BAE Alumni & Friends – 1

Keeping up to date withchanges in industry work prac-tices, product introductions, newsoftware, budget management,and government regulations,while working eight-hours ormore a day, is not easy. This isone reason why workshops andtraining classes provide supple-mental career instruction. Semi-nars, short courses, conferences,on-line courses, and field days/tours have become popular waysto squeeze in cutting edge know-how from people who reallyknow their stuff.

Individuals from businesses as well as private practice are attending jobtraining programs in increasing numbers, finding it the quickest way toexplore, learn, and absorb information so that businesses can implementtechnologies faster. Instruction is generally noncredit, non-traditionallearning that supplements formal education. For some workers earning anadditional degree is not an option due to time and distance challenges, soenhancing education through short courses becomes a reasonable option.

To understand why job training programs are fast becoming a commonway to swiftly adapt to the information age, consider these facts. Thenumber of U.S. researchers and technicians working on new productdevelopment is in the millions. If just one quarter of these developmentsare introduced to the marketplace each year then imagine the dauntingflood of information that’s needed to find, understand and utilize it all.The introduction of a new product means adjustments to work practices,and new or changed rules or regulations. How do you know what is right,what will work or not, and who do you ask ?

People are looking for the answers to these questions and for many, notknowing the latest and greatest can spell problems for business revenues orprofessional careers. When it comes to a company’s bottom line, busi-

Winter 2004

In This Issue BAE Workshops and Training

are Technology Transferin Action ................................ 1Faculty News ......................... 2Department Head’sComments ............................. 3Alumni Updates .................... 3Workshops Taught By BAEFaculty ................................... 4Choosing the RightTraining ................................. 6BAE Emeritus lived to 93 .... 8Fall Graduate Listing ......... 10

Visit the BAE home page at:http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/Fax comments & questions to:BAE News 919-515-6772

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Classroom RenovationsDr. Roberson, chair of BAE’s FacilitiesBuilding and Operations Committee,has been overseeing updates toteaching areas this summer. This yearroom 125 was converted into a state-of-the-art multimedia room and 125awas modernized as a multipurposelab area with all new equipment. Formore pictures see www.bae.ncsu.edu/news/event_pictures.html

BAE Workshops and Training areTechnology Transfer in Action

continued on page 2

Concepts on paper come to life whenworkshop attendees experience technologyworking first-hand. Site details can beexplained more easily and tours promptquestions that ignite interest in the ap-plication of the technology elsewhere.

2 – BAE Alumni & Friends

Department Head ..... James YoungWriter ........................... Carolyn MitkowskiGraphics/Layout ....... Carolyn MitkowskiProof and Editing ...... Rhonda ShermanAdvisor ........................ Mike Boyette

BAE Alumni&Friends is a semi-annualpublication of the Biological andAgricultural Engineering Department,North Carolina State University, Box7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625.

If you would like to contribute to the nextissue of BAE Alumni&Friends, please sendyour contributions to the above address oremail: ccmitkow@eos.ncsu.edu.

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continued on page 4

Workshops and Training continued from page 1

Dr. Thomas B. WhitakerUSDA/ARS has received a mostprestigious award from the Associa-tion of Analytical Communities(AOAC International). The HarveyW. Wiley Award is the AOAC’shighest scientific honor, and isawarded annually for outstandingcontributions to analytical methodsdevelopment. He received theaward for his pioneering work onsampling large commodity lots formycotoxins. Part of the award gaveDr. Whitaker the opportunity tochoose the recipent of a scholarship.He chose Erica Lindsay Harrell, aBAE student.

Dr. Robert Rubin, Professor andExtension Specialist, has received aBronze Medal for CommendableService to the United States Envi-ronmental Protection Agency(EPA). He helped the EPA developand publish voluntary guidelinesfor “Management of Onsite and

Faculty News

!

nesses are willing to train employees to enlighten and fill knowledge gaps.The main reason is because it is cost effective. When a company hires newpersonnel or sub-contracts additional expertise, profits dwindle. Second, anew practice, product, or software that works well could save time andmoney for the company. Third, practices that cross paths with governmentrules and regulations that are not addressed properly could result in fines orfees. These fines and fees may eventually spill over to clients and nocompany wants to lose clientele over this.

