Education Archives - Page 10 of 12

September 19, 2014September 19, 2014

10 Important Things You Should Know About Intellectual Property to Protect Your Ideas

What is intellectual property?

The term “intellectual property rights” refers generally to the ownership rights over a creative work such as musical, literary and artistic works; discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols and designs. Common types of intellectual property rights include copyright, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights, trade dress, and, in some jurisdictions, trade secrets.

Copyright vs. Patent vs. Trademark

The most common types of intellectual property are trademarks, patents and copyrights.

Owning the copyright means you control how your creative, intellectual, or artistic works are copied and distributed. Copyright does not cover ideas and information themselves, only the form or manner in which they are expressed, and usually for a limited time.

A patent grants an inventor the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering to sell and importing an invention (product or a process) for a limited period of time, in exchange for the public disclosure of the invention. A patent may be applied for only in the name of the inventor or group of inventors.

A trademark is a recognizable sign, design or expression that distinguishes products or services of a particular trader from the similar products or services of other traders. Trademarks last in perpetuity and can help to establish a company’s perceived value.

How can intellectual property help your business?

Businesses can use copyright laws to protect creative works or use patent law to protect inventions or ornamental product designs. Many businesses can use the law of trade secrets to protect confidential information. Every business can use trademark law to create and protect its brand.

When is a copyright created and how long does it last?

There are two basic requirements to create a copyright. First, the work must be original. Originality only requires that you, the author, contributed something more than a trivial variation. Second, the work must be tangible so that it can be perceived, reproduced or communicated.

The copyright begins when the work is created (not published) and lasts 70 years after the death of the creator. If the creator is a corporation, then the copyright lasts 120 years from the time created or 95 years from its publication, whichever is shorter.

Who owns a copyright, and what rights does the copyright owner have?

The person or entity who creates the creative, intellectual or artistic work is usually the copyright owner.

An employer automatically owns the copyright to any works created by an employee as part of employment. This is known as the “Work Made for Hire” doctrine and is an exception to the general rule that the creator owns the copyright. A written agreement between the parties is not needed for the employer to own the copyright under this doctrine. However, if the material was created by a consultant, a written agreement is usually necessary.

The copyright owner has the exclusive right to use and give others permission to use the work. The copyright owner can also assign or transfer the rights of ownership in the copyright to a third party.

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September 18, 2014September 23, 2014

High Achievers: 6 Black Celebrities Who Finished At The Top of Their Class

Michelle Obama

Class of 1981

Where: Whitney Young High School

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to many people, but the first lady definitely doesn’t play second fiddle to her husband. Michelle Obama has excelled as a lawyer, in college (Princeton and Harvard Law) and at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, where she was the cream of the crop.

Alicia Keys

Class of 1997

Where: Professional Performing Arts School

Singer Alicia Keys has always seemed destined to be a star. At the tender age of just 16, Keys rose to the top of her class and was named the 1997 valedictorian at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City.

John Legend

Class of 1994

Where: North High School

John Legend has always been exceptional. People may think he’s just an entertainer, but the All of Me singer was somewhat of a child prodigy. He enrolled at North High School in Springfield, Ohio, early — at the age of 12. Four years later, not only did he graduate as salutatorian of his class, but he also got accepted to Harvard University and was offered scholarships to Morehouse College and Georgetown University. He ultimately ended up going to an Ivy League school: the University of Pennsylvania.

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September 17, 2014September 19, 2014

8 Books of Critical Analysis and Essays on Black Speculative, Science Fiction, Superheroes and Horror

Books of critical analysis and essays on Black speculative, science fiction, superheroes and horror:

1. Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation edited by Sheena C. Howard and Ronald L. Jackson II (2013) is an analytic history of the diverse contributions of Black artists to the medium of comics. Covering comic books, superhero comics, graphic novels and cartoon strips from the early 20th century to the present, the book explores the ways in which Black comic artists have grappled with such themes as the Black experience, gender identity, politics and social media.

2. Black Space: Imagining Race in Science Fiction Film by Adilifu Nama (2008) is the first book-length study of African-American representation in science fiction film. Black Space demonstrates that science fiction cinema has become an important field of racial analysis, a site where definitions of race can be contested and post-civil rights race relations (re)imagined.

3. Race in American Science Fiction by Isiah Lavender III (2011) offers a systematic classification of ways that race appears and how it is silenced in science fiction, while developing a critical vocabulary designed to focus attention on often-overlooked racial implications. These focused readings of science fiction contextualize race within the genre’s better-known master narratives and agendas.

4. Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from 1890s to Present by Robin Means Coleman (2011) presents a unique social history of blacks in America through changing images in horror films. Throughout the text, the reader is encouraged to unpack the genre’s racialized imagery, as well as the narratives that make up popular culture’s commentary on race. Offering a comprehensive chronological survey of the genre, this book addresses a full range of black horror films, including mainstream Hollywood fare, as well as art-house films, Blaxploitation films, direct-to-DVD films, and the emerging U.S./hip-hop culture-inspired Nigerian “Nollywood” Black horror films.

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September 16, 2014September 16, 2014

A Look Back in History: Jan Ernst Matzeliger, Shoe Production Pioneer

Jan Ernst Matzeliger was born on Sept. 15, 1852, in Paramaribo, Suriname. His father was Dutch and his mother was a former enslaved woman from Suriname. Matzeliger began working in machine shops at 10. He died Aug. 24, 1889.

Matzeliger took night classes and studied English. He collected a personal library of scientific books he used to educate himself. Matzeliger was also a talented artist. He painted pictures, which he gave to his friends, and he taught classes in oil painting.

In 1880, Matzeliger was determined to improve shoe production. In the early part of the 19^th century, shoe production was slow and only in the hands of cobblers. His process involved mechanical shaping of the shoe’s upper leather over a form shaped like a human foot, and attaching the shoe upper to the sole.

Around the 1880s, Matzeliger began putting together a crude prototype. He used whatever scraps he could find such as cigar boxes, pieces of wood, wire, nails and paper. He was ridiculed and underestimated by competitors.

On March 20, 1883, Matzeliger received patent number 274,207 for his machine. The mechanism worked by pulling the leather down around the heel, then setting and driving in the nails, and then the machine would discharge the completed shoe. It had the capacity to produce 700 pairs of shoes a day. That’s more than 10 times the amount produced by a cobbler.

In 1991, the United States government issued a “Black Heritage” postage stamp in Matzeliger’s honor.

September 8, 2014September 8, 2014

5 STEM Internships Blerds Should Know About

Internships have always been a great way for individuals to advance in the professional world. Internships provide skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, monetary benefits and sometimes potential for a full-time position with a company.

For you Blerds out there looking for internships in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields to help advance your career, here are five STEM internships you should consider.

1. Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program

What: MEISPP is a program that is open to high school students and undergraduate/graduate students with a desire to work in the STEM fields. They provide students with an opportunity to work with experts in science and engineering so they can enhance their career and leadership skills. The program targets underrepresented students, like women and minorities, in STEM fields. The research focuses on policy, business and government relations.

Benefits: Students receive paid lodging, round-trip airfare and monetary compensation.

Eligibility Requirements:

18 and over
U.S. citizen
Earned no less than 24 semester credits hours

Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate/professional student in an accredited institution of higher education in the fall of 2012
Maintain an overall grade point average of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale
Applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to public service
- Interest in energy-related issues
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Must fill out an application
Must provide a transcript
Must have two letters of recommendation

2. Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Internship Program

What: The Mickey Leland Energy Internship Program was created in honor of the late Texas Congressman Mickey Leland who was a huge proponent of social, cultural and environmental issues. It is a 10-week program that supports underrepresented students in STEM majors by allowing them to work in a mentorship program where they can work with officials whose research falls in line with the Office of Fossil Energy. At the end of the 10 weeks, the students will present their research at a technical forum.

Benefits: Students receive a stipend, housing and transportation

Eligibility requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be a U.S. Citizen
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Be currently enrolled full time in an accredited college or university (sophomore year or higher)
Participate in the full 10-week program

3. Clean Cities Internships

What: The Clean Cities Internships are unique in that they focus on students who are interested in changing the future of onroad transportation. Students work with Clean Cities Coalition coordinators and stakeholders to plan events, analyze data, research markets and design websites. The program encourages peer exchange, networking, engaging with case studies and doing research. They do hands-on work that involves implementing the use of clean vehicle technologies. Students work toward increasing awareness for things like alternative fuels and the reduction of petroleum. This is all in an effort to improve the overall environment. The internships are available throughout the year.

Eligibility:

Students who are studying communication, public relations, business marketing, engineering or environmental sciences
Fill out an online application

4. The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships Program

What: The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships Program encourages undergraduates interested in STEM careers to apply. The students conduct research at the Department of Energy laboratories (16 locations). The program has three cycles. The summer cycle is a 10-week cycle that starts in May and ends in August. The fall cycle is 16 weeks and starts in August and ends in December. Lastly, the spring cycle, also 16 weeks, begins in January and ends in May.

Benefits: The program provides enrichment activities, professional development and laboratory tours. Students receive a $500 stipend per week. There is opportunity for transportation reimbursement and housing.

