Matthew J. Traum’s Web Site

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The following is a list of links to universities and companies with which I have been affiliated, organizations in which I have been involved, and other sites that I find interesting and notable.

Academic Institutions

University of North Texas (UNT)

UNT is the third-largest university (by enrollment) in Texas and is among the state’s emerging research universities. It is a public university located in Denton, TX with an enrollment of approximately 34,000 students. In 2005, UNT established a new engineering college at the University Research Park, a 140-acre state-of-the-art research facility formerly operated by Texas Instruments. In 2006, UNT initiated the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, the first engineering department in the nation to offer a degree in mechanical and energy engineering. Dr. Traum is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is the world’s premiere research university for science, engineering, and technology education. MIT is a private university located in Cambridge, MA with an enrollment of over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Dr.Traum completed his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007. He also earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT in 2003.

University of California, Irvine (UCI)

UC Irvine is one of the University of California’s ten campuses, and it is among the top ten public universities in the United States. Enrolling 24,000 students, UC Irvine is located in suburban Orange County in Southern California. Dr. Traum attended UC Irvine from 1996 through 2001, and he earned two UCI bachelor’s degrees: one in aerospace engineering and the second in mechanical engineering. He also completed an interdisciplinary minor in women’s studies.

University of Bristol, UK

The University of Bristol is located in England’s West Country and enrolls about 13,000 students. Bristol’s Department of Aerospace Engineering is considered the top aerospace program in the UK, a reputation that is bolstered through numerous industry connections, including Rolls Royce and British Aerospace. Dr. Traum spent 1999 – 2000 as a study abroad student at Bristol University in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. As a non-matriculating student, Dr. Traum conducted a graduate-level research project on rotorcraft flight stability and authored an M.Eng thesis.

Simmons College

Simmons College is a small private university in Boston, MA and part of the Colleges of the Fenway academic consortium. Simmons enrolls about 2,000 undergraduate women students and about 2,800 graduate women and men students. During the 2005 – 2006 academic year, Dr. Traum was a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Simmons College where he taught two semesters of the introductory physics laboratory.

Research Laboratories

Thermal Fluid Sciences Group @ UNT

The TFS Group @ UNT is an interdisciplinary research laboratory headed by Dr. Traum. The research of this group is focused on experimental thermal fluid sciences with applications including alternative energy, building technology and comfort, micro- and nano-scale heat-and-mass-transfer, experimental aerodynamics, and materials science.

Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) at MIT

The Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) at MIT is an interdepartmental research center established by a contract from the U.S. Army. The ISN’s research mission is to use nanotechnology to dramatically improve the survival of soldiers. Dr. Traum's MIT doctoral research was conducted through ISN. He worked on soldier body armor with integrated, nanotechnology-enabled ballistic protection and evaporative cooling capabilities.

Research Group of Professor Edwin L. Thomas

Professor Thomas was a co-advisor for Dr. Traum's doctoral research. The Thomas Research Group is focused on the development of novel polymers and polymer-based composite materials with unusual optical, mechanical, and electronic properties. The group’s research is very interdisciplinary with members having backgrounds in materials science, chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Cryogenic Engineering Laboratory – MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering

Part of MIT’s flagship Center for 21st Century Energy, the Cryogenic Engineering Laboratory combines the studies of low temperature physics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to address research- and industrial-level questions in areas including liquefaction of gasses, sub-Kelvin refrigeration cycles, applied superconductivity, and space-based cooling. Dr. Traum’s MIT master’s thesis research was conducted in the Cryogenic Engineering Laboratory where he worked on the implementation of a miniaturized Collins cycle cryocooler capable of lifting 1 watt at 10 K.

National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC) at UC Irvine

The NFCRC is part of UCI’s Advanced Power and Energy Program. The Mission of the NFCRC is to facilitate, demonstrate, and accelerate the development and deployment of fuel cell technology and fuel cell systems; promote strategic alliances to address the market challenges associated with the installation and integration of fuel cell systems; and to educate and develop resources for the various stakeholders in the fuel cell community. Dr. Traum held an undergraduate research appointment at the NFCRC for three years. In this role, he developed an ambient air monitoring station that doubled as an educational access point for guests in the NFCRC visitor gallery. Dr. Traum also installed a direct-current-driven lighting system based on technology from Nextek Power Systems, capable of monitoring the benefits of DC lighting.

