SUSTAINABILITY

6  Lazy  Ways  to  

Go  Green
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 VECTOR -­ OCTOBER 2010
Table
In This
of Contents
Issue
Letter from SEC President...3 Get Your Act Together with
Cover Story...4 ECAC...8-­9
SEC Alternative Energy 6WXGHQW3URÀOH
Challenge...5 EXPO Review...10
Students for Clean Water...6 Student Gov. and Senate...10-­11
Mexcan’t: Says Who?... 6-­7 Dear Alec...12
Society News...13-­15
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EDITORS-­IN-­CHIEF Copy Editors The Vector Periodical is spon-­

Kristi Bartlett sored by the Student Engineer-­
Jen Nordhauser
ing Council at the UT Austin
Charlotte Friedley Lucy Xie Cockrell School of Engineering.
STAFF IT Manager DISCLAIMER
George Song The ideas expressed in this
Layout publication are the opinions of
Kaitlin Decker Distribution the authors and students who
put together each issue of the
Rose Stewart Cyrus Iqbal Vector. All information is subject to
change and/or error. Questions/
Advertising Contributers critiques can be addressed to
Kevin Yuan Jason Erasmo Castro D. the editors in messages sent to
Michael Rodriguez vector@sec.engr.utexas.edu.

1 Vector
October 2010
 LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
IN THIS ISSUE
opportunity  for  me  to  voice  my  opinion,  and  I  
quickly   applied   to   be   on   the   staff.  Two   years  
As   another   semester   commences   upon   us  
later,   I’m   more   passionate   than   ever,   but  
with   its   assortment   of   academic   and   social  
my   focus   has   shifted   from   speaking   solely  
obligations,  we  can  only  describe  our  situations  
for   myself   to   empowering   all   students   in   the  
as   BUSY.   However,   we   highly   suggest   you  
Cockrell   School   of   Engineering   to   have   a  
guys   take   a   breather   from   the   intense   study  
meaningful  voice  on  campus.  Issues  such  as  
sessions   for   those   midterms   and   pick   up   our  
plus-­minus   grading,   the   availability   of   non-­
¿UVWLVVXHRI9HFWRUIRU)DOO
engineering  classes,  and  computer  lab  space  
Although   we   sound   slightly   like   used   car   have   all   garnered   attention   from   students   in  
salesmen,   we   blame   our   fervor   on   our   the   past.   The   Student   Engineering   Council  
excitement   and   anticipation   of   many   new   served   as   the   forum   for   these   concerns   and  
DVSLUDWLRQV WKDW ZH KDYH IRU 9HFWRU WKLV \HDU helped  provide  guidance  to  administration  on  
:HDUHZRUNLQJRQVRPHELJFKDQJHVLQ9HFWRU RXUVSHFL¿FQHHGVDVVWXGHQWV
to  better  suite  the  needs  of  the  Cockrell  School  
Currently,   the   Student   Engineering   Council  
of   Engineering.   Currently,   we   are   working   on  
is   working   closely   with   other   student   leaders  
D 9HFWRU :HEVLWH WKDW ZLOO FRQWDLQ SDVW DQG
from   the   professional   organizations   of   each  
current   issues.   Eventually,   we   hope   to   create  
department   to   provide   input   to   faculty   and  
an   electronic   drop   box   with   suggestions   to  
administration   in   the   planning   of   the   new  
improve   the   publication   and   a   blog   that   will  
engineering   buildings.   SEC   also   is   working  
more  directly  voice  the  needs  of  University  of  
closely   with   the   Senate   of   College   Councils  
Texas  engineering  students.  
to  outline  a  student  committee  to  examine  the  
We   are   excited   about   our   new   staff   members   Cockrell   School’s   budget,   allowing   for   more  
that  show  promising  talent  and  can  put  up  with   student  input  within  the  budgeting  process.
the   hustles   and   bustles   of   scholastic   life   and  
The   Student   Engineering   Council   exists   to  
juggle   the   committment   of   this   periodical.   We  
serve  students  and  provide  them  the  resources  
would  also  like  to  announce  we  will  be  having  
necessary  to  change  the  engineering  campus.  
)22'DWRXUJHQHUDOPHHWLQJVWKDWRFFXUHYHU\
Be  proactive,  ask  questions,  voice  your  opinion.  
RWKHU7XHVGD\WR30LQ5/0
It  is  more  important  than  ever  for  students  to  
&RPHVWRSE\D9HFWRUPHHWLQJQH[WVHPHVWHU
engage  themselves  within  the  Cockrell  School  
or  seek  us  out  at  the  SEC  meetings,  and  we  will  
of   Engineering.   I   challenge   you   to   actively  
be  more  than  delighted  to  help  you  get  involved  
voice  your  opinion  to  the  council  and  make  a  
in  one  of  the  most  enthralling  and  informative  
GLIIHUHQFH1RYRLFHVKRXOGJRXQKHDUG
QHZVSDSHUVDURXQGWKHHQJLQHHULQJFDPSXV
If  you  have  any  pressing  questions  or  concerns,  
Sincerely,
feel  free  to  contact  me  at  president@sec.engr.
Your  Editors-­in-­Chief,  
XWH[DVHGX RU VWRS E\ WKH 6(& RI¿FH (&-
&KDUORWWH)ULHGOH\DQG-HQ1RUGKDXVHU
DQG\RXUYRLFHZLOOEHKHDUG
LETTER FROM THE SEC PRESIDENT Sincerely,
At   the   beginning   of   my   sophomore   year,   I   <RXU6(&3UHVLGHQW
stumbled  into  the  Student  Engineering  Council   *UDQW/DVWLFRYD
RI¿FHORRNLQJIRUDZD\WRPDNHDQLPSDFWRQ 6(&3UHVLGHQW
WKHFDPSXV7KH9HFWRUUHSUHVHQWHGWKHSHUIHFW

3 Vector
October 2010
October 2010
2
Cover Story: 6 Lazy Ways To Go Green
BY ROSE STEWART
Environmental  preservation  and  cautious  use  of  resources  are  topics  that  have  recently  
become  more  strongly  advocated  than  in  the  past.  We  hear  all  about  the  importance  of  
reducing  our  gasoline  and  energy  consumption,  but  often  it  seems  that  going  out  of  our  
way  to  change  our  daily  routine  is  not  worth  the  trouble.  However,  there  are  many  easy  
things  that  even  the  laziest  person  can  do  to  go  green.  Here  are  a  few  ideas:  
1  )  Procrastinate  Mowing  Your  Lawn Similarly,  if  you  normally  just  close  your  laptop  
/HWWLQJ \RXU JUDVV JURZ WDOOHU EHIRUH \RX or   put   it   to   sleep   when   you   leave   your   room  
cut  it  actually  helps  it  absorb  energy  more   or   go   to   bed,   take   the   extra   couple   seconds  
HI¿FLHQWO\DQGJURZWREHKHDOWKLHU/RQJHU to   shut   it   down   completely.   Even   if   you   are  
blades  allow  for  more  sunlight  absorption,   not  actually  doing  anything  on  your  computer,  
which   lets   the   roots   grow   deeper   and   leaving  it  turned  on  still  requires  power.
stronger  into  the  soil.  After  you  mow,  leave  
5  )  Recycle  Electronics
the  cut  grass  on  your  lawn  to  provide  it  with  
What  do  you  do  with  your  old  phone  when  you  
PRUHQLWURJHQWKLVZLOOPDNHLWPRUHGLI¿FXOW
EX\DQHZRQH"/HDYHLWVLWWLQJLQ\RXUGHVN
for  weeds  to  grow  in  your  yard. XQWLO\RXMXVWGXPSLWLQWKHWUDVK"1H[WWLPH
2  )  Buy  a  Reusable  Water  Bottle \RX KDYH D XVHG L3RG SKRQH RU FRPSXWHU
5DWKHU WKDQ DGGLQJ WKH FRVWV RI ERWWOHG take  it  down  to  Green  Austin  Technologies  on  
water   to   your   weekly   budget,   invest   in   a   /DPDUVRWKDWLWFDQEHUHF\FOHG,IWKHVKHHU
1DOJHQHERWWOHRUHTXLYDOHQWEUDQGWRKHOS SOHDVXUHRIGRLQJDJRRGGHHGLVQRWVXI¿FLHQW
both  yourself  and  the  environment.  Before   motivation,  keep  in  mind  that  they  will  pay  you  
\RXOHDYH\RXUKRXVHHYHU\GD\¿OOXS\RXU in  exchange  for  your  donation.
water  bottle  and  stick  it  into  your  backpack   6  )  Fix  Your  Dripping  Faucet
so  that  you  always  have  it  when  you  need   As   simple   as   it   may   seem,   calling   someone  
it.  Having  water  with  you  will  make  it  easier   in  to  take  a  look  at  that  annoying  leak  could  
to   hydrate   yourself   rather   than   allowing   a   prevent   a   lot   of   water   from   being   wasted.  A  
bottle   of   soda   to   tempt   you   just   because   faucet   that   drips   at   a   rate   of   one   drop   per  
you  are  dehydrated. VHFRQG ORVHV DURXQG  JDOORQV RI ZDWHU
3  )  Unplug  Electronics  that  Glow each  year,  and  if  it’s  your  toilet  or  showerhead  
Certain   devices   will   continue   to   emit   WKDW¶VFDXVLQJWKHWURXEOHDGGRQDQH[WUD
light   even   after   you   turn   them   off   which   JDOORQVDQGJDOORQVWKDWLVJRLQJGRZQWKH
unnecessarily   wastes   energy.   If   you   drain.   So   be   conscientious   of   unnecessary  
notice   that   your   television   or   monitor   is   dripping,  and  don’t  just  ignore  it.
still  illuminated  after  it  has  been  turned  off,  
5RVH6WHZDUW9HFWRU6WDII
unplug   it   to   save   yourself   a   few   dollars   in  
your  next  electricity  bill.
If you have any “Lazy Ways” to make
4  )  Turn  Off  What  You’re  Not  Using! life a bit greener, submit them to
-XVW OLNH ZKDW \RXU SDUHQWV WDXJKW \RX vector@sec.engr.utexas.edu, and we
about  turning  off  the  faucet  while  brushing   will feature them in the next issue!
your  teeth,  if  you’re  done  using  something,  
MXVW WXUQ LW RII (YHQ WKRXJK VZLWFKLQJ RII
the   lights   when   you   leave   the   room   won’t  
save  the  universe,  it  takes  no  effort  on  your  
SDUWDQGLVMXVWWKDWPXFKPRUHEHQH¿FLDO