Surveys show that93% of employers offer,and 70% have financed,training programs fortheir employees. Thechart shows the percent-age of adults who partici-pated in training and howthe numbers are movingupward. The survey alsoshows that 27% of adultshave continuing educationwork requirements.

Businesses also know that having certified or licensed professionals workingfor them adds quality that converts to client satisfaction and confidence. Whenit comes to job training, companies want information presented in a concise,convenient and cost-effective way. These short learning experiences are pre-packaged research and training at an employer’s or individual’s fingertip.Properly utilized, this kind of learning can produce savings not only in em-ployee training but in company-initiated research program costs. They canexplore and learn what works and what doesn’t. Instruction can serve as anidea incubator, heating up the probabilities for company improvements such asthe integration of new services or products to new lines.

Additional advantages to attending short learning programs are that theyprovide non-degree paths to advanced learning. It may also open thepotential for individuals to branch out into a new avenue of their career.For careers in which certifications and certificates are important, it becomesa cost effective and time saving way to accomplish these. Individuals mayexperience benefits such as increased compensation, advancement or ameans of accumulating additional knowledge and skills.

Job training programs may be provided by business-to-business, indus-try organizations, private training in-house, training consultant companiesand universities. Attendees are often drawn to events run by establisheduniversities and land-grant universities are positioned especially well toprovide services. Land-grant universities have always had a mandatedmission from federal and state governments to address the transfer ofinstitutional information to the people of their state. The system set up to dothis is the cooperative extension service working in conjunction with university

continued on page 10

Source: U.S. Dept.of Education, National Center forEducation Statistics, Adult Education, 1999.

BAE Alumni & Friends – 3

I wish to begin my comments in this issue by recog-nizing achievements of some of our graduates. Duringthe International Meeting of ASAE in Las Vegas in Julyof 2003, four graduates of this department receivedspecial honors. They are: Drs. Glenn J. Hoffman, AdelShirmohammadi, Charlie G. Coble, and Kenneth R.Swartzel.

Glenn Hoffman was the recipient of the Massey-Ferguson Educational Award. He has recently retired asprofessor and department head of the biological systemsengineering department at the University of Nebraska.His dedication to quality education and leadership in theevolution of biological and agricultural engineering is

widely recognized by his peers, department heads and international community.Glenn received his PhD from NCSU in 1966 working under the direction of Dr. BillSplinter.

Adel Shirmohammadi was the recipient of the Hancor Soil and Water Engineer-ing Award. He is a professor in the biological resources engineering department atthe University of Maryland. He has conducted pioneering research involved withexperimental and theoretical evaluation of the hydrologic and water quality responsesof agricultural watersheds, design of water table management systems, and assessmentof the impact of various agricultural practices on water quality. Adel received hisPhD from NCSU in 1982 working under the direction of Dr. Wayne Skaggs.

Charlie G. Coble was named a FELLOW of ASAE. He is professor emeritus,agricultural engineering department, Texas A&M University. His research anddevelopment of improved mechanical systems to harvest onions, sugarcane and sweetsorghum have had significant impact on the production and profitability of thevegetable industry. Charlie received his PhD from NCSU in 1972 working under thedirection of Dr. Henry Bowen.

Kenneth R. Swartzel was named a FELLOW of ASAE. He is a William NealReynolds distinguished professor and head of the department of food science atNCSU. He was honored for his outstanding contributions to food engineering in thearea of kinetic theory and thermal processing of foods. Ken received his PhD fromNCSU in 1979 working under the direction of Drs. Don Hamann and Art Hansen.

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Bill Hunt has been employed by the BAEdepartment in a tenure-track faculty position following his graduation from PennState in May. He will be continuing his extension program in stormwater manage-ment and will also have some teaching responsibilities. Bill’s employment in atenure-track position brings the number of new assistant professors employed duringthe 2003 calendar year to five.