Aerodynamics and Supersonic Turbulence Laboratory – UCI Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Aerodynamics and Supersonic Turbulence Laboratory focuses on jet noise reduction, flow mixing enhancement, and thermodynamics of compressible flows. Dr. Traum completed two summer UROPs (undergraduate research opportunity programs) in this lab. During his first summer, Dr. Traum designed and built customized pressure probes for high-velocity jet flow measurements. In his second summer, Dr. Traum was involved in fabricating the laboratory’s two-dimensional supersonic nozzle, which was subsequently used by the lab to study noise reduction enabled by co-flow of supersonic and sub-sonic jets.

Engineering Companies

EVCO Mechanical Corporation

EVCO Mechanical Corporation is a top building technology installer operating in New Jersey and New York state. This company retrofits existing buildings with energy technologies including solar panels, HVAC systems, and lighting controls. Dr. Traum maintains a strategic partnership with EVCO to beta test new building technologies at customer sites, facilitating rapid fielding and commercialization of cutting-edge products for the built environment.

Nextek Power Systems, Inc.

Nextek Power Systems, Inc. is a pioneer in direct current (DC) power networks for the built environment. Nextek’s power system uses patent-protected technology to integrate incoming energy from local photovoltaic and distributed sources with power from the grid and battery storage. Power generated as DC is used to support fixed DC loads, avoiding losses associating with inverting solar and battery power to alternating current. After graduating from UC Irvine in 2001, Dr. Traum joined Nextek’s West Coast Office as a sales engineer, establishing corporate technology partnerships, training distributors, and advancing product value propositions and systems modeling.

The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation is a non-profit company performing research and development for the United States Air Force. Aerospace utilizes its experience with space systems to assist projects for civil agencies like NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commercial companies, and universities. In 2000, Dr. Traum was an intern at the Aerospace Corporation in the Department of Propulsion Science and Experimental Mechanics. In this capacity, Dr. Traum designed a customized, high-vacuum poppet valve assembly for the Aerospace shock tube facility and conducted research on shock tube particulate injection handling and safety.

Engineering Magazines

Design News Magazine

Design News Magazine is both a print and on-line engineering publication for design engineers. It covers a spectrum of topics including control and automation, electronics, CAD/CAM, materials, and automotive design. Dr. Traum maintains an alternative energy blog on the Design News Web site called "I Have The Power!". New posts appear on this blog two to three times per week.

Government and Pubic Service

Office of the Governor of the Sate of California – Intern Program

The California Governor’s Office Executive Internship Program is designed for undergraduate students of all majors and backgrounds who have an interest in politics, California government, and public service. Internships are for students looking for real world experience in a uniquely high-profile government office. During the summer of 1997, Dr. Traum was an intern for California Governor Pete Wilson in the Office of Planning and Research (ORP).

Contact Care

Contact Care is a helpline providing emotionally supportive listening and referrals over the phone. The mission of Contact Care is to listen and respond to the needs of people in the local community, primarily through the use of telephone help-lines. This crisis hotline provides a safe, non-judgmental place for people to call when they are experiencing depression, grief, parental stress, child or spousal abuse, hunger, pain or suicidal feelings. Dr. Traum was a Contact Care Volunteer from 1994 through 1998. During his last two years at Contact Care, Dr. Traum also served as a New Volunteer Trainer, providing instruction in basic counseling skills, active listening, self-awareness, and current social issues.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program for character development and values-based leadership training. The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lives. In October 1996, Dr. Traum became an Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, requiring a multi-year commitment to fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills.

Research and Honor Societies

Sigma Xi International Research Society

Sigma Xi is an international, multidisciplinary research society whose programs and activities promote the health of the scientific enterprise and honor scientific achievement. There are nearly 65,000 Sigma Xi members in more than 100 countries around the world. Membership in Sigma Xi is by invitation only. The Greek letters "sigma" and "xi" form the acronym of the Society’s motto, “Spoudon Xynones,” which translates as “Companions in Zealous Research”. The Society endeavors to encourage support of original work across the spectrum of science and technology and to promote an appreciation within society at large for the role research has played in human progress. Dr. Traum is an Associate Member of Sigma Xi.

Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society

Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and largest academic honor society. It was the first society to have a Greek letter name, and in its early years it introduced the essential characteristics of such societies: an oath of secrecy, a badge, mottoes in Latin and Greek, a code of laws, and an elaborate initiation ritual. Phi, Beta, and Kappa are the initials of the Greek motto Philosophia Biou Kubernetes, “Love of wisdom, the guide of life.” Today, the living Phi Beta Kappa membership numbers more than 700,000. Candidates are nominated for election by their collegiate chapters and cannot apply for membership. Dr. Traum is a Lifetime Member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society

Tau Beta Pi is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession, and it is the nation’s second-oldest honor society. There are now 230 collegiate chapters and a total initiated membership of about 490,000. The letters stand for the organization’s Greek motto, which is not made known to the public. However, the English-language motto “Integrity and Excellence in Engineering” is a translation in attitude of the Greek. Membership in Tau Beta Pi is by invitation only. Undergraduate seniors must be in the top 1/5th of their class to qualify. Dr. Traum is a Lifetime Member of Tau Beta Pi.

Pi Tau Sigma International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society

Pi Tau Sigma is an honor society instituted in order to establish a closer bond of fellowship among its members, which will result in mutual benefit to those men and women in the study and in the profession of mechanical engineering. The Greek meaning of the characters Pi, Tau, and Sigma is generally not publicly disclosed but the literal English translation is “Be Faithful, Skillful, and Strong”. To be considered for membership is Pi Tau Sigma, undergraduate seniors must be in the top 33% of their class. Dr. Traum is a Lifetime Member of Pi Tau Sigma.

Professional Societies

Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)

AEE has over 9,000 members in 67 local and regional chapters committed to increasing energy efficiency, utilizing innovative energy service options, enhancing environmental management programs, upgrading facility operations, and improving equipment. Dr. Traum a Lifetime Member of AEE.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational, and research issues of the engineering and technology community. The Society’s vision is to be the premier organization for promoting the art, science, and practice of mechanical engineering throughout the world. Dr. Traum is a Member of ASME.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

The AIAA mission is “to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics, and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits.” Dr. Traum is a Member of AIAA.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

ASHRAE is a nonprofit technical organization of 55,000 members. ASHRAE influences the direction of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) technology by 1) creating industry standards, 2) recommending procedures and guidelines, and 3) developing research and reporting technical information. Dr. Traum is a Member of ASHRAE.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world - a source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Dr. Traum is an ASTM Member.

American Institute of Physics (AIP)

The purpose of the American Institute of Physics is to promote the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare. The mission of the Institute is to serve physics, astronomy, and related fields of science and technology through its Member Societies. Dr. Traum is a member of AIP through his affiliation with the Society of Physics Students (SPS).

Society of Physics Students (SPS)

SPS exists to help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community. SPS provides opportunities to enhance communication skills, leadership experience, networking, and presentation skills for scholarly work in professional meetings and journals. Dr. Traum is a Member of SPS, and he served as the founding faculty mentor for the SPS Chapter at Simmons College from 2005 - 2006.

Alumni Organizations

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alumni Association

The MIT Alumni Association exists to bring graduates closer to the MIT community as well as to campus life, and it offers a wide range of resources to its members, such as continuing education, travel, and career services. I am a Member of the MIT Alumni Association.

University of California, Irvine Alumni Association (UCIAA)

The UCI Alumni Association allows graduates to stay connected with UC Irvine. Members join to use the UCI libraries and take advantage of career opportunities, discounts, and other benefits that come with membership. Dr. Traum is a Lifetime Member of UCIAA.

From 2007 to the present, Dr. Traum has represented UCIAA as an Area Liaison for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. In this volunteer role, Dr. Traum serves as a local expert and contact when UCI or the UC-system plans an event in the DWF area. Dr. Traum also coordinates local UCI alumni events and helps orient fellow UCI graduates moving into the area. Prior to moving to the DWF area, Dr. Traum was Area Liaison for the Boston Metropolitan area from 2001 to 2007.

Engineering Alumni Advisory Council (EAAC) at UC Irvine

The UCI Engineering Alumni Advisory Council (EAAC) is a body of graduates from The Henry Samueli School of Engineering whose make-up reflects all decades, backgrounds, majors and interests represented in the school’s students and alumni. The Council has representation on the School’s Engineering Advisory Board and coordinates events and networking opportunities for engineering students and alumni. Dr. Traum is an EAAC Board Member.

