11/16/07 UPDATE
Nutrition Seminar Description Update in Session 4

Nutrition for On-the-Go Lifestyles
Dr. Jeannette Davidson, RD
Michelle Coyle, Danielle Gehrke and Abby Hillis, Dietetics, Bradley University

Is it possible to eat healthy at McDonalds? How long does it really take to prepare a good meal? What are the best choices for dining out? How many calories are in that frappuccino or chocolate martini? The answers to these and more at this interactive workshop with tips for quick and easy eating on-the-go.

11/07/07 UPDATE
Distinguished Speaker Topic Change in Session 4:

"I’m an Engineer and a…"
Diane Difrancesco, DLD Consulting

An engineering degree can open the door for a wide range of career opportunities. Hear from a panel of engineers that have careers as a medical doctor, lawyer, manager, business owner, professor, stay-at-home parent.


Download an Updated Printable PDF Conference Session List

10/15/07
Tours are located at the very bottom of the page.

Building a Résumé
Stephanie Luft, Northrop Grumman

Your résumé: It's often your only chance to introduce yourself to prospective employers. Be sure that it makes a great impression! We'll go over the basics of creating a resume for that internship or full-time position you've always wanted, including web-friendly resumes, cover letters, and follow-up communication. Bring your resume (or a blank sheet of paper) and your questions!

Women as Managers and the Impact on the Team and Workplace
Zeke Sickinger, Caterpillar
Dallis Howard-Crow, Methodist Medical Center

Understanding diversity and it's role in the workplace is critical for successful and dynamic teams. Further, understanding the value that both women and men bring to a team is key and has received much attention.

This panel will aim to look at not only the value of women in the workplace, but women in the workplace as leaders. Does a woman manager create unique value and impact on the team? Are their skills, talents, characteristics that women bring to the workplace as managers that men do not offer? What is the impact on the team?

Further your understanding of diversity through this panel discussion.


Working in Interdisciplinary Environments
Shell Representative

As our economy has become more global, and the world's technical problems have become more difficult to solve, engineering teams have become more and more diverse in order to make sure that the appropriate expertise is applied to a particular problem. This seminar will give some examples of different types of interdisciplinary working environments that currently exist within global companies. It will also provide some practical tips for preparing to work in these types of environments and for successfully participating within interdisciplinary teams.

FISH! Philosophy on Leadership Development
UPS Representative

FISH! Philosophy provides the process, tools, and language to generate the skills necessary to design a inspiring and innovative workplace. FISH! creates a common language that will help improve company culture by using four simple practices – Be There, Play, Make Their Day and Choose Your AttitudeTM

Alternative Powertrains
Molly Close, Chrysler

This seminar will focus on the basics of Hybrid Electric Powertrains. Topics explored will include what a hybrid vehicle is, a comparison of different types of hybrids, how they work, and some of the challenges of Hybrid Powertrain development.


Sustainability: We Hear About it at Work and Want it for Home, What Does it Mean for Engineers?
John T. Disharoon, Caterpillar

The challenges and opportunities for Sustainable Development are endless. Caterpillar customers operate in industries—infrastructure development, mining, energy, forestry, transportation and others—that are at the heart of many of the world's sustainable development challenges. Every day, Caterpillar people look for opportunities to apply our expertise and technology to address these issues. We work to provide solutions that make our customers' businesses more viable. And we strive to make the intelligent choices that will allow both our company and our planet to prosper. Ultimately, we believe the sustainability of our world and the sustainability of our business are inseparable.

Network Centric Operations
Dr. Mary Malast, Materials Scientist, The Boeing Corporation

Advances in Information technology have led to an unprecedented ability to move and share useful information in new and powerful ways through the use of network centric operations within organizations. The impact this new information sharing has on our society and our economy is profound. Most notable is the impact network centric operations have on today's supply chain management at corporations such as Wal-Mart and FedEx. Will other organizations adopt and benefit from network centric operations? Will network centric organizations positively impact other sectors of the economy? We examine some of the possibilities for network centric organizations of the future.


Ethics in the Workplace
Nancy Snowden, Caterpillar

Research and experience shows that adults learn best from doing. This seminar, presented by Nancy Snowden, Director of the Office of Business Practices for Caterpillar will walk you through four practical (video) scenarios that pose ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Participants will learn a framework to apply to ethical issues that they may face. Lively discussion and participation is encouraged.


