Appointments, honors and activities
• Faculty and staff honors:
- Christoph Hoffmann, a professor of computer science, recently received the Pierre Bézier Award in recognition of his contributions to the field of solid modeling. Hoffmann was given the award in October at the SIAM Conference on Geometric and Physical Modeling in Orlando, Fla. A member of the Purdue Department of Computer Science faculty since 1976, Hoffmann's research focuses on geometric and solid modeling, its applications to manufacturing and science, and the simulation of physical systems.
- An online tool developed by the Purdue University Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Office of the Indiana State Chemist to help protect pesticide-sensitive crops and habitats from off-target effects of spray drift has received Agrow's Best Stewardship Program Award. The award, which recognizes outstanding management of agrochecmical or ag-biotech products, was given for the Driftwatch site of https://www.driftwatch.org. The site promotes effective communication between pesticide applicators, specialty crop producers and stewards of habitats. Recipients of the award are Leighanne Hahn, water quality and endangered species specialist with the state chemist's office; Larry Theller, geographic information systems specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering; and Bernie Engel, ABE department head. More information on the award is at https://www.agrowawards.com. Driftwatch can be contacted at cropregistry@purdue.edu
- Kenneth Ferraro, distinguished professor of sociology and founding director of Purdue's Center on Aging and the Life Course, has been selected by the Gerontological Society of America as the 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award. The society is the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging. The honor is given to individuals who have fostered excellence in the field, as well as made a major impact by their mentoring, and whose inspiration is sought by students and colleagues.
- Terri Mimms, assistant director of Treasury Operations, has been appointed chair of the Certification Committee for the Association for Financial Professionals by Jim Kaitz, the organization's president and CEO. The committee oversees the qualification process for the Certified Treasury Professional. Mimm's new role includes leadership and oversight of the committee, recruitment and orientation of new members and support of Association for Financial Professionals standards. More information can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/business/bpnews/News_Releases/People/General_Info/terriMimmsCharingAFPCertificat.html
• Notables:
- The College of Technology will be sponsoring a Learning Carnival for kids from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Hanna Community Center, 1201 N. 18th St., Lafayette. Activities planned for the event include educational games, crafts, face painting, a visit from Santa and a caricature artist. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the event. For more information, contact Kelly High at 765-494-5376, kjhigh@purdue.edu
- The Tippecanoe Arts Federation, with support from Purdue University, is working to raise awareness and participation in the After School Arts Program (ASAP) for at-risk youth. The ASAP youth artists visit area schools and conduct hands-on workshops that would work in conjunction with the educators' curriculum. There will be a presentation of the students' artwork and a public reception from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Wells Community Center, 638 North St., Lafayette. For more information about the event or the Tippecanoe Arts Federation, contact Eric Bruce, 765-337-5856, eebruce@purdue.edu
- The Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club, with support from Purdue University, is working to build a landmark that would help increase interest in the club, while also entertaining youth in the Lafayette community. They are building the longest indoor train system in Lafayette to serve as a teaching tool about train facts. Local schools also can take field trips to visit the landmark. The train system will be on display from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 7) at the Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club, 1529 N. 10th St., Lafayette. Refreshments will be served at the event. For more information, contact George Leap, 765-543-1606, gleap@purdue.edu