From the Dean

Last month in this message, I talked about our theme for the year—“The Shape of Science is Changing”—and how that theme manifests itself in the many ways we communicate. This month I’m pleased to announce another change: We are now the College of Science!

Three compelling factors precipitated the decision to change our name from “School” to “College”: The term “College” more accurately reflects the multidisciplinary breadth of Science. It better articulates the extent of our program and degree offerings at Purdue. And it mirrors the language used by our peer institutions. Over the course of this year, we discussed the proposed name change with our constituents, using electronic and print communications as well as small and large group meetings. Strong support for the change came from alumni, faculty, student groups, and advisory councils. On November 19, the Purdue University Board of Trustees granted our request, along with similar requests from seven other Schools, to become the College of Science.

Another change I mentioned last month is a new Science magazine starting next year to replace Sequel, the Science newsletter. A prominent feature of each issue will be alumni news, and we want to hear from you! Share your news with the Science family—send email to news@science.purdue and let us know what you’re doing!

Science Dean’s Club members will soon be receiving the 2005 Science calendar. Each month features a beautiful photograph illustrating a Science point of pride, and the calendar will keep you up to date on all the College of Science events in 2005. If you’re a member of the Dean’s Club, look for your calendar in the mail.

Here’s a very special deal for friends of Science who would like to join the Purdue President’s Council: You can take advantage of President Jischke’s challenge offer to join the Council for three years at a reduced price. President’s Council members contribute $1,000 annually. With the President’s Challenge, you give $500 the first year (the cost of joining the Dean’s Club at regular membership), and the President will match your $500 with an additional $500 and allocate it to the College or program you select. During the second year, you give $750 and the President’s match is $250. And in the third year—by this time you are enjoying the benefits of membership so much!—you make the full $1,000 contribution. If you designate your entire gift to the College of Science, that also qualifies you for the Dean's Club Executive Circle. For more information, see our Development Web page or contact College of Science Advancement Director Mary Jo Bartolacci.

And finally, let us take the time to reflect and recognize our blessings, especially in a year so full of turmoil in many other parts of the world. Best wishes for a peaceful holiday season and a fruitful start to the new year. I’m looking forward in 2005 to sharing with you more great news from Purdue and the College of Science.

Happy holidays!

Jeff Vitter

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW FACULTY

In each issue of Science @ Purdue, we feature biographical sketches of some of the new faculty members joining us in 2004-05.

Edray Goins, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics.
Dr. Goins received his Ph.D from Stanford University. He came to Purdue from the California Institute of Technology, where he had been an instructor of Mathematics. In January 2004, Dr. Goins was featured in “Black Issues in Higher Education” as one of the 2004 Emerging Scholars of the Year. His primary research interests are in number theory, elliptic curves, and Galois representations. More information.

Jiangping Hu, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics.
Dr. Hu received his Ph.D from Stanford University, and his research interests are in condensed matter physics. His current projects include high temperature superconductors, spintronics and transport in nano-devices, atoms in optical lattice, and higher dimensional quantum Hall effect. More information

Bowei Xi, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics.
Bowei Xi earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, and her research interests include Internet Tomography, Computer Networking, and Combinatorial and Global Optimization. More information.

SCIENCE PEOPLE

Nick Giordano named Indiana Professor of the Year

Nick Giordano, Distinguished Professor of Physics, has been selected as the 2004 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Indiana Professor of the Year. The Carnegie Foundation's Professors of the Year Award Program recognizes extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching as evidenced by impact on and involvement with undergraduates, contributions to undergraduate education in the institution, community, and profession, and support from colleagues and current and former students. Here, Prof. Giordano accepts the award from Purdue President Martin Jischke. Full story.

Prof. Stanton Gelvin delivers McCoy Distinguished Lecture

Stanton B. Gelvin, Professor of Biological Sciences, delivered this year's McCoy Distinguished Lecture, entitled “The Molecular Mechanism of Plant Genetic Transformation by Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, Nature’s Genetic Engineer.” Professor Gelvin is the 2004 recipient of Purdue’s Herbert Newby McCoy Award for outstanding contributions to science. Full description of Professor Gelvin’s talk.

