TODAY’SEDITION Seepage 2 for informationon campus SPECTRUM activities

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY http://www.unirel.vt.edu/spectrum/ VOLUME 24 NUMBER 28 FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2002 Provost names faculty members to restructuring advisory group By Clara B. Cox Citing the need to ensure that Virginia communication studies; Lucinda Roy, alumni pathobiology; Chip Frazier, associate Provost Mark McNamee has named 21 Tech’s departments, schools, colleges, centers, distinguished professor of English; Mike Akers, professor of wood science and forest products; faculty members to serve on an ad hoc faculty and institutes are organized “to maximize our Horace E. and Elizabeth Alphin professor of Ernie Houck, R.B. Pamplin professor of workgroup to advise him on the options for opportunities to achieve national and dairy science; Sue Tolin, professor of plant management science; Barbara Board, restructuring. The faculty members were international scholarly distinction in the areas pathology, physiology, and weed science; Extension specialist in program and volunteer selected from nominations received from we choose to emphasize as part of our strategic Rosemary Blieszner, professor of human development; Noreen Klein, associate several groups, most notably the Faculty plan,” McNamee announced to the faculty on development; Bob Jones, professor emeritus of professor of marketing; Rosemary Goss, Senate. March 1 that the university would examine engineering science and mechanics; David de residential property management advisory “The town-hall meetings held in March restructuring possibilities. Later in the month, Wolf, professor of electrical and computer board professor of near environments; Eric stimulated serious discussions about all he provided the Board of Visitors with an engineering; Michael O’Brien, associate Hallerman, associate professor of fisheries aspects of reorganization, and many good overview of the process. professor of architecture; Anne Zajac, associate and wildlife science; Ted Koebel, director of ideas are emerging from the faculty and the Named to the ad hoc faculty workgroup professor of biomedical sciences and the Center for Housing Research; Joe Merola, college leadership. The ad hoc faculty were Charles Reinholtz, assistant department pathobiology; Doris Zallen, professor of acting dean of the Graduate School; and Sean workgroup is intended to provide an head and professor of mechanical engineering; interdisciplinary studies; Marion Ehrich, Arthur, associate professor of computer additional mechanism for faculty input into Rachel Holloway, associate professor of professor of biomedical sciences and science. the discussions,” McNamee said. Engineering student Tech to join wins Truman in immunology scholarship FOUNDERS DAY By Liz Crumbley The university celebrates Founders Day on April 26 research Michael Geruso, a junior at Virginia By Netta Benton Tech, has been selected by the Harry S. at 3 p.m. in Burruss auditorium. A Corps Review The Commonwealth Technology Re- Truman Foundation to receive a $30,000 and reception follow on the Drillfield. search Fund has awarded a total of $3.6 merit-based scholarship for use in his senior million to Virginia Tech and two other uni- year and graduate studies. versities to support collaborative work on The foundation annually awards schol- mucosal immunology. Research will take arships to 75-80 undergraduates who dem- place at the medical schools of the Univer- onstrate extraordinary leadership potential, sity of Virginia (UVa) and Virginia Com- communications skills, intellectual strength, Warner to speak at Commencement monwealth University (VCU) as well as on analytical ability and a strong potential to the Virginia Tech campus. make a difference through public service. By Ashley Tyler, Warner is credited with assisting the un- The $1.8-million research program at Geruso, who is working toward a triple University Relations intern der-served throughout Virginia, and is a found- Virginia Tech will be directed toward devel- major in mechanical engineering (ME), phi- Governor Mark R. Warner will speak at ing chair of the Virginia Health Care Founda- oping plant-expressed antigens and adju- losophy and political science, plans to pur- Virginia Tech’s 130th Commencement in Lane tion, which provides health care to more than vants to be used to create edible or nasally sue a master’s degree in public policy with a Stadium on Saturday, May 11. Warner will be 425,000 Virginians in rural and urban areas. A delivered vaccines. Antigens are substances focus on technology initiatives. “When I continuing a Virginia Tech tradition of more philanthropist and entrepreneur, Warner has that, when introduced into the body, stimu- think about certain problems in engineering, than 30 years in which the university has had helped employ over 15,000 workers through late the production of protective antibodies. I tend to think about the