Vector
October 2010
4
 SEC ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
CHALLENGE
The  Alternative  Energy  Challenge  is  an  annual  
BY ZACHARY WILHOIT

competition  hosted  by  the  Student  Engineering  

Council  of  The  University  of  Texas  at  Austin.  The  
intent  of  the  competition  is  for  CSE  students  to  
create  novel  ideas  for  the  generation  of  power  
using  sustainable  and  renewable  methods.
Teams  will  deliver  a  presentation  detailing  their  
FRQFHSWGXULQJ$(&5RXQGLQZKLFKMXGJHV
ZLOO VHOHFW WKH WRS WKUHH ¿QDOLVWV7KHVH WKUHH
WHDPV ZLOO HDFK UHFHLYH D  EXGJHW WR
actually  build  their  device.  
'XULQJ $(& 5RXQG  WKH ZLQQHU ZLOO EH
The SEC AEC 2010 is generously supported by:
FKRVHQ±DQGWKH¿UVWSODFHWHDPZLOOUHFHLYH Harutunian Engineering, Inc. and Bayer Material
D  FDVK SUL]H 7KH$(& LV UXQ HQWLUHO\ Science, LLC.
by   students   for   students   to   not   only   foster  
LQQRYDWLRQLQWKH¿HOGRIDOWHUQDWLYHHQHUJ\EXW
to  give  competitors  the  opportunity  to  pit  their  
talents   against   their   classmates   in   friendly   PRESENTATION JUDGINGS
competition.   The   judging   sessions   are   open  
to   the   public,   and   free   supper   will   be   served.   11/19/2010 5:00-­ 7:00 P.M.
Come  on  out  to  see  the  innovative  alternative   RLM 4.102 Round Three
HQHUJ\LGHDVGHYHORSHGE\&6(VWXGHQWV
-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­
Society Spotlight: LQFOXGLQJ SULQWHUV FRPSXWHUV FHOOSKRQHV 03
SOD\HUV9&5¶V'9'SOD\HUVDQGFDEOHV,I\RXKDYH
Engineers for a any  of  these  items,  and  want  them  to  be  responsibly  
UHF\FOHGSOHDVHEULQJWKHPE\(16
Sustainable World 2XU 5DLQZDWHU &ROOHFWLRQ 3URMHFW LV OHG E\ 5LFKDUG
BY ZACHARY WILHOIT Edwards   and   is   being   done   in   collaboration   with   the  
7KHWKHPHRIWKLVLVVXHRIWKH9HFWRULV³6XVWDLQDELOLW\ Campus  Environmental  Center.  The  goal  of  this  project  
and  Engineering,”  and  this  is  a  theme  that  the  students   is   to   design   and   implement   a   rainwater   collection  
in  Engineers  for  a  Sustainable  World  strongly  support.   system   for   an   off-­campus   garden   managed   by   the  
2QHRIWKHZD\VLQZKLFKZHFKRRVHWRLPSOHPHQWWKLV CEC.  The  system  will  provide  the  garden  with  a  source  
theme  in  our  organization  is  through  active  projects   of  sustainable  and  renewable  water  for  its  plants.  We  
based  in  or  near  campus.  The  goal  of  these  projects   intend  to  have  the  system  completed  by  the  end  of  the  
is   to   make   a   positive   change   in   the   environment   VHPHVWHU
around   us.   Currently,   we   have   two   active   projects:   If  you  are  interested  in  either  of  these  projects,  or  have  
RXU5HF\FOLQJ3URMHFW 5DLQZDWHU&ROOHFWLRQ3URMHFW an  idea  for  a  project  of  your  own,  feel  free  to  drop  by  
2XU 5HF\FOLQJ 3URMHFW LV OHG E\ 6LPRQ 3ORZHV ,WV RXURI¿FHRUFRPHWRRQHRIRXUPHHWLQJVZHDOZD\V
goal  is  to  provide  recycling  services  here  on  campus   ZHOFRPHDQHZPHPEHU,¶PORRNLQJIRUZDUGWRDJUHDW
IRUPDWHULDOVWKDWDUHRWKHUZLVHGLI¿FXOWWRUHF\FOH:H semester  for  ESW  projects.
will   soon   be   accepting   glass,   any   metal,   plastic   #3-­
7,   plastic   bags,   corrugated   cardboard,   and   E-­waste  

5 Vector
October 2010
STUDENTS FOR
CLEAN WATER
BY CHARLOTTE FRIEDLEY
$V WKH &RXQWLQJ &URZV¶ VRQJ ³%LJ
<HOORZ7D[L´VD\V³\RXGRQ¶WNQRZZKDW
you  got  til  its  gone.”  But  what  if  you  didn’t  
even  have  it  to  begin  with?  
2QHLQHLJKWSHRSOHRQWKLVSODQHWGRQ¶W
have   safe,   clean   drinking   water.   With  
almost  a  billion  people  without  the  means  
to  obtain  clean  water,  Charity:  Water  has  
emerged  to  raise  awareness  and  funds  
to  help  turn  this  situation  around.
2XUYHU\RZQ0LFKDHO0DGGR[DMXQLRU
in  Urban  Studies,  has  led  The  University   IRXQG RQ )DFHERRN DW WKH ³6WXGHQWV
of   Texas   branch,   Students   for   Clean   for  Clean  Water  at  UT”  group  page.
Water  at  UT,  and  has  set  the  bar  high  by  
VWULYLQJ WR UDLVH  E\ 'HFHPEHU When   asked   why   donate   to   this  
3.   With   this   sum   of   donations,   our   UT   SDUWLFXODU FDXVH 0DGGR[ UHSOLHG WKDW
chapter  of  Charity:  Water  will  provide  two   ZLWKWKLVRUJDQL]DWLRQ\RXFDQ³EHQH¿W
schools  in  Africa  with  safe,  clean  water.   another’s   life.”   Clean,   safe   drinking  
7KHFXUUHQWWDOOLHVKDYH0DGGR[KDYLQJ water   is   a   necessity   of   life   that   often  
raised   $6.696,   which   has   remarkably   goes  unrealized  in  the  Western  world;;  
served  over  two  hundred  people.   however,   this   issue   is   a   prominent  
concern  in  devloping  countries.
In   order   to   increase   donations,   the  
Students  for  Clean  Water  at  UT  plan  to   If  you  are  interested  in  donating  to  the  
KROG D EHQH¿W FRQFHUW VHQG RXW SXEOLF cause,  check  out:
announcements,   and   employ   many  
other   fundraising   methods   that   can   be   www.mycharitywater.com/ut.
-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­

MEXICAN’TS
is  so  prevalent  that  we  deem  such  statements  and  
remarks  as  commonplace  and  don’t  give  them  a  
second  thought.

