PAMS Focus - February 2003

PAMS Focus is a periodic e-mail newsletter about activities, achievements and other news from the NC State College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences. If you have any suggestions or comments, please share them with Sally Ramey, Director of College Relations, at 919-513-0300 or slramey@ncsu.edu.

NC State physics image featured in Discover magazine

An image created by physics student Michael Owen was recently "Discovered."

Under the direction of Dr. John Blondin, student Michael Owen created a three-dimensional simulation of an accretion disk - cosmic material swirling into a black hole or other compact central object.

Discover magazine used the image in its January 2003 issue to illustrate one of 2002's top 100 science stories of the year.

In a previous edition of PAMS Focus, we told you that NASA had chosen the image for its Picture of the Day, a rare honor for a non-photographic image. To see the image and an explanation of what it represents, visit the NASA Picture of the Day at: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap020927.html

There's still time to permanently etch your name into NC State history

Brochures about the laser-etched, brick "Walk of Discovery" were mailed to all PAMS alumni and friends before the holidays. We still have a few days left before we must complete our brick order. If you did not receive a brochure and you want an engraved brick, please contact the PAMS Development Office immediately at 919-515-3462 and we will fax the order form to you.

All orders must be in by Mar. 1. We can accept orders by fax with credit card information.

To coincide with the construction of the new Undergraduate Science Teaching Laboratory (USTL) building, the "Walk of Discovery" will include bricks engraved with the names of alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. Proceeds from the sale of the bricks will support scholarships within the College.

Charlotte reception a great success

The College held an undergraduate recruitment reception in the Charlotte area earlier this month.

About 20 prospective students and their parents attended, sharing snacks and conversation with PAMS undergraduate directors, administrators and alumni. The event was targeted at students who had been accepted to NC State, but who had not yet decided to attend. Many students and parents expressed appreciation for the information provided, and indicated that the event would be helpful in making their final decisions.

Several alumni either sponsored or attended the event, held at the Speedway Club overlooking Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Drought Conference wins CASE Award

Last summer's Drought Conference, hosted by the College and the State Climate Office, has earned an Award of Excellence from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) - District III. This distinction recognizes the conference as an outstanding entry in the Media Relations Project award category. The conference was quickly organized by a unique team of university and state agency professionals, and designed to increase news media coverage and public awareness about the state's historic drought. Following the conference, the number of public water systems on restrictions doubled and many systems noticed a 25 percent drop in public consumption.

The CASE District III competition is open to member colleges and universities throughout the southeastern United States.