The practice of engineering is continually changing. Engineers today must be able not only to thrive in an environment of rapid technological change and globalization, but also to work on interdisciplinary teams. Cutting-edge research is being done at the intersections of engineering disciplines, and successful researchers and practitioners must be aware of developments and challenges in areas that may not be familiar to them. At the U.S. Frontiers of Engineer Symposium, engineers have the opportunity to learn from their peers about pioneering work being done in many areas of engineering. "Frontiers of Engineering 2011", Reports on Leading-Edge Engineering from the 2011 Symposium highlights the papers presented at the event. This book published by the National Academies Press covers four general topics from the 2011 symposium: additive manufacturing, semantic processing, engineering sustainable buildings, and neuro-prosthetics. The papers from these presentations provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities of these fields of inquiry, and communicate the excitement of discovery. Download the Report in PDF format or Read the report online to learn more.

Applications are now being accepted from Connecticut Community College and 4-Year College or University students interesting in participating in the LSSL Program. The LSSL (Life Support and Sustainable Living Project) Program is a National Science Foundation Funded Project that focuses on mechanical engineering technology with applications in aerospace, aeronautics and bio-mechanics using real-world, industry-driven projects. Program participants must attend the winter intersession (75 hrs) program which will be held from January 2, 2012 through January 18, 2012, at the University of Hartford, where students will learn project planning and management, leadership, teamwork, behavioral diversity, and networking skills. Project teams will be identified and assigned their project. Teams will meet and conduct research (100 hrs) culminating in a final report due June 1, 2012. Download and complete the application form or for more information contact Executive Director, John Birch, thebirchgroup@snet.net .

This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship is joining the celebration. GEW is the world's largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch start-ups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors-introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities. To find out more about GEW watch the video or visit the web site for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.

The American Association of Community Colleges with the support of the National Science Foundation is holding the eighteenth national ATE Principal Investigators Conference October 26 to October 28, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The conference brings together approximately 800 people to focus on the critical issues related to advanced technological education.The COT RCNGM and the COT LSSL program will be featured during the Showcase Sessions and COT faculty and students will also be participating in Panel Discussion Sessions. Of particular note is the Panel Session Cyber-Communities for Collaboration, Innovation and Student Engagement featuring COT Executive Director Karen Wosczyna-Birch and Consultant Michael Mino who will speaking about the Collaboratory and COT Cyber-Center. For more information about the conference including featured speakers and the agenda, visit the conference web site.