There have also been some changes in responsibilities of faculty members in thedepartment in the area of academic programs. Dr. Crowell Bowers, who has beenUndergraduate Coordinator in the department since 1995, has given up the coordina-tor role but will continue his teaching and research programs for a while. Dr. AndyHale has assumed the responsibilities of the Undergraduate Coordinator.

Thanks to the major efforts of Drs. Andy Hale, Gary Roberson, and FrankAbrams, we have completed a major renovation project in Room 125 Weaver. Thelarge laboratory has been converted to a classroom and smaller laboratory, each withstate-of-the-art audio-visual and computer equipment. The laboratory has also beenequipped with new teaching demonstration units. This will greatly improve theteaching facilities in the department for use by the biological engineering, agriculturaland environmental technology, and biomedical engineering students. !

Department Head’s Comments○

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James H. Young

Our apologies to Ivey Daughtryof Daughtridge Contruction, Inc.,Raleigh for not mentioning heraccomplishment as the firstwoman to graduate from a BAEprogram. She sent us a line afterreading with interest our last newsletter highlighting women inengineering. Daughtry earned atechnology degree (TBE) and wasrecognized by the university as thefirst female graduate of BAE.

In the SALS Revue (CALSnewsletter) of spring 1978 the mainstory featured Daughtry under theheadline “Female Succeeds in MaleDominated Ag. Engineering Pro-gram.” The article noted Daughtry’shope that women not limit theircareer field choices. She also statedher desire to stay in the Piedmontarea where today she owns andoperates with her husband a com-mercial construction company.

Alumni Updates

Working for the City ofFayetteville as an engineer isJeffery Brown who earned hisB.S. in 1997 and has his PE.Jeffery is most proud of his wifeKerry and their son Konnor whois now two years old.

We also heard from RasimOkursoy in distant Turkey. Hegraduated in 1991 with a PhDand is now the Vice Dean ofAgricultural Engineering at UludagUniversity, Bursa, Turkey. Hesaid he remembers well his timeworking with Dr. Bowers from1986 to 1991 to earn his PhD.

We would like to hear fromyou please, e-mail ccmitkow@eos.ncsu.edu or write to us at:BAE Newsletter, Dept. Bio. & Ag.Eng., NCSU, Campus Box 7625,Raleigh, NC 27695-7625. !

4 – BAE Alumni & Friends

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○ continued on page 6

researchers. For over a century, extension has provided supplemental learningopportunities to the public. The increasing complexity of need-to-know tech-nologies has all job training programs looking at innovative and new techniquesto service the pace and intensity of this learning style.

Land-grant universities are especially good at pulling together manyinformation providers on a subject to deliver a comprehensive program.They draw on professionals within and outside the university system, thusproviding instruction that is researched and well-rounded. Universityprofessionals provide initial research and testing and are often involved inthe verification of guidelines or regulations on a particular practice/product.These same professionals coordinate with industry representatives, othergovernment agencies, communities and the general public and can befound teaching noncredit workshops and training courses. This meanslearners are receiving their information straight from “the horse’s mouth.”

Proof of NC State’s and the State of North Carolina’s strong commitment toproviding workshops and hands-on-training opportunities for the public is therecent development of new university-based training centers that address areasof strong public interest. The university has also put efforts into coordinatingpublic information into palatable, employable, useful and user-friendly informa-tion transfer options. The entire system of choices includes providing confer-ences and seminars, open forums, training centers, workshops and technologytours, research consortiums, web-based resource centers, resource sharingsupport with non-profit trade organizations and useful research collaborationswith private industry or other government entities on particular subjects.

In the department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, trainingprograms are planned to be as hands-on as possible. BAE provides trainingthrough workshops and tours at university centers like the Center forEnvironmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, as well as at Lake WheelerRd. University Field Laboratories where there are two centers in use byBAE: the Soil and Water Environmental Technology Center and theAnimal & Poultry Waste Management Processing Facility. Additionalworkshops, training seminars, and presentations are held regionally atcommunity centers. The noncredit learning events are often coupled withBAE technology tours featuring department engineered practices in actionthroughout the state.

