ACE Adjunct Professor Dianne Burke new MTSBA President

Dianne Burke, Applied Computing & Electronics Adjunct Professor and Frenchtown School Board Trustee, will serve as President of the Association and Chair the 21-member Board of Directors of MTSBA. In an address to MTSBA’s school trustee members at MCEL, Burke talked about the passion she has developed for K-12 public education that she shares with fellow trustees across Montana. “MTSBA is an outstanding organization and we will be working collaboratively through this Legislative session to advocate for all of Montana’s students,” Burke said.

“Dianne (Burke) has been a strong leader and advocate for public education as a member of our Board for many years,” said Lance Melton, Executive Director of the Montana School Boards Association. “We look forward to her leadership over the next year as President, where she will be instrumental in advocating for the interests of every Montana child before the Montana legislature with a unified voice. Dianne will also take charge in advocating for Montana’s children at the federal level when the MTSBA Officers meet with our Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., in January,” Melton said.

Dianne Burke has served on the Frenchtown School Board since 2004 and has held leadership positions since 2005. She was raised in Houston, Texas, and received a B.A. in Biochemistry from Rice University and a M.S. in Chemistry from University of Houston. She is currently working on a doctorate in Education Leadership at the University of Montana. A Frenchtown resident for over 20 years, Dianne owns a computer consulting business and is a faculty member at the University of Montana. Her 3 children are graduates of Frenchtown schools. In her spare time, Dianne enjoys woodworking, running, and playing the violin.

Health IT - Scribes Recruiters on Campus

Wednesday, October 31 recruiters will at the Missoula College Commons 10am-1pm looking for students/graduates to work with Providence Health System Hospitals in Missoula, Polson, & Deer Lodge as the continue the transition to the EPIC Electronic Health Record. For further information on Health IT education at Missoula College contact Professor Gallagher

Tim Chester featured in the Kaimen

Tim Chester was recently featured in an article by Allison Mills in the Kaimin. Tim is one of many students formerly of the military pursuing a degree with outcomes that are as diverse as its students.

Rescheduled: Bachelor of Applied Science Meeting on 11/20/12

For those of you currently pursuing or interested in seeking a Bachelor of Applied Science in an Energy Technology related field, please consider attending an informational and group advising meeting in the Dean's Conference Room at the Missoula College on Tuesday, November 20 at 2:00 pm.  Please note that this meeting has been rescheduled from an earlier date.  

If you are unable join in person and would like to join via Skype or Amvonet, please contact Beth Shirilla at beth.shirilla@umontana.edu. The purpose of the meeting will be to share plans of study, answer questions regarding specific degree requirements, and to investigate additional course offerings specific to energy technology.

Details on the program can be found http://ace.cte.umt.edu/BAS_Overview.pdf

Aluma Alison Sweeney featured in Bozeman Chronicle

Alison Sweeney, Energy Technology, '11 was recently featured in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle for her work with Liquid solar as she installs solar thermal panels on the local food co-op.

Energy Tech Alumnus Presents to Students

Energy Technology graduate (Class of '10) Robert Potts returns to campus on Thursday, October 4th for a special talk to Energy Technology students on his experiences in the field of wind energy with Invenergy at the Judith Gap Energy Center in Harlowton.  Robert will be presenting in HB17 at 3:30. He will be joined by Larry Keogh '10 who will discuss his latest efforts to build net-zero homes in the Bitteroot.

Mandatory PETSA Training

Did you know that students who have not completed the PETSA training will not be allowed to register for spring semester classes? Almost 2,000 Missoula College students still need to complete the training. 


The PETSA training is for ALL students at ALL campuses of the University of Montana (including distance learners).

You can direct any questions to PETSA@umontana.edu.

Time to Think About Spring Semester!

