Daily News

Posted on Oct. 16: Front entrance planning set to begin

McMaster's front entrance off Main Street will be getting a facelift next year when the City of Hamilton begins construction on the principal roadway that leads to campus. That clears the way for McMaster to begin planning a vision for the campus side of the entrance, working with stakeholders to ensure all issues are addressed. Over the next couple of weeks Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, will be organizing a steering committee of McMaster stakeholders including representatives from several faculties and departments, parking, planning, physical plant, as well as an external engineering traffic consultant. "The environmental assessment process has taken many months. As this process comes to an end the University will now begin to plan for the redesign. There are a number of factors to consider as we begin designing the front entrance," says Belaire. "The city has recently released a drawing of their plans for Main Street based on the environmental assessment, and now we'll work on our vision for our entrance way and access route. Addressing the needs and concerns of cyclists, pedestrians, public transit and emergency vehicles in this high traffic area will be challenging for the committee."

Posted on Oct. 15: Nobel laureate Bertram Brockhouse: A modest hero’s figure

McMaster professor emeritus Bertram Neville Brockhouse, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1994, died Monday. He was 85. Brockhouse shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with American physicist Clifford G. Shull for their separate but concurrent development of neutron-scattering techniques. Bertram was a pioneer who made an incredible impact on the world of science, said McMaster President Peter George. He also had a passion for science that was an inspiration for many. One researcher he made an impact on was Bruce Gaulin, Brockhouse Chair in the Physics of Materials. I am literally where I am today because of the work he did, said Gaulin, who also wrote an article with Brockhouse for the Encyclopedia of Physics. Gaulin was impressed by Brockhouse's modesty for his work. To me, the most amazing thing about him was how modest he was and how he always was such a fine gentleman.

Posted on Oct. 15: Future engineers compete in McMaster’s engineering, science Olympics

More than 500 students from southern Ontario high schools are at McMaster today (Wednesday) for the annual McMaster Engineering and Science Olympics and Open House. Students are participating in a friendly competition of events based on engineering and science principles. This year, a new remote event concept has been introduced along with the traditional on-campus competition. This remote activity involves students working on a chemistry problem in a lab at their home school with results submitted online. Through the open house program, students will have a chance to meet with university students, faculty and professional engineers as well as seeing the on-going daily activities at the university. A variety of displays, special presentations and tours will be featured. "McMaster Faculties of Engineering and Science, known for innovation and education, excellence in research and quality of student life, offer the Olympics as an innovative opportunity for students to actively participate in applying engineering and science principles through friendly competition and activities," said Bob Loree, director of Engineering 1. Awards will go to the top teams in each event. More than $20,000 in McMaster entrance awards are available to be won.