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From the Dean
Somewhere, in the background, I can hear Chuck Berry singing, “Up in the morning and off to school,” as we all prepare for the new academic year. When the alarm clock rings in two weeks, many of us will be changing our routines—getting to campus a little earlier—as we welcome more than 38,000 students to campus.
Students in the College of Science will encounter exhilarating opportunities when they enroll in our new curriculum that goes into effect this year. Our new curriculum reinforces our steadfast commitment to intellectual depth and the skills our students need to be lifelong learners and leaders. It was approved by faculty vote in April after a successful pilot last year. This year also marks the launch of our Science Teambuilding and Leadership Institute (STALI). STALI is a program designed in collaboration with Boiler Gold Rush to give incoming freshmen valuable experience with team dynamics and collaboration, and as well to develop leadership skills to aid them in their academic career and beyond.
While some have been fortunate enough to kick back and enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer, others of us have been busy starting the new College of Science branding effort that I mentioned last month. We have devoted the summer to speaking with and learning from individuals around the country—including faculty, students, alumni, and high school and middle school teachers—to better understand ourselves from their perspective. We’d love to hear from you, too. Our feedback form is available online and takes just a few minutes to complete. As a reader of our e-news message, please help us by filling out the form; your thoughts will shape our branding effort.
Your previous input has helped shape the continuation of the Science Laureates Program, which was inaugurated last year to help build appreciation for the crucial role journalists play in aiding the public's understanding of science and technology. This year the program has been elevated to a University-wide event and renamed as Science Journalism Laureates. The program on November 7–9 will be sponsored by nearly all colleges on campus, as well as by the Provost, Office of Engagement, Office of Conferences and Continuing Education, Discovery Park, the Libraries, and the Department of Communication. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details.
We have been diligently planning our College Centennial celebration that will span the academic year. We will be hosting many events and activities for all of our constituents, including a Centennial Distinguished Lecture Series in which you'll have the opportunity to be inspired by prominent individuals in the field of science. Be sure to read my message next month, when I announce a special guest we'll host this spring.
All the best in the coming academic year,
Mark Ward
Mark Ward, assistant professor of statistics, comes to us from The University of Pennsylvania where he worked as a lecturer in mathematics from 2005-2007. While there, Ward earned the Good Teaching Award for MATH 104, MATH 432, and MATH 580. His research is in the area of analyzing algorithms and data structures by using analytic combinatorics and probabilistic methods. Visit homepage .
Brenda Beitler Bowen
Brenda Beitler Bowen, assistant professor of earth and atmospheric science, served the last two years as postdoctoral research associate and visiting assistant professor of geology at Central Michigan University. In her research, Bowen studies the interactions among sediments and fluids in both modern and ancient sedimentary environments on scales from microscopic to regional. Her teaching interests include sedimentology and stratigraphy, diagenesis, fluids and basin evolution, geologic remote sensing, and the geology of Mars. Visit homepage .
Purdue Science alumna awarded National Medal of Science
Purdue Science alumna, University of Maryland distinguished professor, and former director of the National Science Foundation, Rita Colwell, 
was awarded the nation's highest honor for science, the 2006 National Medal of Science. One of seven recipients, Colwell was presented with her medal from President Bush in White House ceremonies on July 27. The National Medal of Science honors individuals for pioneering scientific research in a range of fields, including physical, biological, mathematical, social, behavioral, and engineering sciences, that enhances our understanding of the world and leads to innovations and technologies that give the United States its global economic edge. Her significant contributions to science have been concentrated on the interaction of the environment, infectious disease agents, and human health. Full story.
Shau-wai Lam named Entrepreneur of the Year
2004 Distinguished Science alumnus, Shau-wai Lam, was recently awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year for Retail/Distribution Services Award from Ernst and Young. Lam earned both his bachelor's and masters degrees from the Department of Mathematics, then later earned his MBA from New York University. Currently, he is president and CEO of the DCH Auto Group in New Jersey.
Summer conference highlight's Freydoon Shahidi's research
This week the Department of Mathematics is hosting the international conference “On Certain L-functions,” in honor of the 60th birthday of Distinguished Professor Freydoon Shahidi. A world leader in the field of automorphic forms, Shahidi has worked for more than two decades on developing the Langlands program that connects analytic information about L-functions with information in representation theory and number theory. His theory played a major role in the proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem by Andrew Wiles.
Nyogi to address regional and global climate changes
On August 2, Dev Nyogi, assistant professor in agronomy and earth and atmospheric sciences and the Indiana state climatologist, will be offering his perspective to Indiana legislators on how regional and global changes in climate are affecting or can affect water resources and water availability globally and across the Midwest. Nyogi will highlight the impact of local versus global issues that can affect regional climate and water availability, potentially worsening the problem in the Midwest agricultural regions. He will explore what Indiana residents should look for and what can be done.
Discovery Park appoints K-12 science education director
The College of Science extends a warm welcome to Chris Foster, who was recently named Director of Discovery Park K–12 programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Foster was a science educator for nearly 30 years and came to Purdue this summer with his spouse, new Purdue president France A. Córdova. Foster was previously director of undergraduate research and student professional organization in the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside. For the last five years, he oversaw the development of an undergraduate research program that served as a model for the entire university. Full story.
