From the Dean

It’s exhilarating to hit a home run! In last month’s issue, I talked about the planning for our inaugural Science Laureates program. By all accounts, the first Science Laureates event on October 4–6 was indeed a grand slam. The nine distinguished journalists who formed the starting lineup of Science Laureates spent three days grappling with the many issues they face in their craft, interspersed with opportunities to learn about the exciting science research underway at Purdue. As I mentioned in my open letter to The Indianapolis Star, science journalism plays a critical role in our world, and these writers are key to helping all of us understand the impacts of the latest research.

One of the most talked-about segments of the Laureates’ agenda was a public Town Hall meeting with the journalists and Purdue faculty members, where they talked about issues such as the impact of the Internet on science communication and their role in educating the public. The Town Hall was taped for an upcoming TechNation broadcast on public radio. Consult your local NPR station about the exact date and time for the broadcast in your area. Or, you can watch the videos of the Town Hall and the University Convocation on the Science Laureates web page.

I look forward to building strong relationships with the Laureates in the months and years ahead. These kinds of personal connections and the public partnerships they enable will help us acquire the resources necessary to help our college realize its crucial missions of discovery, learning, and engagement.

Our future prosperity as a nation depends on continuing America’s dominance in science and technology. The basic research we do today and tomorrow will be the source of the technological innovations and economic development decades from now. Our future depends on what we do today, and that’s why finding the enabling resources is so important.

A cornerstone of the College of Science has always been the generosity of alumni and friends who, in a variety of ways, have made significant commitments to the College: by offering comments and advice; by volunteering time to staff events and College committees; by hiring and mentoring our students, and through contributions of scholarships, research experiences, infrastructure, and new facilities and buildings.

We in the College of Science have much to do. Over the next three years, we will work diligently to attract more top students into our undergraduate Honors Program and find dollars to offer more scholarships. We will complete our hires of 60 new faculty members and invest millions to equip laboratories and train students. We will complete the fundraising and break ground for a new Structural Biology building and begin renovation of labs and classrooms, especially in Wetherill, Lilly, and Physics.

The College’s wish list is long! This year, the College of Science has undertaken a huge stretch goal of raising $22 million in private support. If you have been considering a gift to the College of Science, now is an excellent time to step up! I encourage you to learn more about Science giving opportunities or contact me at dean@science.purdue.edu to talk further and share ideas. If you own an IRA and have been thinking about an end-of-the-year gift, learn more about the attractive tax advantages provided by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

In just a few weeks, I hope you and those you love can be together to share a relaxing, renewing Thanksgiving holiday. Here in the College of Science, we will continue to be grateful for the relationships and connections that build and strengthen our people and programs.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jeff Vitter

 

 SPOTLIGHT ON NEW FACULTY

Luo Si (CS), assistant professor of computer science, joins Purdue after receiving his PhD from Language Technology Institute, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University in May 2006. He also received an MS in Computer Science at CMU as well as an MS from Tsinghua University in Computer Science. His BS from Tsinghua University is also in Computer Science. Si received the National Excellent Student Research Award in China in 1998. In 2004, he received the Best Presentation Honorable Mention at the CMU Student Research Symposium.

Si's research spans a range of topics in information retrieval, machine learning, text mining, speech and multimedia processing, and data mining. His recent research focuses on federated search (distributed information retrieval), probabilistic models for information filtering, and text/data mining for life science. Read more

Marcy Towns (Chemistry)
Marcy Towns joins the Department of Chemistry in Chemical Education. She earned her MS and PhD from Purdue in 1990 and 1994, respectively. Her bachelor’s degree is from Linfield College. She is interested in developing a taxonomy that would allow faculty to accurately describe their current undergraduate laboratory environment, identify the target states they wish to move to, and the key intermediate states in between their initial and final conditions. In the future, she would like to use the research leading to this taxonomy to explore student goals for undergraduate chemistry laboratory as well.

