3 Cornell Relations CHRONICLE with Vietnam 7 Black History Month 8 Growing Volume 18 Number 20 February 5,1987 gourmet vegetables The artist's model Ballantyne outlines rise in research Major new research efforts to develop stronger ceramics, genetically engineer plants, animals and bacteria and build a "superhighway system" for computer com- munications in New York State are laying foundations for continuing strength in Cor- nell research, Joseph M. Ballantyne reported in his annual report on research at a meeting of the Board of Trustees in New York City. Ballantyne is vice president for research and advanced studies. The most recent comparison figures available compiled by the National Science Foundation for 1984 85 — ranked Cornell first in the state among universities in research funding, and third in the nation, Ballantyne told the trustees. All indications are that these rankings still hold true, he said. According to Ballantyne, Cornell's overall research spending increased 12 percent to $224.3 million in fiscal year 1986, up from $200.2 million in 1985. This included a 15.6 percent increase in federally sponsored research, to $104.4 million. Major new research efforts included: • A program funded mainly by Interna- tional Business Machines Corp. and Corn- ing Glass Works to develop new ceramics for uses ranging from turbine blades to mountings for integrated circuits. Joshua Holland, '87 AAP, was at the Johnson Museum last Saturday night for the opening of the Comeli Council of the Creative • A University Research Initiative in and Performing Arts exhibit. Behind him is a photograph of him taken by Harry Littei, '85 AAP, one of a series of photographic por- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics funded traits of artists. Photo by Claude Level by the Department of Defense. In this research, Cornell scientists will develop computer control systems that could protect large structures such as space stations from dangerous oscillation. Cornell artists exhibited at Johnson • DOD funding for a major biotechnol- ogy center that will draw from a wide range Entering the first floor gallery of the half way around the world and then back Around" shows two older riders on a busy of Cornell scientists for genetic engineering Johnson Museum, a visitor is likely to to places many may find familiar. Japanese train. Mahir Agha's "Bathtub studies ranging from developing improved notice a nearly-life-size pencil drawing of a "Temple at Klaros (Asia Minor)" and Route 198" captures a part of the south- plants to creating bacterial "factories" to bearded man leaning toward a child's pull "Medusa Head Ornament, Temple of western United States where hand-hewn produce new medicines. toy shaped like a wide-eyed cow. Apollo at Didyma," two black and white wooden fences and tumbleweeds still exist. • A "superhighway system" for compu- The drawing, entitled "Robert and My photographs, were taken by student Doug- Home in Ithaca, Michele McDonald's ter data that will be the most sophisticated Cow," is the work of Michael Busch, an las Nickel during the summers of 1984 and painting "Preschoolers" captures several in the nation when completed late this year. administrative aide in the Department of 1985 when he accompanied Cornell's young children grouped around a red table Called NYSERNet and funded through a Government. Busch's work is one of the archaeexpedition at Sardis in Turkey. intently watching a blond boy stirring a corporation separate from the university, nearly 45 art pieces presented in the Cornell Katie Stein's photograph "Getting Continued on page 7 Council of the Creative and Performing Continued on page 2 Arts (CCPA) exhibition on view at the museum through March 8. Dance, graphics, classical and modern music, photography, apparel design, sculp- Oriov's first day goes well tures and paintings are the genres repres- ented in one way or another in the show. Freed Soviet dissident scientist Yuri F. first proposal for experimentation in this Rachel Davis's handwritten poem,"From Orlov, tired from his travels and eager to area in about a month. Myer's Point Quite Exactly," complements begin his research, took up his post here In an an interview conducted largely in her black and white photograph of gradu- last Monday. his steadily improving English, Orlov also ated, worn shale ledges that overlook a sec- "I really Ike your fields, your forests and said that Soviet physicists probably will tion of old railroad tracks. Davis, an editor your fresh air, and it is a pleasure to be react very strongly to President Reagan's in the Department of Music, said her work here," said Orlov from his office in New- recently announced decision to support was inspired by Myer's Point. man Laboratory. "Cornell University is one development of the Superconducting Super- "Jesse Taking the Plunge" is a black and of the best universities in the world, and it collider, a