November 2006, Issue #52
Letter from JETS
With the winter solstice—the darkest day of the year—just a little over a month away, it's fitting to explore illuminating engineering for the November issue of the Pre-Engineering Times. It's often said that you don't really notice lighting unless it isn't working. This month we'll go behind the scenes to learn about the many ways lighting enriches our lives—increasing productivity in the workplace, making streets and public places safer and more inviting places to gather and recreate, enhancing our health, helping us celebrate the holidays, and creating dramatic moods in entertainment venues—and what's involved to make it all happen.
Our feature article presents an overview of illuminating engineering—an exciting mix of art and science—and the many venues in which illuminating engineers work. For those who have an equal passion for math and science as well as the world of design and architecture, illuminating engineering may be a great fit. Our Extreme Engineer for November, Mitul Parekh, shares his dual passion for architecture and physics as he talks about an exciting project he worked on: creating the spectacular and technically challenging lighting effects for 7 World Trade Center—the first building to rise out of the ashes of the 9/11 attacks. Working with architects, his team at Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design, Inc. used a cutting-edge application of LED technology on the building's exterior and an interior lighting system programmed to change color throughout the day.
This month's Engineering Pathway explores light phenomenon—including polarized light, prisms, and lenses. In addition, the November Hot Topics provides insight into the LEDs Mitul and his teammates used so effectively at 7 World Trade Center.
It's an exciting time of year for JETS as well. JETS Clubs, which launched November 1, has already signed up nearly 800 members. Visit the Coaches' Corner to learn about the many benefits of the free membership and how to join. In addition, the JETS TEAMS Competition is off to its best start ever with more than 300 teams already registered and nine new universities—Atlanta University Center, Auburn University, Greenville Technical College, Harvard University, Norfolk State University, North Dakota State University, Triton College, University of Kentucky, and University of Alaska, Fairbanks—joining the roster of TEAMS hosts! NEDC—the National Engineering Design Challenge—also kicked off this month, with 35 teams around the country advancing to Round II. Visit the Coaches' Corner to learn more.
We at JETS wish you an illuminating start to the holiday season! May it be filled with good cheer, math and science fun, and light!
