Cornell
CHRONICLE
A weekly digest of news from CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu DECEMBER 2, 2011
Actor Jimmy Smits Leaders mark physics teacher institute’s success
to receive Alumni school the past teachers from
For
physics
decade, high
Artist Award New York state and beyond
have been the eager consumers
Cornell will honor actor of a Cornell-based outreach pro-
Jimmy Smits for his artistic gram designed to make physics
achievements with the 2011 engaging and accessible.
Alumni Artist Award at a cer- As the program’s funding
emony Dec. 6 at the Schwartz period draws to a close, lead-
Center for the Performing Arts. ers are amazed at the results,
Smits, MFA ’82, will meet including at last count more
with students and participate in than 50,000 student uses of a
a question-and-answer session “lending library” of physics
with Professor Bruce Levitt and labs since 2005-06.
students in the Department of The National Science Founda-
Theatre, Film and Dance, 2-3:30 tion grant for Cornell’s Center
p.m. in the Schwartz Center’s for Nanoscale Systems (CNS)
Flex Theatre. Smits will accept ends in 2011, and with it, the
his award at an invitation-only institute for physics teachers
PROVIDED
ceremony and reception that (CIPT), which was supported
Julie Nucci, left, demonstrates a physics lab for teachers during a work-
evening. under the auspices of the CNS shop in Doha sponsored by Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar.
Smits is best known for his seed funding.
character portrayals in long- From the outset, the CIPT’s Approximately 1,800 teachers kits. Created because students
running starring roles in the mission was to help grow the so- worldwide have participated in often struggle to understand the
television series “L.A. Law” called STEM (science, technology, more than 80 workshops, and mathematics of projectile motion,
(1986-91), “NYPD Blue” (1993- engineering and math) work- more than 230 teachers have the lab consists of a variable angle
98) and “The West Wing” force by improving high school attended CIPT graduate courses launcher with a photogate to mea-
(2004-06), and for films includ- physics education and enhancing since 2001. sure a toy car’s initial velocity.
ing “My Family (Mia Familia),” student interest in science. The CIPT model has expanded CIPT director Julie Nucci said
“Old Gringo” and two “Star To do so, CIPT has offered to universities across the U.S. and she hopes alternative funders
Wars” prequels. He won an intensive training workshops to Puerto Rico and Singapore. can be identified so the CIPT
Emmy Award for Outstanding and graduate courses for phys- Weill Cornell Medical College- can continue fulfilling its mis-
Supporting Actor in 1990 and a ics teachers. With this training Qatar has also sponsored CIPT sion of making physics, and sci-
Golden Globe for Best Actor in came access to Cornell’s lending workshops for physics teachers ence in general, more engaging
a Television Series Drama in library, a collection of nearly 40 in Doha for the last three years. and, ultimately, to support the
1995. complete physics labs that teach- The “Stunt Car Challenge” is success of all students.
He appeared in several Cor- ers could borrow free of charge. one of the library’s most popular — Anne Ju
nell productions as a student,
Report predicts NYS climate change trends
from “One Flew Over the Cuck-
oo’s Nest” to George Bernard
Shaw’s “Man and Superman.”
Before his television and film In 2080, will New York City residents take a two years by more than 50 scientists. The compre-
career, he also had major roles submarine to work instead of the subway? Will hensive climate change response analysis predicts
in the early 1980s at the Ithaca vast irrigation networks be as commonplace in climate trends for the next century and assesses
Repertory Theatre (now Hangar western New York as they are in the western their potential impacts in seven geographic regions
Theatre). In 2009-10 he co-starred United States? Will once rare catastrophic flood- of New York, in eight areas: water resources, coastal
on Broadway in the critically ing in the Southern Tier become the norm? zones, ecosystems, agriculture, energy, transporta-
acclaimed “God of Carnage.” The answer to many of these questions could tion, telecommunications and public health.
