TODAY’S EDITION See page 4 for an article on a PECTRUM possible malaria S breakthrough.

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY http://www.spectrum.vt.edu VOLUME 25 NUMBER 6 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2002 Restructuring efforts under way; more to follow Tech a leader By Mercedes Meeks Hospitality and Tourism Management moved not change.” In its effort to move into the ranks of from the College of Human Resources and In other restructuring activity, a new School in new aerospace America’s top-30 research institutions, the Education into the Pamplin College of Business. of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has university has begun implementing the re- The Design Consortium, established by been formed. “This school adds another institute structuring plan approved by the Board of the Colleges of Human Resources, Architecture dimension. Not only do you have departments By Liz Crumbley Visitors in June. and Urban Studies, and Arts and Sciences in from different colleges, which are formerly Virginia Tech and the University of Four departments became affiliated with 1994, has moved together under one umbrella from the College of Engineering and the College Virginia are the leaders of a consortium new colleges on July 1. The Department of college—Architecture and Urban Studies. The of Veterinary Medicine, now Wake Forest selected by NASA to create the National Art and Art History moved from the College consortium consists of programs in apparel University’s medical school is also a partner,” Institute of Aerospace (NIA), a research- of Arts and Sciences to the College of design, architecture, art and art history, interior Merola said. “It is expected that this school will and-education collaboration with a potential Architecture and Urban Studies. The Interior design, landscape architecture, and theatre arts. grow participation from many of the science value of $379 million in grants over the next Design Program moved from the College of “To most students we hope that the changes departments.” 20 years. Human Resources and Education to the are relatively transparent,” said Joe Merola, Changes in the College of Arts and Sciences “The NIA will be a world-class insti- College of Architecture and Urban Studies. senior administrative fellow for restructuring. are next on the horizon. The largest college tute,” said Malcolm McPherson, interim dean The Department of Communication Studies “There are obviously many students who will within the university will become two new of the College of Engineering. “Our consor- moved from the College of Arts and Sciences report to a different dean for certain colleges. One will be a college of sciences, yet tium will team with the NASA Langley to the College of Human Resources and administrative issues, but beyond that the to be named; the other will be a college of arts, Research Center in Hampton to do the most Education. And the Department of student’s interaction with the department should (See RESTRUCTURING on 3) advanced aerospace and atmospheric re- search, develop new technologies for the nation and help inspire the next generation Police ticketing careless pedestrians on campus of scientists and engineers.” Other university members of the Na- Improving pedestrian safety is and has tional Institute of Aerospace Associates con- always been a priority for the Virginia Tech sortium are the American Institute of Aero- Police Department (VTPD). In a policy insti- nautics and Astronautics Foundation, Geor- tuted October 1, pedestrians will be ticketed gia Tech, North Carolina State University, for crossing any street on campus in a care- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical less manner. A careless manner is defined as State University, and University of Mary- walking out into the street without looking, land-College Park. thereby causing cars to stop. The ticket will The bulk of the work in preparing the carry a $30 fine plus $47 in court costs. successful proposal was carried out by a Officers will be posted at high-traffic areas writing team with members from each of the such as Washington Street, around the seven partner institutions and chaired by Drillfield, Perry Street and in front of Walter O’Brien, head of Virginia Tech’s McBryde. Department of Mechanical Engineering. “Dr. This decision is only a small part of the O’Brien and his team did a truly outstanding changes that have been made on campus in an job,” McPherson said. effort to improve pedestrian safety after a The Virginia Tech engineering college student was struck by a car near Lee Hall on and the University of Virginia School of Washington Street in April. Engineering and Applied Science led the The VTPD will be enforcing Code of consortium in vying for leadership of the Virginia laws (46.2-923 and 46.926) that NIA through a competitive process initiated deal with pedestrian offenses. The code states by NASA in 2001. Their competitors in- that “when crossing highways, pedestrians Virginia Tech Police Department officers were on duty at intersections this week as the new cluded other universities in Virginia and (See POLICE on 2) policy went into effect. (R.Griffiths) from throughout the U.S. (J. McCormick) The NIA will be located near NASA Langley. The strategic partnership will fos- ter research in revolutionary aerospace sys- Navy to use Tech’s remote-control excavator tems, planetary capture-and-entry technol- By Anne Fowler ogy, aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, A