Inside:

IMS research initiative . . . . 2 THE Faculty/staff honors . . . . . 3

25-year anniversaries . . . . 3 Campus Events ...... 4 WHISTLE FACULTY/STAFF N EWSPAPER Volume 31, Number 15 • April 17, 2006 T HE G EORGIA I NSTITUTE OF T ECHNOLOGY

In an emergency, a chemical CRC celebrates its first million companion to aid first responders

PDA software tool helps hazmat senior research scientist in GTRI’s Health and Environmental Systems teams identify chemical spills Laboratory (HESL). “Suppose there’s a fire. With some flammable sub- T.J. Becker stances, water might make the fire Research News and Publications burn even hotter, and foam is needed to suppress the blaze.” hen dealing with hazardous Sponsored by the federal govern- materials — whether from a ment’s Technical Support Work W truck spill or a terrorist Group, the Chemical Companion attack — information is critical. helps first responders make decisions Before first responders can begin to about everything from protective aid victims and decontaminate a equipment and chemical reactivity to scene, they must determine what sub- creating protective zones and provid- stances are present and understand ing appropriate medical aid. the inherent risks to humans and the “With some chemicals like environment. Orthene, which is a fire-ant killer, To help first responders and haz- administering oxygen to a victim ardous materials (hazmat) teams, would have a detrimental effect,” researchers at the noted Amy Cook, a chemist in GTRI’s Research Institute (GTRI) have devel- Electro-Optical Systems Lab (EOSL). oped the “Chemical Companion.” First responders may be able to President Wayne Clough congratulates electrical and computer engineering This software tool, which operates on identify chemical agents from the undergraduate Safayet Ahmed as the one millionth visitor to the Campus Windows-based personal digital assis- shape of containers, shipping papers Recreation Center during a special event last week celebrating the milestone. tants, provides detailed information or signs posted at the hazmat scene. Since reopening in August 2004, the CRC averages more than 53,000 on 130 of the most common chemi- But if there are no solid clues, the visitors a month. It has received national accolades for its design and recent- cals associated with hazmat inci- Chemical Companion enables respon- ly hosted the NCAA swimming and diving championships. dents. ders to identify an unknown chemical “Knowing the characteristics of a by entering details about the sub- chemical, such as its boiling point or stance’s physical appearance, such as density, tells us different things about odor, color and state. how to approach the scene,” said Another option for pinpointing project co-director Christina Baxter, a unknown chemicals is to report med- ical symptoms displayed by victims. Annual architecture symposium For example, twitching, constricted pupils, excessive sweating and confu- sion might indicate the presence of to discuss ’s BeltLine the nerve gas sarin. “The Chemical Companion makes Matt Nagel Ryan Gravel’s master’s thesis. The it easy for first responders to access Institute Communications BeltLine’s concept is to transform information quickly from multiple and Public Affairs abandoned rail tracks that surround paths,” said Gisele Bennett, director the city of Atlanta into green space of EOSL and co-principal investigator. The College of Architecture will host that connects parks throughout the “The system is also very robust and its annual Dean’s Symposium on the city. easy to update so we can continue to “Changing Nature of Practice” on “It has been an incredible experi- add more chemicals.” Saturday, April 29. This year’s sympo- ence to see the BeltLine capture the Although there are existing soft- sium is a public discussion of the imagination of so many people across ware tools for hazmat teams, these Atlanta BeltLine and the issues that the city of Atlanta,” said Gravel, who programs can be costly. In contrast, surround it. will participate in the panel discus- the Chemical Companion will be free “Everyone here believes the sion that concludes the forum. “Not to the military, law enforcement offi- Beltline is good for the city,” said only is this project itself exciting, but cers and fire departments. College of Architecture Associate the conversation that it has started Besides price, other hallmarks Dean Doug Allen. “The goal of this about quality of life in the urban core include greater depth of information year’s symposium is to provide a of Atlanta is unprecedented. I am on chemicals and more detailed med- forum for a structured public discus- impressed with how many people just ical advice. What’s more, the sion aimed at developing a better know intuitively that the BeltLine will Chemical Companion features a cal- understanding of the importance of be good for their community and with culator to help responders determine the BeltLine for the future growth of how hard they are willing to work to The “Chemical Companion” software tool “stay times” — how long they can Atlanta.” ensure that it happens.” runs on personal digital assistants to help remain in a contaminated zone — The BeltLine project is closely tied The College of Architecture is first responders obtain the information to Georgia Tech because it originates they need to make critical decisions. PDA continued, page 2 from College of Architecture alumnus BeltLine continued, page 2

