A new international partnership focused on robotics, particularly firefighting robots, could result in several benefits to Purdue University and the Lafayette-West Lafayette area.

Researchers in Purdue’s College of Technology announced a partnership with two Korean robotics companies and a Korean University Feb. 21. The entities are interested in conducting robotics research with Purdue’s Department of Computer and Information Technology. In addition, the Korean companies are exploring U.S.-based commercialization and manufacturing opportunities in the community.

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The student creators of an automated machine that produces customized miniature Purdue hammers are finalists in Phoenix Contact’s international xplore New Automation Award 2012.

Two representatives from the seven-person team and their faculty advisor will travel to Bad Pyrmont, Germany, with their machine March 23 for the final competition presentation. The Purdue team is one of 28 finalists; more than 100 teams started in the competition.

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Nicoletta Adamo-Villani, associate professor of computer graphics technology, has received a Faculty Fellowship for Study in a Second Discipline for the 2012-2013 academic year.

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Marcus Rogers, professor of computer and information technology, has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) in the Digital and Multimedia Sciences. AAFS provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. Rogers is the director of Purdue’s Cyber Forensics Lab.

Steve Schuette, retired professor of building construction management, will receive the 2012 Associated Schools of Construction Lifetime Achievement Award in April. He has been invited to the ASC International Conference in Birmingham, England, to accept the award.

Purdue senior shortstop Molly Garst has been selected as one of 30 candidates nationally for the 2012 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for softball, the corporation announced on Wednesday. Garst is an organizational leadership and supervision major.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, character, community and competition.

"This is a huge award; it is not just within the Big Ten but for the whole nation," Garst said. "It is an amazing feeling to be chosen not only to represent Purdue softball but the whole university. It is humbling, but also eye opening because this award is not just for hard work on the field but also in the classroom.

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Marketing and Media is accepting nominations for May's "5 Students Who are Trail Makers." They are shining the spotlight on graduating student leaders who are ready to make their mark on the world. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate students they consider Trail Makers. Deadline for nominations is March 2.

Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional leadership while at Purdue – either on campus or in their community. Maybe they were involved in student government, created a new student organization or were a member of the President’s Leadership Class.

Providing detailed information on the student and specific examples of leadership will increase the chance of selection. Online nomination form.

STEM faculty/staff invited to NSTA conference

Purdue faculty and staff involved with STEM engagement are invited to be booth participants at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Indianapolis March 30-April 1. Purdue University has reserved space at the event. The Purdue area will emphasize K-12 STEM resources, teacher professional development and education technology. Register to attend by February 28.

Summer Global Scholarship

The Provost's Global Scholarship provides $1,000 to assist Purdue students with the added costs of studying overseas. Purdue students in good academic standing who have applied for summer 2012 programs that are led by Purdue faculty members may apply. Deadline to apply is March 1. Complete information is online.

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