Krell Institute Announces 2010 UCES Award Winners

Ames, Iowa (December 6, 2010) — The Krell Institute is pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 Undergraduate Computational Engineering and Sciences (UCES) Award.  Russell Manson of Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Ponoma and Scott Sinex of Prince George's Community College (PGCC) in Largo, Md. were recognized for their commitment to and innovations in the field of computational engineering and science (CES) during a November 16 awards ceremony in New Orleans, La.  

Chuck Swanson (both images, pictured left), UCES award program director and instructor in the University of Minnesota Computer Science Department, presented both recipients with a certificate and cash prize during the Education Program at SC10, the world's largest international supercomputing conference. 

Manson (top image, pictured right), associate professor at Stockton, was recognized for developing the college's complete undergraduate program in computational science, including a five-year BS/MS dual-degree option.  Said Swanson, "The judges were particularly impressed with the development process which included recruiting students from high schools and establishing relationships with local two-year colleges."

Sinex (bottom image, pictured right), professor of physical sciences and engineering at PGCC, was acknowledged for developing interactive spreadsheets to teach computationally-based concepts in freshman and sophomore chemistry and materials science classes.  "Using a spreadsheet provides an easy introduction to computational methods in science without requiring knowledge of a programming language," noted Swanson.  "Availability of educational materials is an important criterion in making UCES awards; a large number of spreadsheet exercises (called 'Excelets') are available to other educators via a website," he added.

A judging committee of faculty members and others involved in CES education evaluated 12 entries on the basis of their focus on CES as well as their innovation, educational impact, breadth of appeal, overall quality, and accessibility of related materials to the larger community.  While five applications were selected for presentation at SC10, Manson and Sinex took the top prize for their efforts.

About UCES: The UCES Award program was created to promote and enhance undergraduate education in computational engineering and science. The program encourages development of innovative educational resources and programs, recognizes the achievements of CES undergraduate educators, and serves to disseminate educational material and ideas to the broad scientific and engineering undergraduate community. Awarded annually, UCES is funded by the Department of Energy and administered by the Krell Institute. 

Learn about the UCES Award program and read about past winners.

About Krell: Established in 1997, the Krell Institute provides technical resources, knowledge and experience in managing technology-based education and information programs, including two of the most successful fellowships offered by a U.S. science agency. 

Visit Krell's website for more information.