| News and Feature Articles
Ian Jacobi: From Tetherless World Constellation to Semantic Web (May 2008)
Ian Jacobi got his first taste of computer programming back in 1995, when he enrolled in a community college course in QBasic. He was 10 years old and used his newfound knowledge to write a program that could convert Gregorian calendar dates to corresponding dates on the Hebrew and Islamic calendars.
Paul Morrow: Innovations Could Improve Data Storage, Magnetic Sensors (May 2008)
Paul Morrow has come a long way from his days as an elementary school student, pulling apart his mother’s cassette player. The talented young physicist has developed two innovations that could vastly improve magnetic data storage and sense extremely low-level magnetic fields in everything from ink on counterfeit currency to tissue in the human brain and heart.
Professor Toh-Ming Lu Named Fellow of the Materials Research Society (March 2008)
Toh-Ming Lu, the R.P. Baker Distinguished Professor of Physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named a lifetime fellow of the Materials Research Society (MRS).
Renowned Physicist Named Kodosky Constellation Chair at Rensselaer (February 2008)
Shengbai Zhang, a quantum physicist renowned for his computational modeling and research in semiconductor defects, has been named senior chair of Rensselaer’s Gail and Jeffrey L. Kodosky ’70 Constellation in Physics, Information Technology, and Entrepreneurship.
Two Rensselaer Researchers Listed Among "Scientific American 50" (January 2008)
Recent innovations in optics and imaging have landed Rensselaer professor E. Fred Schubert and doctoral student Brian Schulkin on the 2007 Scientific American 50 — the magazine’s prestigious annual list recognizing outstanding acts of leadership in science and technology from the past year
Researchers Develop Darkest Manmade Material (January 2008)
Researchers at Rensselaer and Rice University have created the darkest material ever made by man.
Researchers Reveal HIV Peptide’s Possible Pathway Into the Cell (January 2008)
Two theoretical physicists at Rensselaer have uncovered what they believe is the long-sought-after pathway that an HIV peptide takes to enter healthy cells.
Physicists Uncover New Solution for Cosmic Collisions (January 2008)
Two theoretical physicists at Rensselaer have used what they call “pen-and-paper math” to describe the motion of interstellar shock waves.
Newberg Shares Gruber Prize for Discovering Rapid Expansion of Universe (July 2007)
In 1998, two research teams a world apart uncovered a key truth about our universe — it was expanding. Fast. One of the experiments, the Supernova Cosmology Project, was originally a thesis project for Heidi Jo Newberg, now an associate professor of physics, applied physics, and astronomy at Rensselaer. Members of the two research teams are now being honored for their discovery with one of the top scientific awards in the field—the 2007 Gruber Cosmology Prize.
Students Unlocking Secrets of the Universe at CERN (July 2007)
Two Rensselaer undergraduates are currently at the center of an experiment that could reveal the origins of the universe. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in the foothills of the Swiss Alps is perhaps the largest scientific experiment of our time. Samuel Punshon-Smith and Mathew Pevarnik, both undergraduate physics majors, arrived in Switzerland in early July to begin what they both expect to be a whirlwind dip into the amazing arena of particle physics.
Rensselaer Shares Classroom Technologies With Brazil (April 2007)
Visitors from Universidade Federal de Sao Joao del-Rei learn about Rensselaer's classroom technologies.
Remodeled Hirsch Observatory Holds Open House (February 2007)
Many on campus may never have noticed the large metallic dome atop the Jonsson-Rowland Science Center, but inside is a newly redesigned telescope and observatory modeled after some of the greatest in the country. The Hirsch Observatory has been completely refurbished, and to celebrate the modern makeover of the more than 65-year-old observatory, all Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff are invited to bring their families to an open house Feb. 18-22 from 7-10 p.m.