BAE workshops and training programs cover a range of topics from legalissues to general how-to programs. Topics can appeal to a wide audience,from the engineer who needs to understand a specific software application,like the BAE developed computer modeling application “Drainmod,” to atopic with appeal to restaurant/hotel owners or science teachers such as“How to Compost and Recycle Waste.” On page 5 review the list of BAEworkshops, tours and training programs that have been available in the past.Additionally, see the list of programs to be delivered in the near future. OnPage 9 is a list of additional certifications that may enhance your resume. Oneprogram currently being established is a new BAE graduate certification.

All workshops, tours, and some of the training programs are open to thegeneral public for a reasonable fee. Student rates are available. Fees charged

Workshops and Training continued from page 2Association TrainingThe Landscapers Association teamsup with the university for a field daydisplaying the latest products andknow-how. Dr. Gary Roberson talksabout small machinery maintenanceto the crowd.

University-established centers likethe Land Application TrainingCenter can provide training onlarge scale machinery and land usepractices. Below, Dr. Bob Rubindemonstrates wastewater use.

Training Centers

BAE Alumni & Friends – 5

Upcoming Workshops Location DateStormwater BMP Academy Gastonia February 10 & 11, 2004Stormwater BMPs in the Tar-Pamlico Basin Greenville March 23, 2004GIS 121: Field Data Collection Using GPS Raleigh March 9, 2004Sediment and Erosion Control Solutions for the Southeast Charlotte March 18-19, 2004Land Application/Residuals Operator Training School Raleigh April 6-8, 2004River Course Workshops: Stream Classification & Assessment Raleigh & Asheville April 12-14, 2004Stormwater: Emerging Issues for Local Communities Asheville, NC April 19-22, 2004Spray Irrigation Operator Training School Raleigh, NC May 3-6, 2004GIS 101: Introduction to GPS and GIS Raleigh May 7, 2004Sediment and Erosion Control Workshop Raleigh May 7, 2004River Course Workshops: Stream Restoration Design Principles Raleigh & Asheville May 11-13, 2004GIS 301: Data Management for Site Specific Agriculture Raleigh May 18 & 19, 2004GIS 131: Remote Sensing in Soil Science and Crop Production Raleigh May 20, 2004GIS 101: Introduction to GPS and GIS Raleigh June 8, 2004GIS 111: Using GIS Resources on the Internet Raleigh June 9, 2004Southeastern Regional Conference on Stream Restoration Winston-Salem, NC June 21-24, 2004GIS 201: Managing Spatially Variable Soil Properties Raleigh June 23, 2004SERA-17 Annual Meeting New Bern, NC July 20-22, 2004River Course Workshops: Stream Classification & Assessment Raleigh & Asheville, NC July 20-22, 2004River Course Workshops: Stream Restoration Design Principles Raleigh & Asheville, NC August 17-19, 2004

For additional information on an upcoming workshop, please fill out the attached form and send it to:NCSU – Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Attn. Gretchen Steelman, Campus Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695

Circle courses listed above for which you would like to receive a brochure and registration form.Name _____________________________________________ Company _________________________________________Street Address _______________________________________ City ______________________________________________State _____________________________________________ Zip ______________________________________________Phone ____________________________________________ Fax ______________________________________________Email _____________________________________________

Financial Strategies for Landowners: Estate & Tax Benefits ofLand Conservation - AshevilleConservation Easements and Other Land PreservationTechniques - Greenville and RaleighStream and Wetlands Restoration Alternatives for the LowerCoastal Plain and Tidewater - Tarboro & EdentonRaising Worms and Producing Castings for Profit: Markets andMethods - TarboroFourth National Workshop on Constructed Wetlands/BMPs for Nutrient Reduction and Coastal Water Protection-Wilmington

