News

Troy, N.Y. — As nuclear power returns to the energy agenda in the United States and continues to grow in popularity around the world, the need for engineers and scientists in all sectors of the field grows as well. Educating the next generation of nuclear engineers is a key step toward filling this gap, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is leading the way. Rensselaer’s 200th Commencement on May 20, 2006, will offer a glimpse at some of the future leaders in academia, government, and the nuclear industry.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson invited the faculty to a meeting to “discuss where we are and how, together, we can continue to move Rensselaer forward.” Following are President Jackson’s remarks, made prior to the question-and-answer session. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson President’s Meeting with Rensselaer Faculty Friday, April 28, 2006

Troy, N.Y. — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., the nation’s oldest technological university, are collaborating to further research at the intersection of medicine and engineering. Under terms of a recently signed agreement, the institutions will jointly undertake research in several areas including nano-medicine, nano-bio materials, smart orthopaedic implants, biomolecular imaging, biocomputation and bioinformatics, bio-MEMS and the development of drug delivery devices.

Troy, N.Y. — The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will host the third annual Game Festival and Symposium “GameFest” on April 28 – 29, 2006. The two-day exposition will feature discussions with prominent members of the game industry and an exhibition of the latest work from Rensselaer’s aspiring game developers.

TROY, N.Y. — With acceptance letters in the mail and the May 1 due date for enrollment deposits rapidly approaching, high school students across the nation face a tough decision: With so many choices, how do they pick the right college that is best suited for them? Starting classes, meeting peers, and exploring a new geographical area all at once may seem intimidating for students making the transition from high school to college/campus life.

Troy, N.Y. — Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Toronto have designed a nanoscale assembly of molecules that successfully counteracts and inhibits anthrax toxin in animal and laboratory experiments. The novel approach used to neutralize anthrax toxin could be applied in designing potent therapeutics for a variety of pathogens and toxins, according to the researchers.

TROY, N.Y. — Two Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students, Elizabeth DeLouise and Jeffrey Martin, have been selected as 2006 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars by the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The national award honors students pursuing careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering.

Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) President Shirley Ann Jackson today announced the selection of Seth Appert as the new head men’s hockey coach. Appert is slated to become the 12th head men’s hockey coach in RPI’s storied hockey history.

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.

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.