WHO SAYS?
BY J. ERASMO CASTRO D.
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man  team  and  compete  against  other  individuals  
³1RWDOO/DWLQRVWXGHQWVDGDSWWRFROOHJHTXLFNO\ all  over  the  world.  Being  that  many  on  my  friends  
PDQ\ RI WKH FROOHJHDJH /DWLQR VWXGHQWV LQ OLVW DUH IURP 0H[LFR , XVXDOO\ WHDP XS ZLWK
Austin  don’t  even  attend.”   Spanish   speaking   individuals;;   but   being   here   in  
After   reading   this   phrase   in   one   of   the   WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV , XVXDOO\ ¿QG FRPSHWLWRUV WKDW
$&&(17¶V $XVWLQ &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH QHZV DUH$PHULFDQ,¿QGLWDPD]LQJKRZDQWL+LVSDQLF
page,   online   stories   I   immediately   contacted   PDQ\LQGLYLGXDOVFKRVHWREHZKLOHLQWKHFRQ¿QHV
the   Editor   and   the   writer   of   the   same.   I   was   of   their   room   covered   in   the   anonymity   of   their  
amazed  at  how  it  had  inadvertently  slipped  by   DYDWDU5DFLVPUHLJQVWKURXJKRXWWKHODQG
editing  and  was  published  on  the  website.  The   ,KDGDOZD\VFRQVLGHUHGP\VHOIWREHD5HDJDQ
anti-­Hispanic  wave  surging  through  our  country   5HSXEOLFDQ:LWKWKDWVDLG,¿QGLWYHU\KDUG

Vector 6
October 2010
 Mexican’ts (cont. from reinforce   the   fact   that   many   are   quick   to  
believe  the  worst  of  Hispanics  before  having  
previous page) all   the   information   or   have   manipulated   the  
information  to  serve  whatever  purpose.  
in  our  day  and  time  to  adhere  to  racist  
rhetoric  our  party  has  been  spurting  in  the   3HUVRQDOO\ , IHHO WKDW HYHQWV VXFK DV WKH
SDVWFRXSOHRI\HDUV5DFLDOSUR¿OLQJZLOO ³/DWLQR 6WXGHQW 6XFFHVV 5HFHSWLRQ´
soon  be  deemed  the  norm  in  Arizona  and  I   sponsored  by  Austin  Community  College  via  
was  amazed  to  hear  that  some  have  even   6SDQLVK0HGLD'HSDUWPHQWDUHDFURFNRI
considered  discussing  such  legislation  here   excrement   and   that   these   are   detrimental  
in  Texas;;  ain’t  a  happening  folks.  Then  the   to   Hispanics   as   a   whole.   Why   are   we   not  
³DQFKRUEDE\´¿DVFRUHDUHGLWVHYLOKHDG organizing,   hosting   rallies,   contacting   our  
ZKHUHVRPHZDQWWRGRDZD\ZLWKWKHWK HOHFWHGRI¿FLDOVLQRUGHUWRKDYHWKHPSDVV
amendment  of  our  constitution.  Amazing   OLIH FKDQJLQJ OHJLVODWLRQV DV LV WKH 'UHDP
isn’t  it.   Act,   or   immigration   reform,   which   would  
EHQH¿WQRWRQO\WKH+LVSDQLFSRSXODWLRQEXW
A   couple   of   years   back,   Hispanics   were  
our  nation  as  a  whole?  
enamored  with  the  change  candidate  who  only  
GDQJOHG WKH SURYHUELDO FDUURW LPPLJUDWLRQ We   need   to   mobilize,   and   I’m   not   talking  
UHIRUPWKDWRXUFRXQWU\QHYHUJRWRULVVRRQ about  Hispanics  only;;  everyone  should  stand  
to  even  discuss.    That  along  with  all  the  other   XSDQGGHPDQGWKDWRXUHOHFWHGRI¿FLDOVGHDO
broken  promises  of  change  made,  many  want   with   the   issues   that   in   turn   would   become  
WRWXUQDZD\IURPWKH'HPRFUDWLF3DUW\RQO\ part  of  the  solution  to  all  of  our  nation’s  woes.  
WR EH NLFNHG LQ WKH IDFH E\ WKH 5HSXEOLFDQ
We   need   to   really   study   history   and   revive  
7HD3DUW\7RWWOHULQJ+LVSDQLFKDWLQJULJKW
LQ RXUVHOYHV WKH VSLULW RI ¿JKWLQJ IRU ZKDW
, FRQWDFWHG $OHMDQGUD 0DUWLQH] ZKR LV WKH is   right,   no   taxation   without   representation,  
$XVWLQ &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJHV 6SDQLVK 0HGLD give  me  liberty  or  give  me  death;;  we  need  to  
Coordinator   in   reference   to   that   which   was   refuse  to  sit  in  the  back  of  the  bus.  
originally  posted  in  the  papers  website.  She  
directed   me   to   the   Greater   Austin   Hispanic  
&KDPEHURI&RPPHUFH*$+&&ZKHUHVKH
said  she  had  gotten  percentile  statistics  that  
gave  evidence  to  the  claim  in  the  story.    Their  
*$+&&ZHESDJHVD\V³+LVSDQLFVWXGHQWV
also   represent   a   large   part   of   the   education  
V\VWHPDVWKH\UHSUHVHQWDOPRVWRIWKH
$XVWLQ,6'VWXGHQWSRSXODWLRQ
However,  Hispanics  represent  the  group  with  
the  least  percentage  of  earning  a  Bachelors  
'HJUHH FRPSULVLQJ RQO\  RI WKH WRWDO
City  of  Austin  population.”  There  is  a  difference   We  need  to  transform  our  nation  so  that  our  
EHWZHHQ   RI WKH VWXGHQWV HDUQLQJ ³FKLOGUHQZLOORQHGD\OLYHLQDQDWLRQZKHUH
%DFKHORUV 'HJUHH WR GHFODULQJ WKDW  RI they   will   not   be   judged   by   the   color   of   their  
+LVSDQLFV³SXUVXH´FROOHJLDWHGHJUHHV skin   but   by   the   content   of   their   character”  
0/. :H PXVW DOO UHYLVLW WKH 'UHDP DQG
7KDWZDVRULJLQDOO\ZDVTXRWHGRQ$&&(17¶V
make  it  our  own.
webpage.   I   make   this   observation   only   to  

