News

TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson today announced the appointment of Donald R. Fry as vice president for institute advancement. The vice president for institute advancement is responsible for oversight of the division of advancement strategy, services, and infrastructure; alumni relations; and development, including the Rensselaer Annual Fund, and individual, corporate, foundation, and international advancement.

TROY, N.Y. — Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered a communication signal between cells that plays an important role in cell adhesion and detachment. The finding provides new information about how cells and tissues determine when to let go from surfaces during new growth, according to the researchers.

TROY, N.Y. — Linda B. McGown, professor and chair of chemistry and chemical biology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been appointed the William Weightman Walker Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rensselaer. Established in 1905, the Walker Chair is one of the two oldest named professorships at Rensselaer.

Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has received notification that the Middle States Commission acted to reaffirm the Institute’s accreditation at its June 22 session.  Jessica S. Kozloff, chair of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, wrote in a letter that the Commission “commended” Rensselaer for the quality of the self-study report submitted in conjunction with the accreditation process.

Businesses Focused on Vibro-Diagnostics, Renewable Energy, 3-D Modeling, “Zombie-Zapping” Aviation Safety, and Terahertz Instrumentation Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Incubator Program today announced that six new high-technology companies will join the Incubator. The companies — represented by members of the Rensselaer community and beyond — are focused on vibro-diagnostics, renewable energy, 3-D modeling, zombie-zapping, aviation safety, and terahertz instrumentation technologies.

Troy, N.Y. — Researchers have created organic gel nanomaterials that could be used to encapsulate pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products and to build 3-D biological scaffolds for tissue engineering. Using olive oil and six other liquid solvents, the scientists added a simple enzyme to chemically activate a sugar that changed the liquids to organic gels.

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