team of Virginia Tech mechanical and acoustics; structures and materials, air- engineering (ME) students, working with borne systems, atmospheric and vehicle sen- Texas-based National Instruments Corp., sor system technology, and atmospheric the U.S. Navy and Case Construction Equip- The chemistry and radiation sciences. ment, has developed a remote-control excavator Ultimately, research in these areas could method for operating an excavator that will in action, lead to improved weather forecasting and dig for ordnance at the Naval Surface War- with no better understanding of climate changes, fare Center in Dahlgren. operator in (See TECH on 3) Thanks to the remote-control technique, the cab. a Navy operator will work from inside the Bonds on the safety of a shielded trailer 1,000 yards from (M. Kiernan) the excavation site. Ballot The students modified LabVIEW soft- ware developed by National Instruments to November 5 enable the excavator’s operator to manipu- late the machine’s two dual-axis joystick Register to Vote controls via the Internet. Meanwhile, the operator can observe by October 7. (See NAVY on 4) 2 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2002 ACTIVITIES Torgersen. Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, 3 to 4 p.m., 110 EVENTS Faculty Development Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m., 1120 Holden: Laurie Locascio. Friday, 4 Torgersen. Geological Sciences, 3:30 p.m., 4069 Derring: Rick Last Day to Drop. Law. International Club Program, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Cranwell Wednesday, 9 MSE, 3:30 p.m., 100 Hancock: Jennifer Franklin and Center. Faculty Development Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, 1120 Guofeng Bai. Torgersen History Faculty Research, 3:30 to 5 p.m., 427 Major Saturday, 5 Family, Work/Life Resources Program, noon to 1 p.m., Williams: Dan Thorpe. VT Open House. DBHCC room C. STS, 4 p.m., 132 Lane: Joe Pitt. Chamber Music, 8 p.m., Blacksburg Presbyterian YMCA Noon Slide Show, noon, Cranwell Center. Church. “With Good Reason,” 7 p.m., WVTF. Monday, 7 YMCA Hike, 9 a.m. YMCA parking lot. Biochemistry, 4 p.m., 223 Engel: Mary F. Roberts, Thursday, 10 Boston College. Sunday, 6 Faculty Development Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, 3060 Horticulture, 4 p.m., 409 Saunders: Jonathan Watkinson. VT Open House. Torgersen. Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Squires Recital Salon. Faculty Development Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m., 1120 Tuesday, 8 Torgersen. Monday, 7 Service-Learning Center, 12:30 p.m., DBHCC: Heather Women Faculty Research Series, 4 to 5:30 p.m., DBHCC. Switzer. University Council meets, 3 to 5 p.m., 1045 Pamplin. Football, 7:45 p.m.: at Boston College. ESPN. Faculty Development Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Squires Old Dominion Ball- Wednesday, 9 1120 Torgersen. room. Faculty Development Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m., 1120 OIRD/Political Science, noon to 1:30 p.m., 527 Major Williams: Marc Barany. Torgersen. Friday, 11 Faculty Development Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m., 3060 International Club Program, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Cranwell Torgersen. Friday, 11 Center. MCBB, 12:20 to 1:10 p.m., Fralin auditorium: Channe Tuesday, 8 Gowda, Penn State. Leadership Development Workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, SEMINARS Geological Sciences, 3:30 p.m., 4069 Derring: Clark Johnson, University of Wisconsin. DBHCC room C. Friday, 4 Faculty Development Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, MSE, 3:30 p.m., 100 Hancock: Richard J. Matyi, Quan- MCBB, 12:20 to 1:10 p.m., Fralin auditorium: Jeff Dangl, tum Metrology Group, NIST. 1120 UNC—Chapel Hill. Faculty Development Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m., 3060 BULLETINS

MAP MURI to sponsor plenary lectures sylvania State University, Department of Materials Science and Grad student to speak on AIDS in Africa The Macromolecular Architecture for Performance Engineering, Geoffrey W. Coates from Cornell University, De- Natural-resources grad student Marc Barany will speak on (MAP) Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative partment of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and Donald J. Leo “The AIDS Plague in Africa—Some Research Needs and (MURI) will sponsor a session of three plenary lectures from from Virginia Tech, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Contributions from the Natural Resources Sector” on 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, in 3 Davidson Hall. For more information, contact Cheryl L. Heisey, 1-3329, Wednesday, Oct. 9, from noon to 1 p.m. in 527 Major Williams. The lectures will focus on the synthesis and properties of ([email protected]). This talk is part of the Office of International Research and functional macromolecules. The session is open to the univer- Development Lecture Series on International Development. sity community and will feature Ralph H. Colby from Penn- Virginia Tech to celebrate anniversary of Clean Water Act By Susan Trulove the boundaries of the Stroubles Creek water- Load (TMDL) process. The Clean Water Act Pond gazebo. The sign, designed by Phi Sigma The Clean Water Act, which was signed shed. According to Tamim Younos, Water requires developing a TMDL plan for impaired Pi Honor Society members and the Water Cen- into law in 1972, aims to restore and