gigantic accelerator for probing white photo that captures an outstretched is a great honor for me to work here." the basic structure of matter. boy diving from an upturned metal water Orlov said that he looks forward to a rest "1 think they feel very jealous," he said. basin into an inflated plastic pool. from press attention and already has devel- The physicist said that he might play a role The surrounding yard is covered with bits oped plans for his research. "in some specialized area" in helping to of summertime: a multicolored beach ball, a "I will work in two regions of science." design the accelerator. fat rubber shark, a tangled garden hose. he said. "The first is accelerator physics. Taken by William Staffeld, a photographer The second is applying quantum ideas in Orlov accepted the position of senior in the School of Art, Architecture and physics to language and to the logic of con- scientist in the Laboratory of Nuclear Stud- Planning, this shot is one of a collection of scious decision making." ies last December. He also will be affiliated with the Center for Radiophysics and Space 35 photographs entitled "Family Album," a Orlov said of his planned work in cogni- Research and Program on the History and project partially funded through the CCPA tive psychology, "1 believe that it is realistic Philosophy of Science and Technology. individual grant program. to have mathematical models of this region Works in the exhibition take the visitor of human activity." He plans to have his — Dennis Meredith Yuri Orlov 2 February 5, 1987 Briefs Former students honor Smith Alumni, friends To be remembered as an inspiring teacher Smith with fostering the transformation of • Art of Teaching seminar: David Taylor- is one thing. When former students reach the school "into a modern research division still donating Way, director of instructional support, will for their checkbooks 25 years later — that's while maintaining the historical commitment describe the services available to faculty and when you know you made an impression. to excellence in undergraduate at record pace teaching staff through his office at a lun- Julian C. Smith, who retired last June education." cheon seminar Feb. 6 at noon. He will pay after 40 years of teaching in the School of Shuler called the lectureship "a lasting Total gifts received by Cornell during the special attention to the use of confidential, Chemical Engineering, should feel doubly tribute to an inspiring teacher, respected col- first-half of the 1986-87 fiscal year are 43 mid-semester student evaluations of teaching honored. Not only did department col- league and outstanding leader." percent more than they were during the which faculty may arrange to have tabu- leagues agree to establish a lectureship in his Among those who remembered and same period in the record-setting 1985-86 lated by him with follow-up consultation. name, but chemical engineering alumni responded was Sam Fleming, a class of fiscal year. Call Barry Adams at 255-7595 for more responded immediately and generously to a 1962 chemical engineer and member of the The $72.2 million received from July 1 information. funding appeal. school's advisory council. Fleming suggested through Dec. 31 compares with $50.4 mil- • Biotechnology Program awards: The By December 1986, more than $100,000 that his chemical engineering classmates lion for the same period a year earlier and Cornell Biotechnology Program is offering in gifts and pledges appeared, surpassing dedicate their 25th reunion gift to the lec- with $114.2 million for all of that fiscal tureship. The result was more than $52,000 predoctoral and postdoctoral awards in four fund raisers' expectations and ensuring the year. in support. areas: plant molecular biology, bioprocess first Julian C. Smith Lecture in the 1987-88 In a report at the university's Board of engineering, cell surface receptors and school year. While continuing his research, consulting Trustees meeting in New York City Jan. 30, enzyme structure and function. The purpose of the lectureship, according and technical writing, the now Professor Duane Davis, acting director of university The award period runs from July 1, 1987 to chemical engineering Professor Michael Emeritus Smith said the success of the fund development, said all indications are that drive left him "completely astonished." through June 30,1989. In 1986, the first L. Shuler, is to bring world experts to the the record-setting pace will continue year of the program, 13 awards were made. university "to enhance the reputation of the The chairman of the fund, Bryce I. through the current fiscal year. Predoctoral awards include tuition and a school and expose Cornell chemical engi- MacDonald, also a member of the school's He attributed the record to a "growing first year stipend of $9,500. Postdoctoral neers to experiences and research to which advisory council, was pleased.