It’s hard to believe, but registration for Spring 2013 is right around the corner! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Registration for Spring 2013 begins October 22nd
  • To register on time, set up your advising appointment now
  • ACE Department Students (CAD, Computer Support, IT, Electronics Tech, & Energy Tech) should contact Beth Shirilla to set up an appointment with their advisor
  • Bring the following to your appointment:
  1. Your unofficial transcript
  2. Your program checklist
  3. Program flow chart or any other advising materials you may have from previous semesters
To contact Beth to set up an appointment, stop by Griz House 8E (the office immediately opposite the front door), call 243-7916 or email beth.shirilla@umontana.edu.

2012 Tech Fair


Programs from Missoula College's Applied Computing & Electronics Department were highlighted at The University of Montana Tech Fair. Some of the student projects on display included the Human-Powered Vehicle; winning CAD Technical Drawings from Bike Rack, Recycling Center, & Building Footprint contests; and the Sustainable Computing Research Project (Physical Sciences undergraduate award winning poster).

The Tech Fair showcases campus technologies and support services vital to the success of UM students faculty and staff. Thanks goes out to Professors Layton, Varsa, Shen, and Gallagher; graduate Andrew Machain; Administrative Associate Beth Shirilla; and Energy Technology student Zac Rambo and Nathan Ferro for staffing the event.

Pictured below: Department Chairman Tom Gallagher and Energy Technology Graduate Andrew Machain (left) and the Battery Doctor's portable solar power station prototype (right)


Additional credential for 2-year IT program students

IT students - Did you know that in the process of completing your 2-year degree, you also complete the credits required for a Computer Support Certificate? All you have to do to claim this certificate is submit a graduation application once those courses are complete. Since you only have to pay the graduation fee once for any degree you get at UM, you’re getting an extra credential to add to your resume and make you more employable for FREE! Ask Beth (beth.shirilla@umontana.edu) or your advisor for more info.

Graduation Application Deadline: October 1

The Registrar’s Office has decided to extend the deadline for December 2012 graduation applications until October 1, 2012. October 1 is also posted as the last day the registrar will be accepting May 2013 graduation applications.

Long-time Faculty Member & Friend Steve Rice Passes

Retired Electronics Technology Professor Steve Rice passed away Saturday, September 1, 2012 due to complications from cancer. Professor Rice served as a faculty member at The University of Montana College of Technology for nearly 27 years. He was a tremendous teacher known for his "hands-on" approach in instructing students. As Director of the Electronics Technology Program, he mentored many individuals in the design and construction of electronic circuits. He supported career technical education as a means for individuals to gain jobs. Thanks to the tutelage of Professor Rice, his students were always well-qualified in their trade. His teaching practices reinforced a "student-centered" approach to education. He was always an advocate for the student.

In addition to his successful teaching career, Professor Rice excelled in research. He was a member of the innovative and highly-publicized UM research team which taught bees to detect land mines. Professor Rice was credited as the chief architect for the "Electronic Beehive", a key component in the success of the project. The team was able to transfer the technology from its UM research into the highly successfully private company Bee Alert Technologies. 

Steve was a dear friend and colleague.


Energy Technology Program Powers Roots Fest

Energy Technology Students, Alumni, and Faculty joined forces in providing renewable electricity for the arts show at the Missoula River City Roots Fest. Dr Brad Layton, Energy Technology Program Director, organized a group of students and alumni in putting this event together. Energy Technology Alumni, Andrew Machain's portable solar generation system provided electricity for art show vendors. The student solar car from the Shell Eco-marathon was an "attention-grabber" at the event.



Autumn 2012 Admissions Deadline

Missoula College has a rolling admission policy. There are no application deadlines and students may apply to the college at any time. However, many of our academic programs fill quickly. Early application is recommended to reserve a spot in the program of your choice.  Both math (ALEKS) and writing (eCompass) placement exams are required in order to be admitted to programs in the Department of Applied Computing and Electronics.  Competed applications must be processed and placement exams must be completed by August 10 in order to be admitted to ACE programs for fall semester (January 10 is the deadline for spring semester).  Student applications processed after August 10 will be accepted, but students will be placed into a pre-program status for the period of one semester (assuming all prerequisite courses have been completed). Additionally, students need to complete the ALEKS math placement exam and the eCompass writing placement exam. Please see specific details on your program’s website or speak with your program director or advisor if you have any questions. 

