ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS Spectrum will resume SPECTRUM publication on Friday,Jan. 12.

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY http://www.unirel.vt.edu/spectrum/ VOLUME 23 NUMBER 15 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2000 Fall Commencement activities set for December 15-16 By Heather McElrath Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and Virginia Tech will send approximately is also co-director of the Laboratory for Neuro- 1,000 fresh graduates out into the world the toxicity Studies. The lab is involved with re- weekend of December 15-16. search dealing with neurotoxicity and neuropa- The Graduate School Commencement thology associated with exposure to drugs and exercises are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. De- chemicals. cember 15 in Cassell Coliseum with Marion Ehrich came to Virginia Tech in 1976 as Ehrich as the guest speaker. Alumni Distin- a research associate in the Anaerobe Labora- guished Professor Art Buikema of the biol- tory. She became part of the Vet Med School in ogy department will speak at the under- 1980, when she also first became a diplomate of graduate ceremony at 10 a.m. December 16 the American Board of Toxicology and became in Cassell Coliseum. affiliated with the college’s Toxicology Diag- Buikema earned his Ph.D. in 1970 from nostic Laboratory. the University of Kansas has been teaching A total of 836 graduate students received at Virginia Tech since 1971, and has re- their degrees this fall/winter—663 master’s ceived many awards during his tenure at degrees, 23 doctors of education, and 150 Virginia Tech. His most recent award was Ph.D.’s. Of that number, 357 are expected to this September when he was given the Out- participate in the Graduate Commencement standing Biology Teacher of the Year Award ceremony—244 master’s degree recipients, 16 for his context-based learning strategy of doctors of education, and 97 Ph.D. degree re- teaching. He also received the 2000 XCaliber cipients Award for Course Development Using Tech- A reception for master’s, certificate-of- nology. advanced-graduate-study recipients, and doc- Winter Commencement exercises for this academic year are scheduled for The Graduate Commencement speaker, toral candidates and their guests will be held in the weekend of December 15-16. (J. McCormick) Ehrich, is a professor of biomedical sciences the ambulatory of Cassell Coliseum immedi- and pathobiology at the Virginia-Maryland ately following the ceremony. Digital library will offer easier access University By Lynn Nystrom for the executive in graduate school. Rahman’s focus is on the collections as- accepts Gator Imagine a one-stop shopping center for Saifur Rahman, director of Virginia Tech’s pect of the National Science, Mathematics, higher education. A place where you plug in Alexandria Research Institute (ARI), recently Engineering, and Technology Education Digi- your desired subject matter, possibly research received a $605,000 grant from the National tal Library (NSDL) project for NSF. Ultimately, Bowl bid literature on solar energy, and a digital library Science Foundation (NSF) to work with the the work will produce a host platform for edito- By Bryan Johnston overwhelms you with reading material. Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers rial content. New content will be easily posted The Virginia Tech athletics depart- The convenience that this on-line library (IEEE), the American Society for Engineering using standardized templates that the group ment has announced that the Hokie foot- could offer to graduate students, especially Education (ASEE), and Iowa State University designs. A process will be established for elec- ball team has accepted a bid to play in the part-time students who are not conveniently on an 18-month project to develop a Digital tronic review and validation of new materials. Toyota Gator Bowl. The Hokies will face located near a university campus, is exactly Library Network for Engineering and And a portal will be provided, allowing the Clemson on Jan. 1, 2001 at Alltel Stadium what the 45-year old executive needs. With Technology (DLNET). contents to be both posted and accessed. in Jacksonville. Kick-off is set for 12:30 the powerful needs today for continuing Rahman, also a professor of electrical and This portal, designed to meet the needs of p.m., and the game will be shown on education, especially in the technological computer engineering, and his colleagues will new users, will provide the gateway to educa- NBC. arena, time is a critical component. Full- create a network of digital libraries linking edu- tion and research materials published by uni- “We’re really excited about our oppor- time executives who take an on-line course, cational and research materials of university versities and professional associations in the tunity to go to the Gator Bowl and play a or travel to a satellite university campus, do faculty members. They will also provide a plat- various engineering disciplines including the really good Clemson football team,” said not have easy access to a college library. form for individual and institutional content IEEE. It will also provide the means to contrib- Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Frank Virginia Tech is one of a number of developers (from private industry and profes- ute new and relevant material efficiently and Beamer. “I’m proud of the fact that there are universities working to solve this problem sional associations) to post new materials. (See DIGITAL on 2) only