Purdue-IU researchers explore new method for early disease diagnosis
Daniel Raftery, professor of analytical and physical chemistry, and his collaborators used a simple chemical reaction to improve the ability to detect important molecules in complex fluids like blood and urine. The technique makes the markers for some genetically caused metabolic disorders up to 100 times more visible. Full story.
Give me a "P"
Purdue cheerleaders are using physics to master their moves. A new workshop explains the science behind the body motions of cheerleading, hopefully attracting more young women to pursue careers in science and technology. Full story.
I don't know, but I've been told
Fifty-six incoming freshmen registered in the colleges of engineering, technology, and science are participating in Purdue's STEM Academic Boot Camp, which runs through Aug. 3. Founded by the Minority Engineering Program, the camp features intensive seminars that provide tools for succeeding in and outside of the classroom. Full story.
Computer Science earns top 10 distinction
Congratulations are in order for the Department of Computer Science. The computing graduate program was recently ranked 9th in the nation in an article published in the June 2007 issue of Communications of the ACM. Publication data from 1995 to 2003 was used to determine the rankings. According to this publication-based rating, the top 10 institutions are: M.I.T., University of Maryland, Georgia Tech, Stanford University, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Texas, Purdue University, and University of California at Berkeley. Full story.
Considering a career in education?
Rice University is currently hosting a new workshop for senior women graduate students and post-docs who are interested in pursuing academic careers. It provides women with a unique opportunity to learn from faculty leaders from all science and engineering disciplines. The informal format allows participants and faculty to interact, relax, build relationships, and learn from one another. Participants receive feedback about their technical presentations, in addition to individual meetings with department chairs and senior faculty. The deadline for application is August 1. More information.
Share the knowledge!
What do you know that we don't? The College of Science will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and we want to hear from you! What amazing things have come out of the College of Science at Purdue (other than you!)? What is your favorite memory of your time at Purdue? We're especially interested in memories from the distant past. E-mail us with your remembrances and suggestions.
Students return from study aboad
Jacob Shreve, biology student in the College of Science, demonstrates the value of study abroad in a website he created to chronicle his adventures in Beijing, Kyoto, Osaka, and Toyko. Shreve's site reads like a journal, as you view his travel experiences through his memories, photos, and stories.
Click on the title for a link to the full story.
Purdue professor Les Geddes receives National Medal of Technology
Jay T. Akridge appointed interim vice provost for engagement
Network to televise 24 classic Big Ten football contests
Purdue center uses laser, machining to create precision parts
Purdue, state join forces to aid timber rattlesnake
Purdue Research Park entrepreneurship program for high school students to begin
Prep teachers get lessons in nanoscience, cleanroom at Purdue
Purdue 'milestone' a step toward advanced sensors, communications
Aug. 1: Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position. Participants will get hands-on experience to enhance their knowledge of and ability to find the right faculty position. Rice University campus on October 14-16, 2007. Click here for more information.
Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m.: Summer Commencement. Elliott Hall of Music. The reception following commencement (approximately 11:30 a.m.) is at Lawson Computer Science Building and open to all graduates and their families and friends. Click here for more information.
Aug. 11, 12, 17, 18: Science Teambuilding and Leadership Institute (STALI) Dates scheduled are on the Sunday, preceding Boiler Gold Rush, as well as the Saturday and Sunday following BGR. Contact Drew Koch for more information, 496-3618.
Aug. 11–17: Boiler Gold Rush (BGR). West Lafayette Campus. Click here for more information.
Aug. 15: Purdue Day at the Indiana State Fair. Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana. Click here for more information.
Aug. 16, 8:30 a.m.–noon: New Faculty Orientation. Purdue Memorial Union, West Faculty Lounge.
Aug. 20, 7:00 a.m.–noon: Donuts and Directions. Information tables will be available under the Math Building and at satellite locations. Students are welcome to enjoy free donuts, water, fruit, and campus directions. Contact John Fisher for more information, 494-0586.
Aug. 20: First day of classes of the Academic Year 2007–2008.
Sept. 1, 7:00 p.m.: Purdue University vs. Toledo. First game of the football season kicks off in Toledo, Ohio.
Sept. 7, Dean's Club Luncheon. Outstanding Alumni in Statistics and Computer Science.
Sept. 7, 8:00 p.m.: Jim Gaffigan. Elliott Hall of Music. Contact Purdue Convocations for ticket information.
Sept. 8, Noon: Purdue vs. Eastern Illinois, Family Day.
Sept. 15, Noon: Purdue vs. Central Michigan.
Sept. 22, 8:00 p.m: Purdue vs. Minnesota.
Sept. 22: Purdue vs. Notre Dame. Game time to be announced.
Sept. 27–29. Dean's Leadership Council: Events begin at 8:30 a.m in the faculty meeting rooms at the Lawson Building.
Nov. 7–9: Science Journalism Laureates. The annual program returns for its second year to honor the important role played by science and technology journalists and communicators. There will be a town hall meeting and convocation open to the public.
Are you interested in leaving a lasting legacy for future students or faculty at Purdue? If so, please visit our Planned Giving home page.
Science alumni: We want to hear from you! Share your professional news and your personal and family milestones by clicking here.
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