A Sample of Some Previous Workshops and LocationsResiduals Option 2 - RaleighRUSLE/PLAT Training - RaleighInstall 110: Installation Field Practicum - RaleighStormwater BMP Academy-Intermediate Design - Raleigh3-Day Nutrient Management Training - RaleighGIS 101: Introduction to GPS and GIS - RaleighGIS 111: Using GIS Resources on the Internet - RaleighInvasive Plants Seminar - Fletcher & AshevilleStormwater BMP Academy - AshevilleStormwater Wetland and Bioretention Design - LeniorAnimal Waste Management Workshop - DurhamLagoon Sludge Management and Surveys - RaleighHow to Put NPDES Regulations into Practice - GreensboroStormwater BMP Training - Winston-Salem, Wilson, WilmingtonASAE Sensors and Controls in Real World Applications - Myrtle BeachASAEConfronting Legal Issues in the Practice of Engineering - RaleighLow Impact Design and Conservation Planning Workshop - AshevilleStormwater Management in Henderson County - HendersonvilleRiver Course Workshops: Stream Classification & Assessment - RaleighRiver Course Workshops: Stream Restoration Design Principles - RaleighBest Management Practices for Mountain Stream Water Quality - RaleighAquaculture Recirculation Technology Workshop - Raleigh

Workshops Taught by BAE Faculty

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Clip and Mail

Exploring technical operationalareas which are off limits to thegeneral public are unique advant-ages of some technology tours.

6 – BAE Alumni & Friends

When a program provides a good job training experience, it offers avaried and well-rounded view of a subject and has some key componentsmaking it worthwhile. If you review with a critical eye program literature orweb site information, the process of judging a program’s value can be madeeasier. You may have experienced firsthand the disappointment of attendinga learning event that was not worth the money or the effort.

If you don’t know anyone who has previously attended a training event inyour field, you can find programs by knowing where to look. A great place tostart is contacting representatives of businesses directly associated with yours.They may provide tailored training on the products or machines your businessuses daily. Some charge fees, others do not. Checking the web sites of organiza-tions or publications related to your industry is a good bet also. If organizationsdo not provide training programs directly they often list who does. If you chooseto look into a training company, the internet is flourishing with these sites.Check companies servicing your specific industry before reviewing moregeneral training sites. Consider your local universities as they are an especiallygood place to look. Many offer more than just degrees these days. Universitiesoffer an array of adult and continuing education opportunities from conferencesand open forums to specific equipment training. Search industry-relateduniversity web sites and use key words like workshops, training, short courses,and extension courses coupled with your interest. Lastly, some businesses benefitfrom having in-house peer-to-peer training programs. If your company does nothave one in place consider suggesting it.

If you will be paying to attend a program, you want your money’s worth socheck the information carefully to see if it meets certain criteria. Review yourcompany’s job training policies or speak with a supervisor about your desiresand try answering some initial questions about your basic goals and limitations.

Your goals should be aside from the obvious “I want to improve myunderstanding of the topic.”

1. What is your purpose for attending? Are you looking to earncontinuing education credits (CEU’s) for your license, get a certification thatwill allow you to operate within your state, or do you wish to earn a certifi-cate of completion to move up the workplace ladder? Maybe you areadding to a resume, looking to solve a workplace problem, or your bosswants you to get more training in an area.

2. Are you willing to travel to the workshop and how far are youwilling to travel?

3. Do you have budget limitations or is this open for debate?4. Are you limited to one-day programs or are several days workable?5. Are there dates or times of the year you can not attend?Now you can match your basic goals to a program armed with some

information. Whether you are looking over brochures or using internet sites, thefirst step is to find a topic or subject that interests you. Once you have this, thennote the dates and location of the program. A glance at this and a match toquestions 2, 4 and 5 will help you with your decision process.