maintain Center interim director and project leader for waters—that is, waters that do not meet estab- ter interns in collaboration with the University the nation’s water quality. During the week of the initiative, the program provides an excel- lished water-quality standards. Architect Office, introduces the watershed and October 14-19, the Water Resources Research lent opportunity for students and faculty mem- The third Annual Stroubles Creek Water- Duck Pond features. Educational events related Center at Virginia Tech will celebrate the 30th bers to think globally and act locally. Since shed Forum will be held on Friday, Oct. 18. to water protection are planned in the Duck anniversary of the Clean Water Act with a 1999, more than 20 graduate and undergradu- Students will present assessment results for the Pond area for citizens. focus on the Stroubles Creek watershed and the ate students have participated in the program. Stroubles Creek corridor land use, associated The events are sponsored by the Water Duck Pond. Highlights of the planned events during water-quality issues, and plans for restoration Center, Virginia Tech Museum of Natural His- The Water Center launched the Stroubles the week include a workshop by U.S. EPA of Stroubles Creek. tory, and the Service-Learning Center. For more Creek Watershed Initiative in 1999 to provide experts on Use Attainability Analysis of pol- Also, a brief ceremony will be held to information, go to http://www.vwrrc.vt.edu or opportunities in research, education, service- luted surface waters and a public meeting for dedicate the Duck Pond educational sign that contact the Water Center at 1-5624 or learning, outreach, and university-community the Stroubles Creek Total Maximum Daily was installed last May across from the Duck [email protected]. partnership. The main campus is situated within

POLICE Depression screening offered October 10 Continued from 1 For the past year, VTPD officers have October 10 is National Depression Individual who would prefer to talk to shall not carelessly or maliciously interfere with been ticketing drivers who do not yield to Screening Day, and the Cook Counseling someone in person may call the Cook the orderly passage of vehicles. They shall pedestrians in the crosswalks. “Pedestrian safety Center web site (http://www.ucc.vt.edu/) is Counseling Center at 1-6557 or visit the cross, wherever possible, only at intersections is a shared responsibility by both the motoring offering a free and anonymous self test for screening booth in the McComas Hall lobby on or marked crosswalks” and “no pedestrians and walking public; in other words, pay atten- depression. October 10. shall step into a highway open to moving ve- tion when crossing the street or driving on The screening is available to all members The Cook Center is sponsoring the hicular traffic at any point between intersec- campus. Your safety is our priority,” VTPD of the university community including faculty screening program in collaboration with tions where his presence would be obscured Chief Debra Duncan said. and staff members, administrators and students. Screening for Mental Health, the non-profit from the vision of drivers of approaching ve- The self test is available on line throughout the organization that conducts National Depression hicles by a vehicle or other obstruction at the year. Screening Day. curb or side.” FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2002 SPECTRUM 3 CAMPUS UPDATE TO THE EDITOR Arts and Sciences appoints development director We are puzzled by the apparent priorities football game on September 12. Faculty mem- By Sally Harris Bohnen has more than six years of of the decision makers here at Virginia Tech. bers were permitted to cancel classes after 4 Evan Bohnen, former director of professional fund-raising experience. At MSU, development for the College of Arts and he managed all aspects of development for the On September 11, a ceremony was held to p.m. Those not having the required game park- Humanities at Minnesota State University, College of Arts and Humanities, which consists remember those who died in the terrorist attack ing permits were asked to move their cars by Mankato (MSU), assumed the duties of director of eight departments and has nearly 8,300 in 2001. We understood that the original plan 4:30 from the parking lots where they park of development for the College of Arts and alumni. During his MSU tenure, Bohnen also was to fire the cannon four times—in remem- when they go to work, and some were told they Sciences in August, according to Dean Lay served at various periods as the development brance of the four planes that crashed. How- could not park in their normal lots as early as Nam Chang. director for MSU’s College of Education, ever, the decision was made to fire it only twice after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the day before the Bohnen will be responsible for all aspects director of development for the university’s because it would disrupt classes too much to fire game. The band is permitted to practice on the of the development program for the College of International Student Endowment, and director it all four times. Several selections were played Drillfield at any time during the day, if they are Arts and Sciences. Bohnen will work closely of development for MSU’s Campus Annual on the carillon, but it was turned down so low practicing for a game. That their practicing may with Chang and the faculty to identify the Fund Drive. He