Vector
7
October 2010
4
 Getting Your Act Together

WITH ECAC by Lucy Xiu

This   year’s   freshman   class   has   much   to   learn   SURFHVVEHJLQQLQJZLWKWKH5HVXPH%XLOGHUIHDWXUH
DERXW WKH SODFH WKDW ZLOO ³HQJLQHHU WKHLU FDUHHUV´ Instead   of   spending   time   stressfully   creating  
for   the   next   four   years:   the   Engineering   Career   their   own   resumes,   students   can   simply   enter   their  
$VVLVWDQFH &HQWHU /RFDWHG LQ (&-  (&$& personal,   academic   and   work   information   into  
provides   career   and   internship   assistance   to   all   5HVXPH %XLOGHU DQG LW ZLOO GHVLJQ WKHLU UHVXPH
HQJLQHHULQJ VWXGHQWV 1RW RQO\ LV (&$& HYHU\ in   a   professional,   organized   layout.   Employers  
VWXGHQW¶V VHFRQG KRPH OHDGLQJ XS WR WKH (;32 DOVR DSSUHFLDWH WKH VWDQGDUGL]HG 5HVXPH %XLOGHU
college   career   fair,   they   also   provide   a   wide   range   template   because   it   allows   them   to   go   straight  
of   workshops,   from   technical   interview   practices   to   to   the   resume’s   content   rather   than   design.   After  
salary   evaluation   advice   to   even   dining   etiquette   HLWKHUFUHDWLQJWKHLUUHVXPHZLWK5HVXPH%XLOGHURU
classes.  These  workshops  cost  little  to  nothing  and   uploading  their  own,  students  can  search  and  apply  
are  essential  to  students’  success  as  they  search  for   IRUMREVOLVWHGRQ5$06+251OLQN
MREVDQGLQWHUQVKLSV2YHUWKHSDVWIHZZHHNVWKH
ECAC   staff   have   also   been   busy   helping   students   7KH VHDUFK SDJH FDQ ¿OWHU RXW XQUHODWHG MREV
UHYLHZ UHVXPHV DQG SUHSDUH IRU (;32 DQG IDOO so   they   don’t   have   to   research   every   posting  
recruiting   season   even   calling   in   recruiters   for   LQ RUGHU WR ¿QG ZKDW WKH\ ZDQW (DFK SRVWLQJ
H[SHUWDGYLFH)RUVWXGHQWVZKRDUHQRWDEOHWRJR includes  a  detailed  description  of  the  job,  academic  
WR WKH (&$& RI¿FH LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG WLSV UHJDUGLQJ requirements,   resume   submission   dates,   interview  
resumes,  interviews,  and  career  searches  can  also   dates,   and   contact   information.   Students   apply   for  
be   found   on   the   ECAC   website   at   http://www.engr. RSHQSRVLWLRQVVLPSO\E\FOLFNLQJWKH³$SSO\´EXWWRQ
utexas.edu/ecac/yourcareer.   although  some  companies  request  a  supplementary  
application  through  their  own  website  as  well.  After  
$SDUW IURP WKH PDLQ RI¿FH LQ WKH (&- EXLOGLQJ FOLFNLQJ ³$SSO\´ 5$06+251OLQN DXWRPDWLFDOO\
ECAC  also  has  an  expansive  online  system  called   VHQGV UHVXPHV WR WKH HPSOR\HU DQG QRWL¿HV WKH
5$06+251OLQN,WDOORZVERWKFXUUHQWVWXGHQWVDQG students   if   the   employer   requests   an   interview.    
alumni   to   search   through   and   apply   for   open   job   ,QWHUYLHZV DUH KHOG RQ WKH WKLUG ÀRRU RI (&- DW D
positions   posted   by   companies.   In   order   to   log   on   time  the  student  may  select.
WR 5$06+251OLQN VWXGHQWV PXVW ¿UVW UHJLVWHU LQ
SHUVRQDWWKH(&$&PDLQRI¿FHWKHQFRPSOHWHWKH While   the   application   process   may   seem   quite  
UHJLVWUDWLRQ RQOLQH ZLWK WKHLU 87(,' DQG SDVVZRUG daunting,  ECAC  staff  members  are  extremely  helpful;;  
$IWHU WKHLU DFFRXQW LV PDGH WKH\ FDQ ¿QDOO\ EHJLQ they  understand  how  overwhelmed  we  may  feel  by  
WKHLU MRE VHDUFK 5$06+251OLQN RIIHUV RQOLQH being  suddenly  thrust  into  the  corporate  world.  Their  
assistance   through   every   part   of   the   application  

Vector
October 2010
8
 services,  both  online  and  in  person,  cover  every   the  band  to  an  engineer’s  passion  for  improving  
aspect   of   searching   and   applying   for   a   job   or   D V\VWHP RU SURFHVV7KLV PDNHV WKH /RQJKRUQ
internship.  ECAC’s  workshops  are  meant  to  ease   Band   an   attractive   niche   for   Cockrell   School  
RXUDQ[LHWLHVDQGEXLOGRXUFRQ¿GHQFHDVZHZDON students.
into  the  interview  room,  deliver  our  well-­practiced   'ULYHQ WRZDUGV HQJLQHHULQJ E\ D SDVVLRQ IRU
handshake,  and  return  every  hard-­hitting  interview   how   things   work   and   by   an   inspirational   high  
question  with  the  sharpness  that  only  a  Cockrell   VFKRROSK\VLFVWHDFKHU'DYLGLVFXUUHQWO\HQUROOHG
6FKRRORI(QJLQHHULQJVWXGHQWFRXOGSRVVHV LQ0DFKLQH(OHPHQWV0DWHULDOV3URFHVVLQJDQG
0HFKDWURQLFV HDFK ZLWK ODERUDWRU\ KRXUV LQ LWV
Quick ECAC Resources: FXUULFXOXP 2QH FODVV LQ SDUWLFXODU 0DFKLQH
(OHPHQWV ZLWK 'U %HUU\ KDV EHHQ HVSHFLDOO\
 
LQWULJXLQJ IRU 'DYLG GXH WR WKH QHHG RI XVLQJ
  Phone:   SUHYLRXV H[SHULHQFHV IURP 6WDWLFV '\QDPLFV
  Email:  ecac@engr.utexas.edu 6ROLGV DQG 0DWHULDOV WR VROYH FKDOOHQJLQJ
  Engineer  Your  Career:   problems.   His   love   of   physics   saw   engineering  
  http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/your   as   a   challenge   and   an   opportunity   to   explore  
  career his   desire   to   be   a   problem   solver.   Engineering  
-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­ seemed  to  quench  his  thirst  for  knowledge  and  his  

6WXGHQW3URÀOH yearning  for  satisfying  information.  With  so  many  

marching  band  peers  as  engineers  and  marching  

David Forinash  
band   taking   up   such   a   considerable   amount   of  
time,   members   have   no   choice   but   to   prioritize  
BY KEVIN YUAN their  time  the  best  they  can  while  following  their  
schedules  and  calendars  religiously.

0
HHW 'DYLG )RULQDVK D IHOORZ FROOHJH 1RZ \RX PLJKW ZRQGHU KRZ LQ WKH ZRUOG
student   burdened   with   the   horrid   GRHV)RULQDVJKDYHVXI¿FLHQWHQHUJ\WRIXHOKLV
workload  that  inevitably  tags  along  with   fervent  performances  at  halftime  while  excelling  
WKHODEHORIDQHQJLQHHU0HHWDMXQLRUPHFKDQLFDO academically   in   school?   Well,   the   answer   to  
engineer   with   senior   status,   who   proudly   calls   his   unyielding   performance   is   neither   energy  
himself   a   longhorn.   Students   of   the   Cockrell   drinks   nor   elements   of   supernatural   nature   but  
6FKRRO RI (QJLQHHULQJ PHHW \RXU  rather   it   is   his   passion   for   both   subjects   that  
/RQJKRUQ%DQG'UXP0DMRU'DYLG)RULQDVK prevents   excessive   fatigue   or   stress.  According  
)RU WKH WKLUG VWUDLJKW \HDU DQ HQJLQHHULQJ WR'DYLG³,W¶VKDUGWRJHWEXUQHGRXWZKHQ\RX¶UH
student   has   risen   and   claimed   the   remarkable   GRLQJ ZKDW \RX ORYH ZKHWKHU LW¶V 0HFKDWURQLFV
UHVSRQVLELOLW\ DV 'UXP 0DMRU RI D PHPEHU homework   or   preparing   for   the   next   big   game.”  
HQVHPEOH$WUXPSHWSOD\HUKLPVHOI'DYLGHDUQHG So   to   all   you   droopy-­eyed   engineers,   moaning  
KLVSRVLWLRQLQKLVWKLUG\HDUZLWKWKH³6KRZEDQG and  ranting  about  those  late  nights  pouring  over  
of  the  Southwest”  while  displaying  his  meticulous   WKRVHFXUVHGWH[WERRNV¿QGZKDW\RXORYHDERXW
management   of   time,   balancing   the   demanding   \RXU PDMRU ¿QG WKDW LQQHU ]HDORXVQHVV ZLWKLQ
coursework  of  upper-­division  classes  with  grueling   your  mind,  and  dedicate  your  time,  your  efforts,  
practices  in  the  suffocating  sun.  Withstanding  the   DQG \RXU KHDUW WR LW )RU LQ WKH ZRUGV RI 'DYLG
arduous   application   process,   which   involves   an   )RULQDVK³DQ\WKLQJLVSRVVLEOHVRVWULYHIRUWKH
interview  with  the  band  directors  and  an  audition   highest.”
in   front   of   band   members   to   prove   one’s   ability  
WRFRQGXFWWHDFKDQGOHDGWKHHQVHPEOH'DYLG
credits   his   success   to   the   constant   support   of  
his  friends,  and  conducting  advice  from  teaching  
DVVLVWDQW'HQQLV/OLQDV7KHUHPXVWEHVRPHWKLQJ
intrinsically   mathematical   about   music   because  
'DYLGDFFUHGLWVWKHODUJHDPRXQWRIHQJLQHHUVLQ

