News & EventsDepartment Events
Events
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Mar27
EVENT DETAILS
lessSpring Break Ends
TIME Monday, March 27, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Mar29
EVENT DETAILS
lessMolecular computation for bioengineering
Abstract:
The rapid development of high-performance computing has enabled unprecedented advances in the mechanistic understanding of molecular biomaterials. We direct the power of our “computational microscope” to investigate complex biological molecular systems, to understand when and how these systems function in health and break down in disease. We also develop computational methods for the multiscale and data-driven characterization and design of novel functional biomaterials from the nanoscale, for medical and engineering applications, drawing inspiration from natural design principles. I will present recent work that combines multiscale modeling and big data frameworks to probe and predict behavior of complex biomolecular systems.
Bio:
Dr. Anna Tarakanova is Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on advancing molecular, multiscale and data-driven modeling methods to study the structure, function and mechanics of complex nanoscale biological materials. These tools provide the foundation to ask essential questions about the behavior of tissues such as arterial elastic tissue and bone, and to repurpose molecules for new functions like improved immunogenicity, thermal stability or resilience in aging. In particular, her work aims to characterize extracellular matrix proteins including elastin, collagen and fibrillin, and their role in the context of aging and human disease. She received her BS from Cornell University, and her MS and PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Tarakanova is a recipient of the NSF Career Award.
TIME Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr3
EVENT DETAILS
lessPROJECT FEASIBILITY: AN EQUITABLE APPROACH
ABSTRACT
Danielle Tillman is Managing Principal of bKL Architecture and is an advocate for infusing architecture with social consciousness. Tillman strives for a profession and built environment that reflects its communities. Through her work, Tillman has been visible and tenacious in her engagement to shift the perception of what an architect is. In today’s presentation, Tillman will
guide you through her personal career trajectory while highlighting recently completed projects and industry statistics. She will discuss the importance of placemaking, highlight the intimate details
of bKL Architecture projects including Cirrus and Whitney Young Library, and review current AEC industry demographics.DANIELLE TILLMAN BIO
Danielle Tillman’s specialty is built environments that naturally integrate into their communities.
As Managing Principal of the Chicago-headquartered bKL Architecture, Tillman has become an expert at infusing architecture with social mindfulness. Throughout her career, she looks to cultivate relationships with neighborhood leaders and residents, synthesizing their requirements and feedback into the project program. Danielle’s global portfolio includes mixed-use and residential developments including Chicago’s 300 N. Michigan and 160 N Morgan developments, as well as The Selby in Toronto Canada and select projects in China. Danielle’s key educational and institutional projects include GEMS World Academy, University of Chicago Campus South Multi-Use Facility, numerous Chicago Public School projects, and the renovation and expansion of the Whitney Young Public Library.Danielle earned a BS in Mathematics from Spelman College and a Master of Architecture Degree (MArch) from the University of Michigan. She also holds a Certificate in Real Estate Development. Danielle is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the AIA Chicago Foundation Board, Business Leadership Council, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Chicago Women in Architecture (CWA) and CREW Chicago. Danielle is on the Board of Advisors of the College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology and has been appointed as a Commissioner for the Chicago Plan Commission. She was named a 2022 Crain’s Notable Executive of Color in Construction and Commercial Real Estate and 2022 Crain’s Notable Black Leader and Executive. Danielle is a 2021 AIA Young Architect Award recipient, 2019 AIA Illinois Alan Madison Service Award recipient and a 2019 Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40” recipient. She is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois.
ABOUT bKL ARCHITECTURE
Based in Chicago, bKL Architecture was founded in 2010 by Thomas Kerwin, FAIA. With offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC and Shanghai, its portfolio includes globally recognized projects that span a broad range of scales and building typologies. The firm is led by a senior team with decades of international experience and has a staff of remarkable diversity. Tenets of bKL include service to its clients, leading-edge design and a deep civic commitment to the communities where the firm designs and builds.TIME Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr7
EVENT DETAILS
lessMitigating air pollution inequities with green infrastructure
Abstract:
Air pollution is a longstanding and ubiquitous exposure in the modern world that is linked to short-term illness as well as chronic disease. Green infrastructure is the utilization of vegetation in a manner that improves environmental quality within the built environment. What happens when you bring these two together? Dr. Fuller will explain how pollution levels are distributed unequally due to transportation emission sources; and how green infrastructure, specifically vegetative barriers, can be utilized to reduce hot spots of exposure with a potential benefit to millions across the U.S.
Bio:
Christina H. Fuller (ScD) is an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia College of Engineering. She is environmental health scientist dedicated to research that investigates relevant questions concerning environmental exposures and impacts. Her research aligns three related areas: (1) fate and transport of air pollution; (2) disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized populations; and (3) novel solutions to pollution exposures. Dr. Fuller is dedicated to community engagement in research and the democratization of data that promotes environmental equity. Her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the JPB Foundation. She is co-editor of the book Ambient Combustion Ultrafine Particles and Health that summarizes the issue of ambient ultrafine particles and their health effects. Dr. Fuller is also a member of the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC).