broader social and the governor speak at its Commencement exer- more than 50 business that have started by using Adjuvants are immunological agents that political issues,” said Geruso, who decided cises. Columbia Capital Corporation, a technology increase the antigenic response. to add philosophy and political science as “The governor represents the university’s venture-capital fund in Alexandria that Warner UVa will study the mechanisms of regu- majors during his third year in engineering. motto ‘Ut Prosim,’ (That I may serve), through co-founded. lation of mucosal immune responses. VCU “I want to work in government to help create his years of service and dedication to the com- Warner, 47, received his JD from Harvard will apply genomics and informatics tech- technology policy and regulation.” monwealth. The class of 2002 is sure to learn Law School in 1980, and his undergraduate nology to discover potential targets for inter- Geruso is only the second Virginia Tech much from his address,” President Charles degree from George Washington University in vention through immunotherapy or chemo- student to become a Truman scholar. Steger said. 1977. therapy. In addition, partnership with the Phallisha Newsome-Horton, a political-sci- biotechnology companies Crop Tech and ence major, received a Truman scholarship A Statement by President Charles Steger TechLab will permit application of research in 1992. “It’s a tribute to Mike that he’s an findings to the treatment of human diseases. engineering student,” said University Hon- on the Death of a University Student Virginia Tech is a recognized leader in ors Program Director Charles Dudley. “Not plant and animal transgenics as a means of All of us in the Virginia Tech family are The Virginia Tech Police investigation many students in that field win Truman schol- producing complex proteins for medical, deeply saddened by the news that Joseph has been completed and Joseph Leotta died arships.” veterinary, and industrial applications. Craig Leotta lost his battle to recover from injuries as the result of an accident. There will be no One Truman scholar is selected from Nessler, head of the Department of Plant he suffered as a result of being struck by a charges filed. The driver of the vehicle was each state, and Geruso represents his home Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science vehicle Wednesday on Washington Avenue. not speeding, nor was alcohol a factor by state of Rhode Island. (PPWS) at Virginia Tech, and Fabricio Our hearts and prayers go out to the either party. Geruso spent the summer of 2000 as an Medina-Bolivar, a researcher at the Fralin Leotta family and to his many friends at While we are blessed to live in a safe intern in the Nuclear Service Department of Biotechnology Center, developed their por- home and here in Blacksburg during this and tranquil community, as adults, we all Framatone Technologies and the summer of tion of the CTRF proposal as an outgrowth of difficult time. have to take responsibility for our actions. 2001 as a technical analyst/intern for the an on-going NIH-funded collaborative A tragedy like this reminds us of the Each day some 30,000 people cross our Central Intelligence Agency in the Office of project with UVa headed by Tracy Wilkins, precious nature of life, particularly in a campus, many by car or foot, and some by Weapons Non-Proliferation and Arms Con- director of the university’s Fralin Biotech- community where the youthful energy of its bicycle. As in any community, it is up to trol. nology Center, and Carole Cramer, profes- citizens appears unending and the future each of us as individuals to be cautious The Association of Former Intelligence sor of PPWS. seems limitless for a new generation of young when crossing a roadway and show Officers awarded the Ransburg Scholarship “The idea is to deliver inexpensive vac- Hokies. Sadly, these dreams are not always deference to others. I hope and pray that this to Geruso, who also has received a Daven- cines in a form that doesn’t require sophisti- fulfilled. tragedy will never be repeated. (See ENGINEERING on 3) (See TECH on 3) 2 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2002 ACTIVITIES Art Gallery Exhibit Opening, Squires Perspective Gal- D. Martin, North Carolina State University. EVENTS lery. (Through 5-2). STS, 3 p.m., 225 Major Williams: Steven Hales, Friday, 5 SOTA Workshop, Mountain Lake (Through 4-12). Bloomsburg University. Gerontology Forum, 10:15 a.m., Fralin auditorium: “Ge- CEUT Program, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Hillcrest Dining Hall. netics and the 150 Year Life Span: How Soon?” Monday, 8 Wednesday, 10 Electrical, Computer Engineering, 1:30 p.m., 654 Saturday, 6 CEUT Program, 3 to 5 p.m., Hillcrest Dining Hall. Whittemore: Richard Hirsh, Irene Leach. International Week (Through 4-13). Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Squires Haymarket Theatre: Horticulture, 4 p.m., 409 Saunders: Mary Stanley. International Street Fair. Symphony Band. Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Squires Haymarket Theatre: Thursday, 11 New Virginians. Thursday, 11 Statistics, 3:45 p.m., 409 Hutcheson: Ed Boone. SOTA Event, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., PAB: Arts in Education Choices and Challenges, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., DBHCC. CSES, 4 p.m., 246 Smyth: John M. Galbraith. Workshops. Family, Work/Life Resources Program, noon to 1 p.m., Geological Sciences, 4 p.m., 4069 Derring: Doug Rumble. DBHCC conference room G. Sunday, 7 CEUT Program, 2:30 to 5 p.m., Hillcrest large conference Friday, 12 YMCA Hike, 1:30 p.m., YMCA Parking Lot. room. Highlands in Chemistry, 11:15 a.m., 3 Davidson: Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Squires Haymarket Theatre: Michelle Gee, Mellon University. Monday, 8 Jazz Orchestra. Pamplin College of Business, 11:15 a.m., 1045 Pamplin: Workshop, 5 to 7 p.m., Blacksburg Public Library con- Giles Bousquet, University of Wisconsin-Madison. ference room: Cultural Diversity for Sale. Friday, 12 MCBB, 12:20 to 1:10 p.m., Fralin auditorium: John Hort Garden Class, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Greenhouse class- SOTA Event, Virginia Tech Cave, Torgersen Hall. Yoder, UC-Davis. room: Annuals and Perennials. Geological Sciences, 2:30 p.m., 4069 Derring: Tomasz TA Event, 8 p.m., PAB: “The Climb” (through 4-10). K. Baumiller, University of Michigan. SEMINARS STS, 3 p.m., 225 Major Williams: Kurt Smith, Bloomsburg Tuesday, 9 Friday, 5 University. Faculty Senate, 7 p.m., 32 Pamplin. Highlands in Chemistry, 11:15 a.m., 3 Davidson: James BULLETINS BSA presents Spike Lee the Right Thing received an Academy Award nomination for Best Museum of Natural History offers program The Black Student Alliance will present “An Evening Original Screenplay and Best Film and Director awards from the The Virginia Museum of Natural History will offer a with Spike Lee” Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in Squires Los Angeles Film Critics Association. program on water gardens and backyard natural history by Commonwealth Ballroom. Admission to the program is free. Lee graduated from Morehouse College. After graduation, Sherri Dorn of Meadowbrook Gardens on Saturday, April 13, Lee has completed his thirteenth film, Bamboozled which stars he returned to Brooklyn to continue his education at New York from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Damon Wayans, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tommy Davidson, and University’s Tisch School of the Arts in Manhattan, where he Pre-registration is requested. Call 1-3001 for more Savion Glover. School Daze, his second feature, helped launch received his master-of-fine-arts degree in film production. Lee information or to register. The program is a family event. the careers of several young black actors. Lee’s 1989 film Do then founded 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, based in Brooklyn. For more information, call 1-5552. ‘Food Frights’ Steger announces CPAP celebrates Matisse to create forum scheduled date for Staff 25-year new virtual By Sally Harris Appreciation Day Because food is an important part of our President Charles Steger has announced anniversary art form culture, concerns about it range from that Staff Appreciation Day will be Wednesday, By Sally Harris contaminants to the effects of genetically By Sarah Newbill May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rector Field The Center for Public Administration and French artist Jackie Matisse, creator of modified content to possible problems with House. kite-like art works, will premiere a new art dietary supplements to worries about possible Policy (CPAP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary Staff Appreciation Day is Virginia Tech’s this weekend. form when her kites fly in Virginia Tech’s bioterrorism. way of recognizing classified staff and non- virtual-reality CAVE and take people along for “Food Frights,” the 21st Choices and In addition to receptions and conferences, student wage employees for their contributions there will be a special bagpipe processional the ride. Challenges Forum, will look at these issues to the university. It also provides staff members Matisse, granddaughter of artist Henri Monday, April 11. tomorrow as participants wear colorful academic a chance to get together with colleagues around attire and proceed across campus to Owens Hall Matisse, and step-daughter of artist Marcel “We are a society concerned with food,” the campus, renew friendships, and strengthen Duchamp, creates teflon or crepe kites, with said Doris Zallen, director of the forum. “We where they will hold a special Silver Jubilee networks. Regrettably, funding is not available High Table. artistic tails as long as 15 feet, that can soar plan our lives around mealtime. Food is at the to expand the celebration to include families. As through the air, ripple through