Recent engineering news from across Columbia.
Amir Imani wrote his first computer program, a family phone book, at age 9. The experience sealed his interest in computing. “I always loved making and breaking things,” he said. “Coding gave me a way to explore the enigmatic world of computers.”
Tap dancing and engineering may not seem like they have anything in common. But for graduating senior Vikas Arun, pairing these two passions makes plenty of sense.
By the time Jonathan (Jonny) Cohen started his freshman year at Columbia Engineering, he had launched a startup and been named—twice—to Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” list of energy sector leaders for his work in green technology.
Cohen, who graduates in May with a degree in mechanical engineering, has been devising inventions since grade school. One of his first, at age 9, was an intercom system built from scrap parts that he found around his house.
Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:
I am pleased to announce my appointment of Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic to the rank of University Professor, our highest academic honor.
It isn’t just the important scientific research and art produced and exhibited at Columbia University’s new Manhattanville campus that will be cutting edge. From the outset, the 17-acre site in West Harlem was designed and built to be a model of sustainable architecture, urban design and clean construction practices.
Last year, J. Thomas Vaughan joined Columbia as director of Magnetic Resonance Research, a new University-wide position. A pioneer in the field with 45 patents to his name, Vaughan designs and builds the MRI systems that produce high-resolution images of anatomical, metabolic and physiological systems and functions. His inventions, usually licensed by the biotech and medical industries, are found in most MRI systems.
Title
Director of Outreach Programs, Columbia Engineering
Years at Columbia
12
Mechanical Engineering Professor Hod Lipson’s latest book, Driverless: Intelligent Cars and the Road Ahead, coauthored with Melba Kurman, gained attention when it came out last fall for its prediction that these autos would become a reality sooner rather than later.