Financial Empowerment: Gain Confidence in the Financial Decisions You Make
Nichole Handy, Central Illinois Debt Management and Credit Education

This seminar will provide basic tools and strategies necessary for women to empower themselves financially. It will provide education on how to budget and save as well as build and maintain good credit.

Golf 101: Is it "Four" or "Fore?"
Bradley University Women's Golf Team
Bo Ryan, Head Coach

What's the difference between a birdie and a bogey? What does "fore" mean? What is the proper technique for driving, chipping, and putting. The Bradley Women's Golf Team will teach you the ins and outs of a game that has become an important part of modern business culture. For experienced golfers or beginners, learn how to use the golf course to further your career!

SWE's Efforts in Public Policy
Cathy Pieronek, SWE Collegiate Interest Representative
Betty Shanahan, SWE Executive Director and CEO

Learn about SWE's efforts in the public-policy arena on behalf of women engineers. This presentation also focuses on Title IX, the law that mandates gender equity in education, and how SWE is working with public-policy leaders to educate educational institutions, faculty, students and their parents on rights and responsibilities under the law, to ensure good educational experiences for women in engineering.

Wanted: Skilled Engineers - Companies Need You
Teresa Carroll, Vice President, Kelly Engineering Resources

Are your engineering skills in demand? Are companies paying top dollar to find candidates just like you? Teresa Carroll, vice president of Kelly Engineering Resources will examine the national engineering talent shortage, discuss what companies across the country are doing to recruit and retain their engineering workforce and provide tips on how to build the right skills to ensure that you remain highly sought after by companies now and in the future. As one of the top five engineering staffing companies in the country, Kelly Engineering Resources has the inside track on what\'s happening in today\'s engineering labor market.

Teresa E. Carroll is vice president of Kelly Engineering Resources, a highly specialized and rapidly expanding service line of Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB), a leading human resources solutions provider with world headquarters in Troy, Mich.

Ms. Carroll oversees the North American operations of Kelly Engineering Resources, which currently employs more than 4,000 engineering professionals throughout more than 50 company-owned and operated offices in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Carroll served as vice president, U.S. Marketing for Kelly Services. She was responsible for the overall product development, recruiting/retention strategies, and marketing support services for Kelly’s professional, technical, staffing alternatives, and commercial business segments. Additionally, she served as vice president, Product Management, and Recruiting and Retention, and held a variety of management positions in Kelly’s Service Delivery and Process Engineering departments.

Before joining Kelly in 1992, Ms. Carroll was employed by General Motors Corporation as a resident/industrial engineer.

Ms. Carroll holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s of science degree in industrial engineering from the GMI Engineering and Management Institute in Flint, Mich. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society.

Session 2: 1:40-2:40

Marketing Yourself for an Interview
Your resume demonstrates that you have the skills to match the position, but now it’s time for the all-important interview. Part of any successful job search includes being prepared for the interview. This session will cover basic interviewing techniques used by employers and provide you with skills to help you effectively present yourself in an interview and how to learn what you want to know about your prospective employer.

Clifton Strength Finders: Leveraging Your Own Strength and the Strength of Your Team
Ann Oliver and Rachele Ackerman, MPSD Organizational Effectiveness & Learning Manager, Caterpillar

The Gallup Organization has investigated the nature of human talents and strengths for more than 30 years. Gallup has interviewed approximately 2 million people — the best teachers, doctors, lawyers, managers, salespeople, leaders, software programmers, and other professionals — and has discovered what made them successful.

Talents, defined by Gallup as recurring patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior that can be productively applied, are the building blocks of a strong and productive life. Gallup’s web-based StrengthsFinder assessment tool measures a person’s talent in each of 34 themes, then reveals his or her five most dominant themes, or “Signature Themes.” It also identifies that person’s entire sequence of 34 themes in order of dominance. Individuals who focus on their Signature Themes — their areas of greatest talent and strength — have the opportunity to become more successful, while the theme sequence provides insight into their remaining themes and the value they offer.