Eligibility:

Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Must have completed at least one year of school as a matriculating student
Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program full time
Must have a 3.0 GPA at the time of applying

5. Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program

What: The Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program is a 10-week summer program that supports undergraduate and graduate students who are high-performing students in the STEM fields. The program provides on-the-job training, opportunities to work on projects in laboratories, federal field offices, etc. Students will be working with some of the nation’s top scientists and engineers. Ultimately, this program allows students to gain experience in their fields of interest so they can make more informed decisions about their futures in STEM.

Eligibility Requirements:

A United States citizen at least 18 years of age
Attending a participating MSI
Enrolled as a degree-seeking student maintaining a minimum of a half-time academic course load (as defined by the educational institution at which the student is enrolled)
Maintaining a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and be in good academic standing.
Apply to the program

September 5, 2014

Today in History: Lewis H. Latimer, Underrated Inventor

Lewis Howard Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Sept. 4, 1848. He was born six years after his parents ran away from slavery in Virginia. Latimer is considered one of the 10 most important Black inventors of all time. He died in Flushing, New York, on Dec. 11, 1928.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. After the war, Latimer returned to Boston, where he was employed by the patent solicitors Crosby and Gould. While there, he learned mechanical drawing, how to use the tools of the trade and the art of drawing to scale. After noticing Latimer’s skills and ability, he was promoted to the role of head draftsman.

While at Crosby and Gould, Latimer drafted the patent drawings for inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s patent application for the telephone. He spent countless hours working with Bell. With Latimer’s help, Bell was able to get the patent before competitors.

In 1876, Hiram S. Maxim hired Latimer to be an assistant manager and draftsman. Latimer invented a method for making carbon filaments for the Maxim electric incandescent lamp. In 1881, he supervised the installation of the electric lights in New York, Philadelphia, Montreal and London.

In 1894, he created a safety elevator that improved the elevators of that time. He next obtained a patent for locking racks for hats, coats and umbrellas that organizes people’s belongings and prevents theft. He next created an enhanced version of a book supporter that arranged and organized books.

He was a real “renaissance man.” In addition to being an inventor, he was a painter, poet, playwright and musician. Today, the Lewis H. Latimer House in New York City is a museum filled with Latimer’s work and is open to the public.

September 3, 2014

A Look Back in History: Guion S. Bluford — The First African-American Man in Space

Guion S. Bluford was born in Philadelphia on Nov. 22, 1942. He became the first African-American to travel into space on Aug. 30, 1983. He served as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

Bluford has multiple degrees in science and engineering. They include a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1964, a master’s with distinction in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1974 and a Ph.D.

In 1993, Bluford left the Air Force and NASA. Four years later, he was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame. On June 5, 2010, he was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Bluford led the way for many Black men and women to journey into space. Astronauts Ronald McNair, Charles F. Bolden Jr. and Frederick D. Gregory gained leadership roles on their missions. Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman in space. Other astronauts benefitting from Bluford’s legacy include Bernard A. Harris Jr., Winston E. Scott, Robert Curbeam, Michael P. Anderson, Stephanie Wilson, Joan Higginbotham, B. Alvin Drew, Leland D. Melvin and Robert Satcher.

September 2, 2014January 9, 2015

18 Black Child Prodigies Mainstream Media Doesn’t Talk About

Andrew Koonce

Andrew Koonce, 15, is a talented African-American violinist from Atlanta. His list of awards and titles are impressive. As an eighth grader, he ranked first place at the Heritage Music Festival in Florida, winning the Maestro Award for best solo.

Rochelle Ballantyne

At 17, Rochelle Ballantyne is one of the top chess players in the world. This Brooklyn, N.Y., native is a high school senior now, but her name is still at the top of Intermediate School 318’s list of best players. She is on the verge of becoming the first black American female to earn the title of chess master.

Stephen R. Stafford II

While most of his peers slog through seventh grade, Stephen Stafford, 13, earns credits toward his pre-med, computer science and mathematics degrees at Morehouse College in Atlanta. The wide-smiling, fast-talking, classical piano-playing Lithonia, Ga., resident has been labeled a “prodigy” (a term he doesn’t really like).

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August 29, 2014

Today in History: Otis Boykin, 20th Century Inventor of 21st Century Tech

Inventor Otis Boykin was born Aug. 29, 1920 in Dallas, Texas and died March 13, 1982. His most notable invention was an improved electrical resistor used in computers, radios, and various electronic devices.

On June 16, 1959, Boykin received a patent for a wire precision resistor. A resistor slows down the electrical current to keep the device functioning and to prevent too much electricity from passing through it. This particular resistor would be used in radios and televisions.

In 1964, Boykin moved to Paris. While there, he created electrical resistance components used in computers and resistors in guided missile systems. He also invented the chemical air filter and a burglarproof cash register.

He is also know for inventing a control unit for the pacemaker. The unit created electrical impulses to stimulate the heart and manage a steady heartbeat.

Overall, Boykin earned 11 patents and invented 28 different electronic devices.