Prof. Graham Cooks selected as Cruickshank Lecturer

Professor R. Graham Cooks of the Department of Chemistry has been selected as a 2005 Alexander M. Cruickshank Lecturer by the Board of Trustees of the Gordon Research Conferences at the Gordon Conference on Gaseous Ions: Structures, Energetics & Reactions. The Board of Trustees of the Gordon Research Conferences established the Alexander M. Cruickshank Lectures to honor the many years of service to the organization by the former director, Dr. A. M. Cruickshank. Complete list of Cruickshank Lecturers

Computer Science graduate student wins national competition

Computer Science Ph.D. candidate Tomasz (Tomek) Czajka brought home the top prize from the TopCoder Open for the second year in a row. The competition is open to all members of the TopCoder organization and took place in Santa Clara, California on November 11th and 12th. TopCoder is designed to provide lead programmers the opportunity to compete, learn and interact with each other. TopCoder's roster of members include 47,000 of the top thinkers and technologists from around the world. Full story.

Physics graduate student meets French President

Imre Pal, a doctoral student in Physics under the direction of Professor Lazlo Gutay, served as a tour guide for French President Jacques Chirac during his visit to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, celebrated its 50th anniversary in October with ceremonies attended by leaders from across Europe. Here, Imre (in gray sweater) stands on the President’s left as he tours the facility. Full story.

Science Advancement team welcomes new member

Lisa Robertson will join the Science Advancement team as Director of Corporate Relations for the College of Science on December 13. The Director of Corporate Relations is responsible for raising money and building mutually beneficial relationships between the College and partners in the corporate and industrial sectors. Check the Science Advancement Web page for more information. Welcome Lisa!

Mary Jo Bartolacci wins CASE Award

Mary Jo Bartolacci, Director of Advancement for the College of Science, was recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for her leadership work in the Computer Science Building Campaign Celebration and “virtual groundbreaking.” The award will be presented at the CASE conference in Chicago on December 14. To keep up on construction progress of the new Lawson Computer Science building, check the live Webcam.

PROFILES OF SUCCESS

This month we launch a new feature spotlighting the personal accomplishments and career successes, whether mainstream or unique, of Science alumni. This month’s spotlight is on Dr. Elaine C. Daughtee Wolfe, B.S. 1962, Biology. Full story.

SCIENCE NEWS AND RESEARCH

Endocyte’s research to reduce chemotherapy side effects receives state-federal dollars

More than $3.5 million in federal and state grants will support research by Endocyte Inc., a Purdue Research Park life sciences company, to make cancer-treating drugs more potent yet easier for patients’ systems to tolerate. The grants–$1.63 million from the National Cancer Institute and $1.95 million from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund–will enable Endocyte to complete preclinical research on tumor-targeted chemotherapeutics. Endocyte is founded on folate targeting research conducted by Chemistry Professor Phil Low. Full story.

Quadraspec wins Purdue-Lilly Endowment business plan competition

Quadraspec, a West Lafayette company that aims to commercialize protein-diagnostics technology with a wide range of applications, took the top prize in the Opportunity for Indiana Business Plan Competition. The company’s business plan won the $25,000 first prize and $5,000 in business services from Indianapolis accounting firm Ernst & Young. Quadraspec’s technology was developed at Purdue by physics professor David Nolte. Don Blewett, associate director of Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, at far right, presents the prize to representatives of Quadraspec, from left, Eric Davis, Chad Barden and Brian Weichel. Full story.

Students host Old Masters

Members of the Purdue Science Student Council and the Association of Multicultural Science Students hosted a reception in honor of three distinguished scientists who returned to campus as part of Purdue’s Old Masters Program. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, the Old Masters Program is an annual tradition that gives students the opportunity to interact with men and women who have risen to the top of their career fields.
Dean Jeff Vitter welcomed (left to right) Colonel (ret.) Sue Abreu, Dr. Rita Colwell, and Dr. Bernadine Healy. Complete list of 2004 Old Masters.

Science Outreach staff bring the World Year of Physics to Library

Physics Outreach Coordinator Julie Conlon and Biology Professor Irwin Tessman brought the World Year of Physics to the grand opening celebration of the new West Lafayette Public Library. The World Year of Physics 2005 officially began in October 2004 and overlaps the celebration of 100 years since the publication of Einstein’s five great 1905 papers. Conlon and Tessman displayed a sampling of the1905 papers and presented Millikan’s famous experiment that both verifies Einstein’s theory of the photoelectric effect and at the same time measures Planck’s constant. Students enrolled in Physics 290M, Service Learning Physics, interacted with patrons to explain the concepts of the photoelectric effect. Full story.