Refining Your Presentation Skills
Case New Holland Representative

Even the best ideas can't market themselves. Whether it's for a school project or a business meeting, the style of your presentation is just as important as the material you are covering. Learn how to convey the right message using body language, speaking skills, and the appropriate technology.

Medical Imaging Applications in Molecular Imaging
Dr. Celeste Williams, Siemens
Dr. Peggy Hawman, Siemens
Dr. John Engdahl, Bradley University

The field of nuclear medicine imaging has changed dramatically in the last 60 years. It first became a clinical specialty in the 1950's, leveraging off of knowledge gained in the Manhattan Project. It remained a small, quiet set of procedures providing unique diagnostic information and treatment options for a handful of clinical questions. Over the last 7 years nuclear medicine imaging has undergone an exciting transformation. Fundamental changes, including new types of scanners, new imaging agents, a focus on personalized medicine, and even a new name, have provided nuclear medicine imaging (aka Molecular Imaging) with a key, central role in modern diagnostic imaging.

Shorter on Trussed: Illinois Bridge Shortened to Accommodate Interchange Safety Improvements.
Nick Volk, Senior Resident Engineer, Illinois Department of Transportation

This seminar describes an unusual bridge reconstruction for the Murray Baker Bridge near Peoria, Illinois. The reconstruction was necessary in order to accommodate improvements at an interchange that was suffering from increased traffic congestion and traffic accidents resulting from substandard safety features and design deviations.

The project is of interest in that the truss at the north end of the bridge for the project was shortened by 180 feet in order to allow for the construction of approach ramps needed to improve safety and traffic flow. The work on the truss was conducted over a period of six months with 16 major pins holding it together. The bridge is also comprised of two trusses side by side, which necessitated coordinating the cuts in order to reduce torsion from areas carrying loads that they were not previously designed to carry. A number of utilities located below the truss were also affected in the construction, all of which had to be carefully negotiated to avoid breaking them. The article also discusses the how local community was allowed to select the new paint scheme for the bridge that would enhance the attractiveness of the bridge by day. For nighttime enhancement, an LED-based lighting scheme was installed on the upper and lower cords of the bridge.

Pursuing Higher Education: The Value (or Not) of Pursuing Graduate Degrees
Janice Lin, Caterpillar
Pat Murphy, Caterpillar
Dr. Kerrie Schattler, Bradley University

This seminar will offer realistic guidance on the value of obtaining a PE or graduate degrees - business and technical. Topics discussed will review professional value, economic value, personal satisfaction of a PE and Graduate Degree.

Work-Life Balance: Solutions to Fitting It All In
Bernice and Jeffrey Brody, IBM
Sue and Michael Jensen, Caterpillar
Lillian Williams, Rohm and Haas

Is your work calendar overtaking your life? Do you get stressed out by thinking of how to manage your stress? Are you letting your work take control? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to attend this seminar. Learn from dynamic individuals who are fitting it all in. This panel will encourage the most unbalanced to take control of the split between personal and professional priorities.

The X Production: What You Need to Know about the Production Bzzz
Gary Henby, Caterpillar Production Systems

We hear of the Toyota Production System and the emergence of production systems from other companies as well. What do these systems have in common and what is making them successful or not so successful? I would like to share my perspective on these systems and provide insight into the fundamentals and the keys to a production or operations system.

Women's Self Defense Training
Srgt. Nora Fales
Bradley University Police Department

Designed to develop and enhance the options of self-defense, the program teaches women realistically employable tactics that can help them defend themselves if attacked. The program ranges from awareness, risk reduction, and avoidance, to basic physical defense options. The most important factor in any self-defense system is not necessarily the volume of knowledge possessed, but the ability to apply this knowledge and make it a dominant response in the stress of a violent encounter.

SWE Section Bylaws Training
Betty Leonhard
Region H Representative to the Bylaws Committee

Did you know that all sections must develop new bylaws to come in line with the Society’s bylaws?

Has your section never heard of bylaws before and you don’t know where to begin when it comes to writing yours? Is your section stuck on a few last details and needs some help ironing out the wording changes? Would you like someone to review your bylaws and discuss with you why certain articles in the template are the way they are how to make them work for your section?

Then stop by the Bylaws Workshop and ask some questions or bring your draft copy and get in person help working on them.

