Scientists Develop Simple Alternative for Harvesting Daylight and Saving Energy

Troy, N.Y. — Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center (LRC) have developed a simple, cost-effective, energy-saving device designed to harvest daylight automatically. The DaySwitch™ was designed as an alternative to traditional dimming ballast systems that adjust light levels by reducing the lamp current.

Imagining the Future of Energy: Rensselaer Hosts Alumni Panel Discussion on the Need for Energy Innovation

Troy, N.Y. – Three Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni with backgrounds in energy innovation returned to campus on Monday, April 3, 2006 to participate in a public discussion on the roles that alternative energy sources could play in the future. The event, titled “Imagining the Future of Energy,” was part of the Rensselaer Alumni Association’s (RAA) Back to Campus Speaker Series, and was moderated by Nag Patibandla, director of Rensselaer’s Center for Future Energy Systems.

Statement from President Shirley Ann Jackson on the Death of Reverend Thomas Phelan

To: The Rensselaer Community From: Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of the Reverend Thomas Phelan, who devoted more than four decades of his life to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as chaplain and dean of humanities and social sciences. Rev. Phelan most recently was the Institute Dean, Institute Historian, and Professor Emeritus.

Rensselaer Professor Petros Drineas Receives NSF Career Award

Troy, N.Y. — Petros Drineas, assistant professor of computer science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been awarded a Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Drineas will use the projected five-year, $400,000 grant to investigate novel computational algorithms for analyzing complex datasets with applications in health and medicine, computer science, and social sciences.

Student Conference To Explore the Future of Nuclear Power

Troy, N.Y. — As nuclear power returns to the national energy agenda, the need for engineers and scientists in all sectors of the field becomes ever more pressing. This year’s American Nuclear Society (ANS) national student conference, to be held March 30-April 1 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will offer a glimpse at the future leaders in academia, government, and industry, while featuring presentations from experts currently working in these arenas. 

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