An on-going research interest has been small-group learning, especially how it is constructed and implemented in an on-line environment. The field of computer-supported collaborative learning is an emerging one, and she has contributed to the literature in this field through the “Physical Chemistry On-Line” project. Read more

Hersh Gilbert (EAS)
Hersh Gilbert, assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences, came to Purdue after spending four years as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Arizona, where his interest in lithospheric processes grew while seismically investigating the tectonic development of South America and Western North America. Gilbert earned his PhD at the University of Colorado where his earlier studies also explored surface tectonics, but focused more on the influence of deeper mantle structure on lithospheric processes. The link between crustal deformation and mantle dynamics remains a primary interest. He plans to further study their relationship in his future seismic investigations. Read more

 

 SCIENCE PEOPLE

Ten Outstanding Alumni honored
Three departments honored outstanding alumni last week. Ten alumni from Biological Sciences, Physics, and Chemistry were presented with the award. Their accomplishments range from excellence in academia to innovation in industry. Read more

Biological Sciences:

• Millicent Goldschmidt, BS 1950 and PhD 1953
• Barbara Reed, BS 1975

Chemistry:

• Jonathon Amy, MS 1950 and PhD 1955
• Barbara A. Burke, PhD 1970
• Pedro A. Rodriguez, PhD 1968
• Ronald E. Shoup, BS 1974 and PhD 1980
• Zhong-Yin Zhang, PhD 1990

Physics:

• Virginia Ayres, PhD 1985
• John Parker, PhD 1988
• James Vickers, BS 1986

Professors honored for life-altering inventions
Phil Low, the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was awarded the University’s Outstanding Commercialization Award for his work on targeted drug treatment methods for cancer and other diseases. 11 other College of Science faculty members were also honored at the awards banquet. Read more

A Plyler for Zwier
Tim Zwier, professor and head of chemistry, was awarded the 2007 Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy from the American Physical Society. Read more

You’re the top, Noah
Noah Diffenbaugh, an assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences, whose research into topics like climatologic impact on wine grapes and projections of future climates, won the AGU’s Holton Award. The award recognizes the top junior scientist in the field. Read more

 

CS student receives Best Paper Award
Maleg Khan, a doctoral student in computer science, received an award for the Best Student Paper at the 20th International Symposium on Distributed Computing (DISC 2006) held in Stockholm, Sweden on September 18–20, 2006. Read more

 

Science mourns the passing of two colleagues
Ralph Bray, professor emeritus of physics, and Edward Simon, professor of biological sciences, both passed away last month. Colleagues remembered both for their superior research and teaching skills, and their wonderful personalities. Read more about Ralph Bray and Edward Simon.

Withey wins the Moore Scholarship
Catherine Withey is the first winner of the David S. Moore Undergraduate Scholarship in Statistics. The scholarship was set up to support and encourage high-achieving undergraduate students in Statistics. Read more

SIGSAC Recognizes Spafford’s Outstanding Contributions
Eugene Spafford, professor of computer science and executive director of the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security, was awarded the Outstanding Contributions award for the ACM’s Special Interest Group for Security, Audit, and Control. This award is given for significant contribution to the field of computer and communication security through fostering research and development activities, educating students, and providing professional services such as the running of professional societies and conferences. Read more

Goodwin Chair donors help attract faculty
Science donors Trent and Judy Anderson were honored along with other donors at the President’s Council dinner on Friday, October 27. The Andersons' donation — part of the Goodwin Challenge — will establish a faculty chair. Chairs are a key way to attract, retain, and recognize top-performing faculty. Read more

NASA names Science alum for return to Hubble
Andrew Feustel, EAS 1991, will join the NASA crew on a servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Read more

Jodi Silotto is the new Alumni Relations and Special Events Director
Jodi Silotto will join the College’s advancement team on November 13 as Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events. Her two focus areas will be in strengthening the connections between Science alumni and the College and in creating stellar events. Jodi is currently the Director of Student Recruitment in the College of Liberal Arts. She holds degrees from Illinois State and Millikin and has extensive experience in marketing, relationship building, and events planning. Welcome to Science, Jodi!

 

SCIENCE NEWS AND RESEARCH

It's about what you say and how you say it.

Nine world-renowned science journalists connected with faculty researchers and shared insights with faculty and staff about science communication from their point of view during the first annual Science Laureates Program. Read more

The importance of being well-informed
Science journalists play a key role in our lives and they should be nourished and encouraged in their efforts, says Jeff Vitter, dean of the College of Science, in an op-ed to The Indianapolis Star. Read more

Cancer can’t hide from Cooks
R. Graham Cooks, Henry B. Haas Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, uses mass spectrometry to expose cancer and other medical issues. Read more

Give the gift of science fun!
Did you know that a duck’s quack doesn’t echo? Science Kids Club members do! They learned it on the SKC Web site. Give a Science Kids Club membership this holiday season and give 12 months of science fun — games, experiments, and special events all for SKC members only. Read more

