News

At the CoRE of Mines Research

In terms of research at Mines, the Chevron Center of Research Excellence (CoRE) is arguably one of the most prized institutions. Located in the basement of Berthoud Hall, CoRE was formed in 2003 as a long-term agreement between Chevron’s Energy Technology Company and CSM, meant to bring together experts in petroleum and geological engineering. As it currently stands, this goal is being met by the amazing staff at this facility. Most of the geologically inclined faculty on campus have nothing but respect and admiration for CoRE and the work they are performing.

Scientific discoveries this week: 9-27-10

Pasadena, California – Scientists at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena have discovered what appears to be a magnetic field they suspect could be left over from the Big Bang. While the true origin of this magnetic field is unclear, the researchers hope that it will point them to the origin of magnetism. The distortion and static from super-massive black holes and supernovae is the primary obstacle at this point in time, but scientists believe that the static can be eliminated from the signal.

Headlines from around the world: 9-27-10

The Republican party is asking many Hispanics to step up to take office this year, as an effort to draw more Hispanic voters in 2012. In the past, Hispanics have largely voted Democratic due primarily to immigration policies. However this paradigm is changing for 2010, with the Hispanics on the GOP ballot taking tough stances on immigration, supporting Arizona’s decision on illegal immigration.

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Shell Seminar covers liquid water’s formation of ordered phases

The September 24 installment of the Department of Chemical Engineering Shell Seminar series, “Ices, Clathrates, and Quasicrystal: How Does Liquid Water Form Ordered Phases,” presented by Dr. Valeria Molinero of the University of Utah, was an exploration of the title topics. Conveniently for the listener, Molinero broke her talk into four distinct sections, each dealing with an aspect of her subject matter.

Important parking updates

Last week, there were two major developments in the campus parking situation. Golden City Council recently added a one block section of 15th street, from Washington Avenue to Arapahoe Street, to the city parking permit district. This parking permit district requires a permit from Golden and does not recognize any Mines permits.

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SPIRIT Scholars help develop students

The SPIRIT Scholars Program was initiated in 1998 by Phillips Petroleum Company, and has provided talented Mines students with invaluable hands-on exposure to the company and to the energy business ever since. ConocoPhillips partners with Mines through the program to offer students a unique set of enrichment and professional development opportunities. Mines is one of only eight universities in the country at which ConocoPhillips has established this program, which provides students with $5,000 scholarships, along with hands-on industry experience, mentoring and professional development, and valuable leadership and service opportunities. Past SPIRIT Scholars Program activities have included community service projects with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Habitat for Humanity and the Golden Gallop charity run, exclusive dinners with company representatives, cooking classes, professional development lunches and sporting and performing arts events.

ASCSM reapproves fee, responds to actions on campus and off

Prior review of opinions printed in the school newspaper, a response to a comparison of Mines to 1930’s Germany made by a city council member, and a clarification on fee hikes were all part of the exciting discussions at last Thursday’s ASCSM Meeting in Ballrooms A & B. The Associated Students of the Colorado School…

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Career Day: Actions speak louder than words

There is an unwritten rule at Mines. Every time a distinguished figure addresses a group of Mines students, that figure is expected to spend at least one minute of that address heaping praise on the quality of Mines students. However, as the authors of a prominent game theory textbook so eloquently put it, talk is cheap, actions are a far better indication of intent and beliefs. Anyone can say good things about Mines students, so the real test is what actions are being taken by those in a position to act. That is, employers.

Are you up to the Cru challenge?

While most of the Mines campus was fast asleep Thursday night, one jolly band of hardy folk were making their way up the side of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers, Quandary Peak. Known as the CRU Challenge, this event takes place once a year about four weeks into the fall semester, and it attracts a unique group of people. The CRU Challenge consists of 40-50 Mines students driving up to one 14er late at night, climbing to its summit, and descending back to Golden by about 7:00 AM Friday to enjoy some hot, fresh pancakes.

Andrew Hanna with a map of mars topography

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Mines embraces the mysteries of Martian tectonics

Earth, Energy, and the Environment, these are the main goals of the Colorado School of Mines. So, what was I doing sitting in a small office in the Green Center talking about Mars with one of the school’s leading planetary scientists? Jeff Andrews-Hanna is one of the leading experts in the fields of Martian tectonics and I found myself there to pick his mind about his current research into the formation of what could possibly be the largest impact crater in the observable solar system.