IT Student's Research in Green IT Wins Award

IT student Lance Pellerin recently completed work on a research project examining the use of cloud computing and desktop virtualization in minimizing the carbon footprint of the information worker. This Green IT research project utilized remote desktop technologies and thin-client computing devices in a shared server environment for office information workers at the University. Lance's research earned him first place in the physical sciences poster session at the 2012 University of Montana Undergraduate Research Conference. Lance, having completed his A.A.S. degree in Information Technology, will continue his education by pursuing a bachelor's degree through UM's Davidson Honors College.  Lance's faculty advisor was Associate Professor Tom Gallagher.


Workforce Report Released - Demand for Electronics Technical Professionals Strong

A workforce report completed by Applied Computing & Electronics faculty affiliate, Peter Rahn details high demand in the local region for individuals with the skills and knowledge to support  control systems, industrial automation equipment, and instrumentation. Energy efficiency enhancements in commercial and residential buildings; a revitalized wood products industry; precious metal extraction; food production; biomedical industry; fossil fuel extraction; and automated industrial manufacturing facilities all reported a need for electronics technical professionals. Forty-two regional entities were interviewed for the report. The report describes employment prospects for graduates from the UM Electronics Technology Program to be strong. The complete report is available at http://ace.cte.umt.edu/eet/2012rahneetreport.pdf

Autumn Registration Begins - April 9

Registration for Autumn Semester courses begins April 9. All students are required to obtain a registration PIN from an advisor. Advising appointments can be made by directly through your advisor or by contacting Beth Shirilla 243.7916 | beth.shirilla@umontana.edu

Advisor Contact Information:
Computer IT Program
Penny Jakes 243.7804 penny.jakes@umontana.edu
Rhonda Tabish 243.7808 rhonda.tabish@umontana.edu
Steve Stiff 243.7913 steven.stiff@umontana.edu

Energy Technology
Brad Layton 243.7865 bradley.layton@umontana.edu
Tom Gallagher 243.7814 thomas.gallagher@umontana.edu

Computer Aided Design
Krisztian Varsa 243.7811 krisztian.varas@umontana.edu

Electronics Technology
Tom Gallagher 243.7814 thomas.gallagher@umontana.edu
Steve Stiff 243.7913 steven.stiff@umontana.edu

Grant Myhre Talks About Shell Eco Marathon on Montana Today

Grant Myhre, one of the team members competing in the Shell Eco Marathon next week in Houston, TX talks about the project with Monte Turner on Montana Today.  See the video here: http://www.nbcmontana.com/Grant-Myhre-3-19-12/-/14594424/14386646/-/vxovij/-/index.html

UMCOT Students Prepare for Shell EcoMarathon

A team of students representing The University of Montana College of Technology are diligently preparing for the 2012 Shell EcoMarathon to be held in Houston Texas March 29th – April 1st. The team is comprised of students representing all three campuses with Environmental Studies majors and Welding majors joining the Energy Technology students. This is the first such entry from the UMCOT, but they have hopes to place well in the solar division, which requires that teams collect more energy than they consume during the six-mile race. “We could not have gotten this far without some major space donations from local businesses,” says Energy Technology Program Director, Bradley Layton. “We are extremely fortunate to live in a community that has a true sense of unity. We have also benefitted from the resources available to us at the Montana Enterprise Center.” Stay tuned for more news as the project progresses…

Welding student Jesse Sedler clears the frame he welded and helped design for launch
 

NPR: Is U.S. Energy Independence Finally Within Reach?

Rising gas prices have been the big energy story of the past several weeks. But many energy experts say that's a sideshow compared with the really big energy event — the huge boom in oil and natural gas production in the U.S. that could help the nation reach the elusive goal of energy independence.

Read or listen to full story at : http://www.npr.org/2012/03/07/148036966/is-u-s-energy-independence-finally-within-reach