The Alumni Artist Award be yes, according to 19 Cornell scientists who con- It concludes that shifting weather patterns are
honors alumni who have tributed to a historic report released Nov. 16 by poised to affect everything from food and drinking
achieved national or interna- the New York State Energy Research and Devel- water quality to the snowpack for winter recreation.
tional success in the arts. opment Authority. — Stacey Shackford,
— Daniel Aloi The 600-page ClimAID study was compiled over College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2 December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu
Cornellians Planning board unanimous: Big Red
in the news nets safe for environment Athletics
Cornell cleared another hur- nell revised the designs, mak-
Pounds reduce dollars dle in its effort to install steel ing them composed primarily
Football
“As an economist, I’d like to mesh nets on seven area bridges of horizontal netting below Sophomore quarterback Jeff
point out that employers can as part of its comprehensive the bridges, “thereby greatly Mathews has been named one
attract a more talented work- approach to suicide prevention. reducing aesthetic impacts of two finalists for the 2011 Asa
force, and earn higher prof- The city of Ithaca’s Planning and impacts on views from the S. Bushnell Cup signifying the
its, by declining to indulge in and Development Board voted bridges,” Schroeder said. Ivy League’s Offensive Player
such discrimination.” John unanimously Nov. 22 that the The Suspension Bridge is the of the Year. The honor will be
Cawley, professor of policy
proposed nets “will result in no only bridge where the proposed announced Dec. 5 in New York
analysis and management, on
significant impact on the envi- netting is vertical and above the City at the NFF annual awards
employer bias against obese dinner. Mathews earned first-
people, particularly obese ronment.” bridge deck level. But even this
The assessment marks a step proposal would be an improve- team All-Ivy accolades this sea-
white women, who earn less son after setting Cornell and
than non-obese workers. THE toward the board’s possible ment, Schroeder said, because
approval of site plans for each netting will replace the tall Ivy League records for passing
NEW YORK TIMES, NOV. 29 yardage in a game (548 yards at
bridge. It also means other city metal bars currently in place
Penn) and season (3,412 yards),
Teen torture bodies – the Common Council, along the sides of this bridge,
while also setting Big Red records
“Recent research is show- Ithaca Landmarks Preservation “in fact opening up views and for touchdown passes (25), total
ing that it’s not their sexual- Commission (ILPC) and the plan- improving visibility on the offense (3,274 yards), completion
ity that’s getting them bullied, ning board itself – are now free to bridge,” he said. percentage (.679) and passing
but their gender expres- vote on whether to allow the nets. Cornell has requested the efficiency (162.60). He ranked
sions. It’s that they trans- “The environmental impacts city’s permission to install nets third nationally in passing yards
gress those gender roles that of this project have been signifi- under three city-owned bridges: per game and pass efficiency and
we have established. … What cantly reduced from the original two Stewart Avenue bridges and fourth in total offense.
[bullies are] picking up on is, sketch plans,” said John Schro- the Thurston Avenue Bridge. The
‘You’re not acting like a girl
eder, planning board chair. As for planning board must approve Women’s Ice Hockey
is supposed to act.’” Ritch
community members who have the site plans, and the Com-
Savin-Williams, professor of
human development, on sex- objected to the designs, Schro- mon Council must approve the For her two wins against then-
ually themed bullying of gen- eder said, “Their voices have request. No. 5 Boston University, senior
der-nonconforming children. been heard. The planning board University officials have also netminder Amanda Mazzotta
LIVE SCIENCE, NOV. 29 concerns and community con- sought approval to install nets has been named ECAC Hockey’s
cerns about visual impacts have on four Cornell-owned bridges: Goaltender of the Week for the
Coach as predator been addressed just about as the Suspension Bridge, Beebe eighth time in her career. Maz-
“It comes down to who knew far as they can be. … I think the Dam Bridge, Stone Arch Bridge zotta was stellar in net for the Big
what, or who should have improvement is extraordinary.” and Trolley Bridge. Those Red against the Terriers. In the
known. And you have to ask, Associate University Architect designs must be approved by first game of the weekend, Maz-
because Boeheim’s defense zotta saw 21 shots and stopped
Andrew Magré, who presented the planning board; the ILPC
of Fine was so complete after 20 of them. Less than 24 hours
revised designs to the board, said must approve the location of
the initial allegations, would later, Mazzotta was back at it,
he was pleased with the decision. associated light poles where saving another 21 BU attempts
he have been at all open to Cornell originally proposed they touch a historic district.
look into anything suspicious?” on goal and coming within 5:34
vertical netting or curved metal For all the bridges, Cornell will of a shutout.
