From the Dean

An Irish writer named Brendan Behan once said that there is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary. I won’t go that far, but I’ll admit that I like seeing news about folks from the College of Science and their exciting work in national and international venues.

College of Science researchers and educators have an impressive track record of publishing in top professional journals, but every so often the general media pick up a topic of public interest and give it national exposure. Here are just a few examples from recent months:

Earth and atmospheric sciences professor Noah Diffenbaugh caught the attention of the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, and NPR, among others, with his paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences asserting that global warming could hurt the U.S. wine growing industry (see full story below). Hint: Stock up now!
With the start of another hurricane season and the memory of last year’s disasters still fresh on our minds, Matt Huber, also of the department of earth and atmospheric sciences and another stellar researcher from the Purdue Climate Change Research Center, attracted wide interest with his work linking our warming oceans to a rise in storm intensity.
Internet news sites took notice of biological sciences professor Laurie Iten’s use of a variety of moviemaking techniques—and comedy borrowed from South Park, Will Ferrell, and Jeff Foxworthy—to increase her students’ ability to learn in the classroom.
Whether the medium is print, broadcast, or web, any story dealing with cybersecurity, electronic voting, and information privacy is likely to quote Gene Spafford, professor of computer science and executive director of the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS). His most recent Congressional testimony on the information security errors in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has appeared in print and web sites all over the country.
Even our Society of Physics Students appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” zooming around the streets of New York on the MoJo couch!

Such notice provides much more than mere recognition—it helps us recruit exceptional students and top-notch faculty who want to be part of this dynamic environment.

In that regard, we’re inaugurating an exciting campus-wide initiative on October 4-6 called the Science Laureates Program. It will provide a unique venue for spotlighting Purdue’s activities in the sciences, engineering, and technology, bringing some of the world’s leading science journalists to campus to interact with Purdue scientists and students. Journalists will see for themselves the great things happening at Purdue! Stay tuned for more details in the October mailing of Science@Purdue.

If you’re a College of Science faculty or staff member or student, help us get the word out when your work will appear in a major publication or when you receive a professional honor or recognition. If you’re a friend or alum, let us know when you spot coverage in your area of anyone in the Purdue family. You can reach us as always at ScienceNews@purdue.edu.

Best regards,
Jeff Vitter

SCIENCE PEOPLE

Larry Braile appointed Earth and Atmospheric Sciences head

Professor Larry Braile will assume the role of department head for the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, effective August 7, 2006, for a three-year term. He replaces Jon Harbor, who will become Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. Full story.

William Cramer named Fellow of national society

Biological sciences professor William Cramer has been elected a Fellow of the Biophysical Society. The Biophysical Society encourages development and dissemination of knowledge in biophysics through its meetings, publications, and committee outreach activities. The Society's members, now over 7,000, work in academia, industry, and in government agencies throughout the world.

Science faculty earn promotions

Fourteen Science faculty stepped up in rank as of July 1:
From assistant to associate professor:

Tim Filley, earth and atmospheric sciences
Christine Hrycyna, chemistry
Jorge Rodriguez, physics
Katy Simonsen, statistics
Garth Simpson, chemistry
Hans Walther, mathematics
Daoguo Zhou, biological sciences
Michael Zhu, statistics
Jeff Trapp, earth and atmospheric sciences (from associate professor without tenure to associate professor with tenure)

From associate to full professor:

Walid Aref, computer science
Ananth Grama, computer science
Zhiyuan Li, computer science
Mary Nakhleh, chemistry
Plamen Stefanov, mathematics

Computer science undergrad earns national scholarship

CS undergraduate Alexei Czeskis’ creativity and excellence in computer science earned him a scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Alexei was one of two students chosen by a Purdue committee. The ASF Scholarship Committee selects one qualified recipient from each university. Full story.

SCIENCE NEWS AND RESEARCH

Could more hot days upset U.S. wine industry's grape cart?

America's winegrape-growing regions have won the country respectability as a premium wine producer. But researchers led by earth and atmospheric sciences professor Noah Diffenbaugh predict that nearly 81 percent of U.S. winegrape-growing regions could be lost to climate warming by the close of the century, including about half of the areas producing high-quality wines. Full story.

Chemistry researcher finds ways to recycle hydrogen

It's the year 2025. A gallon of gas costs $15.34. The world is in the midst of an energy crisis with society calling for new, cheaper fuel. Far-fetched, or future reality? This world-crippling situation is what chemistry professor P.V. Ramachandran and his team of researchers are trying to avoid by looking at new ways to store, ship, and recycle one of nature's most volatile and important elements: hydrogen. Full story.

Incoming freshmen get summer introduction to Purdue through Academic Boot Camp

Students entering Purdue University will have an easier transition to academic life through a summer program that introduces strategies to help them adjust personally, socially and academically to university life. Full story.

