New solvents may lead to better biofuels
PBS.org – May 30
…”Ionic liquids are the enabling technology to ‘crack’ biomass efficiently and economically,” said Robin Rogers, a chemistry professor at the University of Alabama. “This is really the key to any biomass product.”…And the University of Alabama’s Rogers believes the technology could be useful in producing other biofuels, such as butanol. “Ionic liquids will allow the cracking of biomass in an economical manner for a number of new businesses. The focus on ethanol is shortsighted,” he said.
Changing of seats on SBOE could mean policy changes, too
Associated Press State Wire – June 3
…University of Alabama political scientist William Stewart said the amount of money involved in the primary is large for a school board race and ‘shows there’s great interest in these seats.’ ‘The reasoning could be AEA’s got the money so why not make the effort?’ he said. ‘Maybe if the challengers do fairly well it might make the incumbents more sensitive to AEA’s concerns in the future. It might put a little fear into their hearts.’
Tuscaloosa News – June 3
Florence Times-Daily – June 3
Thompson Selected To Golf All-America Team
BamaMag.com – June 3
The Golf Coaches Association of America formally announced its 2008 PING Division I First-Team All-America selections on Monday, and University of Alabama senior golfer Michael Thompson was among the golfers selected…
Education briefs
Birmingham News – June 3
Michelle McGaha and Jack Trey Hayes, both industrial engineering students at the University of Alabama, have been presented with Student Awards for Excellence from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. — Jason Black, assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Alabama, and Guy Caldwell, UA associate professor of biological sciences, are among 15 finalists for the Inspire Integrity Awards, a national award presented by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizing faculty members who have had a significant impact on their students’ lives. — The University of Alabama National Alumni Association presented Mary Allen Jolley of Moundville with its 2008 Distinguished Alumna Award. John D. Clements of Birmingham is the recipient of the Association’s 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
2 local teacher colleges score A’s
Mobile Register – June 3
…The highest performing schools were the University of Alabama, Athens State University, Auburn University Montgomery, Stillman College and the University of Montevallo, all with perfect scores. Schools were ranked based on graduates’ scores on basic skills tests, the amount of time the colleges require students to spend in elementary and secondary school classrooms and how well the colleges’ work with the local school systems. Also, the schools were graded based on reviews submitted by the graduates on how their college experience prepared them for the classroom and reviews from the principals who hired teachers from these colleges and other criteria.
SummerTide workshop returns to Pleasure Island
BaldwinCountyNow.com – June 3
…the SummerTide Children’s Theatre Camp, June 10 to June 28 at South Baldwin Community Theatre in Gulf Shores. The children’s theatre camp is taught by cast and crew members with the University of Alabama’s SummerTide Theatre. This year, SummerTide will present the musical, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” June 6 to July 4 at SBCT…
School news
Tuscaloosa News – June 3
Alabama Boys State — The American Legion selected several outstanding young men, representing high schools in Tuscaloosa County, to participate in the 71st annual Alabama Boys State this week at the University of Alabama…
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – June 2