Troy, N.Y. — Michael Shur, the Patricia W. and C. Sheldon Roberts ’48 Chaired Professor in Solid State Electronics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been promoted to fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Shur is being recognized for his “individual responsibility, sustained achievements, and exceptional professionalism.” IET is the largest professional engineering society in Europe and the second largest of its kind in the world.

Troy, N.Y. — In celebration of National Architecture Week, world-renowned classical pianist John Kamitsuka will perform a benefit recital to fund scholarships for architecture students in the Roman Studies Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The special program of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert will take place April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The event is presented by Rensselaer’s School of Architecture and the American Institute of Architects Eastern New York Chapter (AIAENY). 

Troy, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently garnered approval from the New York State Education Department to offer a doctoral degree in electronic arts. Now one of only a handful of universities in the United States to offer a Ph.D. program in this emerging field, the Institute will begin admitting students in fall 2007.

Troy, N.Y. – Twenty-five students have been inducted into the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Phalanx honor society. Phalanx honors student leadership and celebrates those who have “worked to better the standing of Rensselaer both on and off campus.” New members are selected — or “tapped” — by the student members of Phalanx.

Admissions and student life experts at Rensselaer offer advice Troy, N.Y. — Acceptance letters are in the mail, the deadline for deposits is rapidly approaching, and high school students across the country face a tough decision: With so many choices, how do you pick the right college? As they prepare to welcome another freshman class, the admissions and student life experts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offer advice to help reduce stress and smooth the transition to college life.

Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s graduate programs in engineering, applied mathematics, and the fine arts rank among the best in the nation, according to the 2008 U.S. News & World Report guide to “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” The publication is scheduled to hit newsstands on April 3, 2007. “These rankings are another validation of our ongoing transformation to a world-class technological research university with global reach and global impact,” said Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson.

Thomas L. Friedman Photo by Fred R. Conrad of The New York Times

Troy, N.Y. — As the electronics industry continues to churn out smaller and slimmer portable devices, manufacturers have been challenged to find new ways to combat the persistent problem of thermal management. New research published in the March 19 issue of Applied Physics Letters suggests that carbon nanotubes may soon be integrated into ever-shrinking cell phones, digital audio players, and personal digital assistants to help ensure the equipment does not overheat, malfunction, or fail.

National experts gather to discuss women’s advancement in academy’s senior ranks Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute today announced a universitywide initiative to improve representation of female educators in academia’s influential high-ranking positions. The program, which is funded by a $329,960 grant from the National Science Foundation, seeks to aid women along the academic career path from junior positions toward tenure and full professorship

TROY, N.Y. — Burt Swersey, a lecturer in Rensselaer’s department of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, has been awarded the 2007 Olympus Lifetime of Educational Innovation Award for his dedication to innovative thinking and his commitment to students and their learning.