Get Involved: Becoming a Future Leader in SWE
Virginia Connolly, SWE President-Elect
Stacey DelVecchio, SWE COR Mega Issues FIG Chair
Beth Mack, SWE Strategic Communications Council Chair
Allison Pedersen, SWE Outreach Chair
Alyse Stofer, SWE Region H Governor
Natalie Villwock, SWE Region H Collegiate Representative
Angela Nickels, SWE Collegiate Board Representative [tentative]

Want to know more about SWE outside your local section? Come to this seminar to learn about the structure of SWE beyond the local level. Learn about leadership opportunities that exist for our collegiate and professional members at both the Regional and National level. This seminar will demonstrate the diversity of positions, from involving minimal volunteer hours to paid positions.

Effective and Authentic
Betty Shanahan, SWE Executive Director and CEO

The value of diversity stems from the different approaches, challenges to traditional thinking, and different styles that a diverse group can leverage. However, the Anglo-, male-dominated engineering workplace typically doesn't offer an inclusive environment where all team members can effectively participate while being authentic to themselves. Betty will present some of what she learned -- frequently through SWE activities -- to balance being effective in the engineering environment while feeling authentic to ourselves.

Prior to joining SWE, Betty spent 24 years in development, engineering management, and marketing for the electronics and software industries. Betty’s career began at Data General as the “one woman engineer” on the “Eagle” minicomputer design project captured in Tracy Kidder’s Soul of a New Machine. Her career continued at Alliant Computer Systems where she was a member of the design team for the first parallel processing minicomputer and manager of hardware design for subsequent systems. Attracted by the business side of technology, Betty moved to marketing management in 1990. She has been responsible for computer-aided software engineering and signal processing products, and file viewing and conversion technologies. Most recently she was the vice president of product management and marketing for the Software Components Division of Stellent, Inc.

Betty has earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from Michigan State University, a Master of Software Engineering from the Wang Institute of Graduate Studies, and an M.B.A. in strategic management from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

Betty is a fellow life member of SWE and has held numerous section and national volunteer positions, including the 1995 national conference co-chair and chair of the Conference Management Committee. She is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Association for Computing Machinery, and the American Society of Association Executives.

Professional Presence: What Not to Wear
Phyllis Corcoran and Elizabeth Gronert will help you realize the power of your Visual Presence. They will share how to make your first impression a powerful one, the statement you want to make and to tweak the message when you need to. Let's create a style that fits your personality but reflects on you the way you want it to!

This workshop will cover how to dress for your body and lifestyle. Learn how to enhance your look and what "not to do" to detract, a common mistake for many who think they are doing something "trendy" or fashion forward but rather labels them as unsophisticated.

If you ever feel like your look is not becoming to you...you should be coming to this workshop!

Creative Problem Solving
Mary Clor, Chrysler, SWE Leadership Coach
Betty Leonhard, SWE Leadership Coach

As engineers we are faced with problems every day and the tools presented in this session will assist in your career, home, and SWE life. Attendees with learn and practice some popular problem solving techniques. Learn to generate ideas that lead to solutions that solve problems. This presentation was compiled from several regions’ submittals to the 2007 IBM sponsored award for region programming excellence.

Culture Shock: Business Interactions in a Global Economy
Jim Foley
Director, International Trade Center and NAFTA Opportunity Center
Bradley University

Effective intercultural communication is critical in today's global marketplace and workplace - and the engineering profession is no exception. This workshop will look at the issues for engineering professionals as they deal with cross-cultural communication and management decisions with their clients, peers, and management. We'll put a particular focus on those issues that may be of concern to women engineers. Join us for this interactive, fun look at the sometimes not-so-obvious challenges in the workplace.

Managing Effective Meetings
SWE Collegiate Leadership Coach

The Managing Effective Meetings Module describes the characteristics of effective meetings and introduces the tactics and methods to be employed by meeting facilitators to manage effective meetings. At the conclusion of this training, participants should:

• Be familiar with tactics for managing effective meetings
• Understand the three main SWE meeting types
• Know how to take effective meeting minutes
• Be familiar with meeting leader roles, skills and tactics

Live from New Mexico: Los Alamos National Laboratory (capacity: 24)
Michelle DeCroix, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Using Internet 2 technology, participate in an interactive discussion with scientists live from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Find out the latest non-classified developments and opportunities from the lab responsible for understanding energy and matter and advancing the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.