six other teams who have gone to eight straight bowls and I’m proud of the fact that it’s a New Year’s Day bowl. This is a chance Space station to test Tech researcher’s work for us to be a top-five team and that’d be quite an accomplishment for this team con- By Lynn Nystrom ISS, one prominent goal is to develop the next without programming by humans. Hence, the sidering all of the injuries we’ve had this The first phase of the International Space generation of smart spacecraft, able to make technology is considered “smart.” year.” Station (ISS), the most complex engineering decisions and solve problems without human Launching a spacecraft subjects it to (See GATOR BOWL on 4) project in the history of mankind, was launched intervention. Included in these experiments are vibrations. The most severe oscillations are felt some two years ago. The United States and its several designed by Virginia Tech mechanical at the cones at the top of the rocket. And even 15 partners have embarked on what may turn engineering faculty member Don Leo and though they may not be catastrophic to the craft Provost Search Committee out to be the most difficult and expensive graduate research assistant Mark McEver. itself, these vibrations can damage the vehicle’s engineering project in history—building a Leo worked as a member of an Air Force instrumentation during its orbit, Leo said. This Holds Open Forum small city in space. research team that tackled this problem, and he problem has plagued NASA to varying degrees The Provost Search Committee will Under design for 15 years, NASA’s is also a member of Virginia Tech’s Center for during its space program. hold an open forum for the campus com- International Space Station will take at least Intelligent Material Systems and Structures. Leo’s work on this specific concern began munity on Wednesday, Jan. 17, to report five years and $50 billion to complete. When With McEver, now a doctoral candidate at in 1997 when he spent a summer working on a on the search process and to provide an finished, it will cover an area nearly as large Duke University, they developed specific program with the Air Force Office of Scientific opportunity for comment. The forum will as two football fields, end-to-end. mathematical formulas to reduce vibrations on Research (AFOSR). Leo and Air Force be in the Donaldson Brown auditorium at As experimentation takes place on the a spacecraft, and these formulas will function 4 p.m. (See SPACE on 4) 2 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2000 ACTIVITIES EVENTS Center for Interdisciplinary Studies Conference (Through Saturday, 30 Friday, 8 10-17): Call 1-8472 for information. Men’s Basketball, 2 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: High Point. Exams Begin. Women’s Network Luncheon, noon-1 p.m., El Guadalupe. Monday, 18 JANUARY Call Dianna Benton, 1-2375. Women’s Basketball, 7 p.m.: At Clemson. Men’s Basketball, 7 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: East Tennessee Monday, 1 Saturday, 9 State. New Years Holiday for Faculty and Staff. Women’s Basketball, 2 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: RU. University Chamber Music, 8 p.m., Squires Recital Salon: Wednesday, 20 Tuesday, 2 The Art of Bach. “With Good Reason,” 7 p.m., WVTF: Topic TBA New Years Holiday for Faculty and Staff. Men’s Basketball, 7:30 p.m.: At Mt. St. Mary’s. Sunday, 10 Wednesday, 3 University Chamber Music, 3 p.m., Squires Recital Salon: Thursday, 21 “With Good Reason,” 7 p.m., WVTF: Topic TBA The Art of Bach. Staff Senate, noon, 1810 Litton-Reaves. Women’s Basketball, 7 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: Notre Women’s Basketball, 7:35 p.m.: Old Dominion. Dame. Tuesday, 12 Men’s Basketball, 7:30 p.m.: At St. John’s. Faculty Senate, 7 p.m., 32 Pamplin. Friday, 22 DBHCC Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Holiday Buffet: State Offices Close at Noon. Saturday, 6 Call 1-5632 for reservations. Men’s Basketball, 2 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: vs. Villanova. Saturday, 23 Wednesday, 13 Men’s Basketball, 2 p.m.: At UT Chattanooga. Sunday, 7 “With Good Reason,” 7 p.m., WVTF: Topic TBA Women’s Basketball, 4 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: Miami. Monday, 25 Thursday, 14 Christmas Holiday for Faculty and Staff. Monday, 8 Exams End. International-Student Orientation Begins: Call 1-6527 Staff Senate Reunion, noon, 1810 Litton Reaves. Tuesday, 26 for information. Christmas Holiday for Faculty and Staff. Friday, 15 Tuesday, 9 Salary and Wage Paydate. Wednesday, 27 ULD Training Program, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., DBHCC rooms Graduate Commencement, 2:30 p.m., Cassell Coliseum. “With Good Reason,” 7 p.m., WVTF: Topic TBA D, E: 1-7627 to register. International Graduation Reception, 11 a.m. Cranwell Center. Thursday, 28 Wednesday, 10 Philosophy Conference, (Through 12-16): Call 1-8472 for Women’s Basketball, 7:30 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: UNC CEUT Winter Workshop, (Through 1-11): Call 1-4254 information. Asheville. to register. “With Good Reason,” 7 p.m., WVTF: Topic TBA. Saturday, 16 Friday, 29 Men’s Basketball, 7 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: Miami. Fall Commencement, 10 a.m., Cassell Coliseum. Salary and Wage Paydate. DBHCC Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Graduation Luncheon: Women’s Basketball, 5:30 or 7:30 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: Friday, 12 Call 1-5632 for reservations. Maine or Marshall. Lee-Jackson Day Holiday for Staff.