Choosing the Right Training

continued on page 8

GPS Training

continued from pg. 4Workshops

The PrecisionAg@NCStateteam, of which BAE is a mem-ber department, is dedicated toenhancing skills in the existingworkforce through an aggressivecontinuing education program.Our programs train agriculturalconsultants how to collect,display, and analyze spatialinformation such as soil fertilityand crop yields as well as thetechnology to gather and utilizethis information. The GISAcademy is a series of shortcourses dedicated to meeting theneeds of precision agriculture andGIS practitioners. The shortcourses provide hands-on train-ing in GPS, GIS, yield monitor-ing, and variable rate controlsystems in our GIS EducationLaboratory http://www.precisionag.ncsu.edu/ !

cover trainer travel expenses,instruction manuals, classroomcosts, etc. Workshops are held invarious counties throughout thestate tailoring information to theneeds in the region. BAE non-credit instruction can earn Engi-neers and Professional LandSurveyors the Professional Devel-opment Hours (PDH’s) that areneeded to maintain professionallicenses. Training programs canprovide others a chance to earncertificates or certifications tooperate within the state. For all ofthe workshops and trainingprograms currently available,always look for information andfees including sign-up informationon the main BAE web site athttp://www.bae.ncsu. edu underthe workshop button or go di-rectly to the page at http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/workshops/ !

BAE Alumni & Friends – 7

Tours & Training Workshops Activities Stormwater WorkshopsStormwater workshops are presentingthe latest technologies that preventrooftop and street runoff from enteringstreams.

Twenty-two people attended the LagoonSludge Management and Surveys trainingthis summer taught by Dr. Westerman. Thetraining was held at Lake Wheeler RoadField Laboratory, Land Application Train-ing and Education facility. Dr. GarryGrabow and Extension Associate KarlShaffer (Soil Science) also participatedin some training aspects.

Lagoon Training

After a morning of presentations, workshop attendees tour anin-stream constructed wetland in Edenton established by Dr. Robert Evans. Thegroup walks the 2.4 acres of wetland as Dr. Evans and other extension personneldescribe the construction and operation of this wetland which has been fullyfunctioning since 1998. They view the plant choices and placement to understandtheir function in the nitrogen removal process and learn how downstream controlscontinue to build the wetland’s bottom, improving its ability to remove pollutants tothe ideal compatibility of this BMP.

Wetland Tours

In Australia this June, Dr. Thomas Losordo presented training for fish farmers at the RASWorkshop held at Challenger TAFE (traning and further education) in Western Australia. Dr. Losordo is well known in theaquaculture field for the establishment of NC State’s world renowned “Fish Barn” project. At the facility located on Lake WheelerRoad, fish species are grown in tanks and are researched for their potential for commercial production. Interested groups, youngand old, are welcome to tour the “Fish Barn.” see: www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/aquaculture/fish_barns/

Fish Farming Training

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8 – BAE Alumni & Friends

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○continued on page 9

Choosing the Right Job TrainingBAE Emeritus Lived toNinety-three

George Wallace Giles, diedJuly 21, 2003, having lived to age93. Such an age is an accomplish-ment reflective of a life lived welland long.

Wallace was born March 30,1910 in Nebraska City, Nebraska.He received his BS degree at theUniversity of Nebraska and hisMS degree at the University ofMissouri, both in AgriculturalEngineering.

He joined the BAE faculty in1936, advancing to head of thedepartment in 1948, where heremained until 1961. During this13-year period the departmentgrew from a staff of 12 to around40. Two appropriations for a newbuilding were secured under histenure. The department nameemerged to become the Depart-ment of Biological and Agricul-tural Engineering and the BS inBiological Engineering wasdeveloped, which was unique tothe times and the world's first.

In 1961 Professor Giles wentabroad to work as consultant inthe countries of India, Pakistan,Iran, Egypt, and Ghana undervarious organizations includingthe Ford Foundation and theUnited Nations.

His proudest service was onPresident Lyndon Johnson'ssubpanel the "World Food Study"where he taught diesel engineer-ing to Navy Ensigns duringWWII. He also was a represen-tative to Vienna, developingobjectives for the manufacture ofagriculture equipment under theUnited Nation's Industrial Devel-opment Organization. !