The Society of Physics Students Named Outstanding Chapter, Again (February 2007)
For the second year in a row, the Rensselaer chapter of the Society for Physics Students (SPS) has been selected by the national society as an Outstanding SPS Chapter. According to the commendation letter from the national SPS office, less than 10 percent of SPS chapters nationwide have been so honored.
RPI Grads everywhere at the American Astronomical Society Meeting in Seattle (January 2007)
Astronomers hold two national meetings per year, where colleagues meet and we find out what is going on in all areas of astronomy at once. This year, it seemed that everywhere we looked there was an RPI graduate.
Physics Faculty Awarded Grants (September 2006)
The Office of Research has announced the Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy r esearch awards for April, May, and June 2006.
School of Science announces new Ph.D. program in Biochemistry and Biophysics (August 2006)
The School of Science is adding a new Ph.D. program, Biochemistry and Biophysics (BCBP), to its 20 other graduate programs. The BCBP doctorate is part of the Institute-wide commitment to the development of programs in bioscience and biotechnology.
School of Science Research Awards for February and March ’06 (June 2006)
The Office of Research announced the research awards ($50,000 and above) for February and March '06. School of Science awards include:
T-Rays on Campus (June 2006)
The Center for Terahertz (THz) Research, under the leadership of Xi-Cheng Zhang, is having another very productive year, bringing in millions of dollars in funding, publishing groundbreaking research, and enhancing its international reputation for preeminence in the field.
Future Chips Constellation Wins DOE Award (June 2006)
Rensselaer has received a $1.8 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop green and deep green LEDs that are both more powerful and more efficient than current technology. These LEDs will be a major step toward DOE’s goal of replacing current lighting technology with efficient white LEDs by the year 2025, according to Christian Wetzel, associate professor of physics and a principal investigator on the grant.
Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Bestows Awards (May 2006)
The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy conferred a series of awards and honors at their annual Commencement Luncheon on May 19, 2006.
Matthew Pelliccione wins 1902 Research Prize (May 2006)
Matthew Pelliccione, class of '06 - physics, is the winner of the 1902 Research Prize for his senior thesis, “Mound Formation in Surface Growth.”
Rensselaer Undergraduate Research Showcased at Event (May 2006)
At the annual Undergraduate Research Forum and Awards, 37 projects were judged in one of two categories — applied design research or theoretical research. The School of Science swept the theoretical research category.
Gwo-Ching Wang Wins William H. Wiley Distinquished Faculty Award (May 2006)
Gwo-Ching Wang, Department Chair and Professor of Physics, was awarded the William H. Wiley Distinguished Faculty Award on May 1, 2006 for her outstanding contributions in surface and interface ordering phenomena, and her leadership in promoting research experience for undergraduates and interdisciplinary graduate education.
Rensselaer Research Highlighted at American Physical Society Meeting (March 2006)
From energy-efficient lighting to flexible “nano skins” for a variety of applications, more than 50 Rensselaer researchers are presenting this week at the American Physical Society (APS) March Meeting in Baltimore, Md. In addition, Angel Garcia, senior constellation chaired professor in biocomputation and bioinformatics and professor of physics, will receive the 2006 Edward A. Bouchet Award by the APS for “his contributions to the understanding of the role of water in the dynamics and folding of proteins through computer simulations.” The award promotes the participation of underrepresented minorities in physics by identifying and recognizing a distinguished minority physicist who has made significant contributions to physics research.
The Society of Physics Students Named Outstanding Chapter (March 2006)
The Rensselaer chapter of the Society for Physics Students (SPS) has been selected by the national society as an Outstanding SPS Chapter for the 2004-05 academic year. According to the commendation letter from the national SPS office, less than 10 percent of SPS chapters nationwide have been so honored
Angel Garcia Awarded NSF Grant To Study Proteins Under Pressure (February 2006)
A Rensselaer researcher has been awarded a five-year, $947,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study how proteins behave under pressure. Angel Garcia, senior constellation chaired professor in biocomputation and bioinformatics, seeks to address gaps in scientific knowledge regarding the role of water pressure in protein structure and function that could aid in the understanding and treatment of disease.
