News

Troy, N.Y. - Sharon Anderson-Gold, professor of science and technology studies (STS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named chair of the STS department. "Sharon Anderson-Gold is a scholar of philosophy and an expert in ethics across a number of disciplines. Her long and distinguished record at Rensselaer makes her the ideal individual to lead the department," said John Harrington, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (H&SS).

Troy, N.Y. - In a project sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new framework to support the design of automated manufacturing and robotic systems. The researchers recently won the Kayamori Best Automation Paper Award when they presented their work at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation, sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

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 named a fellow of the Electrochemical Society (ECS). Shur is one of 13 newly selected fellows recognized for their individual contributions and leadership in the achievement of science and technology in the area of electrochemistry and solid-state sciences, according to ECS.

Troy, N.Y. — Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has received one of 10 New York State Office of Science, Technology, and Academic Research (NYSTAR) James D. Watson Investigator Program awards, designed to recognize and support outstanding scientists and engineers who, early in their careers, show potential for leadership and scientific discovery in the field of biotechnology.

Troy, N.Y. — Sunderesh Heragu, professor of decision sciences and engineering systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, was selected to receive the Institute of Industrial Engineering (IIE) Fellow Award, according to IIE’s announcement of 15 new fellow award winners. Heragu was honored at the annual Industrial Engineering Solutions 2004 Conference in Houston, Texas, this week.

Troy, N.Y. — Walé F. Adeosun, chartered financial analyst, has been named treasurer and chief investment officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Honorary degree recipients also include George Bugliarello, Donald B. Keck, and Charles H. Thornton

Troy, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as part of a multi-university research team, was recently awarded a Department of Defense Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) grant in the amount of $465,000 to enhance semiconductor materials.

Sikdar Developing "Immunizations" To Safeguard Against Computer Viruses

TROY, N.Y. — Today’s “smart vehicles” may be getting a little smarter as a result of research under way at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A team of researchers led by George List, chair and professor of civil and environmental engineering, and William (Al) Wallace, professor of decision sciences and engineering systems, is developing a system that collects real-time traffic data and uses it to alert drivers about congested roadways, offering alternative routes to avoid problem areas.