SWE - Fall 2008 - (Page 72)

ENGINEERING WORLD An Innovative Approach to AI Wins an Award By combining previously incompatible tools of logic and probability that are the basic principles of intelligent reasoning, Daphne Koller, Ph.D., associate professor, computer science, Stanford University, has created a new field of learning that transforms how computers process vast amounts of diverse, uncertain, oftenconflicting data to solve complex real-world problems. In recognition of her research, the Association for Computing Machinery awarded her the first-ever ACM-Infosys Foundation Award in Computing Sciences for her innovative approach to artificial intelligence that allows computers to reason and learn about the world from Daphne Koller real-world data. This new award recognizes personal contributions by young scientists and system developers to a contemporary innovation that exemplifies the greatest recent achievements in the computing field. ACM CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY A Significant Achievement in Emerging Technology Research Carnegie Mellon University’s Burcu Akinci, Ph.D., associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, received the prestigious 2008 Celebration of Engineering and Technology Innovation Award from the FIATECH industry consortium for significant achievements in new and emerging technology research. FIATECH, an industry consortium that provides global leadership in identifying and deploying fully integrated and automated technologies to a wide variety of capital projects, had more than 50 nominations for 12 different award categories ranging from outstanding early career researcher to lifecycle data management and information integration. Dr. Akinci’s work focuses on leveraging information models and a variety of Burcu Akinci sensors to streamline construction and facility-management practices. She also recently helped launch a new project-based international construction project-management course with students from the United States, Turkey, Israel, and Brazil. Jacqueline Rast, New President at CH2M Hill “Jacque’s broad experience in the consulting, engineering, and construction industry in both operations and sales, her knowledge of global markets, and her experience on major projects and programs around the world have prepared her to lead Our Center of Excellence in our journey toward consistent, worldclass delivery,” said Ralph Peterson, CH2M HILL’s chairman and CEO, of Jacqueline Rast’s appointment as president and group chief executive for the company’s Consulting, Engineering, Procurement, and 72 SWE FALL 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SWE - Fall 2008

SWE - Fall 2008 Heritage Club Contents Farewell Message from FY08 President Michelle Tortolani Congratulations SWE Magazine A Conversation with FY09 President Virginia Connolly, P.E. Introducing the FY09 Board of Directors View from the Executive Suite Editor's Page Public Policy Update SWE Retention Study, Part 6 Membership Information & Calendar A&B SWE Member Kristina Johnson First Woman to Receive John Fritz Medal University Labs Fuel a New Era in Energy Women Engineering Leaders in Academe 2008 Opening the Gateways to Engineering Your Collegiate Section History is Waiting to Be Discovered Honoring the Legacy of Ada Pressman, P.E. Report from WEPAN Engineering World Proposed Bylaws Amendments Point of View Correction Career Toolbox Corporate Partnership Council Book Review SWE Smiles In Memory Opportunity Index SWE Scrapbook

SWE - Fall 2008

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