| Department News & Feature Articles
Trustee Makes Donation To Start New Solar Energy Research Center at Rensselaer (Oct. 2008)
Thomas R. Baruch, a member of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Board of Trustees and alumnus of the Class of 1960, has donated a gift that will help to establish a new center at the Institute devoted to bio-energy research.
Researchers Create Safer Alternative to Heparin (Aug. 2008)
Robert Linhardt has spent years stitching together minuscule carbohydrates to build a more pure and safer alternative to the commonly used and controversial blood thinner heparin.
2008 Undergraduate Research Forum and Awards (May 2008)
The 2008 Undergraduate Research Forum & Awards was held on March 21, naming three winners each in the applied and theoretical categories.
First-of-Its-Kind Grant Fosters Research Partnership Between U.S. and Korea (October 2007)
Chang Y. Ryu, a polymer chemist from Rensselaer, is the recipient of a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a partnership between American and Korean researchers.
Professor Mark Wentland Receives New NIH Award (September 2007)
Professor Mark Wentland receives new NIH award for “Aminobenzomorphan: Potential Cocaine Abuse Medications”
Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes (August 2007)
Sara McIntosh, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, recently ran a forensic science summer camp for middle school students called "Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes."
Hakala Named CEO of SpatiaLight, Inc. (July 2007)
David Hakala (B.S., Ph.D. Chemistry) was named CEO of SpatiaLight, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of ultra high-resolution Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) microdisplays for the high definition television market. Hakala was promoted from his position of Chief Operating Officer, which he's held since September 2002. He is also chairman of the Board of Directors.
Chang Ryu selected as 2007 Young Observer (June 2007)
Chang Ryu, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, is one of six scientists chosen for the 2007 International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Young Observer Program.
K.V. Lakshmi Awarded DOE Grant for Basic Research on Solar Energy Utilization (May 2007)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $22.7 million in basic research projects aimed at improving the capture, conversion and use of solar energy.
Christopher Coates Selected to Attend the Third Annual Global Forum at the United Nations (May 2007)
Christopher Coates, an engineering sophomore performing research in the department of chemistry and chemical biology, will join 499 select other students and young professionals at the UN Headquarters in New York City from June 6-8, 2007 for ATHGO International’s Third Annual Global Forum, “Global Third Way: Becoming One with the Environment.”
Servoss, first Rensselaer woman to earn Ph.D., dies (May 2007)
Reva R. Servoss, 79, the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from Rensselaer, died on March 26, in Salt Lake City , as the result of an accident.
Separations Science: Nicole Hebert, Recent Chemistry Alumna, Featured in Top Trade Magazine (May 2007)
Nicole Hebert (BS, Chemistry, 1999) was proudly featured as a cover story in April issue of Chemical & Engineering News.
Middle School Students to Explore "Whodunit?" (April 2007)
Professor Sara McIntosh received a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant in the Chemical Sciences in the amount of $11,616. This grant was awarded for a proposed forensic science summer camp for middle school students "Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes" which will take place this summer at RPI.
Biochemistry Professor Wilfredo Colón is featured in ScienceCareers.org (April 2007)
Biochemistry Professor Wilfredo (Freddy) Colón is one of the featured scientists in ScienceCareers.org's minority science network.
Rensselaer Professor Leonard Interrante Named Inventor of the Year (February 2007)
The Eastern New York Intellectual Property Law Association (ENYIPLA) has awarded Leonard Interrante and Christopher Whitmarsh the 2007 Inventor of the Year Award for a patent that was integral to the development of Malta-based Starfire Systems Inc., a high-tech advanced materials manufacturer.
Professor Sara McIntosh received a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant in the Chemical Sciences (February 2007)
Professor Sara McIntosh received a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant in the Chemical Sciences in the amount of $11,616. This grant was awarded for a proposed forensic science summer camp for middle school students "Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes" which will take place this summer at RPI.
Novel Opioid Receptor Compounds Licensed to Alkermes (January 2007)
Mark Wentland, professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rensselaer, has led a team in the discovery of a family of novel opioid receptor compounds that may be used in treating central nervous system disorders and addiction.
