Hale. Fortunately for him, the UA professor was promoted to Associate Dean, creating an opening for a concrete/civil materials professor.
Once Hale started working for the University of Arkansas, he noticed that “the students were bright, very hard working, and receptive.”
Research
Hale is a structural engineer, so his research areas are primarily with concrete structures. “The infrastructure is only getting older, so it needs to be replaced or rehabilitated,” he said. “We study the use and application of new and improved concrete materials.” Hale also reassesses current design codes to get the most beneficial use out of materials.
The processes and materials are constantly changing, but some design codes are still being used from the 1960s. “Do they behave and perform the same way (as they did back then) or is there something we can do?”
Off the Clock
Hale spends most of his free time riding bikes with his kids, or toting them around in wagons. He and his wife have three kids under the age of four and have one baby on the way.
Intro to Engineering
Hale enjoyed math and science, so after ruling out architecture, chemical engineering and a pre-medical route, he chose civil engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering. He was excited about its future job potential, and felt that environmental was where he needed to be. An opportunity to do structures-related research arose for him in graduate school, further sealing the deal.
From the beginning, Hale thought he’d like to be a teacher, and enjoyed campus atmosphere. While in graduate school, he was a research assistant, and taught a class.
Influences
“There are bits and pieces of my past professors that I took away, admired some of the things they did, how they taught,” he said. “I also made note of what I didn’t like, but they all taught me something.” These admirable traits were varying. “Some of them were like MacGyver, where they could make something out of duct tape and a ball of twine, and some were good communicators.”
University of Arkansas Experience
Hale feels that fate or a higher power led him to being a professor at the University of Arkansas. His research interests narrowed job prospects, so he knew the likelihood of returning to the northwest Arkansas/Oklahoma area was slim.
The University of Arkansas already had a professor in his area of research, and schools in Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina expressed interest in Hale. Fortunately for him, the UA professor was promoted to Associate Dean, creating an opening for a concrete/civil materials professor.
Once Hale started working for the University of Arkansas, he noticed that “the students were bright, very hard working, and receptive.”
Research
Hale is a structural engineer, so his research areas are primarily with concrete structures. “The infrastructure is only getting older, so it needs to be replaced or rehabilitated,” he said. “We study the use and application of new and improved concrete materials.” Hale also reassesses current design codes to get the most beneficial use out of materials.
The processes and materials are constantly changing, but some design codes are still being used from the 1960s. “Do they behave and perform the same way (as they did back then) or is there something we can do?”
Off the Clock
Hale spends most of his free time riding bikes with his kids, or toting them around in wagons. He and his wife have three kids under the age of four and have one baby on the way.
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