Faculty News
Professor James Callen is on sabbatical this year. He is spending his
time in Tennessee, working on his book on plasma theory. Although
still in draft form, selected chapters are being used as the text for
NE (NEEP) 525 (Introduction to Plasma Physics) this semester. The book
promises to be a landmark in plasma physics literature when it is
completed.
Professor Walter Drugan spent the fall 1999 semester on sabbatical in
Europe. He was one of six invited lecturers at the International
Center for Mechanical Sciences in Udine, Italy, where he gave a
weeklong advanced course on material instabilities in elastic and
plastic solids. He also was a visiting faculty member at the
University of Trento in Italy, where he presented a series of lectures
on research topics in mechanics and collaborated in research. In
addition, Walt was an invited participant and lecturer in a special
program on developments in solid mechanics and materials science at
the Isaac Newton Institute at Cambridge University in England.
Professor Gregory Moses has resigned as associate dean for research in
the College of Engineering and returned 100 percent to the
department. In addition to being able to put more time into his
research on dense plasmas, Greg is getting back into teaching. He is
team-teaching NE (NEEP) 271 (Engineering Problem Solving I) and CS 310 (Problem Solving Using Computers) with Professor John
Strikwerda of Computer Sciences. They are developing Internet-based
lectures using streaming video to replace the traditional
lecture. Once the lectures are completed, students will view them at
their convenience. The faculty will spend time interacting with
students in hands-on lab and collaborative-learning environments. The
goal is to have the Internet-based lectures up and running for the
fall semester.
Professor Wendy Crone has received funding from The Whitaker Foundation for research on biomaterials. Her project involves ion
implantation of nickel-titanium shape-memory alloys for biomedical
applications.
Our faculty are also getting more involved in public service at the
national level. Professor Gerald Kulcinski (right) has been appointed a
member of the National Research Council's Board on Energy and
Environmental Systems. Professor Michael Corradini (left) has been
appointed to chair the National Research Council's Committee on Long
Term Research Needs for High Level Waste at Department of Energy
Sites. Mike also chairs a "blue-ribbon" panel for DOE on the future of
nuclear engineering departments and university research reactors.
Professor Robert Witt (left) was selected by students to receive the
2000 Polygon Outstanding Instructor Award for the department. Peter
Laux was chosen for the Outstanding TA Award. Congratulations to both
of them!
Professor Noah Hershkowitz has been elected Fellow of the American
Vacuum Society.