water, or undulate center of our celebrations. It’s what we use to The High Table has been an annual in the past, it is intended for employees only. ritualistic way of building cohesiveness for with the air currents in a room. Now people can comfort ourselves in times of sadness. Yet in A flyer will be mailed to employees within float along with the kites through the technology the U.S. alone, an estimated 76 million current and former CPAP students and faculty the next two weeks to provide additional details members, following the Oxford academic of the CAVE during a public workshop Matisse Americans get sick, more than 300,000 are on the day’s events. Employees should report to will conduct at Virginia Tech in April, her first hospitalized, and 5,000 die annually from food- tradition as participants eat a “Spartan lunch” their usual work location before and after the (bread, cheese, fruit, and wine) and hear a talk workshop in the United States. Students and related illnesses.” event based upon the employee’s work sched- the public also can help Matisse create new “Food Frights” will look at the ethical, given by someone prominent in the field. George ule. Frederickson, distinguished professor of public kites while they wait to visit the CAVE. The environmental, and policy aspects of food Participants are being sought for 20 teams artist, the students, and the public will be part of safety. The main session at 11 a.m. will feature administration at the University of Kansas, will to show their staff spirit at Staff Appreciation give this year’s talk. a new artistic technology now being explored a panel discussion that will emphasize Day. There is a 20-team limit (10 staff members and researched at Virginia Tech. genetically modified foods. CPAP offers graduate and doctoral degrees per team), and teams may be comprised of a in the theory and practice of public Matisse’s public workshop and CAVE The keynote address at 8:45 a.m. mixture of men and women, or all men, or all experience will be Friday, April 12. A public introduces the nature of food production and administration, management, and policy. It was women. Participants should select a team leader established in 1977, and currently serves exhibition of Matisse’s art works, “Art Flying distribution, including current technological (captain) who will submit one form per team. In and Out of Space,” will be in Perspective Art manipulations such as genetic modification approximately 250 students in six locations All participating teams must send a representa- across the state including Blacksburg, Falls Gallery April 9 through May 2, and there will and the ethical, social, and policy issues that tive (team captain) to a team captain’s meeting be a workshop for regional artists and Virginia are raised. The address will be by Maureen Church, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Richmond, at 4 p.m. on April 26 at the CommonHealth and Roanoke. Several programs continue to Tech students at Mountain Lake April 13-14, Storey, acting director of the Center for Food Office. Contact Robin Conaway, Common- concluding with a reception April 14. and Nutrition Policy at Virginia Tech. place in the top 25 nationally, including the Health Office (0347) for team-participation graduate program in public affairs (24) and the The Mountain Lake Workshop for artists Morning sessions will include a discussion forms. The deadline to return forms is 5 p.m., and students will feature a presentation by of risk that will introduce the difficulties in graduate program in public management/ Thursday, April 18. administration (10) ranked by U.S. News & Matisse. In addition, top names in the art world, calculating risk and in judging risk acceptability If more than 20 forms are received, a lot- such as Howard Risatti, will give talks. Tom with a focus on the use of the “precautionary World Report. tery drawing will be held to determine which For more information, call-5133, or visit Coffin will lecture on virtual reality’s relation principle” in making decisions about food and teams will participate. All teams submitting a to art. health. There will also be sessions to provide web sites http://www.cpap.vt.edu or form will be notified on April 19 as to whether www.cpap.vt.edu/hightable. (See FOOD on 3) their form was drawn. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2002 SPECTRUM 3 EMPLOYMENT FULL TIME Service Leader Senior, 002937H, PB 1, RDP. OFF CAMPUS CLASSIFIED POSITIONS Four full-time food-service positions avail- Systems Architect, 007434Y, PB 6, IAD. Laboratory Specialist, 003969S, PB 3, CEE/ able. TV/Media Systems Engineer, 000196A, PB 4, Occoquan Lab. The following classified positions are cur- Administrative Assistant, 002282G, PB 3, VBS. Laboratory Specialist, 003969S, PB 3, CEE/ rently available. Position details, specific appli- AFROTC. Web Designer, 007510A, PB 4, BEV. Occoquan Lab. cation procedures/position-closing dates may Business Services Assistant, 007193S, PB 3, PART TIME Radio Announcer, W020800S, PB 3, UR/WVTF Animal Care Technician, W022563M, PB 1, be found on Personnel Services web site http:/ MSE. Radio. /www.ps.vt.edu. Positions are also listed on the Dishroom Leader Senior, 002988H, PB 1, RDP. VTH. Job Line, a 24-hour recorded message service. Ecologist, 007935J, PB 4, CMI. Large Animal Husbandry, W022155M, PB 1, For information on all job listings, call 1-5300. Fiscal Technician, 001491R, PB 3, OSP. VTH. FACULTY POSITION Motor Vehicle Operator B, 002862F, PB 2, Medical Informatics Program Support, Some positions include state benefits. Positions NON-INSTRUCTIONAL with numbers beginning with “W” are hourly and Physical Plant. W023398M, PB 3, CVM. Program Support Technician, 004570M, PB Plant Pathology, Physiology, Weed Science. do not include state benefits. Individuals with Office Services Specialist/Receptionist, 3, CSES. Postdoctoral Associate. Contact: Arleta Boyd, disabilities desiring assistance or accommoda- 007345S, PB 2, ME. Programmer Analyst, 007936R, PB 5, VTTI. Radiologic Technologist, W022412M, PB 3, 413 Price (0331). Deadline: May 1. tion in the application process should call by the Radiologic Technologist, 002394M, PB 3, VTH. VTH. College of Engineering. Dean. Contact: Jerry application deadline. Closing date for adver- Sales/Marketing Manager, 000478H, PB 3, Telecommunications Field Technician, Baker, Baker-Parker Associates, Five Concourse tised positions is 1 p.m. Monday. An EO/AA RDP. W023395A, PB 3, CNS. Parkway, Suite 2440, Atlanta, GA 30328-6111. employer committed to diversity. Veterinary Technician, W023340M, PB 4, VTH. Review begins June 1. Crawford named deputy FDA commissioner April activities Spring By Stewart MacInnis last month of Merle Pierson, professor of food sponsored by CEUT Commencement Lester Crawford has been named deputy science and technology at Virginia Tech, as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Murano’s deputy undersecretary. Integrating Cultural Diversity into information available Administration. He is the third senior federal A veterinarian by training, Crawford has Your Teaching and Advising Commencement times, locations, official with ties to Virginia Tech to be named served as executive director of the Association Presenters: Members of Integrators’ accessibility information, lodging offerings, and to one of the nation’s top positions concerned of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Faculty Study Group. April 9 from 2:30 to 5:30 weekend activities are all available in the Spring with food safety issues. executive vice president of the National Food p.m., Hillcrest Dining Room. Commencement 2002 brochure that is being Crawford’s appointment was announced Processors Association, administrator of the The most effective teachers and advisors mailed to graduates and parents. in February by Tommy G. Thompson, secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety need a heightened understanding of the The brochure has schedules and details of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Inspection Service, and director of the FDA’s differences that students bring to the classroom. about the university ceremony on May 11 and Services. Crawford is the senior official in the Center for Veterinary Medicine. The Integrators faculty study group has created the graduate ceremony on May 10. The brochure 9,000-employee FDA pending the appointment The FDA’s mission is to promote and a guidebook that will assist teachers and includes a form to use to order tickets for the of a commissioner. protect public health by helping safe and advisors. New Virginians show, make lodging “Dr. Crawford’s extensive experience in effective pharmaceuticals reach the market in a Designing Class Sessions to Target Learn- reservations in one of the residence halls, and to food-safety issues in industry, government, and timely way, ensuring food is safe, wholesome ing Styles order tickets for the Commencement Breakfast academia will be an important addition to the and properly labeled, and monitoring products Presenter: Sherry Lynch. April 10 from 3 at the Depot at Dietrick Dining Center. government’s effort to keep America’s food for continued safety after they are in use. to 5 p.m., Hillcrest Dining Room. The brochure is also available on the supply safe,” said President Charles Steger. The Virginia Tech Center for Food and A model for developing experiential class Virginia Tech web site at http:// “His appointment highlights the support Nutrition Policy, which Crawford has directed sessions that target imaginative, analytic, www.unirel.vt.edu/vt/Spring02Commence.html. Virginia Tech provides in this important area, since 1997, is a resource on food and nutritional commonsense, and dynamic learners will be There is additional information about as well as the high regard in which this institution issues to which policy makers often refer. The presented. Characteristics of these types of handicapped