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“QUOTE- Permanent residence process moves to Human Resources ollowing an assessment of the Institute’s process for population among our employees,” Provost Jean-Lou assisting international faculty and staff with employ- Chameau said. “Providing them appropriate support for UNQUOTE” F ment related activities, the Office of Human the petition process is essential and I’m pleased with the Resources’ Foreign National Service Center (FNSC) has changes that will streamline and improve this service to announced it will take over the petitioning process for them.” permanent residency. OHR will offer brown bag and training sessions for “People in a research field tend to The petition process determines if an individual will be employees and campus administrators in order for individ- share a sense of what the important granted the right to live and work in the United States uals to gain more information about the process and problems are. There’s a chance that indefinitely. The Center, which already oversees manage- understand the roles of Georgia Tech, the employee, and a lot of them will come to the same ment of the tax compliance program and the work visa campus departments. answer at the same time.” application process, will be a “one-stop” shop for all “The ongoing goal of the FNSC is to provide convenient —Susan Cozzens, professor in the employment related foreign national processes. and expert service to our foreign national population,” “The growing number of foreign-born faculty and staff said Chuck Donbaugh, assistant vice president of human School of Public Policy, on the pub- at Georgia Tech represents an important and valued resources. lishing phenomenon that brings sev- eral books on similar topics to the public at the same time. (New York Times) Telecommunications research program boasts $100,000 competition Holly Mullin Technology and the Georgia and platform development. Office of Information Technology Electronic Design Center (GEDC). The IMS Research Competition will During the summer, Siemens will kick off with a special event — April eorgia Tech, Cingular Wireless install the IMS technology platform in 25 at 6 p.m. — in the Technology and Siemens GEDC labs in the Technology Square Square Research Building. Georgia G Communications are kicking Research Building. A technology Tech students and faculty are invited off a new research program in wire- demonstration showing examples of to attend this event to learn more less applications. This initiative IMS applications is planned for about the technology and get details brings the students and faculty of October. on entering the competition. Georgia Tech an opportunity to gain The competition, open to all Tech The competition is open to all early, first-hand access to the latest undergraduate students in any field Georgia Tech undergraduate students telecommunications application of study, is an opportunity to com- enrolled in any field of study. architecture. Researchers will be pete for $100,000 in prizes while cre- working on the IP Multimedia ating multimedia applications on an Subsystem (IMS) platform. emerging telecommunications plat- For more information... The IMS program is a joint effort form. Students will be able to sign up Georgia Tech Research of the Georgia Tech Research for a class in the College of Network Operations Center Network Operations Center (GT- Computing that provides them with www.rnoc.gatech.edu RNOC) in the Office of Information specific training on IMS architecture

