NASA’s Rocket Technology May Save You During an Earthquake
Now.Space – May 3
The number of recorded earthquakes worldwide last month was 3,033 (and counting). These range from small tremors of 1.5 to the 7.8 quake in Muisne, Esmeraldas, Ecuador. And they happen all over the world. Anyone who lives in works in, or visits any building taller than ten stories could experience the devastating effects of this natural phenomenon. Pictures of the damage caused by earthquakes in South American and Japan once again raise the question of what can be done to help buildings withstand the earth’s shaking … A successful test at the University of Alabama College of Engineering Large Scale Structures Laboratory (LSSL) placed the DTM atop a steel frame mounted on a “shake table.” The table simulated earthquakes of varying strengths and successfully proved that this mechanical system can help change the frequency of a building.
UA Researcher Studies Cuba’s Coastal Forests in Anticipation of Tourism Increase
E-Science News – May 4
Dr. Michael Steinberg, a University of Alabama associate professor in New College and geography, is conducting a study of the coastal mangrove forests in Cuba’s Zapata Peninsula and the Jardines de la Reina Garden of the Queen Marine Reserve national parks. The study is using satellite maps of the park’s coastal mangrove forests from the past 20 years to examine the forests growth or decline during that time frame.
University of Alabama graduates look towards life after school
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – May 4
This weekend, thousands of University of Alabama students will put on their caps and gowns to walk across the stage to get something they’ve wanted for four years. As over 5,300 graduating seniors prepare to leave school and head into the work force, what can they expect? Brooke Rogers is getting her degree in Elementary Education and wants to be a school teacher. Rogers interned at Tuscaloosa County Schools while she was a student. She is excited about graduating, but very nervous.
Military Kids Are Hurting More Than We Know
Fox News – May 4
Thousands of American children will attend summer camps in the months ahead. Operation Purple Camp is one of them. Its purpose is to unite children whose parents are in the military and offer a built-in support system to help kids cope with the unique challenges their families face … Dr. David Albright, an associate professor of mental health at the University of Alabama who specializes in military mental health, said there aren’t enough intervention programs — and that civilians are largely unaware of the issues that military children face. “The kids are invisible,” he told LifeZette. “[People] just don’t know military kids are even there. It’s really tough to argue for policy, much less specific intervention programs, when we largely don’t even identify the kids.”
University of Alabama’s Capstone Agency launches ‘What Powers You?’ campaign
Alabama News Center – May 4
Capstone Agency has partnered with the Center for Public TV & Radio to produce videos featuring members of the University of Alabama community who have been inspired by Alabama Power. Video Producer Gray Lloyd said, “Collaborating on this project with Capstone Agency allowed our students to gain valuable, real-world experience for a major corporation. We hope this campaign motivates University of Alabama students to take initiative, develop their skills and pursue their goals.” In a series of 15- to 30-second clips, the videos highlight three UA students who have been inspired by Alabama Power: Kaylie Crosby, project manager of EcoCAR 3; Kelsey Hixon, Alabama Power Presidential Scholarship recipient; and Elliot Spillers, UA’s 2015-2016 Student Government Association president. All videos began being featured last month exclusively on the campaign’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@WhatPowersUA).
Airbus links with Alabama universities to build new leaders
Made in Alabama – May 4
One of the ways Airbus is putting down roots in Alabama is through partnerships with local universities that aim to help shape the next generation of industry leaders. . . . In separate endeavors, Airbus Engineering is involved with USA in establishing an Innovation Hub in Mobile, as well as a relationship through an Airbus Group University Partners Program at the University of Alabama, said Kristi Tucker, director of communications for Airbus Americas Inc.