BULLETINS Diversity Summit registration available CEUT holds winter workshop Jan. 17 in 110 Burruss at 4 p.m. Application materials and The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of the Vice CEUT’s annual winter workshop will take place in selection procedures are available in the Office of the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs will hold the Fourth Annual Torgersen Hall January 10-11. The focus is academic integrity President for Student Affairs, 112 Burruss, and in the Student Diversity Summit on Monday, Jan. 15 from 5-8 p.m. in Owens at Virginia Tech, and the intended audience includes members Activities Office, 319 Squires. Applications are also available on Banquet Hall. Initiated three years ago on Martin Luther King of the faculty, academic and student-affairs administrators, the Student Affairs home page at http://www.vpsa.vt.edu/bovrep. Jr.’s birthday, this event provides an opportunity to reflect on and student leaders. Texas A&M University’s William Kibler The application deadline is 5 p.m., January 22. the university’s progress toward becoming a more inclusive will be the conference speaker. The workshop will include and welcoming community. This year, in response to review of the honor system at Virginia Tech, discussion of case Philosophy conference to honor Grene suggestions from last year’s participants, people can register as studies on academic integrity, and mini-workshops on “Between History and Philosophy: In Honor of Marjorie a community/group/organization or as an individual. To register, encouraging academic integrity among Tech students and Grene’s 90th Birthday” will be held December 15-16 in 113 contact Barbara Pendergrass at [email protected]. faculty members. To register, visit the CEUT web site at McBryde, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and at 9 a.m. Sunday. CEUT.vt.edu, send an e-mail to [email protected], or call 1-4254. Grene is a renowned philosopher and author, as well as the International-Student Orientation January 8 subject of a volume in the series Life of The Living Philosopher. International-Student Orientation activities for the spring Student representatives sought for BOV The conference will include presentations on a variety of topics semester will be held Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Jan. 19. Applications are being solicited for the position of student Grene has worked with in the past, and she will conclude the A mandatory orientation session will be held Saturday, Jan. 13 representative to the Board of Visitors for 2001-02. Two event by offering response and criticism. This event is free and from 9 a.m.-noon in Squires Brush Mountain Room. Most positions will be open: one for an undergraduate and one for a open to the public. For information, contact Mordechai Feingold other activities will be held in Cranwell International Center. graduate student. Faculty and staff members are urged to at 1-8472, or visit web site http://www.phil.vt.edu/events/ Contact 1-6527, or visit www.uusa.vt.edu/cranwell for announce these positions to students who might be interested grene90.htm. information. in applying. An information meeting will be held on Wednesday, DIGITAL Reminder to Employees about Leave and Holidays Continued from 1 Annual Leave family leave remaining. These hours will not carry over into quickly. Any annual leave earned between Dec. 25, 2000 and Jan. leave-year 2001. The cut-off date is January 10, at which time Rahman’s goal is to facilitate the life-long learning of 9, 2001 is part of leave-year 2000. Employees who are ap- the new allocations for family and personal leave, sick leave engineering faculty members, practicing engineers. and technical proaching their maximum carry-over should work with their and school leave for the new leave year will be effective. professionals through digital libraries. Ultimately, DLNET can supervisor to schedule time off soon to avoid losing those be extended to include materials published by commercial pub- hours. The 2000 leave year is from Jan. 10, 2000 to Jan. 9, Upcoming Holiday Schedule lishing houses. 2001. This year the holidays are a half day Friday, Dec. 22; and More information will be available at www.dlnet.vt.edu, full days Monday, Dec. 25; Tuesday, Dec. 26; and Monday and currently under construction. This is the first digital-library Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) Tuesday, Jan. 1 and 2, 2001. Employees and supervisors project in engineering at Virginia Tech. NSF is spending $15 There may be a number of employees under the Virginia should consider these additional days when scheduling and million this year on digital-library grants. In fiscal year 2001, the Sickness and Disability Program who have personal and managing leave. budgeted amount increases to $25 million. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2000 SPECTRUM 3 EMPLOYMENT

