the air

I know that I have not had the opportunity to post as much on this blog, but I had no choice but to “lay low” while some political heat died down. Earlier this month, the Industrial and Systems Engineering department (ISYE) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) began interviewing prospective candidates for an open position as an assistant professor. Normally, this process is highly confidential and does not usually involve students. However, the College of Engineering and Technology decided to change the rules and allow a student to sit in on the voting process and serve as the voice of the students. Since the ISYE department was need of a professor, it was natural to select an ISYE student to represent the ISYE students.

To maintain my own neutrality and for my own good, I feel that the issue behind me not blogging for some time is better kept hidden. Those who are close to me know the exact reasons, but to post such a story on this blog given my new visibility in the department would be foolish. As such, allow me to quickly bring you up to speed as to what has happened at the conclusion of this semester.

Spring 2007 Semester is Over

The two main things that have happened to me this semester are my paper being accepted at the national level and my becoming the NIU IIE president. In fact, you can view my abstract by visiting the IERC2007 program outline. In the section where it says “View Sessions by Primary Author”, just look for my name, Nikhil Agarwal. I guess in a way, I have a chance at becoming a celebrity now. Isn’t life wonderful? And to switch tracks, I was named President of the NIU IIE local chapter. Ironically, I “won” this position by negotiating with the faculty adviser and convinced him to allow me unprecedented full control of the entire organization. Before all of you decry me as a dictator or a socialist, do realize that the NIU IIE chapter has been performing poorly lately. As such, I felt that a hand-picked team filled with motivated individuals can accomplish what is necessary to shield the organization from certain death. I cannot say that I will do the impossible, but I am interested in trying and at least setting the organization on the right course.

I know this update is sort of short, but I am back now and I will resume my normal posting duties and commitments to this blog. It is my hope now to crack the top 100,000 in Technorati and take this blog further. Thank you to all of you who have kept up and been patient with me. Let’s all enjoy the great weather and cool waters and sail forward, together.

No Comments » | Random Post