Kids get hands-on experiences with Science K-12 Outreach

Science K-12 Outreach staff members use a wide variety of activities to introduce students to the wonders (and fun) of science. Whether they’re digging up bones or dissecting fish, students are learning about their world and the role science plays in it. Full story.

PURDUE NEWS

Purdue makes list of best places in academia

In a survey published in a recent issue of The Scientist magazine, Purdue ranks number 2 in the nation of best places to work in academia. The magazine ranked 91 institutions from across the United States, Europe and Canada, based on responses to positive statements about working conditions and environments. Full story

Boilermakers are Sun Bowl Bound

The Purdue Boilermakers are now headed for their eighth straight bowl trip under head football coach Joe Tiller. Keep up to date on the Purdue Bowl activities, including tours offered by the Purdue Alumni Association, by visiting the Bowl Bound Web site where the calendar is updated daily.

Connecting the Purdue family forever - Are you a member of PAA?

You’re proud to be a Purdue Boilermaker—and you should be! You graduated from one of the best universities in the world. Show your pride and become a member of the Purdue Alumni Association. You’ll receive the Purdue Alumnus magazine, be able to network with Purdue alumni worldwide, and $2 of your membership dues will go to the School of Science Alumni Association. Enroll today at (800) 414-1541 or online at www.purdue.edu/paa .

