Medallion by Pat Steadman
Georgia Southern University
FOCUS ON EXCELLENCE
A series of lectures to recognize recipients of Faculty Awards
2009-2010 Program
Lectures are in Henderson Library (Suite 1303)
September 23, 2009 (4-5pm)
Award for Excellence in Contributions to Research
Dr. Brian Vlcek
"From the Blackboard to the Racetrack: In support of student professional development through the engineering, manufacturing and racing of test vehicles."
Through professional societies such as the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) Georgia Southern students have participated in projects that bring authenticity to their professional development. Over the past decade, student teams have engineered, manufactured and raced miniature Formula-style race cars, solar-electric cars, off-road baja dune buggies, human powered lunar rovers, and vehicles that run on renewable fuels. The journey from the blackboard to the racetrack is often winding and full of unexpected surprises. Join us as a decade of Georgia Southern racing victories and agonizing defeats are chronicled.
October 21, 2009 (12-1pm)
Award for Excellence in Contributions to Research
Dr. Richard Pacelle
"Walking the Streets of Rome with a Map of Florence"
The academic experience and the research process are fraught with contradictions and constraints. Some of these challenges are faced by all faculty members who balance teaching and research. While others are more specific to certain disciplines, they have corollaries in most fields. I examine three of these apparent challenges (responsibilities, significance, and language, for lack of better terms) and discuss the opportunities and constraints with reference to a current research project.
November 11, 2009 (4-5pm)
Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction
Dr. Goran Lesaja
"Teaching Mathematics Outside of the Classroom"
In this talk we will emphasize and explore different ways of teaching mathematics outside of the classroom. Methods include, but are not limited to, competitions in mathematics and interdisciplinary areas, independent study courses, projects (separate or as a part of undergraduate and graduate research activities), and lectures or talks. We will also discuss nonstandard ways of teaching mathematics in the classroom such as collaborative group activities, guided self–discovery, and inquiry based instruction.
January 28, 2010 (4-5pm)
Award for Excellence in Contributions to Service
Dr. Lorne Wolfe
"Service for Dummies: Surviving the Ugly Duckling of the 3-Legged Stool with Grace and Dignity"
It is probably safe to say that most individuals become university professors because of a love of conducting scholarly research and teaching, while relatively few do so owing to a desire to serve on committees. Yet, the demands of service often surprise the junior faculty member. In this talk I will discuss how it is possible, within certain bounds, to influence one’s service portfolio with the goal of minimizing the pain while maximizing the gain.
February 23, 2010 (4-5pm)
Award for Excellence in Contributions to Service
Dr. Junan Shen
"Millions of scrap tires polluting our environment...And a practical plan for making use of them"
There is increasing environmental concern about the 230-million scrap tires (i.e., tires that are discarded due to wear or failure) produced each year in the U.S. The use of scrap tire-produced crumb rubber modifier (CRM) in paving materials is a practical, effective and promising solution to the problem of dealing with these millions of discarded tires. The CRM is typically used in modified binder, a key component of quality asphalt mixtures. It has been proven that CRM modified binders and the mixtures using the modifier have a better performance than conventional binders. CRM binder is considered a sustainable, long lasting and green construction material that can support essential upgrades to our infrastructure.
March 25, 2010 (12-1pm)
Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction
Dr. Michelle Cawthorn
"Teaching...the continuing frontier."
These are the musings of a Georgia Southern biology faculty member. My mission, begun 15 years ago and continuing into the future: to explore the wonders of biology with current and future students; to seek out new teaching and alternative learning methods; to boldly go in teaching directions that promote lifelong learning.