also managed the university’s that it was often impossible to hear above cam- disrupt classes is not considered. academic and programmatic priorities of the annual faculty and staff initiative involving college’s students and faculty members and to 1,123 faculty and staff and 110 volunteers, pus noise. Again, we were told that the decision We find something terribly wrong with build relationships with alumni, emeriti faculty achieving 50-percent donor participation. to keep the volume down was because playing this picture. members, and friends on behalf of the students He was the principal constituent-based it louder would disrupt classes too much. Karen Mundy and their aspirations. “In the year ahead,” Bohnen development officer securing more than $6 On the other hand, we had an evening R.J. McDaniel said, “I look forward to expressing thanks to million during the first four years of MSU’s Pat Ballard many of the current supporters of the college’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, and he mission and meeting many of the individuals assisted in surpassing the $35-million goal one who care deeply about the future success of year ahead of schedule. Virginia Tech.” RESTRUCTURING The largest school on the re-organizational Continued from 1 chart is the School of Computational Science and Information Technology (the name is still provide $69 million for the institute’s base also now unnamed, although Merola said, “Their TECH under discussion). “In considering the reputation operational expenses. In addition, up to $49 favorite name is the College of Liberal Arts.” Continued from 1 of Virginia Tech, we are looked at as being very million will be awarded in the form of contracts Departments will be re-aligned within the two strong in information technology, not just faster and safer commercial aircraft, more reli- for specific research projects. The base-opera- new colleges in addition to existing colleges. computer science, but also business-information able military reconnaissance and civilian-res- tion funding will be up for renewal every five Merola anticipates that this change will become technology, computer engineering, and even cue aircraft, spacecraft that can explore the years over a 20-year period. effective by July 1, 2003. instructional technology found in the College of atmospheric evolution of other planets, and “We also expect to bring in additional More restructuring moves are planned over Human Resources and Education,” Merola said. devices to test clouds for airborne biological funding through research contracts with indus- the next year. A resolution has been drawn up to “We are trying to work with these different agents. try and other agencies that can benefit from NIA change the name of the College of Human departments and colleges to form a school that NIA plans also include a strong educa- expertise,” McPherson said. Resources and Education to the College of will allow them to work in a more cohesive way tional component. A campus will be established The consortium plans to start operations in Human Sciences and Education. The college to present themselves better to the outside world near NASA Langley and the partner universi- January 2003 at rented facilities in Hampton. began as the School of Home Economics. for the purposes of fund raising, obtaining grants, ties will offer graduate degrees in science and Permanent quarters for the NIA will be con- Two new schools have also been proposed. and showing how much we really have, as well engineering through on-campus and distance- structed with money raised by the consortium, One is the School of Education, which would be as to help internally with cooperation.” learning courses. McPherson said. under the College of Human Sciences and Merola said that some behind-the-scenes “The consortium will encourage participa- Another goal of the NIA is to stimulate Education. “Schools are relatively loose adjustments have yet to be implemented, such tion in the NIA by other universities,” commercialization of new intellectual property structures that allow groups from different as “dealing with the computer system, i.e., who McPherson said. “In particular, we will invite and facilitate the growth of new business oppor- departments to work together,” Merola said. “It has authority to see certain information on the Hampton University to join us because of its tunities related to advances in aerospace and would allow them to bring together all of their Banner system and who should have access to special expertise in atmospheric sciences and atmospheric research. educational components as well as come up certain accounts.” But in terms of administrative its proximity to NASA Langley.” “Virginia Tech’s leadership role in creat- with some new direction and thoughts for the issues and making the restructuring official, At full force, the consortium plans to have ing and running the NIA is a recognition of the educational programs that can best serve the Merola added, those things occurred on July 1. as many as 250 researchers—faculty members, high reputation earned by the university in the process of getting educators ready to serve the graduate students and associates—working for fields of engineering and scientific research,” state.” the NIA. McPherson said. NIA funding for the first five years will come in two packages, according to McPherson. Through a cooperative agreement, NASA will EMPLOYMENT

