News

Troy, N.Y. — William “Al” Wallace, professor of decision sciences and engineering systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, received the 2004 Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) President’s Award for critical contributions to the public sector resulting from his research in information and decision technologies, according to INFORMS. Wallace received the award today at the society’s annual meeting in Denver, Co.

TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked first in a list of the “most connected campuses” in the country, according to a Princeton Review survey. Describing the campus as “technological nirvana,” Forbes.com released the rankings today.

Troy, N.Y. — Tarek Abdoun, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and associate director of Rensselaer’s Geotechnical Centrifuge Research Center, is leading a team of scientists to develop a wireless sensor designed to warn against geotechnical hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods. The project is funded in part by the National Science Foundation.

TROY, NY — Toh-Ming Lu, the R.P. Baker Distinguished Professor of Physics and director of the Center for Advanced Interconnect Systems Technologies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been selected to receive the 2004 Materials Research Society (MRS) Medal, according to MRS’s announcement of three Medal recipients. Lu will be honored at the MRS Fall 2004 Meeting in Boston on Dec. 1.

Glenn Eisman, former Plug Power chief technology officer, joins Rensselaer as center director Troy, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute today announced the formation of a new Center for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research. Under the leadership of Glenn Eisman, former chief technology officer at Plug Power Inc., the center will focus on basic research essential to the commercial viability of fuel cells and hydrogen-related technologies.

TROY, N.Y. — Ravi Kane, the Merck Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been selected as one of the top 100 young innovators in technology from around the world by Technology Review, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s magazine of innovation.

“The Rensselaer community is deeply saddened by the death of Professor Shuster. His teaching skills were evident in the enthusiasm of his students and his contributions to Rensselaer evident by the admiration of his colleagues. Professor Shuster’s research on the Hudson River will benefit all who live along its shores and share concerns about its future. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.” BACKGROUND:

$40 million Gift Provided by Rensselaer Trustee Curtis Priem ’82 Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center to be named in Priem’s honor

TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has dramatically expanded its Department of Biology with the appointment of eight new faculty members over the last two years, most of whom are arriving on campus during this term. The new faculty provide expertise fundamental to the new research programs to be carried out at Rensselaer’s Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, a $100 million research facility opening Sept. 10.

TROY, N.Y. — World-renowned biotechnology experts and science policymakers will join the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute community at a series of events Sept.