TIME Friday, April 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr10
EVENT DETAILS
lessHigh Performance Building System Design Strategies
Abstract:
This presentation will review building energy trends and discusses major design strategies for wide range of building types. Additionally, the presentation will offer a proven collaborative approach to optimize the energy and operational performance of buildings. The building configuration/massing and envelope plays a major role in meeting any buildings sustainability goals and complying with ever-improving energy codes requirements. The art of designing a beautiful façade that balances loss/ gain, daylight, solar radiation requires an optimized integrated solution. Case buildings will dive into the required design strategies that improve the built environment and adds value to the development.
Bio:
Mehdi Jalayerian is Senior Managing Director for ESD. His expertise spans over three and half decades of work on iconic tall-megatall mixed-use, public assembly, commercial and institutional buildings that include the world’s first positive energy large scale building and the world’s next tallest building. He is a frequent speaker on integrated building systems design with a focus on high performance, flexibility, life safety, phased occupancy and Intelligent Buildings and is a major contributing author to the ASHRAE Design Guide for Tall, Supertall and Megatall Buildings and chairs the Application Handbook for ASHRAE TC9.12. He holds master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas and is a licensed Professional Engineer in 14 states.
TIME Monday, April 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr12
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr14
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, April 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr17
EVENT DETAILS
lessTitle: A Street in a City
Abstract:
A comparative analysis of current Latent projects spanning blocks and generations.
Bio:
Katherine Darnstadt is the founder of Latent Design, a progressive architecture and urbanism practice leveraging civic innovation and social impact to design more equitable spaces and systems. Since founding in 2010, Katherine and her firm have prototyped new urban design systems to advance urban agriculture, support small business through Boombox, created spaces for youth makers, advanced building innovation though Blank Box, and created public space frameworks through Design Trust Chicago. She and the firm have been published, exhibited and featured widely, most notably at the International Venice Architecture Biennial, Architizer A+ Awards, Chicago Ideas Week, NPR, American Institute of Architects Young Architects Honor Award winner and Crain’s Chicago 40 Under 40. She previously taught at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University.
TIME Monday, April 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr19
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr21
EVENT DETAILSmore info
less
Introducing a new joint Executive Education series created by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and McCormick School of Engineering designed to help law firm leaders, lawyers, and other legal professionals understand and make the most of the computational technologies that are transforming the delivery of legal services.
TIME Friday, April 21, 2023 at 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
LOCATION Levy Mayer Hall map it
CONTACT Daniel W. Linna Jr. daniel.linna@law.northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Apr21
EVENT DETAILS
lessAccessibility-Based Ethics-Aware Transit Design
Abstract:
We propose a new strategic transit design methodology that places accessibility and equity at the center of the trade-off. By guiding transit design with ethical theories, it promises to improve vertical equity. We consider two ethical principles: the utilitarian principle and John Rawls’s egalitarian principle known as the difference principle. A simple corridor transit design model is developed that differentiates travelers according to their location-based access to opportunities. Its objective is defined by the underlying ethical principle: maximizing the total accessibility for the utilitarian principle and maximizing the accessibility of the most disadvantaged for the difference principle. When transit service is homogeneous everywhere along the corridor, we prove ethical principles make no difference in the optimal design. In response to this finding, spatial supply heterogeneity is introduced into the design models. We then find the egalitarian design has a prominent equity-enhancing effect, whereas the utilitarian design exacerbates inequity, especially when the spatial distribution of opportunities is highly uneven. The results highlight the usefulness of the difference principle, notably its ability to identify the upper limit of equity when the decision is bounded by limited resources or the underlying structure of the problem at hand. However, correcting innate inequality by applying the difference principle entails interventions that not only appear “discriminatory” but also impose a steep price in the form of lost total accessibility - up to 40% in our numerical experiments.
Bio:
Dr. Marco Nie is currently a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University. He received his B.S. in Structural Engineering from Tsinghua University, his M.S. from National University of Singapore and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Nie’s research covers a variety of topics in the areas of transportation systems analysis, transportation economics, and sustainable transportation. Dr. Nie had served as a member of the TRB committees on Transportation Network Modeling and Traffic flow Theory and Characteristics. He is currently an Associate Editor for Transportation Science, an Area Editor for Networks and Spatial Economics, and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Transportmetrica-B and Transportation Research Part B. Dr. Nie’s research has been supported by National Science Foundation, Transportation Research Board, US Department of Transportation, US Department of Energy, and Illinois Department of Transportation.
TIME Friday, April 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr26
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Apr28
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, April 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May1
EVENT DETAILS
lessHigh Performance Is Not High Tech
Abstract
Decades of experience developing cutting-edge, architecturally integrated climate concepts for buildings has shown one consistent lesson: simpler is better. High-tech designs can be realized and achieve great performance, but are generally necessary only in response to specific architectural or programmatic constraints. In most cases, simple, low-tech solutions have the best chance of achieving ambitious performance goals. Olsen will use a variety of case studies from Transsolar’s work around the globe to illustrate this key lesson.