Crivello Awarded ACS-PMSE Fellowship (January 2007)
Professor James Crivello has been selected to join the prestigious ranks of the Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering (PMSE) Fellows in 2007.
Out & About: Rensselaer Celebrates National Chemistry Week (November 2006)
In an effort to excite children and their families about science and technology, and encourage them to consider pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology, several programs in honor of National Chemistry Week were held for Capital Region students and on the Rensselaer campus Oct. 22-27.
Chemistry Professor Authors One of 10 Most Cited Articles in Macromolecules (October 2006)
An article by Chemistry professor Brian Benicewicz is one of 10 most-accessed articles from Macromolecules in April-June, 2006.
Alkermes and RPI Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Novel Drug (October 2006)
The biotech company Alkermes, Inc. and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute today announced they have entered into a license agreement granting Alkermes exclusive rights to a family of novel opioid receptor compounds discovered at Rensselaer.
Chemistry Faculty Awarded Grants (September 2006)
The Office of Research has announced the Chemistry research awards for April, May, and June 2006.
Rensselaer group wins CoEPrA regression competition (August 2006)
Comparative Evaluation of Prediction Algorithms (CoEPrA) is a world-wide competition where teams make predictions of the chemical and biological properties of small molecules and peptides. This year, there were two types of competitions – Classification and Regression. Curt Breneman, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, led a team that placed first in the Regression competition. Winners were announced on July 31.
Leonard Interrante visits China to give plenary lecture and to promote cooperation between U.S. and Chinese chemists. (August 2006)
Professor of Chemistry Leonard V. Interrante returned from a 10 day trip to China in July, which was sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications Division to enhance cooperation betweenn U.S. and Chinese chemists.
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.
Linda McGown Appointed Walker Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rensselaer (July 2006)
Linda McGown, professor and chair of chemistry and chemical biology, has been appointed the William Weightman Walker Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rensselaer. Established in 1905, the Walker Chair is one of the two oldest named professorships at Rensselaer.
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:
“Green” Plastics: Rensselaer Researchers Seek To Advance the Discovery and Design of Next-Generation Biodegradable Plastics (June 2006)
Researchers at Rensselaer are building the first comprehensive framework to advance the discovery and design of cost-effective biodegradable plastics. The aim of the research, funded by a $405,821 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), is to provide a foundation for developing the next generation of “green” plastics.
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Bestows Awards (May 2006)
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology conferred a series of awards and honors at their annual Commencement Luncheon on May 19, 2006.
Rensselaer Research Featured at American Chemical Society Meeting (April 2006)
From attaching DNA enzymes to nanotubes to simulating proteins under pressure, the work of 33 Rensselaer researchers was presented at the 231st American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting March 26-30 in Atlanta.
Heparin Prepared Synthetically Could Replace Animal-Derived Drug (February 2006)
Researchers at Rensselaer and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered an alternative way to produce heparin, a drug commonly used to stop or prevent blood from clotting. The findings could enable the current supply of the drug — now extracted from animal organ tissue — to be replaced or supplemented by the synthetic version. The new process also can be applied as a tool for drug discovery, according to the researchers.
Out and About: Biotechnology Graduate Students Present Posters (December 2005)
Rensselaer Ph.D. students enrolled in the new multidisciplinary course Perspectives in Biomolecular Science and Engineering presented their current thesis research Dec. 5 in the course’s inaugural poster session at the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Bystroff and Colon receive NSF Grant (October 2005)
Dr. Christopher Bystroff, Associate Professor of Biology and Dr. Wilfredo Colon, Associate Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology received a $381,576 two year grant from the NSF in support of their Structural Basis of Protein Kinetic Stability proposal.