The following classified positions are cur- DBHCC. Shome, (1016). Search closes in one week. rently available. Position details, specific appli- Housekeeping Worker, 002243H, PB 1, RDP. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL cation procedures/position-closing dates may Hvac Technician, 008001H, PB 3, RDP. University Development—Assistant Vice be found on Personnel Services web site http:// Programmer, 007991S, PB 4, University Devel- President for Constituent Groups. Contact: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE www.ps.vt.edu. Positions are also listed on the opment. Rhonda K. Arsenault, Office of University Devel- AND STATE INIVERSITY Job Line, a 24-hour recorded message service. Scientific Glassblower, 001267B, PB 5, Chem- opment, (0336). Spectrum, a faculty-staff tabloid, is published each Friday For information on all job listings, call 1-5300. istry. University Development—Assistant Vice during the academic year, with the exception of certain Some positions include state benefits. 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Contact: Dilip K. 4 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2002 IN OTHER NEWS Malaria mosquito genome elements may aid disease control By Susan Trulove More than a hundred researchers in more pear to do nothing except replicate within the genome, they can be used to distinguish be- Prevention of malaria through genetic con- than a dozen labs contributed to the project, led genome. Others are used by the host—the indi- tween populations of mosquitoes of the same trol of the malaria mosquito has become more by Robert Holt of Celera Genomics. The se- vidual organism’s genetic machinery—to per- species.” possible with the completion of the first draft of quence was posted in March. The article in form biological functions.” This is important in the current research, the genome of the Anopheles gambiae mos- Science analyzes the information and reports Portions of DNA can produce the enzyme using the newly sequenced A. gambiae genome. quito, reported today in Science. Among the co- important findings. to cut itself out of the genome, then paste itself Within the same species of malaria mosquito, authors are Virginia Tech researchers Zhijian Tu’s group is one of several labs involved in elsewhere. In addition to this DNA-mediated some populations are better carriers of disease (Jake) Tu, assistant professor of biochemistry, in characterizing transposable elements TE, there is RNA-mediated TE, which makes and some are more resistant to pesticides. “There graduate student Jim Biedler, and post-doctoral (TE’s)—segments of nucleic acids, or genetic many RNA counterparts of itself in a process is a genetic basis for these differences and these associate Hongguang Shao, whose focus is the material, that move around the genome and called transcription. The RNA molecules are markers can help us determine these differ- mobile genetic elements, or transposable ele- have a significant impact on its structure and copied into DNA (reverse transcription), and ences,” Tu said. ments, which make up more than 16 percent of size. Frank Collins of Notre Dame University then integrated back into the genome. Tu’s lab is also working on mosquitoes the genome. coordinated the efforts on TE analysis and is Tu and colleagues expect that TE’s may be that carry Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever and also a corresponding author on the Science used to introduce new genes into the mosquito is starting work on species that carry West Nile article. genome—gene vectors within disease vectors, virus. CVC Kickoff Held “If you look at the genome as an ecological such as a gene to block transmission of disease Tu’s work on characterization and organi- By Karen Cronin system, TE’s are different lineages that co- into the mosquito, halting the malaria parasites’ zation of transposable elements in mosquito The Commonwealth of Virginia evolve with the rest of the genome,” Tu said. cycle. genomes has been funded by the National Insti- Campaign (CVC) at Virginia Tech is now Another use for TE’s is as markers, Tu tutes of Health since his arrival at Virginia Tech under way and will continue through “They evolve different relationships with the said. “Because they are scattered throughout the November 30. genome. Some are genetic parasites; they ap- in 1999. Again this year, all those returning pledge cards will be eligible for weekly prize drawings. The first two drawings will be for football tickets donated by the Athletic Department. The first drawing will be held Engineering experts awarded Via professorships on October 8 for tickets to the Rutgers By Karen Gilbert and implementation of all pavement-related international conferences. game. The second drawing will be held on Two faculty members from the Depart- research at the Smart Road. He received the Weyers is an expert in concrete structures October 15 for Temple tickets. ment of Civil and Environmental Engineering 2002 International Geosynthetic Society Award and a fellow of the American Concrete Institute. Tech CVC coordinator Steve Mouras Weyers is a registered professional engineer said “The Tech CVC Steering Committee is (CEE), Imad Al-Qadi and Richard Weyers, for his pavement research, an honor awarded hopeful that by giving away such coveted have received Via Professorships. This endowed about once every five years. and land surveyor and has been a professor for prizes early in the campaign, we can entice chair recognizes eminent faculty members and Al-Qadi joined the CEE faculty in 1990 22 years, 