STATCOM to lead session on pro bono statistics at national meeting

STATCOM, the highly successful volunteer community outreach group founded and staffed by graduate students in statistics, will chair an open meeting on “Service-oriented Consulting: What Can Students Do in the Community?” at the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) in Seattle on August 7. Full story.

K-6 teachers get INSCITED about science education

The College of Science K-12 Outreach team partnered with the Indiana Department of Education, Office of Program Development and K-6 science education specialists from across Indiana to host the INSCITED (INdiana SCIence Teacher EDucation) Summer Institutefor K-6 teachers from across Indiana in July. The teachers worked on standards-based science content, state science assessment, K-6 science lesson plans, and inquiry-based teaching strategies. Full story.

Indiana Teachers Investigate Crimes to Improve Science Instruction

Playing crime scene investigators like the ones in abundance on television, 30 Indiana science teachers used forensic knowledge to help them develop standards-based integrated science lessons for their students. Organized and run by the College of Science K-12 Outreach team, "The Kiss of Death -- A Problem in Forensic Science," is designed to improve teachers' classroom instruction and develop inquiry instruction strategies. Full story.

Research Funding Report

Science researchers received funding totaling more than $4.5 million in June 2006. Complete list of funded proposals.

PURDUE NEWS

Two new faces on Purdue’s Board of Trustees

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed JoAnn Brouillette, of West Lafayette, and Susan Butler, of Tucson, Ariz., to replace outgoing trustees Barbara Edmondson and Robert Peterson. Brouillette is a managing partner of Demeter LP, a family-owned grain and commercial warehouse business in Fowler, IN. Butler is chief executive officer of The Susan Bulkeley Butler Institute for the Development of Women Leaders. Full story.

Industry, C-SPAN leaders energize Lugar-Purdue summit

The chairman and president of BP America Inc. will be part of a blue-ribbon panel being moderated by Brian Lamb, the head of C-SPAN, as part of an energy summit convened by U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar and Purdue University on August 29. Panelists will discuss what would be needed from an industry and policy perspective to implement strategies that would reduce foreign oil dependence. Full story.

PROFILES OF SUCCESS

Each month we spotlight the personal accomplishments and career successes, whether mainstream or unique, of Science alumni. This month's spotlight is on Dan Wolak, who received his B.S. in mathematics in 1975 and his M.S. in statistics in 1977. Full story.

SCIENCE ALUMNI NEWS

Science alumni: We want to hear from you! Update your information and share your professional news as well as your personal and family milestones with your classmates and the Science community. Click here.

Click here for this month’s Alumni News.

Science Kids Club blasts off

The Science Kids Club is off and running! Since we launched the club in October, nearly 150 kids have joined! Enroll the special kids in your life in the Science Kids Club for Science fun for kids of all ages. More information.

Stay connected!

Join the Purdue Web Community and stay connected to your alma mater. This interactive site will help you keep in touch with your Purdue family—your friends, faculty and staff, and fellow alumni. Click here to sign up and get started.

Increase your reach: Support Science by joining the Purdue President’s Council!

The President's Council is a unique group of alumni and friends who contribute generously to the future of Purdue University. Working closely with the president, these leaders volunteer to support the University in ways that are very personal and meaningful to them. Through special events and programs, members build strong and lasting relationships with one another—relationships that enhance their experiences and change their lives. Click here to join online!

SCIENCE EVENTS AND CALENDAR

Statistics Alumni: We’re coming your way!

Department of Statistics alumni reception: Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, 6:30 p.m., August 6

Purdue Day at the Indiana State Fair, August 16

College of Science Scholarship Celebration, September 9, 9:30 a.m., Memorial Mall

Family Weekend, September 9-10

Computer Science Career Fair, September 11, 6:00-9:00 p.m., PMU South Ballroom

Conte Distinguished Lecture, Computer Science, September 11, 3:30 p.m.

CS Corporate Partners Meeting September 11-12

Negishi-Brown Lectures, Chemistry, September 14-15

Dean’s Leadership Council Meeting, September 14-15

Purdue Alumni Association Patio Party, September 15, 7:00 p.m., Dauch Alumni Center

Dedication of the Richard and Patricia Lawson Computer Science Building, September 15, 11:00 a.m.

Big 10+ Graduate School Exposition, September 25

Science Events

Science Seminars

Purdue Events

.


