Reducing the internal complexities of power converters in small devices
Physics.org – June 3
Electronic devices could be made cheaper, smaller and more efficient by reducing the complexity of their internal method of converting and regulating energy, according to a patent by a University of Alabama engineering professor. An indispensable part of electronic devices, a power converter transforms incoming electricity to a form useable by the device. Increased sophistication of electronics, especially mobile technology, has required more complexity in power converters, driving up costs and energy used by the electronics. However, Dr. Jaber Abu Qahouq, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering in the UA College of Engineering, developed a controller for power converters that does not need to sense the current traveling through the device in order to improve the way power is supplied to the device. This could eliminate existing methods used for the same function, reducing complexity, size, cost and energy. “The current and future trends require smaller size of these power converters with lower power consumption or power losses,” said Abu Qahouq. “Mobile devices and computing platforms, particularly, require accurate low voltages, high currents and/or stringent, dynamic performance in very small footprints.”
50 College Diplomas With The Highest Pay
Forbes – May 30
Students who recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science are making a handsome average salary of $89,800. New grads from the California Institute of Technology, known as Caltech, are earning an impressive $83,800 on average, while new School of Engineering alumni from Stanford are bringing home $74,500. These numbers come from a survey just released by NerdScholar, the higher education unit of NerdWallet, a five-year-old personal finance website based in San Francisco. NerdWallet offers price comparisons for everything from credit cards to airport parking. … 31. University of Alabama, College of Engineering Average salary: $60,700
Burger Bytes: Alabama Engineering Recruit Da’Shawn Hand
NBC 13 (Birmingham) – June 2
Da’Shawn Hand has the rare blend of athleticism and speed. The nation’s top-rated defensive end had 94 scholarship offers on the table. “It was a long process, but next year I will be attending the University of Alabama,” Hand said in a televised ceremony on Nov. 14, 2013 at his high school in Woodbridge, Va. Those words excited the Alabama coaching staff. But, Hand is not your average football player. In fact he’s a self-described nerd. “On top of that, Dean Karr, he’s the engineering dean, he’s a football guy, I love that guy,” Hand added during his announcement. “Like I said, I love civil engineering, and they have that major.” Those words fired up Alabama’s engineering department. “It’s not too often that we have engineering kids announce their school on ESPN,” Alabama engineering Dean Chuck Karr said. Hand also mentioned that an earthquake simulator was one of the highlights during his official visit in Tuscaloosa. “We have a lot of neat toys around here,” Dean Karr said. “He happened to see this one.”
UA geography professor weighs in about new EPA rules
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – June 2
Today the Obama administration will roll out a plan with new EPA rules to reduce CO-2 emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030.That means reducing the use of coal, which would also mean the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Now, this plan is in reaction to the belief that man-made CO2 emissions have and will continue to affect climate change in a negative fashion, but is the plan jumping the gun? Joining us this morning from our Tuscaloosa newsroom, Dr. Matthew Therrell, associate professor of geography at the University of Alabama, and on the phone is Dr. John Christy, professor of atmospheric science at UAH and the state’s official climatologist.
Superintendent: Hewitt-Trussville HS stadium will be ready for 2014 homecoming
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – June 2
The Hewitt-Trussville High School Huskies have a lot to celebrate. The high school is looking forward to a football season with a new coach and a new football stadium. . . . But even though the Trussville community rallied behind building a new playing field, the project came across a historic obstacle. “We had quite a delay with the archeological findings,” said Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill. When crews first broke ground, they also stumbled upon Native American artifacts. The discovery halted construction in November of 2012. Archeologists with University of Alabama took over the land. “We gladly waited because we had respect for the fact that there was an Indian settlement here. The University of Alabama was very easy to work with, and we made it through that phase,” Neill said. Archaeologists wrapped up the excavation last summer, which gave construction crews the green light to pick up right where they left off.
Bentley says carbon emissions plan unfair to Southern states
Tuscaloosa News – June 3
(Gov. Robert) Bentley’s meeting with the small business leaders was part of his “Road to Economic Recovery Tour” across the state. Much of that program focuses on small business, which the governor noted is the biggest creator of jobs. He said the state is developing a website that will be a one-stop source for people with small businesses and those wanting to start small businesses. It will provide them with needed information and get them in touch with experts who can answer their questions. . . . The website, which is being developed by the University of Alabama and is being funded by the Alabama Department of Revenue, will link the different agencies.
Mobile County Training School Alumni Association awards seven scholarships
Mobile Press Register – June 3,
The Mobile County Training School National Alumni Association awarded seven scholarships in May 2014. The seven recipients are Kayla Reiss, Breonna July, Adele Presley, Javiera Figgers, Mikaila Taylor, Kyle Reiss and Talis Battle. . . . Daphne High School graduate Talis Battle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Z. Battle, will attend the University of Alabama, where he will major in biology-pre-med. His goal is to become a physician.