University of Alabama alumna strikes it rich on ‘Fashion Star’
Tuscaloosa News – May 15
A University of Alabama graduate competing on NBC’s “Fashion Star” reality show earned the opportunity to debut $3 million worth of her fashion designs with three of the nation’s largest retailers. Hunter Bell, 32, competed against 12 other designers during the six-week contest. Buyers from Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express chose her collection to be sold exclusively in their stores. “This competition is all about perseverance, listening, challenging yourself and being challenged,” Bell said in a news release. “Throughout the competition, I just kept reminding myself to run the race with fierce endurance and press on toward that goal. And, in that final moment, when I crossed that finish line — there was just an amazing sense of accomplishment and feeling of acceptance in this industry. It’s very surreal to have all three buyers say ‘We want you.’ That’s what all designers want to hear on a daily basis.” Working with design mentors, the contestants were given a weekly challenge to design clothing with a certain look, feel and function. Their designs were then presented to buyers from the three retailers, who would decide which one to purchase and carry exclusively in their stores.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 14
Alabama found lacking in computer science students
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – May 15
With more job opportunities than any other college major these days, computer science is hot. The Bureau of Labor says there will be up to 800,000 new jobs in this area by 2020. So, why are fewer than 100 students in Alabama learning about this field? “I’m always surprised that we have to go out and advocate for computer science education,” computer science teacher, Carol Yarbrough said … We heard there was a lot of folks in industry putting an effort to raise the awareness of computing,” University of Alabama professor, Jeff Gray, said. So far, nearly 700,000 thousand people have signed a petition on the site promoting computing. Ten thousand of those are from Alabama. Gray says our state still has a way to go. Currently, few schools in Alabama offer an AP computer science class, which is the only type of computer science course available in our state.
UA civil engineering student earns NASA Fellowship
Al.com – May 15
University of Alabama civil engineering graduate Will Guin was awarded a renewable fellowship for graduate school with the NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship. With the program, NASA wants to develop ties with researchers at universities and cultivate new, highly trained engineers and scientists by providing scholarships to graduate and doctoral students pursuing science, mathematics and engineering related to NASA research. Guin, from Winfield, graduated this month, and he will continue his graduate studies in the UA College of Engineering, working with Jialai Wang, associate professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering. The two will work to develop a way to use carbon nanotubes, or CNT’s, to strengthen the fiber reinforced polymers used in the fields of aerospace, automotive, electronics, renewable energy, civil infrastructure and sports equipment, according to UA. Unlike in similar research projects, Guin and Wang will use what they call “poptube technology,” producing cost-effective, more energy efficient CNT’s at room temperature without inert gas.
Tuscaloosa News – May 15
Rable to discuss Civil War battle
Engleonline.com – May 15
On Friday, May 31, the Harrisburg Civil War Round Table will present its Wilbur S. Nye Memorial Lecture. Dr. George C. Rable, the Charles G. Summersell chair in Southern history at the University of Alabama, will speak on “Fredericksburg – the Battlefield and Beyond.” Rable’s talk will take a new approach to Civil War military history by examining the battle of Fredericksburg in the widest possible context. Rable will examine the political context of the battle, assess some key strategic and tactical decisions, look at the experiences of the common soldier, and argue about the importance of the aftermath of battles. Rable will discuss how Fredericksburg was in many ways a Confederate victory but a Union story, and the talk will conclude
Moundville to host birding event
WVUA Live Interview (Tuscaloosa) – May 14
Moundville Archaeological Park will host the Spring Birding Program on Saturday, May 18, 2013.