August 2006
From the Dean An Irish writer named Brendan Behan once said that there is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary. I won’t go that far, but I’ll admit that I like seeing news about folks from the College of Science and their exciting work in national and international venues. College of Science researchers and educators have an impressive track record of publishing in top professional journals, but every so often the general media pick up a topic of public interest and give it national exposure. Here are just a few examples from recent months: Earth and atmospheric sciences professor Noah Diffenbaugh caught the attention of the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, and NPR, among others, with his paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences asserting that global warming could hurt the U.S. wine growing industry (see full story below). Hint: Stock up now! With the start of another hurricane season and the memory of last year’s disasters still fresh on our minds, Matt Huber, also of the department of earth and atmospheric sciences and another stellar researcher from the Purdue Climate Change Research Center, attracted wide interest with his work linking our warming oceans to a rise in storm intensity. Internet news sites took notice of biological sciences professor Laurie Iten’s use of a variety of moviemaking techniques—and comedy borrowed from South Park, Will Ferrell, and Jeff Foxworthy—to increase her students’ ability to learn in the classroom. Whether the medium is print, broadcast, or web, any story dealing with cybersecurity, electronic voting, and information privacy is likely to quote Gene Spafford, professor of computer science and executive director of the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS). His most recent Congressional testimony on the information security errors in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has appeared in print and web sites all over the country. Even our Society of Physics Students appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” zooming around the streets of New York on the MoJo couch! Such notice provides much more than mere recognition—it helps us recruit exceptional students and top-notch faculty who want to be part of this dynamic environment. In that regard, we’re inaugurating an exciting campus-wide initiative on October 4-6 called the Science Laureates Program. It will provide a unique venue for spotlighting Purdue’s activities in the sciences, engineering, and technology, bringing some of the world’s leading science journalists to campus to interact with Purdue scientists and students. Journalists will see for themselves the great things happening at Purdue! Stay tuned for more details in the October mailing of Science@Purdue. If you’re a College of Science faculty or staff member or student, help us get the word out when your work will appear in a major publication or when you receive a professional honor or recognition. If you’re a friend or alum, let us know when you spot coverage in your area of anyone in the Purdue family. You can reach us as always at ScienceNews@purdue.edu. Best regards, Jeff Vitter *SCIENCE PEOPLE* Larry Braile appointed Earth and Atmospheric Sciences head Professor Larry Braile will assume the role of department head for the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, effective August 7, 2006, for a three-year term. He replaces Jon Harbor, who will become Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. Full story. William Cramer named Fellow of national society Biological sciences professor William Cramer has been elected a Fellow of the Biophysical Society. The Biophysical Society encourages development and dissemination of knowledge in biophysics through its meetings, publications, and committee outreach activities. The Society's members, now over 7,000, work in academia, industry, and in government agencies throughout the world. Science faculty earn promotions Fourteen Science faculty stepped up in rank as of July 1: From assistant to associate professor: Tim Filley, earth and atmospheric sciences Christine Hrycyna, chemistry Jorge Rodriguez, physics Katy Simonsen, statistics Garth Simpson, chemistry Hans Walther, mathematics Daoguo Zhou, biological sciences Michael Zhu, statistics Jeff Trapp, earth and atmospheric sciences (from associate professor without tenure to associate professor with tenure) From associate to full professor: Walid Aref, computer science Ananth Grama, computer science Zhiyuan Li, computer science Mary Nakhleh, chemistry Plamen Stefanov, mathematics Computer science undergrad earns national scholarship CS undergraduate Alexei Czeskis’ creativity and excellence in computer science earned him a scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Alexei was one of two students chosen by a Purdue committee. The ASF Scholarship Committee selects one qualified recipient from each university. Full story. *SCIENCE NEWS AND RESEARCH* Could more hot days upset U.S. wine industry's grape cart? America's winegrape-growing regions have won the country respectability as a premium wine producer. But researchers led by earth and atmospheric sciences professor Noah Diffenbaugh predict that nearly 81 percent of U.S. winegrape-growing regions could be lost to climate warming by the close of the century, including about half of the areas producing high-quality wines. Full story. Chemistry researcher finds ways to recycle hydrogen It's the year 2025. A gallon of gas costs $15.34. The world is in the midst of an energy crisis with society calling for new, cheaper fuel. Far-fetched, or future reality? This world-crippling situation is what chemistry professor P.V. Ramachandran and his team of researchers are trying to avoid by looking at new ways to store, ship, and recycle one of nature's most volatile and important elements: hydrogen. Full story. Incoming freshmen get summer introduction to Purdue through Academic Boot Camp Students entering Purdue University will have an easier transition to academic life through a summer program that introduces strategies to help them adjust personally, socially