Computer Systems Engineer, 006991J, Operating Systems Analyst, 000871L, Pay Housekeeping Worker, W022490H, Pay CLASSIFIED POSITIONS Pay Band 5, RGS. Band 5, Computing Center. Band 1, RDP. Computer Systems Engineer, 007691T, Photocopy Assistant, 001738F, Pay Band Housekeeping Worker, W020214J, Pay The following classified positions are cur- Pay Band 5, ESM. 2, Library. Band 1, Health Center. rently available. More details of these positions, Computer Systems Engineer, 001894T, Public Relations Specialist, 007685T, Pay Housekeeping Worker, W020574G, Pay specific application procedures and position- Pay Band 5, CS. Band 4, ME. Band 1, DBHCC. closing dates may be found on the Personnel Data Warehouse Architect, 006930L, Pay Return to Work Coordinator, 007695R, ILL Assistant, W023177F, Pay Band 2, Services web site at http://www.ps.vt.edu. Avail- Band 5, ISC. Pay Band 5, Personnel Services. University Libraries/ILL. able positions are also listed on the Job Line, a Database/Application Development Spe- Security Lead Guard (Parking Enforce- Laboratory Technician Senior, 24-hour recorded message service. For infor- cialist, 007230R, Pay Band 5, RGS. ment Off.), W020119G, Pay Band 1, Parking W020627T, Pay Band 2, Chemistry. mation on all job listings, call 1-5300. Some of Development Associate for Student Call- Services. Office Services Assistant, W020838M, the following positions include state benefits. ing Program, 007628L, Pay Band 3, University Smart Road/Travel Shenandoah Dis- Pay Band 2, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Positions with numbers beginning with a “W” are Development. patcher Supervisor, 007698R, Pay Band 3, VTTI. Office Services Specialist, W023146M, hourly and do not include state benefits. Indi- Director, Gift Accounting/Constituent Software Developer, 007690T, Pay Band Pay Band 2, Agricultural Education. viduals with disabilities desiring assistance or Record Management, 001540L, Pay Band 5, 5, ESM. Overnight ICU Vet Technician, accommodation in the application process University Development. Soil Analyst/Spectroscopist, 006636M, W022218M, Pay Band 2, Veterinary Teaching should call by the application deadline. Closing Dishwash, 002947H, Pay Band 1, RDP/ Pay Band 4, CSES. Hospital. date for advertised positions is 1 p.m. Monday. Shultz Dining Center. Sous Chef, 000940H, Pay Band 3, RDP/ Postal Assistant/Sorter, W023181A, Pay An EO/AA employer committed to diversity. Editor, Virginia Tech Magazine, 000654L, Southgate Bake Shop. Band 2, University Mail Services. FULL TIME Pay Band 5, University Relations/Outreach Com- Special Projects/Utilities Crew, 000216H, Radiologic Technologist, W022412M, Academic Certification Specialist, munications. Pay Band 1, RDP. Pay Band 3, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. 000044R, Pay Band 3, University Registrar. Editor/Communications Coordinator, Systems Analyst, 007343L, Pay Band 6, Radiologic Technologist, W022238J, Accounting Associate, 000160H, Pay 007681G, Pay Band 5, OIRD. ISC. Pay Band 3, Health Center. Band 3, RDP/Business Services. Electrician, 007565G, Pay Band 3, Physi- Web/Office Assistant, 003132T, Pay Band Security Guard, W020470G, Pay Band 2, Administrative Assistant, 002811R, Pay cal Plant. 