New Tool To Study Elusive DNA Structure Could Help Reveal Better Understanding of Cancer, Diabetes (September 2005)
A Rensselaer researcher has developed a new tool to help unravel the function of an elusive DNA structure. The findings, which were presented at the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, D.C., could lead to a better understanding of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Dr. James Kempf joins the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (August 2005)
Dr. Kempf's primary area of expertise is nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, where his background in both experiment and theory dates from his doctoral study at Caltech and through his postdoctoral work on biomolecular systems at Yale.
Rensselaer Researchers Develop Approach That Predicts Protein Separation Behavior (August 2005)
Applying math and computers to the drug discovery process, researchers at Rensselaer have developed a method to predict protein separation behavior directly from protein structure. This new multi-scale protein modeling approach may reduce the time it takes to bring pharmaceuticals to market and may have significant implications for an array of biotechnology applications, including bioprocessing, drug discovery, and proteomics, the study of protein structure and function.
Thomas and Constance D’Ambra Endow $3 Million Chair in Chemistry at Rensselaer To Support Biotechnology Initiatives (August 2005)
Rensselaer recently announced that Thomas and Constance D'Ambra have made a $3 million commitment to endow a faculty chair in synthetic organic chemistry, in support of biotechnology initiatives at the Institute.
Middle and High School Students Participate in Rensselaer Pre-College Science Education Program (August 2005)
More than 30 middle and high school students from the Capital Region and California, considering careers in science and engineering, got a first-hand look at the field of the physical sciences during a new weeklong, pre-college science education program developed by Yvonne Akpalu, assistant professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rensselaer.
National Science Foundation Awards Rensselaer First-of-Its-Kind Grant for Fuel Cell Research Education (June 2005)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as part of its continued expansion of energy research, today announced a $4.8 million novel interdisciplinary program to train doctoral students in fuel cell science and engineering. The program is supported by a $3.2 million, first-of-its-kind fuel cell research education grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) combined with a $1.6 million investment by Rensselaer.
Professor Wait Honored With RAA Distinguished Service Award (June 2005)
Samuel Wait Jr. '53 was honored with the Rensselaer Alumni Association (RAA) Distinguished Service Award at the Reunion 2005 RAA Awards dinner June 10.
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Bestows Awards (May 2005)
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology conferred a series of awards and honors at their annual Commencement Luncheon on May 20, 2005.
Nalamasu Appointed as Vice President for Research at Rensselaer (April 2005)
Omkaram "Om" Nalamasu has been appointed as vice president for research at Rensselaer. "Dr. Nalamasu is well positioned to lead our universitywide effort to take research to the next level," said Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson in announcing the appointment. "He has respect for research work across the spectrum of academic disciplines at Rensselaer. He believes strongly that research at the interface of bio, nano, and information technologies, and entrepreneurship integrated with education, are the key ingredients for the success of a leading university."
Chang Ryu Selected to Receive NSF Career Award (January 2005)
Chang Ryu, assistant professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rensselaer, has been awarded a Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Ryu will use the projected five-year, $445,000 grant to explore new and improved techniques for separating and analyzing polymers, which are widely used as plastics. Ryu works with polymers in nano-sized pores to better understand the chemistry of these materials in the nanoscale environment.
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.
New Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Working To Strengthen Department (October 2004)
Linda McGown, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, joined Rensselaer this summer as the Institute works to strengthen the department's faculty and research.
Predicting New Medicines (June 2004)
Rensselaer researchers in computer science, chemistry, and mathematics have collaborated to create a software program capable of quickly identifying molecules that show promise for future medicines.
Microdialysis Technique May Help Implants Stay Put Longer (October 2003)
Julie Stenken, associate professor of analytical chemistry, has received a four-year, $750,000 grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) to develop a new technique to study the body’s reaction to implants at the cellular level.
Biochemist Builds "Designer Enzymes" (June 2002)
While other biochemists unravel the mysteries of natural enzymes, Christin Choma, associate professor of biochemistry, is attempting to design completely synthetic ones from scratch.
When Good Proteins Go Bad (June 2002)
The cause of Lou Gehrig’s Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS) has remained elusive since it brought down one of baseball’s greatest players 60 years ago.
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