University of Bristol Alumni Organization

Co-Curricular Activities

Engineering Student Council (ESC)

ESC is the undergraduate student government for The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine. ESC represents and advocates for the undergraduate student body, providing leadership opportunities for students, real-world development of “soft skills”, and assistance and support for UCI’s Engineering Student Organizations. Dr. Traum was ESC President from 2000 – 2001 and Chairperson for the Publicity Committee from 1998 – 1999.

In 2001, Dr. Traum was named The Henry Samueli School of Engineering “Engineer of the Year” by the ESC Presidents’ Council.

Associated Students of UC Irvine (ASUCI)

The ASUCI Legislative Council branch is a representative body composed of students from each academic school. Dr. Traum served as a Representative for the School of Engineering on Legislative Council from 1997 – 1998.

In 1998, Dr. Traum was named “Legislative Council Representative of the Year” by vote of his peers in the ASUCI Legislative Council.

Graduate Student Council at MIT

The Graduate Student Council (GSC) at MIT exists to enhance the overall graduate experience at MIT by promoting the general welfare and concerns of the graduate student body, creating new programs and initiatives to provide opportunities for growth and interaction, and communicating with the MIT Faculty and Administration on behalf of graduate students. Dr. Traum served as a GSC Legislative Representative At-Large from 2001 – 2002, and he was a member of the GSC Executive Committee from 2002 – 2004.

New University Newspaper

The New University (New U.) is UC Irvine’s only weekly newspaper. The publication is completely student-run and operated. Dr. Traum was a New U. staff writer from 1996 – 2001, and he served as Editor of the Opinion Section from 1998 – 1999. In this capacity, Dr. traum's section was named third best overall in the state of California by the California Intercollegiate Press Association (CIPA) in 1999. Dr. Traum also earned an honorable mention from (CIPA) in the opinion column category.

Graduate Student News (GSN)

GSN is MIT’s only news magazine for graduate students by graduate students. It is published every six weeks with a circulation of 6,250 copies with additional material published on-line. Dr. Traum was GSN Managing Editor from 2001 – 2002.

Association of Student Activities (ASA) at MIT

The ASA is MIT’s student government entity responsible for overseeing and representing MIT’s portfolio of over 300 student organizations. The ASA Executive Board advocates for student groups with the MIT administration, allocates resources among student organizations, and arbitrates disputes among student groups. Dr. Traum was an ASA Executive Board Member from 2002 – 2004.

Graduate Association of Mechanical Engineers (GAME)

GAME is a student group for graduate students affiliated with MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. The goals of GAME are 1) to organize activities which strengthen and enrich the ME community and 2) to publicize research activities and opportunities within the department. Dr. Traum was a founding member of GAME, and he served as Chairperson of the GAME Seminar Committee from 2002 – 2003.

Campus Representatives

The Campus Representatives are a group of students working with the Office of Student Affairs who serve UC Irvine as tour guides and greeters for visitors, prospective students, parents, and school personnel. Dr. Traum was a Campus Representative from 1997 – 2001.

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

Founded in 1904 at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, Pi Kappa Phi today has over 130 chapters in the United States. The fraternity’s manta is “CLASS”: Character, Leadership, Academics, Sportsmanship, and Service. These principles are not only valued but instilled through leading-edge educational, service, and leadership opportunities. Dr. Traum joined the Eta Eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at UC Irvine in 1997, and he served as the chapter president from 1998 – 1999.

Graduate Resident Tutor (GRT), Fifth East, East Campus Dormitory

Although they are not tutors in the academic sense, MIT GRTs serve as tutors in the broader, more humanistic sense of caring for the welfare of others. Tutors at MIT are graduate students to whom the care of undergraduates has been entrusted. The job of the GRT is to foster a supportive, safe, and positive living environment and to build a community atmosphere among, undergraduates in MIT residence halls. This responsibility includes encouraging personal growth, providing outlets for managing stress, and facilitating positive interpersonal relationships. GRTs are also responsible for implementing community standards, enhancing security, and promoting mutual respect between and among the residents they serve. Dr. Traum served as GRT for the Fifth East hall of the East Campus Dormitory from 2002 – 2005.