Cynthia Bowman, professor
bars extending up from most of bear the estimated $1 million-
of law, on the Syracuse Uni-
the bridges and vertical netting per-bridge project cost, as well
versity child sex abuse scandal
at the edges of the bridge abut- as repair, maintenance and other Men’s Basketball
involving Bernie Fine, assistant
coach of basketball. THE NEW ments. In reaction to concerns of costs, university officials have said. Freshman forward Shonn Miller
YORK TIMES, NOV. 28 the board and the public, Cor- — Susan Kelley was named Ivy League Rookie
of the Week for the third straight
Middle class crash
Cornell Vol. 43 No. 15
week, again sharing the award
“The idea that you show up, after two strong efforts for the Big
work hard, get a little bit lucky
and you’ll be fine? That is over CHRONICLE Red men’s basketball team. Miller,
who leads Cornell in rebounding
… The loss of security is a big and blocked shots and sits third
deal. It cannot be overstated. Thomas W. Bruce, Vice President, University Communications on the team in scoring, shared
It provided for opportunity. Karen Walters, Director, Cornell Chronicle the honor with Columbia’s Alex
Those people knew they were Susan S. Lang ’72, Managing Editor Rosenberg. Miller averaged 8.5
all right and that their children Bonnie Sellers, Chronicle Online Editor Click on stories to read points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
could be better. There could Robin Zifchock, Graphic Designer and 1.5 steals in two games for
Agnes K. Binger, Circulation Manager
the full versions online.
be social mobility. It was the the Big Red, including earning his
American dream. Now there is Writers: Daniel Aloi, Nancy Doolittle, Anne Ju ’01, first career starts.
flatlining or downward mobil- Susan Kelley, Susan S. Lang ’72, George Lowery,
Krishna Ramanujan, Bill Steele ’54 and Joe Wilensky
ity.” Jefferson Cowie, asso- Schedule
Address: 312 College Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850
ciate professor in the ILR
Tel: 607-255-4206 Fax: 607-255-5373
School, on the diminishing Email: cunews@cornell.edu Copies available from Check scores and learn more
American middle class. USA Cornell Digital Print Services: www.cbsds.cornell.edu about upcoming sports events
TODAY, NOV. 27 at www.cornellbigred.com.
CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle 3
Skorton stresses growth and balance in address to staff
Despite the economic con- Appreciation Award to the uni- financial aid and expand its role tainment, and the reduced staff
straints of the past three years, versity’s business service, finan- in public engagement. workforce with the work that
Cornell is still a “very exciting cial transaction and academic “We are in the position for needs to be done.
place, a place that is moving for- service centers for their work in Cornell University to continue Skorton encouraged staff
ward,” President David Skorton implementing the Kuali Finan- to be excellent and to grow in members to continue to offer
said in Bailey Hall in his annual cial System. selected areas, and getting to their input and advice, not-
Address to Staff Nov. 28, thank- Skorton said that the newly this point has required enor- ing that two-thirds of those
ing the some 400 attending staff expanded campaign and the mous cooperation from all of invited to participate in a recent
members for their roles in the efforts to achieve a balanced you,” he said. employee survey responded.
university’s continued success. budget give Cornell resources to Skorton stressed the need to He also listed the many work-
His comments were pre- recruit faculty, stabilize the staff balance the increases in faculty place recognitions that Cornell
ceded by the presentation of workforce, continue the univer- numbers and student aid with has received.
this year’s Employee Assembly sity’s commitment to need-based the need for overall cost con- — Nancy Doolittle
Cornell and Technion share research and ‘land grant’ vision
It should not be a surprise that Cornell and capital and leadership, for the advancement “People collaborate with others who share
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology of the State of Israel and all humanity.” their interests,” he said. “[Technion] is strong
have joined to propose a new science and Cornell was created to advance New in areas we’re interested in.” Collaborators
technology campus in New York City. A web York’s agriculture and technology. Tech- travel back and forth about once a year and
of collaborative research and a shared mis- nion, founded in 1912 by a group that in between burn up bandwidth on Skype.
sion have connected them for decades. included Albert Einstein, was created to An administrator at Technion quickly
“They are two institutions that are land- train engineers to build the anticipated reels off 15 Technion faculty members who
grant to the world,” said Carol Epstein ’61, state of Israel. Today Israel is home to the had studied or taught at Cornell. In turn,
a member of the Cornell Council who also greatest concentration of high-tech startup four current Cornell faculty members came
sits on the International Board of Governors companies anywhere outside of Silicon Val- from Technion. One of these, MacArthur
of the Technion and the National Board of ley. More than 70 percent of the country’s “genius award” winner Michal Lipson,
Directors of the American Technion Soci- founders and managers of high-tech indus- associate professor of electrical and com-
ety. Epstein cited President David Skorton’s tries are Technion graduates. puter engineering, says partnership in the
2007 State of the University address: “We Cornell and Technion faculty have been New York City venture makes perfect sense.