BeltLine, cont’d from page 1 ability to use the BeltLine as a kind of whom have a role in the project’s of laboratory for our students, faculty, planning and development. and research to test components of “My hope for the BeltLine is that it exploring a number of projects that the BeltLine project. We cannot plan will truly create healthy, sustainable deal with the BeltLine. College of or develop the Beltline ourselves, but communities where people want to Architecture Professor David Green we can and should be a conduit to live and that it will accommodate THE has had several student urban design ensure that the ideas and issues of thousands of anticipated new resi- WHISTLE studios that have looked at specific all the constituents of the complex dents in the city of Atlanta and at the sections of the BeltLine and the project are discussed in an open and same time maintain a high quality-of- Editor: Michael Hagearty issues that face the neighborhoods in constructive manner.” life for existing residents,” said those locations. Professor John The morning session of the sym- Gravel. “I hope the BeltLine changes Published by Institute Communications Peponis has studied the elements dis- posium will discuss the multiple the way we think about Atlanta so and Public Affairs. cussed in these studios and looked at views of the BeltLine project and that the city can truly transform into how the scenarios impact the city urban regeneration. Speakers repre- a progressive, livable region.” Publication is weekly throughout and region as a whole. In addition, senting developers, parks and recre- the academic year and biweekly Tech’s Center for Quality Growth and ation, transportation and neighbor- throughout the summer. For more information... Regional Development is currently hood advocates will all take part in COA Dean’s Symposium Archived issues of The Whistle can be doing a health assessment study on the discussion. accessed electronically through the the BeltLine. The afternoon session will discuss www.coa.gatech.edu/symposium Georgia Tech Web page, or directly at “The BeltLine is many things to strategies based upon academic BeltLine Health Impact www.whistle.gatech.edu. many people,” said Allen. “Within the study of the BeltLine, and concludes Assessment academic context of the design stu- with a panel discussion among civic www.cqgrd.gatech.edu/HIA Calendar submissions e-mailed to dios, Georgia Tech has a unique leaders, planners and architects, all [email protected], or faxed to 404-894-7214 must be sent at least 10 days prior to desired publication date. Classified submis- Hazmat equipment also presented incorporated lots of dropdown menus sions are on a first come, first serve PDA, cont’d from page 1 a design challenge for GTRI and automatic fill-ins in the software. basis. For more information, call 404- 894-8324. researchers. The program also features large let- based on what type of protective “When you’re in a hazmat suit, tering and shading between columns Institute Communications equipment they’re wearing. even simple tasks, like picking up a to make numbers and words easier to and Public Affairs “Being able to accurately project penny, can be very difficult,” said read from under bulky hazmat Wardlaw Center stay times saves money as well as Benjamin Medlin, a GTRI software masks. 177 North Avenue lives,” said Baxter, noting that hazmat development specialist. “So you can Beta-testing for the Chemical Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0181 suits are expensive — about $1,000 imagine how difficult it might be to Companion began in the fall of 2005 use personal digital assistants — with a number of fire departments Georgia Tech is a unit of the University each. “These suits can only be worn which aren’t the easiest devices to around the country. Researchers System of Georgia. once. If we pull a first responder from a hot zone after 15 minutes use under normal conditions.” expect the Chemical Companion will when he or she could have remained To minimize the amount of typing be ready for distribution in the sum- safely for 45 minutes, that’s a consid- required to use the Chemical mer or fall of 2006. erable cost.” Companion, the GTRI team

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ast week’s Faculty/Staff Honors Luncheon offered an opportunity to recognize not only the 25-year L award winners listed below, but also 166 members of the Tech community who marked anniversaries their 10-year anniversary, and another 41 (listed at right) who reached the 25-year mark. The Whistle extends its congratulations to the honorees.

