Dr. Fow-Sen Choa, professor of computer science and electrical engineering, uses a Chemical Vapor Desposition System to grow semiconductors that are used for chemical detection and breath analysis using photo-acoustic (PA) effects. In addition, he has been working with undergraduate students at UMBC on projects dealing with flying robots, Fourier analysis of music instrument, x-ray scan of superlattice crystal growths, and brainwave measurement and analysis.

To read more about Dr. Choa's research pursuits, see his full research profile.

Photo courtesy of the New York Times.

Same sex marriage has historically been a political flash-point in the U.S.

That flash-point just got a little flashier this weekend when hundreds of couples joined in wedded bliss as New York became the sixth and largest U.S. state to recognize same sex marriages.

New York now joins Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut in recognizing same-sex unions.

The day was emotionally charged for many. Couples waited in the stifling July heat, and volunteers passed out water bottles. Steve Mulrooney and Jerome Van Wert traveled all the way from Missouri to be married.

Kitty Lambert and Cheryl Rudd were married at Luna Island immediately after midnight, making them the state’s first same-sex union. Ms. Lambert said,

“We’re achieving that real American dream to be treated like everybody else and be protected under all those laws.”

Others were less enthusiastic about the change. Rallies in New York, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester drew crowds opposed to the change.

Crowds waved signs reading, “Marriage=Man and Woman,” and, “God Cannot Be Mocked.” Tre’ Staton, an organizer of the protest explained,

“We’re not against anybody, but we don’t want this imposed on us…We’re looking for a referendum, an opportunity to have our fair say.”

With the upcoming repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, tempers, along with temperatures, seem likely to continue to climb.

Perpetua

“While I was still with my companions, and my father in his affection for me was trying to turn me from my purpose by arguments and so weaken my faith, ‘Father,’ said I, ‘do you see this vessel—water pot or whatever it may be? . . . Can it be called by any other name than what it is?” No,’ he replied. ‘So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am—a Christian.’ Then my father, provoked by the word ‘Christian,’ threw himself on me as if he would pluck out my eyes, but he only shook me, and in fact was vanquished…. Then I thanked God for the relief of being, for a few days, parted from my father . . . and during those few days we were baptized. The Holy Spirit bade me after the holy rite to pray for nothing but bodily endurance.”

Reflection:  Perpetua could not call herself by any other name than who she was, a Christian.  This was her reality and nothing could change this truth in her life.  Not even her own father could turn her away from her purpose, her calling.  In the midst of this harsh circumstance, she was able to stand firm in her calling to be a Christian, and live this out even to her death.  Nothing could hold her back from living out her calling.

Response:  Let’s pray that we will stand firm in our calling no matter what circumstances we may be going through.  May nothing hold us back as we continue to live for the Lord.

Source: Saints Perpetua, Felicitas, and Companions — Martyrs — 203

With a gaggle of Republicans running for president in 2012,  it’s hard to hear one voice above the din.

It’s been particularly hard for Tim Pawlenty. The mild mannered (read dull) candidate can’t seem to steal the microphone from Michelle Bachmann.

So now TPaw is talkin’ tough…he’s called Obama a chicken. (no doubt Obama is reeling)

He’s also claims he is poised to steal the nomination… (despite recent polls) saying McCain was in his shoes at this point in the 2008 race.

Tim Pawlenty also appears to be quite the concocted character, but who isn’t? The New York Times reports that he’s quite the fundraiser.

Still… news of Michele Bachmann’s migraines seem to be dominating the campaign news.

Migraines or not…can a woman not handle the pressure of higher office? Check out the feats of these past presidents.

In Iowa (the location of an upcoming presidential Straw poll in August) it’s now the  TPaw and Michele show.  But Bachmann’s got the edge…she’s already a keynote speaker at the Straw Poll pre-game.

We wonder if they will be serving chicken.

UMBC was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” in a survey done by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The 2011 survey was based on responses from nearly 44,000 people at 310 US institutions. UMBC was as one of ten large four-year colleges (> 10K students) selected for the honor roll based on its scores on nearly 100 questions across twelve key categories.

UMBC was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” in a survey done by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The 2011 survey was based on responses from nearly 44,000 people at 310 US institutions. UMBC was as one of ten large four-year colleges (> 10K students) selected for the honor roll based on its scores on nearly 100 questions across twelve key categories.