Out and About: Angel Garcia Presents Supercomputing Lecture on Capitol Hill (November 2005)
A Science 101 briefing on the power of high-performance supercomputing drew 35 congressional staff members on Capitol Hill Nov. 14. Professor Angel Garcia, senior constellation chair in bioinformatics and biocomputation at Rensselaer, served as an invited speaker on how supercomputing is enabling new advances in molecular biology. He provided an overview and answered questions at the Science 101 briefing, sponsored by the Science Coalition to educate congressional staff on basic science and research topics.
RAA Fellows Award Presented at Robert Resnick Lecture (November 2005)
Richard Madey ’43 received the Rensselaer Alumni Association (RAA) Fellows Award from the Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy on Friday, Nov. 11. The award was presented during the 10th Robert Resnick Lecture at Rensselaer, where Kip Thorne of California Institute of Technology delivered a lecture on “Einstein’s General Relativity, from 1905 to 2005: Warped Spacetime, Black Holes, and Gravitational Waves.”
Tang Wins AVS Awards (October 2005)
Fu Tang, a graduate student in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, has won the 2005 American Vacuum Society (AVS) graduate research award and the AVS Thin Film Division Award.
MRI Pioneer William Edelstein Wins AIP Industrial Physics Prize (October 2005)
William Edelstein, visiting scientist at Rensselaer, has been named the winner of the 2005-2006 American Institute of Physics (AIP) Industrial Applications in Physics Prize. Edelstein was chosen “for his pioneering developments leading to commercialization of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for medical applications.” The prize will be given to Edelstein at the Industrial Physics Forum, Nov. 6-8 in Gaithersburg, Md.
Rensselaer Researchers Awarded NSF Grant To Study Nano Springs, Rods, Beams (September 2005)
Researchers at Rensselaer are exploring the potential of nanomechanical systems by making and testing springs, rods, and beams on the nanoscale. They have been awarded a $1.15 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the research
Physics student awarded APS Scholarship (September 2005)
Anton Gereau III, first-year student, has been awarded the 2005-2006 American Physical Scholarship for Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors.
Rensselaer Research Featured at 230th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (August 2005)
Rensselaer research is being showcased this week at the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, D.C. Eighteen members of the Rensselaer community are presenting their work, including a special invited lecture by President Shirley Ann Jackson and a terahertz technology symposium organized by Professor Xi-Cheng Zhang.
Rensselaer Astrophysicist Chairs New Scientific Survey of Milky Way Galaxy (August 2005)
Heidi Newberg, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Rensselaer, is chairing the science working group of a new project focused on mapping the Milky Way Galaxy's structure and stellar makeup and compiling data on its origins and evolution. The recently announced Milky Way survey project, the Sloan Extension for Galactic Understanding and Exploration (SEGUE), is one of three new projects included in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey II (SDSS-II), a three-year extension of a scientific undertaking that will complete the largest survey of the universe.
More Life for Moore’s Law (BusinessWeek Online) (June 2005)
In the race to produce ever-faster chips, it sometimes feels like enough is enough. Our desktops have sufficient horsepower to simulate the birth of galaxies if anyone wants to. Phones and PDAs are stuffed with fascinating communications tricks that few people will ever use. So do we still need Moore's Law -- the precept that chip performance should double roughly every 18 months?
Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Gives Awards (May 2005)
The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy conferred a series of awards and honors at their annual Commencement Luncheon on May 20, 2005.
Undergraduate Research and Innovation Flourishes at Rensselaer (May 2005)
Undergraduates of Rensselaer's Class of 2005 are already making their mark to help shape the future in cancer research, nanotechnology, astronomy, and environmental science.
Rensselaer Undergraduate Team Selected to Receive 2005 SIAM Award for Mathematical Modeling Contest (April 2005)
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute undergraduate team has been selected to receive the 2005 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Award in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling, besting competitors from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and others.