16 of which have been at Virginia folks to send their CVC pledge cards in is funded by the Marion Bradley Via endow- after receiving his Ph.D. from Penn State Uni- Tech. Weyers holds two patents on stopping the early. By choosing payroll deduction, ment. versity. The National Science Foundation pre- corrosion of steel in chloride-contaminated con- employees can give more with less pain and Al-Qadi is nationally and internationally sented him with a Young Investigator Award in crete. He is the author of 138 publications, the deduction will not start until the first known for his research and scholarly works 1994, one of only 100 of such awards made including refereed journal articles and technical paycheck of 2003.” related to highway-pavement materials, non- nationwide to young, promising engineering meetings. The American Society of Chemical The university’s goal for this year is destructive methods for infrastructure assess- faculty. In 2001, Al-Qadi was the recipient of Engineers (ASCE) selected Weyers to address $230,000, but the Steering Committee is ment, and infrastructure-management systems. the Virginia Tech College of Engineering the problems with bridge systems in the United determined to increase participation, which States at the Chemical Engineering Roundtable has stalled at 15 to 16 percent for the past He is the director of the Roadway Infrastructure Dean’s Award for Research Excellence. He few years. Program at the Virginia Tech Transportation has authored or co-authored over 150 publica- of Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure in 2001. Institute. Al-Qadi is responsible for the design tions and has presented his work at nearly 160 VTPD identifies NAVY issue was how to make sure this thing didn’t get students who worked on the project. In putting counterfeit football Continued from 1 away from us,” ME Professor Al Wicks said. together a team, Wicks and Reinholtz looked the work on video monitors linked to three The students created an emergency-shutdown for students with an interest in electronics and tickets cameras mounted on the Case CX160 excava- system using a line-of-sight radio link to the computer interfacing, as well as a knowledge of tor. “These cameras give us the ability to see all excavator. If a continuous-tone broadcast to a LabVIEW. Completing the project in only six By Jean Elliott angles of the excavator,” ME graduate student receiver on the excavator is interrupted, the months, the team constructed a functioning The Virginia Tech Police Department and machine automatically shuts down. system, met deadlines, and stayed within their the Athletics Department have identified several Chris Terwelp said. “One camera has a pan- Virginia Tech was asked to develop the budget. instances in which counterfeit tickets were used and-tilt module, and we will be adding a zoom to gain admission to the Marshall football game feature as well.” remote-control technique primarily because of “This is a great example of good work at Lane Stadium. Figuring out how to safely operate a 35,000- the school’s long-lasting, positive working rela- done on time,” Wicks said. “These students Lane Stadium officials became aware of pound, 110-horsepower excavator by remote tionship with the Navy, Wicks said. really showcased their skills and were able to the fraudulent game tickets at the September 12 control was a major focus of the project. “The Wicks and ME Professor Charlie Reinholtz work together to retrofit the excavator.” game when unsuspecting holders of the bogus supervised Terwelp and the five undergraduate The team also won recognition for their tickets attempted to access seat locations already work at a national competition. Terwelp, along held by legitimate ticket holders. Approximately 30 tickets in all were found with undergraduate students Michael Fleming to be forged. The tickets appear to have been and Ian Hovey, demonstrated the project at reproduced through a color copy printer and NIWeek, an annual technology exhibition spon- later sold outside of the stadium on the day of sored by National Instruments in Austin, Texas. the game. From the stage of the Austin Convention Cen- While there is no indication that the forgery ter, the students successfully operated the exca- is widespread, the department is investigating. vator—which was located 1,200 miles away in Police Chief Deborah Duncan said “we are pursuing numerous leads that we already have Blacksburg. The team won first place in the and intend to prosecute the culprits to the fullest NIWeek 2002 Best Applications of Measure- extent of the law.” ment and Automation Paper Contest. Lane Stadium officials will increase The excavator has been moved from scrutiny of tickets presented for admission at all Blacksburg to Dahlgren. The Navy Explosives of its remaining home games and will implement Ordnance Disposal team will inspect materials new screening procedures upon entrance to the the excavator uncovers and will determine how stadium. Fans who purchase or acquire tickets from to dispose of any ordnance. third parties or outlets other than the Virginia Tech Athletics Ticket Office should be very

cautious concerning the authenticity of their

Blacksburg, VA Permit No. 28 No. Permit VA Blacksburg,

game tickets. Individuals found to be in 24061 VA Blacksburg,

PAID Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Postage U.S. Organization Non-Profit possession of forged tickets will be removed Tech Virginia from or denied access to the stadium.