are ... dedicated to applying the fruits of cross-pollinating for years, especially in “Technion and Cornell are two world-class
our research and teaching to help solve the engineering. Joseph Halpern, professor institutions which house the world’s best
world’s problems.” and chair of computer science, can think of scientists,” she said. “This partnership
Technion is “dedicated to the creation of several faculty members in his department stands for a very strong collaboration.”
knowledge and the development of human alone who work with Technion researchers. — Bill Steele
Cornell gets NYSERDA’s Barb Knuth elected to board of
energy efficiency award Council of Graduate Schools
The New York State Energy of Riley-Robb Hall’s east wing Barbara Knuth, vice provost sity. She steered Cornell’s 2011
Research and Development 1950s-vintage large-equipment and dean of Cornell’s Gradu- acceptance to the Center for the
Authority (NYSERDA) has recog- lab into a suite of modern wet ate School, has been elected to Integration of Research, Teach-
nized Cornell for making invest- labs, approximately 11,500 gross a two-year term on the board ing and Learning Network, an
ments that will reduce energy square feet (GSF) for state-of-the- of directors of the Council of elite national organization that
costs by some $117,000 annually. art cellulosic biomass biofuels Graduate Schools (CGS), an aims to produce better university
Cornell’s Riley-Robb Hall Bio- research and development. The organization of more than 500 teachers in the science, technol-
fuels Research Lab and Build- project included renovations of institutions of higher education ogy, engineering and math fields.
ing System Upgrades project a 7,700 GSF adjacent space in the in the United States and Can- Under her leadership the Gradu-
was supported by $111,865 in south wing for the Soil and Water ada. Her term will begin Jan. ate School is enhancing its pro-
NYSERDA incentives, which Group displaced by the Biofuels 1, 2012. CGS institutions award fessional development program
helped fund the implementation Research Lab. Building-system more than 95 percent of all U.S. for students and is increasing its
of energy improvements such as infrastructure renewals, includ- doctorates each year and more focus on diversity and inclusion.
HVAC and lighting controls and ing a 2,400 GSF mechanical than 78 percent of all U.S. mas- The mission of the CGS,
heat recovery. These improve- equipment room addition, were ter’s degrees. which acts as the national voice
ments to the building and its also incorporated in the project. Knuth is the first Cornell fac- for the graduate dean com-
systems will reduce energy con- The energy saved – more than ulty member elected to the post munity, is to advance graduate
sumption, decrease demands on 536,973 kilowatt hours – is equiv- in 30 years. education to ensure the vitality
the utility’s distribution system alent to the amount of electricity Since becoming vice provost of intellectual discovery and to
and increase occupant comfort. consumed by 78 single-family and dean in 2010, Knuth has promote an environment that
The project involved the homes annually. provided leadership for gradu- cultivates rigorous scholarship.
adaptive reuse and renovation — Susan Kelley ate education across the univer- — Susan Kelley
4 December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu
Layaway purchases are a bad choice; This Week
in Cornell
saving in a cookie jar is more effective History
Although some retailers talk about lay- Layaway, a 1930s invention that lost Week of Dec. 2-9
away purchases as broadening consumer favor in recent years due to credit card
Dec. 3, 1936 The student newspapers of
choices, such options actually feed on des- availability, is making a comeback this
Cornell and what are now the Ivy League
peration “arising from many Americans’ holiday season.
schools (excluding Brown) simultaneously
inability to borrow, save and, most impor- “Imagine a mother going to Walmart on
ran a joint editorial titled “Now Is the Time.”
tant, earn,” said Louis Hyman, ILR School Oct. 17 and buying $100 worth of Christmas
The editorial presented a “proposal for the
assistant professor of labor relations, law toys,” Hyman writes. “She makes a down
formation of an Ivy League” to preserve
and history. payment of $10 and pays a $5 service fee.