CALENDAR

Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecture, December 9

Fall Semester ends, December 18

Commencement, December 19

Sun Bowl, December 31

Spring Semester begins, January 10

Science Events

Science Seminars

Purdue Events


December 2004
From the Dean Last month in this message, I talked about our theme for the year—“The Shape of Science is Changing”—and how that theme manifests itself in the many ways we communicate. This month I’m pleased to announce another change: We are now the College of Science! Three compelling factors precipitated the decision to change our name from “School” to “College”: The term “College” more accurately reflects the multidisciplinary breadth of Science. It better articulates the extent of our program and degree offerings at Purdue. And it mirrors the language used by our peer institutions. Over the course of this year, we discussed the proposed name change with our constituents, using electronic and print communications as well as small and large group meetings. Strong support for the change came from alumni, faculty, student groups, and advisory councils. On November 19, the Purdue University Board of Trustees granted our request, along with similar requests from seven other Schools, to become the College of Science. Another change I mentioned last month is a new Science magazine starting next year to replace Sequel, the Science newsletter. A prominent feature of each issue will be alumni news, and we want to hear from you! Share your news with the Science family—send email to news@science.purdue and let us know what you’re doing! Science Dean’s Club members will soon be receiving the 2005 Science calendar. Each month features a beautiful photograph illustrating a Science point of pride, and the calendar will keep you up to date on all the College of Science events in 2005. If you’re a member of the Dean’s Club, look for your calendar in the mail. Here’s a very special deal for friends of Science who would like to join the Purdue President’s Council: You can take advantage of President Jischke’s challenge offer to join the Council for three years at a reduced price. President’s Council members contribute $1,000 annually. With the President’s Challenge, you give $500 the first year (the cost of joining the Dean’s Club at regular membership), and the President will match your $500 with an additional $500 and allocate it to the College or program you select. During the second year, you give $750 and the President’s match is $250. And in the third year—by this time you are enjoying the benefits of membership so much!—you make the full $1,000 contribution. If you designate your entire gift to the College of Science, that also qualifies you for the Dean's Club Executive Circle. For more information, see our Development Web page or contact College of Science Advancement Director Mary Jo Bartolacci. And finally, let us take the time to reflect and recognize our blessings, especially in a year so full of turmoil in many other parts of the world. Best wishes for a peaceful holiday season and a fruitful start to the new year. I’m looking forward in 2005 to sharing with you more great news from Purdue and the College of Science. Happy holidays! Jeff Vitter *SPOTLIGHT ON NEW FACULTY* In each issue of Science @ Purdue, we feature biographical sketches of some of the new faculty members joining us in 2004-05. Edray Goins, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics. Dr. Goins received his Ph.D from Stanford University. He came to Purdue from the California Institute of Technology, where he had been an instructor of Mathematics. In January 2004, Dr. Goins was featured in “Black Issues in Higher Education” as one of the 2004 Emerging Scholars of the Year. His primary research interests are in number theory, elliptic curves, and Galois representations. More information. Jiangping Hu, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics. Dr. Hu received his Ph.D from Stanford University, and his research interests are in condensed matter physics. His current projects include high temperature superconductors, spintronics and transport in nano-devices, atoms in optical lattice, and higher dimensional quantum Hall effect. More information Bowei Xi, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics. Bowei Xi earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, and her research interests include Internet Tomography, Computer Networking, and Combinatorial and Global Optimization. More information. *SCIENCE PEOPLE* Nick Giordano named Indiana Professor of the Year Nick Giordano, Distinguished Professor of Physics, has been selected as the 2004 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Indiana Professor of the Year. The Carnegie Foundation's Professors of the Year Award Program recognizes extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching as evidenced by impact on and involvement with undergraduates, contributions to undergraduate education in the institution, community, and profession, and support from colleagues and current and former students. Here, Prof. Giordano accepts the award from Purdue President Martin Jischke. Full story. Prof. Stanton Gelvin delivers McCoy Distinguished Lecture Stanton B. Gelvin, Professor of Biological Sciences, delivered this year's McCoy Distinguished Lecture, entitled “The Molecular Mechanism of Plant Genetic Transformation by Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, Nature’s Genetic Engineer.” Professor Gelvin is the 2004 recipient of Purdue’s Herbert Newby McCoy Award for outstanding contributions to science. Full description of Professor Gelvin’s talk. Prof. Graham Cooks selected as Cruickshank Lecturer Professor R. Graham Cooks of the Department of Chemistry has been selected as a 2005 Alexander M. Cruickshank Lecturer by the Board of Trustees of the Gordon Research Conferences at the Gordon Conference on Gaseous Ions: Structures, Energetics & Reactions. The Board of Trustees of the Gordon Research Conferences established the Alexander M. Cruickshank Lectures to honor the many years of service to the organization by the former director, Dr. A. M. Cruickshank. Complete list of Cruickshank Lecturers Computer Science graduate student wins national competition Computer Science Ph.D. candidate Tomasz (Tomek) Czajka brought home the top prize from the TopCoder Open for the second year in a row. The competition is open to all members of the TopCoder organization and took place in Santa Clara, California on November 11th and 12th. TopCoder is designed to provide lead programmers the opportunity to compete, learn and interact with each other. TopCoder's roster of members include 47,000 of the top thinkers and technologists from around the world. Full story. Physics graduate student meets French President Imre Pal, a doctoral student in Physics under the direction of Professor Lazlo Gutay, served as a tour guide for French President Jacques Chirac during his visit to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, celebrated