Climate Change as a Technology Driver
Christina M. Magerkurth, P.E., Associate Manager Midwest Operations, First Environment, Inc.

As individuals, organizations and nations struggle to address climate change, new technologies are being introduced or becoming cost effective. This session will examine the drivers behind this innovation as well as examples of some of the technologies involved.

Talking With (Not At) the Public
Amy Benecke McLaren, PE, Peoria County Highway Department
George Ryan, Deputy Director of Highways and Region 2 Engineer, Illinois Department of Transportation

Anyone who needs to:

•Get information in the public domain

•Sell a product or service

•Rollout a new product, service or technology

•Plan, design or construct a project that involves the public

•Speak to the public about a recall or disaster

•Work with contractors, consultants, utility companies, labor unions or government entities…

Just about any engineer or technician working in the world today!

Maybe you think that after college you will end up doing only engineering work. But in today's world, there is a good chance that somewhere in the jobs ahead of you; you will have to deal with the public. This seminar will discuss some of the situations you may encounter and offer up tools to better prepare you for talking to the public.

Professional Culture and Business Etiquette
Christie Nelson, Accenture

Saying the right thing at the right time can get you either promoted or fired. In this interactive session you will discuss the importance of communication, both verbal and written. Whether you are in Peoria or Pakistan, proper etiquette from emails to attire will help you achieve success in the work place.

Dining Etiquette
Dina Robinson Bertolini, Westbrook Associated Engineers, Inc
Julia Spankowski, Brady Corporation

What do you do with your napkin when you leave the table? How do you make a proper toast? Do you pass the bread clockwise or counter-clockwise? And why are there so many forks? Learn how to navigate a formal dining table and make a good impression when interviewing for a job or just eating out with coworkers.

SWE Collegiate Research Spotlight
Almost daily, you are using the engineering research breakthroughs of the past 50 years. In this session learn about the latest breakthroughs that will change the future of engineering. Your SWE Colleagues in Region H, doing research at some of the top schools in the world, will present their research in the areas of engineering design and improvements.

Safety Impacts of Median Treatments on Crash Frequency on Rural Interstates
Natalie Villwock, Purdue University-West Lafayette

More than 30,000 crashes and 1,127 miles of highway from 8 states were used to determine how the median treatments on rural interstates affect safety. Come learn about the various median treatments and what the findings from my research says about their safety impacts.

Co-Design of a MEMS Actuator and its Controller
Diane Peters, University of Michigan

Optimization is frequently used to generate better designs for products. There are many different issues involved in how to set up the optimization of a complex system, particularly when there are different types of objectives. Come hear about an example of one of these systems, a MEMS actuator designed to have a large range of motion and a fast response.

Hold on Tight to your Dreams
Karen S. Steingraber, P.E. is President of Terra Engineering LTD

When I was a little girl I didn’t know what I wanted to be “when I grew up”. However, what always remained clear was that I wanted to have my own business or company. Through many ups and downs that always was my goal, and after 15 years as the president of a civil engineering firm, I am positive it was the correct one for me. My talk will touch on the journey to this point, and what running a business has been like, and what commitment it has demanded; types of projects, clients and experiences at Terra Engineering.

Karen S. Steingraber, P.E. is President of Terra Engineering LTD, a civil engineering company with expertise in site development and infrastructure projects. Terra Engineering’s clients include municipalities, METRA, IDOT, University of Illinois, Northwestern University and others.

Ms. Steingraber has worked on a variety projects from sustainable design buildings to school campus parks to infrastructure at a university in Saudi Arabia. She has also written several professional papers in civil engineering areas, including municipal landfills and water quality.

Ms. Steingraber received her bachelor’s of science and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Texas. She is also a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Michigan.