3, Biology. Police. Band 3, Executive Vice President. Electronics Technician, 007656J, Pay PART TIME Security Guard, W0204704G, Pay Band Administrative Associate, 006519L, Pay Band 4, VTTI. Administrative Assistant, W023180A, Pay 1, Police. Band 3, University Development. Enrollment Services Specialist, 001311R, Band 2, CNS. Storekeeper, W022291J, Pay Band 2, Administrative Associate, 007701L, Pay Pay Band 3, Graduate School. Admissions Plans/Clearances Team Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Band 3, University Development. Executive Chef, 000266H, Pay Band 4, Member, 001248R, Pay Band 2, Graduate School. Switchboard Operator, W022101A, Pay Administrative Associate, 002202L, Pay RDP/Shultz Dining Center. Animal Care Tech B, W022914J, Pay Band Band 2, CNS. Band 3, University Development. Executive Secretary Senior, 007696R, Pay 2, CVM. OFF CAMPUS Admissions Plans/Clearances Team Band 3, University Special Initiatives Office. Animal Care Technician A, W022675M, 4-h Program Assistant, 006652M, Pay Member, 001534R, Pay Band 3, Graduate Extension Coordinator, Field Services Pay Band 1, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Band 3, VCE—Culpeper. School. Support, 005596M, Pay Band 5, VCE. Animal Care Technician A, W022563M, Announcer of Classical Music, 001702L, Animal Care Supervisor, 006998J, Pay Fiscal Coordinator, 002424M, Pay Band 3, Pay Band 1, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Pay Band 3, WVTF. Band 4, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Biochemistry. Animal Care Technician A, W022155J, Enrollment Program Assistant, 002091J, Animal Care Technician, 002281T, Pay Fiscal Technician, 007697R, Pay Band 3, Pay Band 1, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Pay Band 3, Northern Virginia Center. Band 3, Biology. CTR. Animal Care Technician B, W020556M, Radio Announcer, W020800L, Pay Band Animal Care Technician, 002617M, Pay Four full-time food-service positions available. Pay Band 2, College of Veterinary Medicine. 3, University Relations/WVTF Radio. Band 2, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Honor System Operations Manager, Application Processor, W022876R, Pay Radio Reporter/News Anchor, 007689L, Animal Care Technician, 007617M, Pay 007648R, Pay Band 3, Undergraduate Honor Band 3, Undergraduate Admissions. Pay Band 4, University Relations/WVTF Radio. Band 2, Veterinary Medicine Experiment Sta- System—Provost. Assistant to College Alumni Coordina- Television Systems Engineer, 007106R, tion. Housekeeping Worker, P002005C, Pay tor, W023173L, Pay Band 2, CVM. Pay Band 4, Virginia Tech Roanoke Center. Applications Analyst, 002725L, Pay Band Band 1, Physical Plant. Audiovisual Technician, W023110T, Pay Underwriting Account Executive, 6, AIS. Housekeeping Worker, 001631G, Pay Band 2, Registrar. 001963L, Pay Band 3, WVTF. Assistant Manager, 006522H, Pay Band Band 1, DBHCC. Banquet/Setup (Foa-b), W022143G, Pay 3, RDP/Dietrick Express. Housekeeping Worker Senior, 002745H, Band 1, DBHCC. FACULTY POSITIONS Automotive Technician, 000603R, Pay Pay Band 1, RDP. Bus Driver, W023140R, Pay Band 1, Motor Band 3, Motor Pool. Housekeeping Worker Senior, 006926H, Pool. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL Banquet Manager (Food Operations Pay Band 1, RDP. Computer Network Support Tech, VCE. Extension Agent, Agriculture/ Manager Assistant), 001118G, Pay Band 3, Human Resource Specialist, 002499R, Pay W023174G, Pay Band 4, Police. Natural Resources, Environmental Horticul- DBHCC. Band 4, Personnel Services. Data Entry Operator, W022875R, Pay Band ture (re-advertisement). #FA759, Stafford Co. Business Development Director, Interpreter for Deaf, 007472J, Pay Band 3, 2, Undergraduate Admissions. Contact: Steve Umberger, 122 Hutcheson 007568T, Pay Band 5, ECE/MPRRG. Dean of Students. Delivery Driver, W022337A, Pay Band 1, (0437). Review begins December 21. Center for Alternative Media Assistant, Lab Specialist, 001972M, Pay Band 3, CVM/ Printing Services. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Exten- 002197F, Pay Band 2, University Libraries/ MDL—Academic Affairs. Enrollment Services Assistant, sion Agent, Agriculture/Natural Resources, (CAM). Mail Clerk, 006959R, Pay Band 2, Under- W023172F, Pay Band 3, Business. Commercial Horticulture (re-advertisement). Computer Operations Technician Se- graduate Admissions. Fiscal Assistant, W023128M, Pay Band 2, #FA676, Southampton Co. Contact: Steve nior, 001054L, Pay Band 3, Test Scoring. Medical Technologist, 002596J, Pay Band Animal/Poultry Sciences. Umberger, 122 Hutcheson (0437). Review be- 4, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Flight Instructor, W023153R, Pay Band 4, gins December 21. Office Assistant, 007677T, Pay Band 2, Airport. Center for Academic Enrichment/Ex- VBI. Three part-time food-service positions avail- cellence. Director. Contact: David Ford, 330 Office Manager/Administrative Assistant, able. Burruss (0132). Review begins January 5. 000089T, Pay Band 3, ChemE.