Trading Technologies hooks up with Purdue Statistics students (PDF)
Students in computational finance will now learn X_TRADER, a software program used by more than 40 exchanges around the world. The learning opportunity was made possible by a partnership with Trading Technologies, and was coordinated through the Science Business Partners Program. Read more (PDF)

Teaching the teachers
Noted educator Tim Bell presented a workshop to computer science and math teachers, showing them some innovative ways to interest students in learning. Read more

Science hits the High Tech Job Fair
Indiana companies met hundreds of Science students at October’s High Tech Job Fair, co-sponsored by the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Technology, Management, and Agriculture. Read more

White House Science Advisor Addresses a Purdue Audience
John H. Marburger III, Science Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, addressed a full house as part of the Discovery Lecture Series. Marburger addressed the need for more American students to pursue scientific careers. “Our brightest citizens are opting for careers not in science and technology,” he said. Read more

Honoring Art Aronson (PDF)
Biological Sciences recognized Professor Art Aronson’s contributions with a symposium in his honor in October. The event coincided with Aronson’s retirement, and included speakers and a dinner. Read more (PDF)

Purdue, Anthem partner to improve healthcare delivery
Indiana’s leading health insurance company and premier researchers at Purdue’s Discovery Park will examine how engineering principles can effectively address the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. health care delivery system.

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has pledged $1 million to Purdue’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering to work on improving health care access, health outcomes and affordability.

A key focus of the three-year partnership will be on electronic medical records, which have been touted by President Bush as a way of improving health care delivery for both doctors and patients. The collaboration has the potential to transform the nation’s health care system as the results are shared with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s sister plans in other states. Read more

Panelists talk science, support with WISP students
Scientists from Dow AgroSciences will meet with Women in Science Programs (WISP) students on November 2. “I feel it is very important to educate students on what opportunities are available to them after graduation and to give them the tools to be successful in the 21st century marketplace,” says Paige Oliver, a senior chemist with Dow AgroSciences.

Show your Purdue spirit on your holiday cards!
Alumni Cards is your direct “Web-to-print” source for high-quality, custom printed Purdue holiday cards, thank you cards, and note cards. Alumni Cards feature many of the things that make Purdue University a special place. Campus landmarks such as the University Hall and the Engineering Fountain as well as campus mascots like Purdue Pete and the World’s Largest Drum are just a few of the Purdue icons featured on alumni cards.

This service is available year-round. Plus, there is special pricing for members of PAA. To review the cards and place your online order, please visit www.alumnicards.net/paa.

Board of Trustees
Purdue's board of trustees will meet at 8:30 a.m. Friday (Nov. 10) in Stewart Center, Room 326. A meeting agenda can be downloaded at http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html3month/2006/061110BOTAgenda.pdf

 

PURDUE NEWS

Purdue President’s Council celebrates Annual Weekend

Veterinary Medicine names a new dean

Technical Assistance Program expands, hires new director

Colin Powell to speak at Purdue as part of National Engineers Week

 

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!

Make the most of your gift!

The newly passed Pension Protection Act of 2006 contains a two-year IRA Charitable Rollover provision that will allow people age 70½ or older to exclude up to $100,000 from their gross income for a taxable year for direct gifts from a traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified charity. To talk about how you can take advantage of this opportunity to increase your giving power, click here!

 

SCIENCE EVENTS AND CALENDAR

November 2: Science Diversity Office panel with Dow AgroSciences
November 4: Purdue football @ Michigan State. East Lansing, Michigan, 3:30 p.m.
November 6: Provost’s Review. Open Forum, LWSN 1142, 3-4 p.m.
November 6: CRESME dedication and Carl Weiman lecture (PDF). STEW Fowler Hall, 4:30 p.m.
November 11: Physics Fun Fest (PDF). PHYS 218, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
November 11: Purdue football @ U. of Illinois. Champaign, Illinois, 12:00 p.m.
November 18: Arnett Health System/Purdue Biological Sciences Healthcare Seminar. Time TBA. Contact Bente Fein, bfein@purdue.edu for details.
November 18: Purdue football vs. Indiana University. Ross-Ade Stadium, time TBA.
November 20: Conte Distinguished Lecture, Computer Science, LWSN 1142, 3:30 p.m.
November 25: Purdue football @ Hawaii. Time TBA.
December 1: Haas Hall Dedication, 11 a.m.
December 17: Winter Commencement. Elliot Hall of Music, 2:30 p.m.
February 6: Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon, PMU, East/West Faculty Lounge.

Science Events

Science Seminars

Purdue Events

 

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