9
Vector
October 2010
6
EXPO Review: Things  changed  very  quickly  from  there,  as  
RQO\WZRRIWKHQH[W¿YHFRPSDQLHV,VSRNHZLWK
A Freshman Retrospective ZHUHHYHQWDNLQJ¿UVW\HDUVWXGHQWV+RZHYHU
WKHH[SHULHQFH,JDLQHGZDVLQYDOXDEOH1RWRQO\
BY CYRUS IQBAL
did  I  learn  the  logistics  of  a  career  fair,  but  I  also  
JRW¿UVWKDQGH[SHULHQFHWDONLQJWRSURIHVVLRQDOV

A
s  an  incoming  freshman,  I  can  say  with  
LQP\¿HOGDQGOHDUQLQJDERXWZKDWFRUSRUDWLRQV
the  utmost  veracity  that  each  and  every  
look  for  in  job  applicants.  Though  at  times  it  felt  a  
day  brings  its  own  new  experiences  and  
ELWGLVKHDUWHQLQJWR¿QGWKDW,ZDVDVPDOO¿VKLQ
OHVVRQV)URPFRYHULQJWZRFKDSWHUVSHUOHFWXUH
a  very  large  sea,  the  experience  and  knowledge  
in  a  calculus  class,  or  living  with  a  roommate,  my  
(;32HTXLSSHGPHZLWKZLOOKRSHIXOO\DOORZIRU
short   but   lively   tenure   here   at   the   University   of  
a  strong  showing  in  the  years  to  come,  as  my  
Texas   has   been   full   of   exciting   encounters   and  
uncertainty  will  turn  to  poise,  and  my  drawbacks  
HYHQWV 2QH SDUWLFXODU QHZ DGYHQWXUH IRU PH
into  my  future  successes.
ZDVWKH(QJLQHHULQJ)DOO(;32ZKLFKWRRN
SODFH7XHVGD\DQG:HGQHVGD\6HSWHPEHUVW -­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­
DQGQG
UT Student Government
6WDJHG DW WKH )UDQN (UZLQ FHQWHU WKH (;32
was   a   medley   of   recruiters   and   professionals   Update
offering   information   and   coveted   internship   by Jose de Anda, Marc Anthony
opportunities   to   hundreds   of   college   students.   Gonzales, & Matt Hicks
All   one   had   to   do   to   feel   the   excitement   and  
anxiety   at   the   four-­story   venue   was   simply   walk   Texas  Student  Association
in  and  look  at  the  faces  of  the  well-­dressed  and   Student   Government   has   declared   support  
well-­rehearsed   future   employees   standing   in   of   the   Texas   Student   Association.   TSA   is   a  
line  to  speak  with  their  targeted  companies.  The   coalition   of   university   student   governments  
FRQFUHWH ZDOOV UHÀHFWHG WKH EX]] RI ODVWPLQXWH
across   the   state   with   the   goal   of   ensuring   a  
³VHFRQGFRPPHUFLDO´SUDFWLFHVDQGWKHUHZDV
a  silent  tension  pervading  the  air.  The  attendees  
stronger  voice  in  lobbying  efforts  in  the  Texas  
ranged  from  the  graduate  students,  who  showed   legislature   and   nationally.   TSA’s   annual  
both   the   poise   and   the   sense   of   urgency   years   FRQIHUHQFH ZLOO EH KHOG RQ 1RYHPEHU WK ±
of   experience   bring,   to   the   few   and   far   between   6th  here  in  Austin.
freshman,   clutching   their   padfolios   with   a   vice  
$WWHQWLRQDOOJUDGXDWHVWXGHQWV
grip.  A  who’s  who  of  major  engineering  companies  
IURP HYHU\ ¿HOG ZDV DOVR SUHVHQW LQFOXGLQJ WKH
There   are   currently   two   Graduate  
OLNHVRI$SSOH&KHYURQ*(0HUFN6KHOOH%D\ 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHVHDWVDYDLODEOHLQWKH6WXGHQW
DQGHYHQWKH)%,DQG1$6$ Government   assembly.   If   you   are   interested  
LQDSSO\LQJFRQWDFWXV
:KHQ LW ¿QDOO\ FDPH P\ WXUQ WR VSHDN ZLWK
5LVN0DQDJHPHQW
WKH ¿UVW FRPSDQ\ RQ P\ OLVW $SDFKH &RUS
my   apprehension   was   greeted   with   a   warm  
-RVH0DWWDQG0DUFDUHFXUUHQWO\H[SORULQJ
handshake   and   a   smile.  After   conversing   about   87¶V FXUUHQW LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKH 5LVN
the   beginning   of   my   freshman   year,   we   began   0DQDJHPHQWSURJUDP+%DELOOSDVVHG
GLVFXVVLQJVSHFL¿FVDERXWWKHFRPSDQ\DQGP\ E\ WKH 7H[DV OHJLVODWXUH VWDWHV WKDW RI¿FHUV
desire  for  an  internship.  After  more  conversation,   of   student   organizations   must   be   trained   in  
the   representative   took   my   resume,   gave   me   and   inform   their   membership   of   various   risk  
contact  information,  and  wished  me  well.  In  short,   management   topics   such   as   hazing,   alcohol  
P\(;32H[SHULHQFHJRWRIIWRDYHU\VRXQGVWDUW abuse,  and  general  safety.

Vector
October 2010
10
 :HVW&DPSXV3DUNLQJ0HWHUV the  Senate  recommends  that  this  
A   unanimous   resolution   was   passed   by   committee  is  composed  of  twelve  members  
Student   Government   voicing   opposition   and  includes  both  faculty  and  students.  
to   the   city’s   plans   to   place   parking   meters   Currently,  the  Student  Engineering  Council  
throughout   the   West   Campus   area.   The   is  starting  the  process  of  creating  this  
PHWHUVZRXOGVLJQL¿FDQWO\ committee  and  it  is  our  goal  to  inform  
everyone  on  how  this  committee  shapes,  as  
raise   the   cost   of   parking   in   West   Campus,  
we  progress.
much  of  which  is  currently  free.  If  you  live  in  
West  Campus,  contact  us  for  more  information   Study  Abroad  Map
on  ways  to  voice  your  opinion  on  the  issue.   6WDUWLQJ LQ HDUO\ 2FWREHU WKH 6HQDWH RI
&ROOHJH &RXQFLOV ZLOO PRYH D ¶[¶ ZRUOG
Contact  us
map  around  the  campus.  The  banner  will  be  
As   your   elected   Student   Government  
left   with   each   department   around   campus  
5HSUHVHQWDWLYHVZHDUHDOZD\VHDJHUWRKHDU
to   be   marked   where   students   have   studied  
your  opinions  on  any  issue,  big  or  small.  You  
abroad   around   the   world.   The   purpose   of  
can  always  email  us  at  sg@sec.engr.utexas.
this   program   is   to   physically   represent   the  
HGX2XUPHHWLQJVDUHKHOGDWSPHDFK
breadth   of   the   study   abroad   programs   on  
7XHVGD\LQWKH*OHQQ0DORQH\5RRPRI66%
-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­ the   UT   campus   and   encourage   others   to  