its 50th anniversary in October with ceremonies attended by leaders from across Europe. Here, Imre (in gray sweater) stands on the President’s left as he tours the facility. Full story. Science Advancement team welcomes new member Lisa Robertson will join the Science Advancement team as Director of Corporate Relations for the College of Science on December 13. The Director of Corporate Relations is responsible for raising money and building mutually beneficial relationships between the College and partners in the corporate and industrial sectors. Check the Science Advancement Web page for more information. Welcome Lisa! Mary Jo Bartolacci wins CASE Award Mary Jo Bartolacci, Director of Advancement for the College of Science, was recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for her leadership work in the Computer Science Building Campaign Celebration and “virtual groundbreaking.” The award will be presented at the CASE conference in Chicago on December 14. To keep up on construction progress of the new Lawson Computer Science building, check the live Webcam. *PROFILES OF SUCCESS* This month we launch a new feature spotlighting the personal accomplishments and career successes, whether mainstream or unique, of Science alumni. This month’s spotlight is on Dr. Elaine C. Daughtee Wolfe, B.S. 1962, Biology. Full story. *SCIENCE NEWS AND RESEARCH* Endocyte’s research to reduce chemotherapy side effects receives state-federal dollars More than $3.5 million in federal and state grants will support research by Endocyte Inc., a Purdue Research Park life sciences company, to make cancer-treating drugs more potent yet easier for patients’ systems to tolerate. The grants–$1.63 million from the National Cancer Institute and $1.95 million from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund–will enable Endocyte to complete preclinical research on tumor-targeted chemotherapeutics. Endocyte is founded on folate targeting research conducted by Chemistry Professor Phil Low. Full story. Quadraspec wins Purdue-Lilly Endowment business plan competition Quadraspec, a West Lafayette company that aims to commercialize protein-diagnostics technology with a wide range of applications, took the top prize in the Opportunity for Indiana Business Plan Competition. The company’s business plan won the $25,000 first prize and $5,000 in business services from Indianapolis accounting firm Ernst & Young. Quadraspec’s technology was developed at Purdue by physics professor David Nolte. Don Blewett, associate director of Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, at far right, presents the prize to representatives of Quadraspec, from left, Eric Davis, Chad Barden and Brian Weichel. Full story. Students host Old Masters Members of the Purdue Science Student Council and the Association of Multicultural Science Students hosted a reception in honor of three distinguished scientists who returned to campus as part of Purdue’s Old Masters Program. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, the Old Masters Program is an annual tradition that gives students the opportunity to interact with men and women who have risen to the top of their career fields. Dean Jeff Vitter welcomed (left to right) Colonel (ret.) Sue Abreu, Dr. Rita Colwell, and Dr. Bernadine Healy. Complete list of 2004 Old Masters. Science Outreach staff bring the World Year of Physics to Library Physics Outreach Coordinator Julie Conlon and Biology Professor Irwin Tessman brought the World Year of Physics to the grand opening celebration of the new West Lafayette Public Library. The World Year of Physics 2005 officially began in October 2004 and overlaps the celebration of 100 years since the publication of Einstein’s five great 1905 papers. Conlon and Tessman displayed a sampling of the1905 papers and presented Millikan’s famous experiment that both verifies Einstein’s theory of the photoelectric effect and at the same time measures Planck’s constant. Students enrolled in Physics 290M, Service Learning Physics, interacted with patrons to explain the concepts of the photoelectric effect. Full story. Kids get hands-on experiences with Science K-12 Outreach Science K-12 Outreach staff members use a wide variety of activities to introduce students to the wonders (and fun) of science. Whether they’re digging up bones or dissecting fish, students are learning about their world and the role science plays in it. Full story. PURDUE NEWS Purdue makes list of best places in academia In a survey published in a recent issue of The Scientist magazine, Purdue ranks number 2 in the nation of best places to work in academia. The magazine ranked 91 institutions from across the United States, Europe and Canada, based on responses to positive statements about working conditions and environments. Full story Boilermakers are Sun Bowl Bound The Purdue Boilermakers are now headed for their eighth straight bowl trip under head football coach Joe Tiller. Keep up to date on the Purdue Bowl activities, including tours offered by the Purdue Alumni Association, by visiting the Bowl Bound Web site where the calendar is updated daily. Connecting the Purdue family forever - Are you a member of PAA? You’re proud to be a Purdue Boilermaker—and you should be! You graduated from one of the best universities in the world. Show your pride and become a member of the Purdue Alumni Association. You’ll receive the Purdue Alumnus magazine, be able to network with Purdue alumni worldwide, and $2 of your membership dues will go to the School of Science Alumni Association. Enroll today at (800) 414-1541 or online at www.purdue.edu/paa . *CALENDAR* Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecture, December 9 Fall Semester ends, December 18 Commencement, December 19 Sun Bowl, December 31 Spring Semester begins, January 10 Science Events Science Seminars Purdue Events	In this Issue: Spotlight on New Faculty Science People Nick Giordano named Indiana Professor of the Year Prof. Stanton Gelvin delivers McCoy Distinguished Lecture Prof. Graham Cooks selected as Cruickshank Lecturer Computer Science graduate student wins national competition Physics graduate student meets French President Science Advancement team welcomes new member Mary Jo Bartolacci wins CASE Award Profiles of Success Science News and Research Endocyte’s research to reduce chemotherapy side effects receives state-federal dollars Quadraspec wins Purdue-Lilly Endowment business plan competition Students host Old Masters Science Outreach staff bring the World Year of Physics to Library Kids get hands-on experiences with Science K-12 Outreach Purdue News Purdue makes list of best places in academia Boilermakers are Sun Bowl Bound Connecting the Purdue family forever - Are you a member of PAA? Calendar Science alumni: We want to hear from you! Share your professional news and your personal and family milestones with the Science community by sending email to news@science.purdue.edu. Past issues of Science @ Purdue College of Science Purdue News Purdue University