“the ideals of intercollegiate athletics,” but
Reintroduced by Walmart this fall after Over the next two months she pays off the
a month later, the schools’ athletic directors
a five-year absence, layaway “is being pro- rest. In effect, she is paying $5 in interest for
jointly rejected the proposal. It wasn’t until
moted with a moral shine of being ‘debt-free’ a $90 loan for two months: the equivalent of
1945 that the “Ivy Group Agreement” was
when, like interest charges, all it does is sap a credit card with a 44 percent annual per-
signed, forming the Ivy League.
working people’s incomes,” Hyman said. centage rate, a level most of us would con-
“If shoppers don’t pay off the layaway, sider predatory. Dec. 5, 1996 To help put the Ithaca community
then they don’t get the goods. Worse than “In comparison, even a card with an 18 into the spirit of the season, the Cornell Dairy
missing a Black Friday sale would be not percent A.P.R. would charge only half as Bar spreads holiday cheer with “The Light-
having anything to put under the tree,” much interest – and she could take those ing of the Cows.” Dennis Miller, chair of the
said Hyman, who criticized layaway plans presents home the same day. Department of Food Science, flipped the
in an Oct. 12 opinion piece in The New “Then consider what would happen if she switch that officially lit the rooftop display,
York Times. couldn’t finish all the payments. Walmart featuring four specially made wooden cows
Shoppers can get the same benefits, plus would give her the money back, less $10. pulling Santa Claus in a dairy tanker. A press
interest, by putting money in a no-cost sav- If she borrowed that $90 and paid $15 in release quipped, “Moooooove over, Rudolph!”
ings account, he said. “Even the proverbial interest for two months, she would have the Dec. 9, 1874 Ezra Cornell dies at 67, after
cookie jar would be better since it doesn’t equivalent of a jaw-dropping interest rate of months of illness following a case of pneu-
charge any fees.” 131 percent.” monia. His dreams of a great university were
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), echo- Hyman said that layaway’s return “isn’t not fully achieved during his lifetime. At the
ing Hyman’s concerns about layaway, said a signal that consumers have more choice. time of his death, the fledgling Cornell Uni-
he will call for a Federal Trade Commission It’s a signal that in today’s cruel economy, versity was having significant financial diffi-
investigation of layaway fees if stores don’t there’s no choice left.” culties, compounded by scathing attacks on
clarify their procedures. — Mary Catt, ILR School the school and its founder for their “godless-
ness” and radical ways. The university and
Ithaca “were plunged in mourning,” writes
Undergraduate team wins real estate Cornell Historian Morris Bishop.
competition in New York City CU in the City
A team of six students from Cornell’s place at TIAA-CREF headquarters in New
undergraduate minor in real estate earned York City. Cocktail party
first place in the third annual Cornell In the final round, Cornell went up against Classes of 2002-2011 are invited to recon-
International Real Estate Case Competi- University of Wisconsin at Madison, which nect, network and share holiday cheer at a
tion Nov. 10. This marked the second win took second place, and Pennsylvania State Young Alumni Holiday Cocktail Party, Dec.
for Cornell since the university’s Center University, which placed third. Other teams 7, 7-9 p.m. at 48 Lounge-New York, 1221
for Real Estate and Finance established the competing were last year’s champion, New Avenue of the Americas. $45 per person
competition in 2009. York University, and Indiana University, includes two hours of hors-d’oeuvres and
“I was so impressed by all the teams that Maastricht University, Renmin University open wine and beer.
participated this year. Each analysis was of China, University of Connecticut, Uni-
smart and insightful, and the hard work versity of Guelph, University of Michigan New test for melanoma
the students put into their presentations and Villanova University. Determining whether a mole is a potentially
was obvious,” said Daniel Quan, Singapore The competition awarded $10,000 for first life-threatening melanoma is tricky business,
Tourism Board Distinguished Professor in place, $4,000 for second and $2,000 for third. leading to both under- and overdiagnosis.