SENATE REPORT
take   advantage   of   this   great   opportunity  
to   learn   about   a   new   culture,   experience  
college  in  a  different  setting,  and  have  some  
The  Senate  of  College  Councils  is  a   IXQ ZKLOH HDUQLQJ FROOHJH FUHGLW 3OHDVH EH
legislative  student  organization  sponsored   on   the   lookout   for   when   this   map   reaches  
E\WKH2I¿FHRIWKH'HDQRI6WXGHQWV engineering  so  you  can  leave  your  mark  on  
which  acts  as  the  coordinating  body  that   this  symbolic  map.  
brings  all  college  councils  together  to  
represent  students  in  all  academic  affairs.   Quick  Announcement  
Here  is  a  brief  overview  of  what  the  Senate   7KH5HVHDUFK6WXGHQW$GYLVRU\&RPPLWWHH
has  been  working  on  and  what  they  have   is   looking   for   new   members   to   start   its  
accomplished  since  the  start  of  the  fall   DFWLYLWLHV 3OHDVH FRQWDFW PH LI \RX DUH
semester. interested  in  joining  this  committee  or  would  
like  more  information.
Establishing  College  Tuition  &  Budget   -­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­-­
Advisory  Committes
This  is  the  most  important  piece  of  
legislation  that  the  Senate  has  worked  on  
DEAR ALEC:
Your #1 Anonymous Source of
so  far  and  it  aims  to  enhance  and  make  
more  transparent  student  and  faculty   Engineering Advice
participation  in  the  university’s  tuition  and   ,Q HYHU\ LVVXH RI 9HFWRU 6W $OHF )UHGHULFN
budget-­setting  process  at  the  college-­school   Claire,   the   patron   saint   of   the   Cockrell   School  
OHYHO6SHFL¿FDOO\WKLVUHVROXWLRQFDOOVIRUWKH of  Engineering,  takes  the  time  to  answer  a  few  
creation  of  such  commitees  in  each  college   inquiries  asked  by  engineering  students.    If  you  
or  school  to  identify  priorities  for  that  college/ would   like   for  Alec   to   answer   your   questions   in  
KLVFROXPQLQ9HFWRUHPDLOWKHPWR
school,  recommend  changes  in  tuition,  
and  advise  on  budgets.  The  structure  and   vector@sec.engr.utexas.edu
membership  of  this  committee  is  determined  
entirely  by  each  college  council;;  however,   FRQWLQXHGRQS

11 Vector
October 2010
 hours  to  something  more  appreciated  by  all  in  
'HDU$OHF the  area.    Try  to  avoid  getting  angry  at  them  
ZKHQ\RX¿UVWWDONWRWKHPEHFDXVHLW¶VYHU\
I  am  a  freshman  Chemical  Engineering  student.    
easy  to  forget  that  there  are  rooms  on  the  other  
,OLNHULGLQJP\ELNHWR&3(WRJHWWRFODVV
side  of  their  walls  in  the  dorm  situation.    If  your  
How  should  I  avoid  hitting  people  during  busy  
suitemates  are  unobliging  to  your  request  to  
SDVVLQJSHULRGVRQWKH'HDQ.HHWRQVLGHZDON"
reduce  the  noise  level,  talk  to  your  residential  
&KHP(&\FOLVWRQWKH/RRVH
DGYLVRU5$DQGRUKDOODGYLVRUWRKDYHWKHP
Chem  E  Cyclist, KHOSLQ¿[LQJWKHVLWXDWLRQ
)LUVWRIDOOULGLQJ\RXUELNHDW87LVDJUHDW 'HDU$OHF
sustainable  way  to  get  around  campus,  so  way  
I  am  an  engineering  student  who  hates  physics  
WREHHQYLURQPHQWDOO\FRQVFLRXV6HFRQGO\
because  it’s  too  hard.    What  shall  I  do?
you  oughtn’t  worry  about  the  pedestrians  -­  
3K\VLFV+DWHULQ.
remember,  your  bike  has  a  greater  velocity  
JRLQJGRZQWKH'HDQ.HHWRQKLOOWKDQDQ\ 3K\VLFV+DWHU
walking  student  could  ever  hope  to  achieve,  
-XVWWROHW\RXNQRZDORWRIHQJLQHHULQJLVEDVHG
so  your  speed  will  probably  prevent  any  
on  physics,  and  a  lot  of  physics  gets  used  in  
great  injury  from  occurring  to  your  person.    
engineering,  so  the  two  really  go  hand  in  hand.    
-XVWNLGGLQJ<RXGRQHHGWRZDWFKRXWIRU
So  unless  you  want  to  be  a  Business  major,  you  
pedestrians  while  on  your  bike,  and  the  best  
should  do  your  best  to  do  well  in  physics  and  
way  to  do  so  is  to  just  take  it  slowly  so  you  have  
learn  the  material  by  engaging  in  more  outside-­of-­
more  time  to  react  to  any  sort  of  obstacle  you  
FODVVVWXG\DQGRI¿FHKRXUDWWHQGDQFH$VN\RXU
may  see  on  the  sidewalk.    
TA  and  professor  if  there  are  any  extra  homework  
Also,  technically,  cyclists  shouldn’t  be  on  the   problems  in  the  textbook  that  they  can  assign  for  
sidewalk,  so  whenever  possible,  try  to  ride  in   extra  practice.    If  you  have  already  bombed  the  
the  bike  lane  on  the  street;;  people  shouldn’t  be   ¿UVWWHVWDJDLQFRQVLGHUWDONLQJWRWKH7$LIKH
walking  there,  so  you’ll  have  less  of  a  chance  of   she  has  any  suggestions  for  studying  methods  
hitting  them.   that  have  worked  well  for  previous  students  
LQWKHFODVV3K\VLFVWXWRUVDUHDERXQGLQWKH
'HDU$OHF
engineering  quad  as  well,  so  ask  your  friends  
0\VXLWHPDWHVDUHRXWRIWKHLUPLQGV,KHDU and  advisors  if  they  can  point  you  towards  free  
random  pounding  on  the  walls  and  obnoxious   physics  help  opportunities.
karaoke  at  random  hours  of  the  night.    Should  
Also,  if  you  can  make  it  through  this  semester,  
I  ignore  them,  knock  on  their  door  and  ask  if  
you  might  want  to  take  a  GE  physics  help  course  
something’s  wrong,  or  go  yell  at  them?    
for  your  second  semester  of  physics  so  you  can  
6OHHSOHVVLQ.LQVROYLQJ
automatically  get  an  hour  of  credit  for  going  over  
Sleepless, your  coursework  in  a  classroom  setting  other  
2QHZD\WRVXVWDLQDEO\LJQRUHQRLVHVLVWR than  your  normal  lecture  hall.    Ultimately,  if  you  
invest  in  a  simple  technology  known  as  the   GR¿QGWKDW\RXGLVOLNHSK\VLFVIRUPRUHWKDQWKH
earplug.    It  doesn’t  require  more  energy  than   UHDVRQWKDWLWLVWRRGLI¿FXOW\RXFRXOGFRQVLGHU
that  which  is  exerted  in  sticking  them  in  your   switching  out  of  Engineering  to  a  major  that  does  
HDUVDQGWKH\JHQHUDOO\FRVWXQGHUIRUD not  require  that  you  take  it,  though  in  my  opinion  
PXOWLSDFN1RZWKDW\RXNQRZDERXWWKHVHEDG that  would  be  lame  because  Engineering  is  the  
ER\VWKRVHQRLVHFDQFHOLQJKHDGSKRQHV EHVW3OXVHQJLQHHUVXVHSK\VLFVWRPDNHWKH
that  run  on  four  C  batteries  don’t  sound  so   world  a  better  place  through  alternative  energy  
appealing,  do  they? GHYHORSPHQWDQGWKDW¶VSUHWW\³OHJLW´
If  your  suitemates  are  really  getting  loud  and  
unbearable,  try  talking  to  them  and  asking  them  
if  they  can  limit  their  karaoke  and  thumping  

