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Events for April 30, 2009

  • Venture Capital in the Global Digital Age

    Thu, Apr 30, 2009 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

    University Calendar


    Guest Speaker: Dr. Henry Kressel, Warburg PincusThursday, April 30, 2009. 10:00-11:00 AM. EEB 248Abstract: Everybody knows that digital technology has revolutionized our economy and our lifestyles. But how many of us really understand the drivers behind the technology - the significance of going digital; the miniaturization of electronic devices; the role of venture capital in financing the revolution; the importance of research and development? How many of us understand what it takes to make money from innovative technologies? Should we worry about manufacturing going offshore? What is the role of India and China in the digital economy? Drawing on a lifetime's experience in the industry, as an engineer, a senior manager, and as a partner in a global venture capital firm, Henry Kressel offers an expert personalized answer to all these questions. He explains how the technology works, why it matters, how it is financed, and what the key lessons are for public policy.Biography: Dr. Henry Kressel joined Warburg Pincus in 1983 where he focuses on technology and communications investments. Previously, he was the Vice President at the RCA Laboratories responsible for the worldwide research and development of microelectronics, power electronics and associated software. Dr. Kressel holds 31 U.S. patents covering various electronic and optoelectronic devices. He pioneered the development and commercial introduction of the first semiconductor lasers, which are the basis of fiber optic communications systems, DVDs and other consumer, industrial and military products. He is the co-author of a text with J. K. Butler, "Semiconductor Lasers and Heterojunction LEDs," Academic Press, 1977 and author with T.V. Lento of "Competing for the Future: How Digital Technologies are Changing the World," Cambridge University Press, 2007. He is the recipient of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) David Sarnoff Award for contributions to electronic devices. A graduate of Yeshiva College, Dr. Kressel received an M.S. from Harvard University, an M.B.A. from The Wharton School and a doctorate in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Yeshiva University. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and is the founding president of IEEE Laser and Electro-Optics Society. Dr. Kressel has served in an advisory capacity to NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the National Science Foundation. He is on the Boards of Sarnoff Corporation, SRI International, Telcordia Technologies, Inc., RMI Corporation, and is a trustee of Yeshiva University.Host: Alan Willner, EEB 538, x04664, willner@usc.edu

    Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Georgia Lum

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  • Venture Capital in the Global Digital Age

    Thu, Apr 30, 2009 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Dr. Henry Kressel
    Warburg PincusAbstract: Everybody knows that digital technology has revolutionized our economy and our lifestyles. But how many of us really understand the drivers behind the technology - the significance of going digital; the miniaturization of electronic devices; the role of venture capital in financing the revolution; the importance of research and development? How many of us understand what it takes to make money from innovative technologies? Should we worry about manufacturing going offshore? What is the role of India and China in the digital economy? Drawing on a lifetime's experience in the industry, as an engineer, a senior manager, and as a partner in a global venture capital firm, Henry Kressel offers an expert personalized answer to all these questions. He explains how the technology works, why it matters, how it is financed, and what the key lessons are for public policy.Biography: Dr. Henry Kressel joined Warburg Pincus in 1983 where he focuses on technology and communications investments. Previously, he was the Vice President at the RCA Laboratories responsible for the worldwide research and development of microelectronics, power electronics and associated software. Dr. Kressel holds 31 U.S. patents covering various electronic and optoelectronic devices. He pioneered the development and commercial introduction of the first semiconductor lasers, which are the basis of fiber optic communications systems, DVDs and other consumer, industrial and military products. He is the co-author of a text with J. K. Butler, "Semiconductor Lasers and Heterojunction LEDs," Academic Press, 1977 and author with T.V. Lento of "Competing for the Future: How Digital Technologies are Changing the World," Cambridge University Press, 2007. He is the recipient of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) David Sarnoff Award for contributions to electronic devices. A graduate of Yeshiva College, Dr. Kressel received an M.S. from Harvard University, an M.B.A. from The Wharton School and a doctorate in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Yeshiva University. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and is the founding president of IEEE Laser and Electro-Optics Society. Dr. Kressel has served in an advisory capacity to NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the National Science Foundation. He is on the Boards of Sarnoff Corporation, SRI International, Telcordia Technologies, Inc., RMI Corporation, and is a trustee of Yeshiva University.Hosts: Alan Willner, EEB 538, x04664, willner@usc.edu

    Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Gerrielyn Ramos

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  • Microbial Interactions with Emerging Contaminants: 1,4-Dioxane and Nanoparticles

    Thu, Apr 30, 2009 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Dr. Shaily Mahendra, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice UniversityAbstract:
    Emerging contaminants are chemicals being increasingly detected in the environment, which are perceived to cause adverse ecological or human health effects, but are not yet regulated. Some examples of materials that have emerged recently are industrial compounds, gasoline additives, pharmaceuticals, and nanomaterials. It is particularly important to evaluate contaminant-microbe interactions because microorganisms can (a) transform contaminants into non-toxic products, (b) act as convenient models for toxicity to higher organisms, and (c) serve as sensitive indicators of potential environmental impacts. 1,4-Dioxane and quantum dots are selected as representative emerging contaminants for this presentation.
    1,4-Dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, is typically found as an environmental contaminant in conjunction with groundwater solvent plumes as it is commonly used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents. In my research, a variety of bacteria containing specific monooxygenase enzymes were shown to degrade 1,4-dioxane. Quantitative and biochemical data generated in this research will facilitate the development of monitoring tools for this important emerging contaminant in natural and engineered systems. Thus, an outcome of microbial-emerging contaminant interactions may be effective, inexpensive, in situ, natural or enhanced bioremediation.
    Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals valuable for electronics, solar energy generation, and medical imaging applications. QDs consist of heavy metal core/shell structures coated with organics to make them biocompatible. These coatings can be easily weathered under certain environmental conditions. In contrast to coated QDs, weathered QDs are bactericidal. QD toxicity to bacteria was primarily due to cadmium and selenite ions. Once QDs are released into the environment, water and soil characteristics, such as pH, pE, salinity, and natural organic matter, affect their bioavailability and consequent toxicity. Therefore, a potential consequence of microbial interactions with emerging contaminants may be ecotoxicity.
    It is important to recognize emerging contaminants and their impact on public health and the environment. A proactive understanding of their interactions with microorganisms will allow us to use them in a sustainable manner and also develop systems to biologically remediate them.

    Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Evangeline Reyes

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  • Pursuing a Career In Academia

    Thu, Apr 30, 2009 @ 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Student Affairs

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    The Viterbi School of Engineering is starting a new initiative in mentoring
    PhD students and postdoctoral researchers toward academic positions.
    The first event in the initiative will take place on April 30th.Your attendance is requested at a special panel on "Pursuing a Career in
    Academia." Engineering Ph.D. students and Post Docs from all areas and
    departments are strongly encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be
    served. Five distinguished faculty will discuss their academic paths and those of
    their PhD students successfully placed in university positions in the US and
    abroad, offer strategic advice, and answer your questions.To register for this event, please click on the link below:http://viterbi.usc.edu/students/phd/career_academia_registration.php

    Location: John Stauffer Science Lecture Hall (SLH) - 200. NEW VENUE!!

    Audiences: Graduate

    Contact: Tracy Charles

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  • Live Video Chat with Current Students (LAST ONE!)

    Thu, Apr 30, 2009 @ 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

    Viterbi School of Engineering Undergraduate Admission

    Receptions & Special Events


    We are current students who will be holding live video chats online in the month of April. Tonight is our last chance for Admitted Students to ask questions before they have to make the decision on whether to enroll at USC or not!Go to: http://www.blogtv.com/people/viterbistudentFor more information including twitter feeds, blogs, and other videos - check out our site at http://viterbi.usc.edu/vsa

    Location: <A HREF="http://www.blogtv.com/people/viterbistudent">http://www.blogtv.com/people/viterbistudent</A>

    Audiences: Admitted Undergraduate Students

    Contact: VIterbi Student Ambassadors

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