access and disability is held.” center is designated a center of excellence by learners, experiential activities that appeal to accommodations on the web site, which is linked With Crawford’s appointment, federal the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture each type of learner, and design tips useful for from the “Featured Sites” section of the Virginia officials having ties to Virginia Tech dominate Organization. maximizing student learning will be discussed. Tech home page (http://www.vt.edu). Changes the top food-safety positions in the federal Maureen Storey, who joined the center in Using Groups for Learning or additional information will be listed on the government. Complementing his appointment 1998, will serve as acting director. The center is Presenter: Margaret Hable and guests. Commencement information web page. to head the FDA were the appointments last fall based in Alexandria, and uses research, April 11 from 2:30 to 5 p.m., Hillcrest large of Elsa Murano, a university alumnus, as outreach, teaching, and communications to conference room undersecretary for food safety in the U.S. advance rational, science-based food and Engaging students in group projects TECH Department of Agriculture, and the appointment nutrition policy. provides opportunities for students to apply Continued from 1 concepts, engage in active learning and cated medical facilities and equipment,” Nessler authentic tasks, and produce evidence of what said. “By focusing on how to produce immuno- FOOD they know and are able to do. Participants will genic proteins plants, we hope to find ways to Continued from 2 gain information useful in making decisions as stimulate the plants to produce specific proteins background on historical, scientific, and they plan future group projects. that can be used as vaccines. “ VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE environmental issues. Register for all programs at http:// By combining adjuvants and protein, it AND STATE INIVERSITY Policy follow-up sessions will include www.ceut.vt.edu. should be possible to efficiently stimulate an Spectrum, a faculty-staff tabloid, is published each Friday during the academic year, with the exception of such topics as labeling and tracking, functional immune response in animals. The ultimate ob- certain holidays, exam weeks, and the summer. Copy foods, international perspectives, and sources jective is a vaccine or medicine that could be deadline is noon Friday. No advertising is accepted. of public information. The program will con- ENGINEERING directly used to immunize children and adults. Spectrum is a non-profit publication of the Office of Continued from 1 University Relations: Lawrence G. Hincker, associate vice clude with a panel discussion on food Virginia Tech will compare the level of im- president for University Relations; David Nutter, director of college and media relations. bioterrorism. port Scholarship from the College of Engineer- mune protection from nasal and oral delivery. The forum is open to the public at no ing. Cramer’s work focuses on transgenic to- Editor charge. Pre-registration is encouraged, though bacco, which will be used as the system for John Ashby, 1-6961 “Mike is the quintessential student,” said not required. More information and the ME Professor Charles Reinholtz. “He’s bright, bioproduction of complex proteins. Tobacco is News Bureau Manager registration form can be found at http:// ideal for this use because it has been bred to Sherri Box, 1-8508 energetic, focused, full of intellectual curiosity www.cddc.vt.edu/choices/2002/, or call 1-6476. and has a commitment to make the world a produce a large amount of biomass in a rela- Production Manager The forum is a production of the Center tively short period of time. In addition, produc- Melinda Shaver, 1-8524 better place.” for Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of He also is applying through the Truman tion of tobacco can easily and inexpensively be Business Manager Arts and Sciences. It is held in partnership with scaled up to meet demands for the protein. 1-8819 Foundation for the 2003 Washington Summer the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute, a program of graduate-level seminars, Wilkins’ research in recent years has fo- Letters to the editor and questions for "Ask Spectrum" Veterinary Medicine, Human Resources and workshops and internships in federal agencies. cused on intestinal diseases, which cause many should be addressed to the editor, 102 Media Building, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Education; and the Virginia Cooperative His goal after earning a graduate degree in deaths in Third World countries. If inexpensive Electronic Spectrum: http://www.unirel.vt.edu/spec- Extension Family and Consumer Sciences public policy is to become involved in develop- vaccines could be developed against such dis- trum/ program. The Virginia Foundation for the Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employ- ing national policy on technology issues. eases in animals and humans, the potential for ees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, Humanities and Public Policy provided a grant saving lives would be great. gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran sta- for additional support. The work also might be able to be used and tus, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Any- one having questions concerning discrimination or ac- applied to defend against bioterror weapons cessibility regarding the programs described in this news- such as anthrax. paper should contact the Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Office: 540-231-7500 (v), 540-231-9460 (TTY). 