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE INIVERSITY Spectrum, a faculty-staff tabloid, is published each Friday during the academic year, with the exception of Tech faculty, staff members set international-education standards certain holidays, exam weeks, and the summer. Copy deadline is noon Friday. No advertising is accepted. By Jeanne M. Garon 1,400 international students and almost 200 Continuing Education, the ELI offers indi- Spectrum is a non-profit publication of the Office of viduals the opportunity to meet personal, aca- University Relations: Lawrence G. Hincker, associate vice As Virginia Tech expands its global reach international faculty members representing more president for University Relations; David Nutter, associate and continues to assimilate hundreds of new than 90 different countries. ELI and Cranwell demic, and professional goals through inten- director for Public Affairs. international students and faculty members at its have played important roles in orienting sive English language study at Virginia Tech. ELI serves international students and faculty Editor campuses each year, Tech’s English Language international members of our community while John Ashby, 1-6961 Institute (ELI) and its collaborators are poised to enabling them to enrich our campus by members with every aspect of their participa- support and enhance the university’s international participating more fully in it than they might tion in university life, from matriculating to Assistant Editor bettering their listening, speaking, socializing, Kimberly Richards-Thomas, 1-8538 efforts. otherwise.” In invited presentations at the annual Region ELI staff members Kieran Hilu and Josie reading, writing, cultural literacy, and techni- Production Manager VIII Conference of NAFSA, the Association of Cochran presented “Explicit Study Skills cal literacy skills. The Cranwell Center has, Melinda Shaver, 1-8524 International Educators, ELI and Cranwell Instruction in an Intensive English Program.” since 1985, provided Tech’s international com- Business Manager International Center staff members led an eight- Cranwell International Center Director Kim munity with programs and services, a network 1-8819 member team from Tech which helped set Beisecker teamed with Cranwell staff member of resources and referrals, and a variety of educational, professional, and social functions. Letters to the editor and questions for "Ask Spectrum" standards for international education. The team, David Deshler, Drowne, and ELI staff member should be addressed to the editor, 105 Media Building, which included Courtney Stewart, a graduate Aniseh Ghadari for a forum on “Justifying, The National Association of Foreign Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. student in curriculum and instruction, and Lee Implementing, and Evaluating a Multifaceted Student Advisors, now called NAFSA: Electronic Spectrum: http://www.unirel.vt.edu/spec- Drowne of Undergraduate Admissions presented Support Program for Newly Matriculated Association of International Educators, trum/ Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employ- in Richmond on November 15-18. International Students.” “Implementing and promotes the exchange of students and scholars ees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, “It is no surprise that Tech’s ELI and Evaluating an IEP Conversation Partner/ to and from the U.S., sets and upholds standards gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran sta- Cranwell International Center and their partners Volunteer Program” was the subject of of good practice, and provides professional tus, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Any- one having questions concerning discrimination or ac- are helping their counterparts at peer institutes presentations by Stewart and ELI Director Judy education and training that strengthen cessibility regarding the programs described in this news- raise the bar on working with international Snoke. institutional programs and services related to paper should contact the Equal Opportunity Affirmative students and faculty members,” Interim Provost Organized in 1992 under the Division of international educational exchange. Action Office: 540-231-7500 (v), 540-231-9460 (TTY). Jim Bohland said. “Tech is home to more than 4 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2000 CVC WINNER IN OTHER NEWS New buckyballs have fused pentagons By Susan Trulove lar cluster of four atoms,” Dorn said. enough for publication. So Virginia Tech un- Virginia Tech chemists and colleagues at “The filled C80 nanosphere has become dergraduate student Greg Rice and Emory and several institutions reported in the November 23 an important material in nanotechnology de- Henry College visiting scholar Jim Duchamp issue of Nature that they have created a family vices being developed at the university,” Dorn