This month at Carleton

News

Making sense of the cosmic soup
After only three weeks of data collection, the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva has brought new insight into matter as it would have existed in the very first instants of the universe. Carleton physicists are among the first in the world to directly observe “jet quenching”, the absorption of quark particles into the hot dense plasma created during the collision of lead ions. Carleton’s partnership played a key role as detector components built here were vital elements in the experiment.

A smarter home
As energy costs continue to rise in Ontario, a new collaborative research project between Carleton and e-Radio Inc. will help measure benefits to home owners who take an active role in the use of electricity in their homes through automation of household appliances and features. Smart Homes: The End User Perspective will explore how smart home technologies and architectures can better serve homeowners. Marc St-Hilaire, Smart Home project director and assistant professor at Carleton’s School of Information Technology, will examine the means and techniques by which home owners can use electricity in a convenient and effective way.

Laying down the law—and a beat
Melanie Adrian takes an “anything but textbook” approach to her first-year law class, teaching many of the main concepts using music, specifically hip hop from the Middle East and Africa. A special lecture on December 6 (open to the public, but with limited seating) will feature local slam-poets Danielle K.L. Grégoire, Faye Estrella and John Akpata performing pieces related to human rights and democracy. “I am constantly trying to marry theory with the ‘real’ world to make an impact on students lives—or maybe even to inspire them,” says Adrian.

More satisfied students
Continually enhancing the student experience is a priority for Carleton and donors to the university. Recent survey results show that our student-focused efforts continue to make a difference to first-year students. Responses to the 2010 Canadian University Survey Consortium show 9 out of 10 first-year undergraduate students at Carleton are satisfied with their decision to attend the university. Compared with 2007 results, students reported higher levels of satisfaction with personal safety on campus, instructional facilities, average class size, study space, general condition of buildings and grounds, and concern shown to students by the university.

Who has shaped Carleton?
Nominations are being accepted for the Founders Award, Carleton’s highest non-academic honour. Help us recognize and pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Carleton through their dedication, generosity and commitment to the values of the university. For a description and nomination form, please contact heather_theoret@carleton.ca.

Convocation: just like being there
Congratulations to our newest alumni who convocated on November 13. Graduates and their guests were addressed by two recipients of honorary degrees, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs and distinguished Carleton employee Donald McEown. Enjoy their speeches online.

Events

The Nutcracker
The National Capital Chapter of the Carleton University Alumni Association presents a festive treat for alumni: the Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the NAC on December 4. Grads get 20 per cent off.

Science Café
Stop by the Wild Oat Café on December 8 to discuss Up close and personal radiation treatments for cancer with Rowan Thomson.

Holiday skate
Lace up skates on campus on December 11 and enjoy the fabulous facilities at the Ice House. With open skate times, lessons for beginners, and a show by the Carleton Figure Skating Competitive Club, there’s something for every member of the family.

At the art gallery
Until January 30, take in three new exhibits at the Carleton University Art Gallery. Four Ottawa Painters: Authier, Golland, Morrow, Schissel takes the pulse of regional painting activity, presenting works made exclusively in 2010. Ijurnaqtut: Whimsy, Wit and Humour in Inuit Art explores ijurnaqtut, or things that make people laugh. David Rokeby: Very Nervous System is a landmark interactive new-media work that sculpts sound.