4 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2002 OBITUARIY IN OTHER NEWS Frank Ellmore, 86 Eaton receives CSGS award for outstanding contributions By Stewart MacInnis dissertations reflect the heart and soul of gradu- Matthew Franklin Ellmore, retired director By Julie Kane Eaton was cited as a consistent and valuable of Agriculture and Natural Resources for John Eaton, former senior associate dean contributor to graduate education at Virginia ate education. By helping to increase access to Extension, died March 15 at age 86. of the Graduate School, received the 2002 Tech and at the regional and national levels graduate students’ work by contemplating, or- Ellmore began his Extension career in 1944 Award for Outstanding Contributions to through CSGS and CGS (Council of Graduate ganizing, and developing the Networked Digi- as an agricultural Extension agent in Fairfax Graduate Education in the Southern Region at Schools), serving on many committees, chair- tal Library of Theses and Dissertations County. He resigned from Extension the the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools ing panels, giving invited workshops, and pre- (NDLTD), John Eaton has radically transformed following year. (CSGS) meeting in February. senting papers. Eaton was recognized as the the landscape of graduate scholarship. Thanks He rejoined Extension in 1952 as a dairy Graduate School acting Dean Joseph driving force behind the Electronic Thesis and to John’s work with the NDLTD, graduate stu- specialist at the Blacksburg campus. He was Merola said, “Dr. Eaton has been a major Dissertation project. dents can realistically expect to reach millions promoted to professor before being assigned as contributor to the growth of graduate educa- According to CSGS, “John Eaton’s name of readers in the scholarship.” an administrator in the mid-1960s. He retired in tion at Virginia Tech since joining the Gradu- is nearly synonymous with electronic theses and Since 1992, more than 50 U.S. and 100 1979. world-wide universities have joined the NDLTD As director of Agriculture and Natural ate School 13 years ago. His numerous contri- dissertations. His leadership has transformed Resources, Ellmore was responsible for helping butions as graduate dean have undoubtedly the way knowledge is disseminated throughout to help advance the ETD process. Eaton has specialists on campus develop annual plans of benefited all aspects of graduate education, the scholarly community, not just in the South- personally helped many of these graduate schools work to support the needs of agents in counties particularly in the use of innovative technol- ern Region, but throughout the United States with this project. across the state. ogy. Eaton’s latest important contribution, the and much of the rest of the world. He is widely As a graduate administrator, Eaton served W. Ray Murley, retired dairy specialist, establishment of the Electronic Thesis and recognized and credited as being the primary as acting dean of the Graduate School from 1992 said, “He was the type of fellow who people Dissertation (ETD, has impacted the submis- promoter of and leading expert in electronic to 1993, and became associate provost for gradu- would call when they had a problem. He was sion and dissemination of these works at gradu- theses and dissertations.” ate studies in 1995. In 1996, he became senior always ready to lend a hand.” ate schools world-wide.” Joseph Moxley, professor of English at the associate dean of the Graduate School, a posi- At the CSGS meeting in Baton Rouge, University of South Florida stated, “Theses and tion he held until he retired in December 2001. STUDENT DEATH NOTICE Matthew Sawyer, a student in the College Tech undergraduate student Biology graduate of Arts and Sciences, died Nov. 19, 2001. hospitalized with meningitis outreach program By Stewart MacInnis and university personnel in the at-risk category offered Interdigital, Tech A first-year student at Virginia Tech has to prevent the spread of the disease. Antibiotics been hospitalized at the University of Virginia are used to reduce the risk of spreading of The Biology Graduate Student Outreach Program is now collaborating with the Virginia collaborate Medical Center for treatment