If you haven’t thrown away the brochure or clicked out of the web site yet,then skip through the main information and go straight to the fee section. Feesare often found at the back of all the information hidden in the smallest printsize. Yes, they are designed that way hoping you will read through all the hypeand agenda selling you on the idea of attending despite the limitations. Fairwarning— the fancy brochures often do come with sticker shock.

If the program is not out of your budget, it’s time to delve into thematerials keeping in mind these tips:

! Look to see who is in cooperation with the main program provider ofthe event. Note if the cooperators are government agencies, industries orseveral organizations. This will give you an idea of the slant of the pro-gram. Government agencies tend to focus information towards complianceof rules and regulations. Industries will be biased towards their productsand services, and non-profit organizations may have organizational goalsand agendas to promote. Depending on the topic, a generally well-roundedevent will have input from all three of these groups.

! Find key statements about what you will gain in knowledge ortraining if you attend the program. Will the stated learning outcomes coverwhat you need to learn? Is there anything the program should but doesn’tcover? Make a mental note of these items as you review further and look tosee if they are answered deeper in the program agenda.

! See how the agenda is structured, such as speakers list, case studies,reviews, tours, design guides, video, product displays, hands-on practice,etc. An interesting program will include several of these.

! Inquire if you do not see your profession listed on program informa-tion as being considered a potential attendee. If it is not an obvious over-sight check with the program provider.

! Review carefully the program information to see exactly what kind ofcredits, certifications, or certificates are earned. Continuing education credits(CEU’s) are approved by different industry boards. Be sure you are earningwhat you need for the state you are in. Check to see who will notify thestate board of credits earned. If the description is not detailed, request moreinformation. Note if the event lasts several days. Attending specific portionsof the event may be a requirement to earning certifications, certificates, oreducation credits.

! Check to see what additional fees or expenses are associated with theprogram like hotel, food, reading materials, tours, hands-on activities orspecial training, and additional post- and pre-workshops. Extra fees may beassociated with all of these. Reduction in the fees may be available. Someproviders give scholarships, student/group rates or organizational discounts.

! Think about the qualifications of the speakers or trainers whenchoosing a program. A brief statement about the speakers/trainer shouldappear in the program information. Look at the job title, company name,and major accomplishments of the individual speakers/presenters. Are you

continued from page 6

BAE Alumni & Friends – 9

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familiar with their work or companies? If not then match their presentationtitles to the statements about them. Does it seem reasonable that theywould have that topic knowledge? Often you can check for further informa-tion by visiting their company web sites and locating biographical sketch.

Be aware that some training companies use a handful of employees whoare hired as trainers and are not always deeply versed on the subject.Sometimes they take a quick route to the information themselves and theycan not always answer the hard questions. Remember that product repre-sentatives are representing their product, and although you can get a lot ofgood information from them, you have to listen with a keen ear to discernthe hype from the product potential. Repeating or referring to a point toomany times is a tip that it may be hype. When it comes to keynote speakersor moderators, do not judge your desire to attend by the main speakeraddress because this may be all you get from your attendance. Rememberthe meat of the program comes from speakers and trainers.

! Consider the size of the program. Group settings can provide oppor-tunities to network with others, gauging reactions to issues or problems. Ina group that is too large, however, you often lose your ability to participate.Your difficult questions do not seem to get answered or tend to get replacedwith generalities. When a program is packed with too much informationand too many people, it may be too much. Review the material to see ifthe program has a limit on attendees or if they plan breakout sessions withgroup size limits. Call the provider to get your answer if it is not stated.

Does this program allow for opportunities to:Test or view a product or provide hands-on practice? Depending on the

type of product or practice, the program should require limits that respectpersonal safety (such as in testing large scale moving equipment). If youhave doubts call the provider directly. If you are reviewing computer soft-ware, a product, or a practice, consider how is it displayed, reviewed, ortested. Is the facility or provider equipped to properly assure adequateaccess to what is needed to truly get the hands-on experience desired(like computer setups, proper lighting, demo and practice areas etc.)?