Vector
October 2010
12
 SOCIETY NEWS
AIChE Eta  Kappa  Nu
American  Institute  for  Chemical  Engineers
SEC  Rep:    Anne  Marie  -­-­  msanneou@yahoo.com SEC  Rep:    Jason  L.  Lii  -­-­  sec_service@hkn.ece.utexas.edu
Meetings:    Every  other  Friday  at  3  p.m.  in  CPE Meetings:    Every  other  Wednesday;;  ENS  127
Food  Provided?    Yes            refer  to:    http://hkn.ece.utexas.edu/calendar.php
Contact  AIChE:    msanneou@yahoo.com  (SEC  rep), Food  Provided?    Sometimes
ralmricarte@gmail.com  (Ralm  Ricarte,  President) Contact  Eta  Kappa  Nu:    2I¿FH(16
president@hkn.ece.utexas.edu  (Deepyaman  Datta,  President)
More  contacts:  http://hkn.ece.utexas.edu/aboutus.php
  It  has  been  many  years  since  AIChE  has  had  a  
formal   Chemical   Car   team.   Last   fall,  AIChE   decided     “Eta   Kappa   Nu   is   a   unique   membership  
to   once   again   establish   the   Chemical   Car   team   with   organization  dedicated  to  encouraging  and  recognizing  
Michael   Zhang   as   the   president.   The   Chemical   Car   excellence  in  the  Electrical  and  Computer  Engineering  
team  must  build  a  small  car,  no  larger  than  40  cm  x  30   ¿HOGV0HPEHUVFRQVLVWRIVWXGHQWVDOXPQLDQGRWKHU
cm  x  18  cm,  that  runs  purely  on  chemical  reactions  and   professionals   who   have   demonstrated   exceptional  
must  complete  a  certain  distance  in  a  competition.  The   academic  and  professional  accomplishments.  Student  
national  competition  will  be  held  at  the  National  AIChE   members   are   selected   on   the   basis   of   scholastic  
conference   in   Salt   Lake   City,   Utah   this   November.   standing,  character,  and  leadership.  Through  a  variety  
Since   the   competition   requires   the   car   to   complete   of   service   programs   and   leadership   training,   student  
UHJLRQDOFRPSHWLWLRQV¿UVWWKH87$,&K(FKDSWHUZLOO members   develop   lifelong   skills   that   earmark   them  
not  compete  in  the  national  conference  this  semester.   for   prominent   positions   in   industry   and   academia.  
Although   the   team   is   very   new,   Michael   Zhang   has   Members  are  much  better  prepared  for  the  post-­college  
been   providing   excellent   leadership   in   planning   and   world   and   are   especially   valuable   and   attractive   to  
designing   the   chemical   car.   He   plans   to   use   sodium   employers.  They  are  recognized  as  extremely  capable,  
borohydride   and   lithium   aluminum   hydride   reactions   both  technically  and  professionally.”    
to  produce  hydrogen  to  power  the  car.  The  estimated  
cost  of  building  the  car  is  $1207.30,  comfortably  under  
the  $2000  competition  budget  limit.  
  Establishing   a   successful   Chemical   Car   team  
has  been  a  challenge,  but  several  Chemical  Engineering  
professors  support  this  endeavor.  The  Chair  of  Chemical  
Engineering,  Dr.  Bonnecaze,  approved  funding  for  the  
team’s   department   and   expenses   in   building   the   car  
for   the   regional   competition.  Also,   Dr.   Truskett   from  
the   Chemical   Engineering   Department   has   expressed  
support  in  allowing  the  members  of  the  Chemical  Car  
competition  to  claim  a  one-­hour  credit,  dependent  on  the  
results  of  the  team  after  one  year.  The  department  hopes  
to   see   substantial   developments   before   the   Chemical  
Car  team  can  be  considered  for  academic  credit.  AIChE  
hopes  the  best  for  the  Chemical  Car  team,  especially  in  
its  new  start.

Vector
13 October 2010
SOCIETY NEWS
SPE EChO
Society  of  Petroleum  Engineers Engineering  Chamber  Orchestra
SEC  Rep:    Spencer  Heilner  -­-­  spencerjh1@gmail.com SEC  Rep:    Jen  Nordhauser  -­-­  jnordhauser@gmail.com
Meetings:    Every  other  Wednesday,  6:30-­8pm,  WEL  1.316 Meetings:    No  meeting  dates,  set  by  ensembles
Food  Provided?    Yes Food  Provided?    Sometimes
Contact  SHP:    speut.com Contact  EChO:    echo.ut@gmail.com
   
  The   Society   of   Petroleum   Engineers   is   the     The  Engineering  Chamber  Orchestra  (EChO)  
foremost   conduit   between   student   interests   in   the   is  an  organization  for  engineering  students  and  faculty  
UT   Department   of   Petroleum   and   Geosystems   to   have   the   opportunity   to   play   their   instruments  
Engineering  and  the  oil  industry.    As  such,  SPE  would   throughout   the   semester   without   the   pressure   of   a  
like  to  highlight  a  brand  new  technical  course  offered   major  musical  time  commitment.    Students  and  faculty  
in   the   department   as   a   direct   result   of   events   in   the   audition   at   the   beginning   of   the   semester   in   a   low-­
industry. stress  audition  environment  to  determine  their  musical  
In  the  wake  of  the  catastrophic  BP  oil  spill  this  past   playing   preferences.     Based   on   the   audition   results,  
summer,  much  has  been  said  about  the  failures  of  the   WKHPXVLFLDQVDUHRUJDQL]HGLQWRWKUHHWR¿YHPHPEHU
fail-­safes  intended  to  prevent  such  a  catastrophe.  Dr.   ensembles,  and  each  ensemble  is  given  sheet  music  to  
Martin  Chenevert,  Ph.D.,  Petroleum  Engineering,  has   rehearse  on  their  own  schedule  over  the  semester.    At  
sought  to  provide  additional  training  and  knowledge   the  end  of  the  semester,  all  EChO  ensembles  have  the  
in  this  crucial  subject  to  Petroleum  Engineering  stu-­ FKDQFHWRSHUIRUPLQWZR¿QDO(&K2FRQFHUWVRQHRI
dents  by  adding  a  new  petroleum  engineering  course   ZKLFKLVDEHQH¿WFRQFHUWIRUFKDULW\,QDGGLWLRQWR
WRWKHGHSDUWPHQW3*(%ORZRXW3UHYHQWLRQ+H WKH¿QDOFRQFHUWV(&K2PHPEHUVDOVRFDQYROXQWHHU
explains  that  blowout  prevention  has  always  been  an   with   the   organization   at   events   such   as   Engineering  
LPSRUWDQW SDUW RI RLO ¿HOG GHYHORSPHQWDQG WKDW WKH Saturdays  at  the  Museum  with  the  SEC  or  the  EChO  
%3VSLOOKDVKLJKOLJKWHGWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRIWKLV¿HOG retirement  home  concert  series.    EChO  can  be  heard  
of  technology.      “The  class  is  nearly  at  capacity,”  said   around  the  engineering  campus  at  UT  when  ensembles  
Dr.  Chenevert.  “The  subject  matter  is  of  great  interest   rehearse  in  the  honors  quad,  or  when  EChO  puts  on  its  
to  many  people.”   bake  sales  accompanying  Cheap  Lunch.    
  Dr.   Chenevert   has   designed   the   course   to   be  
interactive.   Students   will   practice   preventing   oil   rig     Ensembles  have  already  been  assigned  for  this  
blowouts   on   computer   simulators.     He   says   that   he   semester,   but   auditions   will   take   place   again   at   the  
plans  to  bring  in  Wild  Well  Control,  Inc.,  a  company   beginning   of   the   Spring   semester.    We   can’t   wait   to  
VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ EORZRXWSUHYHQWLRQ¿UH¿JKWLQJDQG hear   you   to   pick   up   your   instrument   and   play   again  
well   control,   to   certify   his   students   to   work   on   an   with  your  engineering  peers!    
offshore  oil  rig.    In  this  training,  students  will  work  
with   specialized   simulators   designed   to   mimic   pos-­   All  musical  talents  are  welcome,  from  a  bass  
sible  problems  that  might  arise  on  a  drilling  rig  so  the   singer  to  a  contrabass  player,  and  if  you  are  interested  in  
students  have  the  opportunity  to  resolve  the  situation   joining  EChO,  visit  our  website  for  more  information:  
DQGDYRLGDEORZRXW³7KDW¶VDQRWKHUEHQH¿WWRWDN-­ studentorgs.engr.utexas.edu/echo/.
ing   this   course,”   says   Dr.   Chenevert.     “The   student  
becomes  more  marketable  in  industry  because  of  the  
skills  he  or  she  learns.”
  Part  of  the  reason  that  the  University...
      (continued  on  page  16)
Vector
October 2010 14
 SOCIETY NEWS
OXE SHPE
Omega  Chi  Epsilon Society  of  Hispanic  Professional  Engineers
SEC  Rep:    Sybil  Wong  -­-­  sybil.z.wong@gmail.com SEC  Rep:    Rodrigo  Estrada  and  Erica  Ortiz
Meetings:    Fridays  10/8,  10/22,  11/12;;   Meetings:    (YHU\VHFRQG:HGQHVGD\IURPWR
         CPE  2.220  3-­4pm          ECJ  1.202
Food  Provided?    Yes Food  Provided?    Yes
Contact  OXE:    2I¿FHORFDWHGLQ&3(&KHPLFDO(QJLQHHULQJVLGH Contact  SHPE:    2I¿FH(&-
between  the  East  and  West  Computer  Labs Website:  http://studentorgs.engr.utexas.edu/shpe/
 
