News

Troy, N.Y.— A researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has uncovered mathematics embedded in the designs of various aspects of native and contemporary culture, from traditional beadwork and basket weaving to modern hairstyles and music. Using the discovery, he’s developed a series of interactive, Web-based teaching tools that are capturing the interest – and imagination – of students in math classes across the country.

Troy, N.Y.

Simmonds Will Conduct Agricultural Research in Australia

New $30,000 Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize Available in 2007 Academic Year to Undergraduate Seniors and Graduate Students Troy, N.Y. — The spirit of invention lives and breathes within the research laboratories, classrooms, hallways, and dorm rooms at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Now, the breakthrough ideas conceived by Rensselaer undergraduate seniors and graduate students can get an additional financial boost with the new $30,000 Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize that will be awarded beginning in the 2007 academic year.

Earthquake simulation to test new damping system in full-scale townhouse Troy, N.Y.

Troy, N.Y. — Changing a surface from sticky to slippery could now be as easy as flipping a molecular light switch. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created an “optically switchable” material that alters its surface characteristics when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The new material, which is described in the June 19 issue of the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, could have a wide variety of applications, from a protein filter for biological mixtures to a tiny valve on a “lab-on-a-chip.” 

Troy, N.Y.

Michael M. Abbott was an internationally recognized expert in thermodynamics Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is honoring the legacy of celebrated chemical engineering professor Michael M. Abbott through a lecture series in his name. Abbott, who devoted more than 35 years to Rensselaer as a teacher, researcher, and student, died May 31, 2006.

TROY, N.Y. — James A. Hendler, a renowned computer scientist and World Wide Web researcher, has been appointed senior constellation professor of the Tetherless World Research Constellation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Hendler will join Rensselaer Jan. 1, 2007.

Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at Harvard University’s 355th Commencement Exercises today in Cambridge, Massachusetts.