2006 Staff Tuition Reimbursement CETL/BP Junior Faculty Teaching Faiz A. Al-Khayyal John R. McIntyre Assistance Program (STRAP) graduates Excellence Award Industrial and Systems Management Curtis Davis, Housing Victor Breedveld, assistant professor, Engineering Melinda Millard-Stafford Melissa Pestle, Security and Police Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Applied Physiology Patricia (Pat) Potter, Georgia Tech Savannah Joel Sokol, assistant professor, Lillian V. Allen Estella Richardson, Library and Information Center Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Association Thomas Morley Samuel Strickland, Chemistry and Biochemistry Lena Ting, assistant professor, Biomedical Engineering Mathematics Vikki Sutton, Georgia Tech Research Institute Marcus Weck, assistant professor, Earl L. Babbitt III Civil and Environmental Chemistry and Biochemistry Nancy Pinion Don Bratcher Human Relations Award Engineering Materials Science and RoseMary Wells, administrative coordinator, Education Partnership Award — Faculty Elizabeth R. Barton Engineering Office of the Dean of Students Tom Collins, senior research engineer, Human Resources Georgia Tech Research Institute Nicholas A. Pomponio Administrative Service Award Jeff Davis, associate professor, Carmella Bell Georgia Tech Research Michelle Joy Powell, program manager, Electrical and Computer Engineering Industrial and Systems Institute Sponsored Programs Engineering Education Partnership Award — Student Hans B. Püttgen Satya Bhan, undergraduate, Computer Engineering Lexton S. Berry Electrical and Computer Simon Chen, undergraduate, Electrical Engineering Georgia Tech Chapter Sigma Xi Awards Housing Engineering YOUNG FACULTY AWARDS James Holland, graduate, Electrical and Computer Engineering Xiaoming Huo, assistant professor, Julie A. Blankenship Monica L. Rowland Eric Liu, undergraduate, Electrical Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering Georgia Tech Research Information Technology Michael Rivera, undergraduate, Computer Engineering Marcus Weck, assistant professor, Institute Chemistry and Biochemistry Nellie Sanders Charles E. Brown Facilities FACULTY BEST PAPER AWARDS Academic Advisor Awards Committee Georgia Tech Research Hai-Ru Chang, senior research scientist, OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC ADVISING — STAFF Institute J. Bradley Satterfield Jr. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Patti Parker, academic advisor, Facilities Judith A. Curry, school chair, Industrial and Systems Engineering Raziya Chapman Earth and Atmospheric Sciences OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC ADVISING — FACULTY Management Carol A. Senf Robert F. Speyer, professor, Enid Steinbart, director of advising and assessment, Literature, Communication, Materials Science and Engineering Mathematics George Chimonas and Culture Peter J. Webster, professor, Earth and Atmospheric Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Sciences Steven M. Sharpe Faculty Honors Committee Awards Georgia Tech Research SUSTAINED RESEARCH AWARD CLASS OF 1940 W. ROANE BEARD OUTSTANDING TEACHER Sharon K. Crouch Institute Mark Hay, professor, Biology AWARD Electrical and Computer James O. Hamblen, professor, Engineering Jane-Allen Shope Electrical and Computer Engineering Administration and Finance Faculty Research Awards Eleanor Sanders Dixon OUTSTANDING DOCTORAL THESIS ADVISOR CLASS OF 1940 W. HOWARD ECTOR OUTSTANDING TEACHER Health Services Georgia L. Simons Mostafa H. Ammar, Regents’ professor, Computing AWARD Information Technology C. P. Wong, Regents’ professor, William Alan Doolittle, assistant professor, Linda A. Gill Materials Science and Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Grants and Contracts Jacqueline E. Smith Charles David Sherrill, associate professor, Accounting Center for Advanced OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN RESEARCH PROGRAM Chemistry and Biochemistry Communications Policy DEVELOPMENT Monson H. Hayes III Robert M. Dickson, associate professor, OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD Electrical and Computer Charles Crit Stuart Chemistry and Biochemistry J. David Frost, director of academic services, Engineering Library and Information Georgia Tech Savannah Center OUTSTANDING FACULTY RESEARCH AUTHOR Richard W. Holland Robert E. Dickinson, professor, Earth and Atmospheric OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AWARD Library and Information Christopher Summers Sciences Paul W. Mayne, professor, Center Materials Science and Civil and Environmental Engineering Engineering OUTSTANDING FACULTY LEADERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF James J. Hummel GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH MENTOR (FACULTY) Facilities Donald J. Swank Jr. Suresh K. Sitaraman, professor, Mechanical Engineering AWARD Georgia Tech Research Ashraf S. Saad, associate professor, Joan M. Incrocci Institute Electrical and Computer Engineering Civil and Environmental ANAK Award Engineering Craig A. Tovey Douglas C. Allen, associate dean, College of Architecture CLASS OF 1934 OUTSTANDING INNOVATIVE USE OF EDUCATION Industrial and Systems TECHNOLOGY AWARD James W. Larsen Engineering Barbara Blackbourn-Jansma, associate professor, Georgia Tech Research Outstanding Staff Performance Awards Modern Languages Institute Pamela J. Trube Julie Blankenship, director of business services, Development Georgia Tech Research Institute CLASS OF 1934 OUTSTANDING INTERDISCIPLINARY ACTIVITY Jacob T. Leverett Rick Brown, systems support specialist, AWARD Georgia Tech Research Kristin S. Turgeon Information Technology Stephen P. DeWeerth, associate chair, Institute Microelectronics Research Robert Hudgins, academic advisor, Biomedical Engineering Center Civil and Environmental Engineering Douglas W. Martin Cindy Jordin, recruiting manager, Career Services CLASS OF 1934 DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR AWARD Georgia Tech Research Louis W. Zehner Marc Pline, laboratory manager, Biology Bryan G. Norton, professor, Public Policy Institute Information Technology

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