  Omega   Chi   Epsilon   (OXE),   the   Chemical     The   Society   of   Hispanic   Professional   Engi-­
Engineering   Honor   Society,   promotes   character,   neers,  also  known  as  SHPE,  was  founded  in  the  city  
integrity,   and   leadership   in   Chemical   Engineering.     RI /RV $QJHOHV &DOLIRUQLD LQ  7KH IRXQGHUV
OXE   participates   in   service   events   around   the   Austin   aimed  to  serve  as  role  models  for  Hispanics  through  
community  and  hosts  many  fun  social  events.  However,   their  organization.  Today,  the  UT  Austin  SHPE  Chap-­
one  of  the  most  important  objectives  of  OXE  is  to  keep   ter   does   just   more   than   that.   We   are   run   by   FAMI-­
a   meaningful   and   informative   relationship   between   LY-­   Fun,  Academics,   Money,   Involvement,   Leader-­
students  and  faculty.     ship  and  You!  Fun  is  met  with  our  socials,  where  old  
  In  the  past,  this  objective  was  achieved  through   and   new   members   have   the   opportunity   to   network  
IDFXOW\¿UHVLGHVDQGUHVHDUFKLQTXLULHV2;(KRVWVWKUHH with   each   other.   Night   at   the   Union   and   SHPE   Idol  
WR IRXU IDFXOW\ ¿UHVLGHV SHU VHPHVWHU VR WKDW VWXGHQWV were  our  latest  socials,  where  members  had  the  op-­
may  speak  with  their  professors  in  a  more  casual  setting   portunity   to   network   in   company   of   food,   bowling,  
rather   than   in   a   classroom.   New   pledges   interview   and   karaoke.   PNS  Volleyball   is   our   next   social   that  
various  faculty  members  within  the  department  to  learn   involves   more   fun,   athletics,   and   team   spirit.   PNS  
DERXW WKHLU UHVHDUFK DQG SUHVHQW WKHLU ¿QGLQJV  )RU Study  Nights  are  sponsored  every  Monday  at  7  PM  in  
many   members,   speaking   with   professors   has   opened   the  Pi  Pit,    with  Pi  Sigma  Pi,  SHPE,  and  NSBE  mem-­
the   doors   to   undergraduate   research   experience.This   bers.   During   Study   Nights,   free   snacks   are   given,   a  
semester,  one  of  OXE’s  initiatives  is  to  put  on  a  Graduate   UDIÀH LV KHOG DQG WXWRUV DUH SUHVHQW WR DLG VWXGHQWV
School   Panel   with   professors   and   graduate   students   on  their  homework.  Through  this,  we  hope  to  remind  
with   different   technical   backgrounds   in   the   Chemical   WKHPWKDWDFDGHPLFVFRPHV¿UVWDQGWRNHHSVSLULWV
Engineering   department.     OXE   President   Jeffrey   Ting   high  to  obtain  that  4.0!  
says   that   the   panel   will   “provide   a   comprehensive  
overview   of   the   application   process   to   all   Chemical     Living   by   the   legacy   of   our   organization’s  
Engineering  students  at  the  University  of  Texas,  whether   founders,  we  strive  to  get  involved  in  the  community  
they  are  graduating  seniors  going  through  the  process  or   through  service.  The  Back  to  School  Parade,  Noche  
underclassmen  interested  in  research  with  our  amazing   de   Ciencias,   Viva   La   Girl,   and   Hunger   Awareness  
faculty.”  Students  will  be  able  to  directly  ask  questions   are  just  a  few  of  the  community  service  activities  in  
to   faculty   and   graduate   students.     It   will   inform   those   which   SHPE   has   been   involved.   Whether   SHPE   is  
who  know  they  want  to  attend  graduate  school  of  what   encouraging  children  at  Noche  de  Ciencias  to  be  curi-­
it   is   like,   and   help   those   who   are   unsure   if   continued   ous  about  science  or  giving  free  sack  lunches  to  the  
education  is  the  right  path  for  them.   homeless  at  Hunger  Awareness,  UT  SHPE  is  making  
  The  idea  of  a  Graduate  School  Panel  has  already   a  difference  in  the  Austin  community...
sparked  interest...     (continued  on  page  16) (continued  on  page  16)

15 Vector
October 2010
 Odds and Ends
(OXE,  continued  from  page  15)     (SHPE,  continued  from  page  15)

...within   the   department.     Kevin   ...The   element   of   money   from   our   acronym   comes   into   play  
Kaczorowski,   a   fourth   year   Chemical   when  we  inform  our  members  about  the  various  scholarships  
Engineering   senior   with   his   eyes   set   on   available  to  them.  We  also  held  a  SHPE  Fajita  Sale,  where  we  
graduate   school,   said,   “I   wish   a   Graduate   recruited   more   than   $800   in   sponsors   to   attend   the   National  
School  Panel  had  been  around  when  I  was  a   Conference  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Another  delicious  Fajita  Sale  
sophomore.    I  think  it  would  have  given  me   is  planned,  as  well  as  other  fundraisers  in  hopes  to  gather  more  
a  jump-­start  on  tailoring  my  undergraduate   money.  The  Manitos/  Manitas  Program  is  designed  for  incom-­
career  towards  graduate  school.    However,   ing  freshmen  or  transfer  students  and  upperclassmen  to  make  
even   as   a   senior,   I   think   it   will   help   me   the  experience  for  the  “Littles”  that  much  better.  Leadership  is  
organize  my  thoughts  and  get  me  through   involved,  as  it  is  a  mentorship  program  where  both  “Bigs”  and  
the  arduous  application  process.”    If  you  are   “Littles”  have  the  opportunity  to  meet  one  another,  mentor  or  be  
a  graduating  senior  planning  on  attending   mentored,  and  learn  from  these  experiences  in  hopes  of  becom-­
graduate   school   with   any   questions   about   ing  better  individuals  at  whatever  they  may  strive  to  become.    
the  process  and  the  lifestyle,  or  even  if  you  
are  a  freshman  student  with  the  prospect  of     The  last  and  biggest  focus  of  our  society  is  our  mem-­
graduate  school  in  the  back  of  your  mind,   bers:    YOU!   We   focus   on   recruiting   engineering,   math,   and  
SOHDVH FRPH RXW WR 2;(¶V ¿UVW *UDGXDWH VFLHQFH PDMRUV RI DOO FODVVL¿FDWLRQV )$0,/< LV RXU OHDGLQJ
Student  Panel! acronym  in  everything  we  do,  as  well  as  its  literal  meaning.  
We   strive   to   make   our   members   feel   welcome   and   truly   be-­
When:  Thursday,  November  30th   come  part  of  our  SHPE  family.  We  encourage  everyone  who  
5:00PM-­6:30PM is  interested  to  come  see  what  SHPE  is  all  about,  and  to  be-­
Where:  CPE  2.218 come  part  of  our  family.  We  work  very  hard  to  provide  all  we  
Who:  Dr.  Hal  Alper  and  Dr.  Isaac  Sanchez   can   for   our   members;;   the   only   thing   that   is   missing   is   you!  
+  6  graduate  students  with  various  ChE  
areas  of  study -­-­Andrea  Lopez
alopez25@mail.utexas.edu
Food  will  be  provided!

(SPE,  continued  from  

page  14)

...boasts   one   of   the   most  

prestigious   and   highly  
ranked   programs   for   Pe-­
troleum   Engineering   is  
because  of  the  high  qual-­
ity  of  the  professors.    The  
students  in  the  Petroleum  
Engineering   department  
are   receiving   instruc-­
tion   from   professors  
like  Chenevert  at  the  top  
RI WKHLU ¿HOGV ZLWK XQ-­
matched   knowledge   and  
experience.”

Vector
October 2010 16