Learn through a selection of topics? The program’s agenda should bebalanced with a variety of speaker topics. Does the program you are look-ing at seem balanced to you? Depending on the range of a topic or thesubject matter there should be either a very narrow detailed focus involvinglots of problem solving or it should have a broad selection of informationcovered. Generally, a good program will cover several subject areas andprovide at least one legal or analytical viewpoint to create balance.

Question the expert? Often an attraction to attending a program is thequestion and answer session. You may need to get an answer to a specificproblem in your field and tapping an expert for an opinion or their insightis important to you. Will you have the time to ask your question? If not,how open to further contact will the speakers/trainers be? Can you get ane-mail address?

Ultimately, the attendee who is the potential user of learning program in-

formation should be responsible fortheir own judgments about pro-grams. Question it if it sounds toogood or if it is too vague. To makethe most of your choices, developyour own critical eye in selectingprograms. If a program meets yourcriteria then sign up and you will beon your way to enhancing your jobknowledge.

If you would like to receiveBAE workshop notifications orspecific workshop brochures,please contact Gretchen Steelmanat 515-6780 or e-mail gusteelm@unity.ncsu.edu !

Choosing the Right Job Trainingcontinued from page 8

EIT ............... Engineer in TrainingPE ................. Professional EngineerPLS ............... Land SurveyorNC Board of Exaniners for Engineers andLand Surveyors http://www.ncbels.org/

CFM ............. Cert. Floodplain ManagerNorth Carolina Association of FloodplainManagers http://www.ncafpm.org/CFM.htm

CPESC ......... Certified ProfessionalErosion Sediment ControlCPSWQ ....... Certified Professional StormWater QualityCPESC Inc. http://www.cpesc.net/

CMS ............. Cadastral Mapping SpecialistNorth Carolina Property Mappers Associationhttp://ncpropertymappers.org/cert.htmlhttp://www.iaao.org/

ISO ............... Business and IndustryNCSU Industrial Extension Servicehttp://www.ies.ncsu.edu/index.htm

Water Quality - Waste ManagementCertifications and Licences NCDENR andDivision of Water Quality http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/tacu/certific.html

NEW Certification on the horizon

GSI ............... Graphical System ImagingGSI Certification Institute http://www.gisci.org/http://www.urisa.org/and http://www.ucgis.orgNCSU http://www.precision ag.ncsu.edu/

CIT ............... Centralized Intern Training -Environmental Health SpecialistsNCDENR Division of Health http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/

Graduate Certificate - EnvironmentalSystems ManagementNCSU-BAE web site to be announced nextnewsletter.

Certifications to Earn...

Job Training continued

10 – BAE Alumni & Friends

College of Agriculture and Life SciencesDepartment of Biological and Agricultural EngineeringCampus Box 7625Raleigh, NC 27695-7625

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Raleigh, NCPERMIT No. 2353

Larsen, Julie Melissa ........................ MSNobles, David Stephen ................... AETPeele, Josey Slade ............................. BEValenti, Adam Bland ....................... BEWebb, Elizabeth Lynn ..................... Ph.D.Whitfield, Jonathan Andrew .......... AET

Name Curriculum

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Fall 2003 Graduates Faculty News○

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View more graduation pictures atwww.bae.ncsu.edu/news/event_pictures.html

Graduating students and alumninow have the opportunity to purchase abrick in the CALS walkway. To learnmore see http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/alumni/activities/brick.html.

Cluster (Decentralized) Wastewa-ter Treatment Systems” to enhancethe performance and reliability ofdecentralized wastewater treat-ment systems. Dr. Rubin waspresented the medal in Washing-ton on June 24th at the AnnualEPA Award Ceremony of theOffice of Water.

Congratulations to Dr. BillHunt. He earned his PhD in May2003 from Pennsylvania StateUniversity and is now an AssistantProfessor and Extension Specialist.Hunt will continue to work inUrban Stormwater Management.

Now on faculty at BAE is Dr.Michael R. Burchell who wasawarded the 2003 NC State/NancyG. Pollock Dissertation Award. Thisis a great honor because there is onlyone dissertation award presenteduniversity-wide each year. !

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