and academically to university life. Full story. STATCOM to lead session on pro bono statistics at national meeting STATCOM, the highly successful volunteer community outreach group founded and staffed by graduate students in statistics, will chair an open meeting on “Service-oriented Consulting: What Can Students Do in the Community?” at the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) in Seattle on August 7. Full story. K-6 teachers get INSCITED about science education The College of Science K-12 Outreach team partnered with the Indiana Department of Education, Office of Program Development and K-6 science education specialists from across Indiana to host the INSCITED (INdiana SCIence Teacher EDucation) Summer Institutefor K-6 teachers from across Indiana in July. The teachers worked on standards-based science content, state science assessment, K-6 science lesson plans, and inquiry-based teaching strategies. Full story. Indiana Teachers Investigate Crimes to Improve Science Instruction Playing crime scene investigators like the ones in abundance on television, 30 Indiana science teachers used forensic knowledge to help them develop standards-based integrated science lessons for their students. Organized and run by the College of Science K-12 Outreach team, "The Kiss of Death -- A Problem in Forensic Science," is designed to improve teachers' classroom instruction and develop inquiry instruction strategies. Full story. Research Funding Report Science researchers received funding totaling more than $4.5 million in June 2006. Complete list of funded proposals. PURDUE NEWS Two new faces on Purdue’s Board of Trustees Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed JoAnn Brouillette, of West Lafayette, and Susan Butler, of Tucson, Ariz., to replace outgoing trustees Barbara Edmondson and Robert Peterson. Brouillette is a managing partner of Demeter LP, a family-owned grain and commercial warehouse business in Fowler, IN. Butler is chief executive officer of The Susan Bulkeley Butler Institute for the Development of Women Leaders. Full story. Industry, C-SPAN leaders energize Lugar-Purdue summit The chairman and president of BP America Inc. will be part of a blue-ribbon panel being moderated by Brian Lamb, the head of C-SPAN, as part of an energy summit convened by U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar and Purdue University on August 29. Panelists will discuss what would be needed from an industry and policy perspective to implement strategies that would reduce foreign oil dependence. Full story. PROFILES OF SUCCESS Each month we spotlight the personal accomplishments and career successes, whether mainstream or unique, of Science alumni. This month's spotlight is on Dan Wolak, who received his B.S. in mathematics in 1975 and his M.S. in statistics in 1977. Full story. SCIENCE ALUMNI NEWS Science alumni: We want to hear from you! Update your information and share your professional news as well as your personal and family milestones with your classmates and the Science community. Click here. Click here for this month’s Alumni News. Science Kids Club blasts off The Science Kids Club is off and running! Since we launched the club in October, nearly 150 kids have joined! Enroll the special kids in your life in the Science Kids Club for Science fun for kids of all ages. More information. Stay connected! Join the Purdue Web Community and stay connected to your alma mater. This interactive site will help you keep in touch with your Purdue family—your friends, faculty and staff, and fellow alumni. Click here to sign up and get started. Increase your reach: Support Science by joining the Purdue President’s Council! The President's Council is a unique group of alumni and friends who contribute generously to the future of Purdue University. Working closely with the president, these leaders volunteer to support the University in ways that are very personal and meaningful to them. Through special events and programs, members build strong and lasting relationships with one another—relationships that enhance their experiences and change their lives. Click here to join online! *SCIENCE EVENTS AND CALENDAR* Statistics Alumni: We’re coming your way! Department of Statistics alumni reception: Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, 6:30 p.m., August 6 Purdue Day at the Indiana State Fair, August 16 College of Science Scholarship Celebration, September 9, 9:30 a.m., Memorial Mall Family Weekend, September 9-10 Computer Science Career Fair, September 11, 6:00-9:00 p.m., PMU South Ballroom Conte Distinguished Lecture, Computer Science, September 11, 3:30 p.m. CS Corporate Partners Meeting September 11-12 Negishi-Brown Lectures, Chemistry, September 14-15 Dean’s Leadership Council Meeting, September 14-15 Purdue Alumni Association Patio Party, September 15, 7:00 p.m., Dauch Alumni Center Dedication of the Richard and Patricia Lawson Computer Science Building, September 15, 11:00 a.m. Big 10+ Graduate School Exposition, September 25 Science Events Science Seminars Purdue Events .	In this Issue: Science People Larry Braile appointed Earth and Atmospheric Sciences head William Cramer named Fellow of national society Science faculty earn promotions Computer science undergrad earns national scholarship Science News and Research Could more hot days upset U.S. wine industry's grape cart? Chemistry researcher finds ways to recycle hydrogen Incoming freshmen get summer introduction to Purdue through Academic Boot Camp STATCOM to lead session on pro bono statistics at national meeting K-6 teachers get INSCITED about science education Indiana Teachers Investigate Crimes to Improve Science Instruction Research Funding Report Purdue News Two new faces on Purdue’s Board of Trustees Industry, C-SPAN leaders energize Lugar-Purdue summit Profiles of Success Science Alumni News Science Events and Calendar Science alumni: We want to hear from you! Share your professional news and your personal and family milestones by clicking here. Contact us Past issues of Science @ Purdue Insights, the College of Science Magazine College of Science Purdue News Purdue University