Behind Six Sigma: My experiences as a Blackbelt and Master Blackbelt and How It Has Helped My Career
Virginia Connolly, SWE President-Elect

Description: TBA

Ms. Connolly is a Lean Sigma Master Blackbelt for Medtronic Microelectronics Center. Every six seconds, somewhere in the world, a person’s life is saved or improved by a Medtronic product or therapy. Medtronic is the world leader in medical technology providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Medtronic Microelectronics Center (MMC), a division of Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management, is a primary design and manufacturing facility employing 1,365 employees that support $4.6B in sales for Medtronic, Inc. In this role, Virginia is responsible for integrating Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies into Continuous Improvement activities in the site’s Supply Chain activities. Virginia is certified as both a Blackbelt and Master Blackbelt. She has gained a broad base of experience during her career with positions in Development Engineering, Manufacturing, and Information Technology while previously working for an aerospace company. Ms. Connolly obtained her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and her Master's degree in Industrial Engineering-Management of Technology from Arizona State University.

During her over 20-year involvement with SWE she has held various positions in the ASU and Phoenix Sections and the Sonora Region. Her service on the National SWE Board includes Region Director, three terms as the Speaker of the Council, and Director of Education. Virginia received the Phoenix Section's 1997 Outstanding Member Service Award. Virginia is an alumnus and former Board member of Arizona Leadership 2000, a women's leadership group and also a member of the American Society for Quality.

Transitioning to the Real World: What They Didnt Teach You in College

Patty Olszewski, Harris Corporation
Jessica Justice, Caterpillar
Heather Dylla, Black & Veatch

So I’m sure you’ve heard something like “You only use 10% of your schooling in the workplace” before. So what’s that other 90% you’re missing out on? Join some recent college graduates in this seminar to get a heads up of what can expect after you graduate and what that other 90% entails.


Become a Webmaster: Basics of Developing Your Own (or Your Section’s) Website
Mike Bowen, Owner
WavelengthTechnology
Description: TBA

Effective Communication
Elizabeth Bierman, SWE Minnesota Professional Section
April Privett, SWE Central Illinois Professional Section
Jenny Morikawa, SWE Detroit Professional Section
Liz Abrahamson, SWE Northwestern Collegiate Section
Uma Sharma, SWE University of Michigan Collegiate Section

People in organizations typically spend over 75% of their time in an interpersonal situation; thus it is no surprise to find that at the root of a large number of organizational problems is poor communications. Effective communication is an essential component of organizational success whether it is at the interpersonal, intergroup, intragroup, organizational, or external levels. Find out ways to deal with issues from face to face interaction to handling virtual communications.

Fund Development
Emily Rice, SWE Collegiate Leadership Coaching Committee

The Fund Development Module is ideal for SWE sections that fundraise to support meetings, conferences and other expenses. This module is broad enough that it encompasses fundraising for meeting all the way up to securing funds for members to attend the SWE National Conference. From getting organized with your fundraising needs to creating a corporate packet, this module provides a great introduction into the art of fundraising.

How to Bid for a Regional Conference
Bradley University Conference Planning Committee

You’ve seen the skits and videos and presentations, but planning a bid is more than just glitz. Whether you are thinking of bidding or in line to host the next conference, come hear the advice and experience past successful bidders. Learn about best practices and lessons learned. It’s never too early to start planning a bid for the next Region H Conference!

Electrical Engineering in Implantable Biomedical Sensors
Harry D. Rowland, Ph.D, VP Engineering, Co-Founder
Endotronix, Inc

Endotronix, Inc. is a medical device company dedicated to the development of minimally invasive wireless health monitoring products and data services for monitoring cardiovascular disease. Wireless patient health monitoring, which enables continuous in-hospital and at-home monitoring of medical conditions, has the potential to improve healthcare by enhancing treatment while reducing the cost of hospital admissions. The company's core products combine radiofrequency identification (RFID) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. This talk will discuss MEMS technologies and the electrical engineering challenges encountered during development of wireless sensors for use in the human body.

Lasers and Today's Latest Technologies in the Diamond World
Nate Wright, American Gem Society Certified Gemologist, Bremer Jewelry

This seminar will describe in detail the many aspects of diamond cutting and the tools used in today's modern gem world. This will include old fashion cutting techniques compared to today's latest technologies. Other important topics will be the tools used by the gemologists at Bremer Jewelry to precisely grade and evaluate these precious gemstones. Warning: This is a technical lecture and at points may venture past the level most consumers are aware of! Rock on!