Robert Resnick Lecture (March 2005)
Virginia Trimble was the guest speaker at this year's Robert Resnick Lecture. The lecture, put on by the department of physics, applied physics, and astromomy, is in its ninth year.
New Mathematical Model Predicts Ecological Invasion, Explains How Invasive Species Thrive (March 2005)
Researchers at Rensselaer and the University at Albany have proposed a new mathematical model that predicts the survival of invasive biological species upon introduction to an ecosystem. The model analyzes the struggle for space between clusters of invasive species and native species to predict which species will survive.
Ivar Giaever ’64 Retirement Reception (February 2005)
The School of Science hosted a retirement reception for Ivar Giaever '64, Institute Professor of Science and professor of physics, on Jan. 26 in the Russell Sage Dining Hall.
Renowned Scientist Angel E. Garcia Will Lead New Biocomputation and Bioinformatics Research Constellation (November 2004)
Angel E. Garcia, a renowned theoretical physicist in biomolecular research, has been appointed a senior constellation chaired professor in biocomputation and bioinformatics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Garcia will join Rensselaer on Jan. 1, 2005.
School of Science Receives NYSTAR Faculty Development Awards (October 2004)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s School of Science will receive $1.5 million from the state to hire two scientists, Gov. George Pataki announced Thursday.
LEDs Promise To Transform Lighting (October 2004)
A Rensselaer research team has created a new type of reflector that has dramatically improved LED (light-emitting diode) luminance. The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded the research team a three-year, $210,000 grant to move the patented omni-directional reflector to market.
Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics Group Receives NSF Grant to Study Structure of Matter (September 2004)
Gary Adams, James Napolitano, and Paul Stoler, all professors in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, are members of the Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics Group involved in an international collaboration with a consortium of laboratories from around the world.
Physics Professor, Toh-Ming Lu, to Receive the 2004 MRS Medal (September 2004)
The MRS (Materials Research Society) has awarded their annual medal to three scientists, one of whom is Toh-Ming Lu, R.P. Baker Distinguished Professor of Physics.
Smart Lighting (July 2004)
Three recognized photonics pioneers have come together at Rensselaer to form the nucleus of the Future Chips Constellation, a multidisciplinary group that is conducting leading-edge research in compound semiconductor materials and devices. Their goal: enabling significant advances in communications, lighting, sensing, and imaging.
Detecting "Dark-Matter" Shower (June 2004)
Heidi Newberg, associate professor of physics, suggests that a “highway” of dark matter from another galaxy may be showering down on Earth. The findings may change the way astronomers look for mysterious cosmic particles, long suspected to outweigh known atomic matter.
Quark Matters (April 2004)
Rensselaer researchers are part of an international team of physicists that has provided the best evidence to date of the existence of a new form of atomic matter, dubbed the “pentaquark.”
Future Chips Constellation Completed With Two New Faculty Appointments (March 2004)
Rensselaer has announced the appointment of two new faculty members, thereby completing its Future Chips Constellation, the first of several “critical mass” groupings of world-caliber faculty in focal research areas. The new faculty are Shawn-Yu Lin, Ph.D., a recognized authority in photonics research, and Christian M. Wetzel, Ph.D., a research pioneer in semiconductor device design and manufacturing.
Uniting With Only a Few Random Links (March 2003)
Information about highly complex systems, such as the spread of diseases, the rise and fall of financial markets, or cell-phone communication networks, benefits from large-scale networked computer simulation.
Ring Around the Galaxy (March 2003)
In the beginning of the year, a previously unseen band of stars beyond the edge of the Milky Way galaxy was discovered by a team of scientists from Rensselaer, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The discovery could help to explain how the galaxy was assembled 10 billion years ago.
Modeling Random Events (November 2001)
Researchers are developing novel computational techniques that could lead to better simulation of complex systems, such as the spread of diseases, the evolution of financial markets, and the flow of Internet traffic.
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