Robert Metcalfe
The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin will join other engineers, artists, programmers and designers from around the world in a series of events leading up to and during SXSW Interactive, a five-day festival March 11-15 that brings together the brightest minds in emerging technology through a range of networking and speaking events.
The school will lend its expertise and showcase innovative faculty and student research projects which include everything from a laser sintering technique that can make artificial bones and teeth to low-cost and efficient methods for harnessing solar energy. The projects will be demonstrated March 11 during the interactive festival’s kickoff event, SXSW 2021: Vision of the Future, at Austin Music Hall. The Cockrell School, along with local organizations Ignite Austin and Dorkbot-Austin, is co-sponsoring the event.
“SXSW Interactive attracts many of the most talented technical and creative thinkers in emerging technology, and the Cockrell School is proud to have world leaders in this field who can contribute to the dialogue and who are leading the technology creation,” said Cockrell School of Engineering Dean Gregory L. Fenves. “It’s a natural fit for us and we’re excited to be a part of such a vibrant and important week.”
Cockrell School event details during SXSW Interactive include:
Michael Webber
Energy at the Movies — Seventy years of energy on the big screen will be discussed during this live taping and entertaining lecture at KLRU’s studio 6A by Mechanical Engineering Professor and energy policy expert Michael Webber. Webber will use film clips as a historical roadmap to examine how movies influence our thoughts on energy, and in turn, how we influence energy policy. The event includes a catered reception and panel discussion with: Matthew Chapman, great-great grandson of Charles Darwin, screenwriter and director of such films as “Runaway Jury” and 2011's “The Ledge”; Sheril Kirshenbaum, co-author of Unscientific America; Turk Pipkin, producer of Nobelity Project and One Peace at a Time; Charles Ramirez-Berg, film historian and distinguished University of Texas at Austin professor. Tickets $50, $20 (students). Wednesday, March 9, 5-9:30 p.m.
Ignite SXSW: 2021 Vision of the Future —The Cockrell School is partnering with Ignite Austin and Dorkbot-Austin to co-sponsor the opening event for SXSW Interactive at Austin Music Hall. The event features 16 speakers, including Cockrell School Professor of Innovation Bob Metcalfe, who will give five-minute presentations on their view of the future of innovation. A booth hosted by the Cockrell School will also feature interactive faculty and student research projects. Event is $10 without a SXSW badge. Friday, March 11, 6-10 p.m.
The Future Enernet: a Conversation with Bob Metcalfe — Metcalfe will discuss everything from how energy innovators can compete against the status quo to the energy technologies that look promising and what energy entrepreneurs can do to help facilitate their adoption. Sunday, March 13, 12:30 p.m. Hilton Salon K, 500 E. 4th St.
Tricia Berry
2011 Dewey Winburne Community Service Award — Tricia Berry, director of the Cockrell School’s Women in Engineering Program (WEP), is among 10 winners being honored for their grass-roots efforts to use convergent media to better the lives of those in the community. The award is in honor of Dewey Winburne, an original co-founder of SXSW Interactive who was a tireless and passionate teacher who believed in the power of education. Friday, March 11, 6-8:30 p.m. Driskill Hotel.
SXSWedu — WEP is also organizing and participating in events and panel sessions on how to increase the diversity of students who pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Berry will present on the latest research about engaging girls in STEM fields and explore research-based best practices in regards to messaging.
- Excite Kids Through Effective Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Messaging, Tuesday, March 8, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m., AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center – Classroom 101.
- Collaborating and Communicating to Engage More Girls in STEM, Wednesday, March 9, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m., AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center – Classroom 107
