Groundbreaking held at Centennial Campus for the NC Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center
University leaders, government officials, and industry representatives officially launched the NC Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center with a groundbreaking ceremony held at NC State University's Centenial Campus. As the largest facility of its kind in the United States, it will train 2,000-3,000 employees per year, provide a partnership with community colleges and BTEC's distance education program, and offer on-site training. "The center will be a major new force for statewide economic development and job creation in the biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical and related agriculural industries. Though partnerships with industry, other academic institutions and with support from Golden LEAF, we're creating a tremendous opportunity for North Carolina to lead the world in biomanfacturing," remarked James Oblinger, chancellor, NC State University. For more information: http://www.ncsu.edu/BulletinOnline/06_05/btec.htm
UNCG's online master's program receives top recognition
For the second year in a row, UNC-Greensboro’s online masters of arts in liberal studies was named top online program by the N.C. Distance Learning Association. The awards committee commended the program for its innovative and diverse curriculum. The interdisciplinary program allows students to take classes in several different departments and fosters communication and problem solving abilities. For more information: http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/degree/mals.asp
Kudos for UNC Charlotte's IT Dean
The Charlotte Chamber’s Information Technology Council awarded Mirsad Hadzikadic, dean of the College of Information Technology with its Blue Diamond Award, an annual award given to individuals, companies, and organizations that use technology to improve businesses and the community. The Council gave Hadzikadic the prestigious Neel Award which recognizes an individual’s lifetime contributions and career achievements in information technology. With more than 25 years of information technology experience focusing in the areas of data mining, cognitive science, and medical informatics, Hadzikadic was recognized by the Council for his significant contributions to information technology in the Charlotte region.
Campuses evaluate initiatives to deter illegal music downloading
As reported in the Sept/Oct ‘04 issue of UNC Links, the UNC, in collaboration with the Campus Action Network (CAN), launched a music service pilot to stem illegal music downloading and file sharing over the Internet and promote legal sharing for nominal fees. With staggered implementation, several campuses (NC A&T State University, UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina University, NC State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill) allowed students at those schools to access legitimate music services. The pilot programs ended on April 30, 2005. Currently, the campuses are evaluating these initiatives and determining whether to continue the programs.
NCCU science complex to open this summer
A 120,000 square foot science complex, housing physics, biology, chemistry, math and computer science, environmental science, and geography departments, will open this summer on the North Carolina Central University campus. The facility, named the Townes Science Complex, will feature state-of-the art scientific equipment and high-tech classrooms. Every classroom in the complex will be a “Smart Classroom” with teleconferencing capabilities, voice over IP, VCR and DVD players, and touch screens. The construction of this $36 million building was solely funded from the 2000 Bond Program.
UNCG software to help internet security and promote tech transfer
UNC-Greensboro signed an exclusive agreement to license faculty-developed software to Live Cargo, a Greensboro software firm. Shan Suthaharan, a math professor at UNCG, has devised a unique algorithm for encrypting data and his method quickly attracted the interest of the software company interested in developing products for the Internet security market. His algorithm provides high security and scalability to a company that will serve the needs of many sectors such as government, education, medical, and financial markets. Under the agreement, the University will receive royalties from Live Cargo sales of it products that utilize the algorithm and assume a small equity position in the company. For more information: http://www.uncg.edu/ure/news/stories/2005/Feb/encryption021705.htm
WCU launces high tech initiatives for broadband internet and adaptive devices
Earlier this year, Western Carolina University announced the establishment of the Center for Broadband Applications to find ways to effectively utilize the capabilities of the broadband Internet coming to western North Carolina. The Center will take a multidisciplinary approach to addressing problems and examining a variety of high-tech applications that will benefit a range of industries from health care to entertainment. Also, WCU indicated it will create the Center for Adaptive Devices to focus on how technology can improve the quality of life for the aging population and for people with disabilities. For more information: http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/hightechinitiatives05.htm
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