were able to make about a half of a milligram of of fullerene molecules that break the sacrosanct said. “Now, the linked pentagons will help us the material. isolated-pentagon rule (“A stable non-classical understand defects in fullerenes and nanotubes,” “We tried to get a crystal structure, but that metallo-fullerene family”). explains Dorn. “The metal atoms stabilize the hasn’t worked yet,” says Dorn. “So we con- Since the carbon clusters known as defect. Our study of this new family of materi- tacted Patrick Fowler of the University of Exeter, fullerenes, or buckyballs, were discovered in als will help us understand where and when who did a theoretical study. He used computer 1985, the only stable structure has consisted of defects occur.” He said the new molecule can modeling to determine that of 6,332 ways to even numbers of carbon atoms linking to form also be used as new nano-material building assemble fullerenes, only 11 structures agreed pentagons isolated from each other by hexagons blocks that incorporate a variety of other lan- with our data, and only one structure was stable.” to form a spherical cage. Now, a team of re- thanide metals, such as holmium, gadolinium, Once the structure had been identified, the searchers has created a fullerene with pentagons and erbium. experimentalists could prove they could isolate Karen Roberto that share one side—looking like an angular The Virginia Tech researchers discovered the new fullerene they had created, recreate it, figure eight. that they had created the rule-breaking metallo- and change it. The first C68 cage contained Virginia Tech Chemistry Professor Harry scandium, which is used because it is easy to Karen Roberto, director of the Center fullerene when they conducted a detailed study C. Dorn said the new molecule is possible be- track with an NMR. The Virginia Tech re- for Gerontology, has won a Robert of the same mixtures that yielded the first cause of an earlier discovery by the university’s searchers created a family of C68 endohedral Tuckwiller limited-edition print donated metallo-fullerenes. researchers, reported in Nature last year (Sept. In the spring of 1999, having already dis- metallo-fullerenes by inserting other metals. by the Alumni Association. Her name was 2, 1999). The chemists discovered a way to put covered that nitrogen will allow metal atoms to They are now able to create large, pure quanti- drawn from those who submitted four metal atoms inside a fullerene of 80 carbon be inserted into fullerenes, post-doctoral fellow ties of C68 with rare-earth atom clusters. Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign atoms (C80), creating endohedral metallo- Steve Stevenson (now at Luna Innovations) Authors of the article in Nature (A stable pledge cards to Gloria Smith through fullerenes (metal inside buckyballs). The new noticed an unexplained peak in the mass spec- non-classical metallo-fullerene family) are November 27. Prizes remaining include a structure has only 68 carbon atoms, which are trometry of the metallo-fullerenes and isolated Stevenson, Fowler, T. Heine of the Universita weekend night plus breakfast for two at the stabilized by the three metal atoms. it for NMR analysis by Virginia Tech graduate di Bologna, Duchamp, Rice, Virginia Tech ana- Hotel Roanoke. The three metal atoms have a nitrogen Roy Bible (now at Searle). NMR indicated the lytical chemists Tom Glass and Kim Harich, To receive CVC materials, contact atom core. “It is truly remarkable that a cage of new structure, but that one source wasn’t proof Elizabeth Hajdu and Bible at Searle, and Dorn. Smith at 1-7810 or [email protected]. only 68 carbon atoms can encapsulate a molecu- ICSRC assists state school divisions with technology management principals, teachers and special-education By Beth Bottom training to focus on technology needs peculiar to solving.” teachers. The ICSRC teamed with Longwood Virginia Tech’s Institute for Connecting their school division. Particular emphasis is on ICSRC has now completed initial TMSL College’s Institute for Teaching through Science Research to the Classroom (ICSRC) is using appropriate, discipline-specific technologies professional development for school leaders in Technology and Innovative Practices to conduct reaching out to school leaders across the state to to improve student achievement; developing selected districts. The information provided to a series of five two-day workshops. help them better manage technology in their acceptable-use policies, finding connectivity them, including a comprehensive TMSL training “The training sessions were very well schools. The Technology Management for solutions, developing hardware distribution and manual, will enable them to conduct further received by the local school leaders,” said ICSRC School Leaders (TMSL) training series focuses migration strategies, using cost/benefits analysis