Bio
Erik is a managing partner at Transsolar KlimaEngineering, an international climate engineering firm determined to create exceptional, highly comfortable spaces with a positive environmental impact. He leads the New York team in working collaboratively with architects worldwide to develop and validate low-energy, architecturally integrated climate and energy concepts.
Passionate and highly skilled, Erik is a firm believer in innovation adding value to the human experience wherever possible. In addition to his specialist work at Transsolar, he has worked as a consulting mechanical engineer on a wide variety of building types and launched and directed the City of Chicago’s Green Permit Program, and is a graduate of Purdue University and MIT.
TIME Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May5
EVENT DETAILS
lessA Biorefinery Approach to Transforming Lignin into High-Value Products: Coupling a Microbial Electrolysis Cell and Lignin Depolymerization
Abstract:
Lignin is the largest store of renewable aromatics. Due to its refractory nature, however, its chemical potential is not fully realized. Here, we propose a biorefinery where the treatment of wastewater by a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) produces “clean” water and a caustic catholyte that can depolymerize lignin under mild conditions into two high value product streams. We determine the MEC operating conditions to produce a depolymerization solvent and characterize and quantify solution and colloidal phase products using an array of analytical techniques. In contrast to previous reports of limited high-value-product yields, we obtain and identify 11% of discrete aromatics (monomers and flavonoids) using LC-MSn. We close mass balance by simultaneously producing lignin nanoparticles. In part, our higher product yield is due to selective repolymerization to form flavonoids and nanoparticles. Furthermore, we explore how depolymerization is influenced by lignin source (i.e. herbaceous, softwood, and hardwood) and extraction (i.e. organosolv and klason) to gain insight into ways to tune products. We also explore the effect of salt concentration, salt type, and pH on LNP properties. Both flavonoids and lignin nanoparticles have antioxidant properties and have potential applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, and agricultural industries.
Bio:
Natalia Obrzut is a fifth year Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University working with Dr. Kimberly Gray. Natalia’s work focuses largely on researching environmentally friendly ways of producing valuable products from lignin, a highly aromatic structure that is typically discarded as a low value waste. Natalia and Dr. Gray have published a book chapter and a paper and two ACS presentations. Natalia received her B.S. in both Physics and Biochemistry from Loyola University Chicago in 2018. Upon completing her Ph.D. this June, Natalia will start a career in management consulting at Bain & co. in Chicago.
TIME Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May8
EVENT DETAILS
lessSustainability and Engineering Challenges in Industrial and Aviation design
Abstract:
A. Epstein and Sons International Inc., (Epstein) got its start as structural engineer for the Central Manufacturing District in Chicago over 100 years ago. Over the past ten decades, the firm of architects, engineers, and construction professionals has been a leader in the industry with innovative, high-quality projects, and forward-thinking processes.
“Throughout its 100-year history, Epstein has stood as a model company, a kind of mentor to other businesses in the city and worldwide. During this time, the name Epstein on a project has been a promise of excellence. What has made the company great is what continues to sustain you: hard work, innovation, and agility mixed with more than enough courage to stare down tough times and thrive in spite of them.” – Richard M. Daley
Through a series of case studies, we will explore civic-minded architecture and engineering, the design-build construction method, and beautiful contemporary design. We will also look ahead, taking a peek at projects currently on the boards at Epstein.
Bio:
Laura Rebbe, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, NCARB
Vice President, Associate Director of Architecture and Interior Design
Ms. Rebbe joined Epstein in 2015, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience in the AEC industry, including stints with Jacobs Engineering, Suttle Mindlin and Urban Design Group. Laura has experience managing a wide variety of projects, including mixed-use developments, military, interiors, educational, aviation, and large master planned developments.
Ms. Rebbe brings with her a strong sense of design, and a passion for sustainability. Having managed more than a dozen projects pursuing LEED certification, Laura has extensive experience coordinating LEED projects and navigating the certification process. She also has vast experience in planning and design, and is sensitive to the strategic needs of corporate clients, both nationally and internationally.
Edward S. Curley, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB
Vice President, Director of Architecture and Interior DesignEd Curley joined Epstein in 2019 as our director of architecture where he is responsible for serving as the principal-in-charge for our architecturally-led projects as well as ensuring the project delivery and design for those endeavors. Additionally, Ed also directs the coordination of our architectural staff and supervises all phases of design.
Ed’s experience in the field of architecture includes projects ranging from commercial buildings and residential developments to manufacturing facilities and municipal projects.
In his prior professional experience Ed was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Chicago office for Rafael Viñoly Architects, supervising the design teams daily performance. While there, Ed led the Viñoly design team and organization of the design consultants for NEMA Chicago, a 76-story luxury rental apartment building located at the south end of Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
TIME Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May12
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, May 12, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May15
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, May 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May17
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May19
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, May 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May22
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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May24
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)