of meningococcal infection to others in the community by Museum of Natural History at Virginia Tech to meningitis. eradicating the carrier state. The antibiotic does offer educational-outreach activities through on radio research not reduce the low risk of actual infection Rayna DuBose of Columbia, Md., was program instruction to area schools on a range among close contacts who are treated. InterDigital Communications Corporation, listed in critical condition at the Charlottesville of issues related to biology. an architect, designer, and provider of advanced hospital after being transferred from People not considered at risk are students The Biology Graduate Outreach Program wireless technologies and product platforms, Montgomery Regional Hospital Tuesday. who attended classes with DuBose or who had offers on-site and off-site program instruction. has announced the establishment of a research No other cases of meningitis have been casual, non-prolonged social contact; people in Off-site programs can be offered to those re- partnership with Virginia Tech, and its Center identified at the university, but university and intimate contact with those in the at-risk questing in-class services. A program can also for Wireless Telecommunications (CWT). Montgomery County health officials are category, but who did not themselves have be given on-site at the museum to meet instruc- As part of the relationship, InterDigital close contact with DuBose; and housekeeping tional goals. Teachers in area schools are en- will sponsor and help guide research on Cogni- seeking others who have had close contact with DuBose during the last two weeks. or dining-services staff members. couraged to contact the Virginia Museum of tive Radio Models for Wireless Systems under Natural History at 1-3001 to schedule a pro- Virginia Tech’s Schiffert Health Center, Students are urged to avoid behaviors the direction of Charles Bostian, professor of gram. A lead time of two weeks is requested to which provides health services to students, is which lower their immunity, such as inadequate electrical and computer engineering. organize and plan the program to suit the needs rest, poor diet, smoking, and consumption of “We are delighted to announce this re- coordinating with the Montgomery County of the class. search project on critical new technologies with Health Department on the matter. Health alcohol. Virginia Tech,” said Alain Briançon, executive officials are seeking people who may be at risk DuBose is a center for the woman’s vice president, chief technology officer of due to prolonged or intimate contact with the basketball team. Virginia Tech athletic and InterDigital, and a member of CWT’s advisory student, such as suitemates, roommates, and student health officials have made courtesy WVTF wins board. “Future wireless systems will require boy/girl friends, and those who shared eating notifications to their counterparts at the the intelligent use of measurement data to adapt or drinking utensils with the student during the University of Vermont and the University of and optimize wireless communications and two regional Houston, against whom DuBose played in the computing platforms to meet the needs of cus- past two weeks. WNIT Tournament. Any transmission of the tomers. CWT’s research examines existing Schiffert Health Center personnel are Murrow awards models across a number of disciplines to drive counseling and providing antibiotics to students disease to an opposing player is considered WVTF has won two regional awards in cognitive radio architecture, products, and stan- extremely unlikely. the Edward R. Murrow contest sponsored each dards.” year by the Radio Television News Directors “I am thrilled to be working with Association, the largest group of its kind in the InterDigital, one of the leading companies de- country. veloping advanced technology for the wireless Both WVTF entries are up for national industry,” Bostian said. “Intelligent wireless systems that sense and react to their environ- judging. The station won first place in the ment will allow mobile customers to put desk- documentary category for Sean Tubbs’ series top broadband connectivity into a small pack- on “Virginia’s Experiment with Eugenics” and age to take with them wherever they go. This is first place in the feature category for Connie the next important step in the progress of wire- Steven’s story on the Roanoke County twin less technology.” brothers who go “Dumpster Diving.” InterDigital architects, designs, and For Murrow contest judging purposes, provides advanced wireless technologies and WVTF is in the region made up of Virginia, products that drive voice and data Maryland, DC, and Delaware. The last time the communications. The company offers station won a national Murrow award was in technology and product solutions for 1996. Last year WVTF won a national Clarion mainstream wireless applications that deliver

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