technology-management training in their schools Associate Director John Wenrich. “This is an on helping school administrators develop a in growing LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN and reach an even broader range of education area where they really wanted to gain a better knowledge base concerning instructional (Wide Area Network), and formulating evaluative professionals who work with technology. understanding of how to manage technology technology-related issues that extend student questions for selecting school management In addition to the information provided by within the school building.” learning and support state and national packages, hardware, software and network ICSRC during these on-site workshops, school technology standards. The TMSL professional development uses solutions. leaders can augment what they have learned a problem-based inquiry method that draws upon Since September, the ICSRC, coordinated “In most schools today, technology is about technology management by referring to a real-life scenarios to generate discussion among through Virginia Tech’s College of Human approached as a doctor approaches a heart-attack continuously updated web site containing a series school leaders. Resources and Education, has conducted TMSL patient. The doctor repairs the heart, then tells the of eight interactive modules. Information “By using the unique TMSL scenario professional-development sessions for 136 patient how to avoid another heart attack,” said fundamental to making cost-effective, approach, the school leaders were able to interact school leaders in Virginia School ICSRC Director Joy Colbert. “The smart way to instructionally sound decisions related to in appropriate discussions without implicating Superintendents Regions 1, 2, 6, and 8. approach the situation is for the patient to live a instructional technologies is made available by possible problems found locally in divisions,” Participants in these sessions include school- lifestyle that will avoid a heart attack. This should ICSRC on line at www.tmsl.org. Wenrich said. board members, superintendents, technology be the approach to technology in the schools. Initial TMSL program development was These scenarios help the participants in the directors, curriculum directors, finance officers, Develop strategies for preventive problem- sponsored by Bell Atlantic.

GATOR BOWL SPACE summer to continue working on this effort. suppress unwanted motion. If MACE II software Continued from 1 Continued from 1 In 1998, the Air Force decided to enhance can control deliberately induced vibrations, its research efforts in this area, putting together typical to spacecraft systems, then it will be an Virginia Tech finished the regular season Research Laboratory (AFRL), colleagues two teams to work on an experiment called important contribution in the eventual design of 10-1 while the Tigers finished 9-2. Tech and investigated ways to reduce vibrations of space MACE II—Middeck Active Control self-reliant spacecraft able to “think” through Clemson met a year ago at Blacksburg with the structures and noise control for payload Experiment Reflight. MACE II is a hardware/ and solve problems without human intervention. Hokies winning, 31-11. This will be the 28th fairings—the shrouds on the top of the rockets software package that will independently learn “Our role,” Leo said, “was to develop meeting between the two schools. Clemson that protect the payloads during the first few to control vibration-reduction technologies to control algorithms that could be tested in orbit. leads the series, 17-9-1. minutes of launch. He returned the following We focused on the development of algorithms This marks the third trip for the Hokies to that were autonomous. No ground personnel the Gator Bowl. Tech is 0-2 in the Gator Bowl. would interact with the decision-making process Tech fell to Tennessee, 45-23, in the 1994 once the craft left the launching pad.” Gator Bowl, which was played in Gainesville, The creation of MACE II follows MACE Fla. The Hokies fell to North Carolina, 42-3, in I, software that was used to test spacecraft while the Gator Bowl following the 1997 season. they were still on the ground. MACE II now “We’re very proud to be playing in the eliminates the ground program, and Gator Bowl,” said Virginia Tech quarterback consequently, the additional costs of testing on Michael Vick. “They wanted us and we’re glad the ground. to get the invite. It’s going to be a great game Leo said the algorithms he and McEver between two great teams and we’re looking to developed will be some of the first experiments put on a great show.” tested on the international space station. The Tickets orders may be placed by stopping space station’s construction site is 250 miles by the Cassell Coliseum Ticket Office or by

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