Live from New Mexico: Los Alamos National Laboratory (Replay from Session 3)(capacity: 24)
Michelle DeCroix, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Using Internet 2 technology, participate in an interactive discussion with scientists live from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Find out the latest non-classified developments and opportunities from the lab responsible for understanding energy and matter and advancing the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.

Engineering Abroad: What Should You Keep in Mind When Career Opportunities Lead You Outisde of Your Home Country
Beth Hinchee, Caterpillar
Karolyn Tiefenbach, Chrysler
Silvia Karlsson, General Motors

Our world is getting smaller and our opportunities to travel and work abroad are becoming more and more common.

This panel will discuss the opportunities and challenges of an international assignment on your career and your personal life. Come and hear from experienced employees including those who have worked outside of the US and those currently working abroad within the US. This discussion is for those who have their bags packed and are ready to ship out as well as those who don\'t even have a passport.

Careers in Industrial Engineering
Anita Noller, Fixture Systems Coordinator, Hallmark
Robert Schildgen, Accenture
Seth Tucker, Manager of Pricing Analytics, Sears Holding Corporation
Rainer Dronzek, TranSystems

Industrial Engineers design, plan, and control various types of operation systems. It is a field practiced in all kinds of industries such as, service business, government, health care, education and military and in levels of an organization such as production, marketing, procurement, personnel, and product design. Hear this panel describe their career paths within the industry and opportunities that lie within Industrial Engineering.


Career Paths in the Medical Industry
Dr. Celeste Williams, Siemens
Dr. Peggy Hawman, Siemens
Dr. John Engdahl, Bradley University

Medical imaging represents a vast array of techniques for diagnosing disease and monitoring treatment. The exponential rise in computing power over the last few decades has allowed the development of new methods for the acquisition, reconstruction, processing and display of digital medical image data. Engineers of all disciplines use complex technologies and computer applications to provide physicians with the information they need to serve their patients. The aging of the population supports continued healthy growth in the Medical Imaging Industry.

Nutrition for On-the-Go Lifestyles
Dr. Jeannette Davidson, RD
Michelle Coyle, Danielle Gehrke and Abby Hillis, Dietetics, Bradley University

Is it possible to eat healthy at McDonalds? How long does it really take to prepare a good meal? What are the best choices for dining out? How many calories are in that frappuccino or chocolate martini? The answers to these and more at this interactive workshop with tips for quick and easy eating on-the-go.

I’m an Engineer and a…
Diane Difrancesco, DLD Consulting

An engineering degree can open the door for a wide range of career opportunities. Hear from a panel of engineers that have careers as a medical doctor, lawyer, manager, business owner, professor, stay-at-home parent.

Offered Tours:

Bremer Jewelry
Learn about all the old and new technologies of the diamond world! Attend this informative tour at Bremer Jewelry and learn about today\'s latest and greatest gem technologies. This tour offers information on the many aspects of diamond cutting and tools used in the modern diamond industry, including how to cut, select, grade, and evaluate precious gemstones.

Kickapoo Creek Winery
If you have ever wanted to know more about wine and how it is made, this is the tour for you. Kickapoo Creek Winery is a local winery located near the greater Peoria area. This tour includes a detailed visit of the Kickapoo Creek Winery and wine production facilities, as well as a sample wine tasting that will take place after the tour.

Caterpillar Virtual Reality Cave
MORE INFO COMING SOON.

Caterpillar Track-Type Tractors
Tour CAT’s Building SS, the largest track-type tractor assembly building in the world (694,050 square feet or 16.5 acres), where modular components become finished tractors. All major modules—engines, transmissions, final drives, and track groups—are functionally tested here in machines before shipment to our global dealers and customers. Machines assembled and finished in building SS include D6-D11 tractors and pipelayers. Plant will not be in operation on Saturday.

OSF Medical Hospital, Surgical Robot and Simulators
Visit a daVinci Surgical Robot (from Intuitive Surgical) or a state of the art medical simulator facility. It is a computer-enhanced minimally invasive surgical system and learn how it operates using 4 manipulators, a stereo vision, and a teleoperator console for the surgeon. The medical simulator facility will show you the inner workings of the machines that future doctors use to practice their skills.

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