Asian Hospitality Management at Cornell’s Cornell team members, all Class of 2012, Now, researchers at Weill Cornell Medical
School of Hotel Administration, who orga- were Omer Ben-Zur, Christine Boyd, Siheng College have designed, developed and stud-
nized the event. Han, Andrew Quinn, Steven Rowe and ied a new diagnostic staining test they say can
Teams representing 11 universities had Darren Wang; Collin Hoo ’12, Shirley Gu ’13 provide a novel measure of whether a mole is
four days to analyze and prepare invest- and Amy Yao ’13 were alternates. clearly cancerous or benign with the potential
ment recommendations for a case devel- The team was coached by Quan; Wally for expanded use across all cancers.
oped by Clarion Partners based on an actual Boudry, assistant professor of real estate; “What I hope is that five years down the
strategic financial positioning management and Judi Brownell, the Hotel School’s dean line, this and other stains will help patholo-
project in Manhattan. Acting as advisory of students and professor of management gists remove any uncertainty as to whether
firms, each team had 20 minutes to present and organizational behavior. a biopsy is worrisome,” says Dr. Jonathan
their recommended strategy to judges and — Ashlee McGandy, Zippin, an assistant professor of dermatol-
answer questions. The competition took School of Hotel Administration ogy at Weill Cornell.
CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle 5
FOCUS ON cornell in nyc
spotlight: PARALLEL UTOPIAS Fans invade Madison Square Garden
Architecture students in the Parallel Utopias studio, to cheer Big Red men’s hockey team
T
an upper-level design course directed by Yehre Suh, pre-
he Lynah Faithful, avid To the Lynah Faithful, how-
sented their work at the DMZ Forum 2011 Annual Confer-
fans of Big Red hockey, ever, the evening was about
ence, Nov. 21 at the American Museum of Natural History
packed the sold-out, non- more than chalking up a win
in New York City.
league game against the Boston or loss.
The DMZ Forum is an international nongovernmental
University (BU) Terriers at New Hours before the game
organization whose mission is to support conservation
York City’s Madison Square started, Midtown Manhat-
of the unique biological and cultural resources of Korea’s
Garden Nov. 26. The matchup, a tan was awash in red-and-
Demilitarized Zone. Cornell students have been research-
tradition dating from 1925, rarely white jerseys, sweatshirts and
ing the political, social, economic and ecological conditions
offered a dull moment. scarves, as Cornellians gath-
in border areas of North and South Korea, and have cre-
It was an uphill battle seem- ered at a host of alumni events
ated speculative architectural scenarios and strategies for
ingly all night. The Big Red including “Red Hot Skate!” in
the sites.
finally got the break it needed Bryant Park and pregame gath-
Suh, a visiting critic in the Department of Architecture,
to force overtime, thanks to a erings at Niles, Slattery’s, Local
was awarded the Graham Foundation for Advanced Stud-
goal by senior forward Locke Café, the Heartland Brewery,
ies in Fine Arts Grant in 2008 for her research project “Par-
Jillson with just under nine Stout-NYC, Legends and the
allel Utopias: The Normalcy of Architecture in North and
minutes left in regulation. Blarney Stone.
South Korea.”
But Boston University found The events brought out die-
— Daniel Aloi
the answer in over- hard Big Red fans
time on an improbable as well as some who
goal on a redirection ‘I was an were new to the tradi-
to secure a 2-1 victory architecture tion. “I was an archi-
student, so I
Cornell Plantations, 92nd Street Y in front of the boister- hardly ever
ous crowd. got out ...
tecture student, so I
hardly ever got out,”
to host educational lecture series After Cornell trailed When Cornell
the Terriers 1-0 for the and BU first
said Stephanie Cock-
erl ’96, who gathered
Cornell Plantations has parks and public gardens are better part of two peri- played that at Legends with other
partnered with the 92nd changing dramatically in an ods, Jillson put a loose game many members of her Class
years ago, I
Street Y in New York City for era of increasing environmen- puck into the net with was finally Council. “So when
its “Changing Earth” lecture tal crises. 8:54 on the clock in the indoctrinated Cornell and BU first
series. The seven-part series “In the crowded, fast- third period, igniting into the legacy played that game
began in November and will paced cities of today, we have a chorus of “Let’s go, of Cornell many years ago, I was
take place monthly through a greater need than ever for Red! Let’s go, Red!” hockey finally indoctrinated
May 2012, as part of the Y’s the beauty and ecological and tying the game, mystique.’ into the legacy of
First Class Science adult edu- services provided by street 1-1. — Stephanie Cockerl ’96
Cornell hockey mys-
cation program. trees, parks and public gar- Minutes later, the tique,” she said.
The series features diverse dens,” Rakow said. “In these goal that might have For Lynah Faith-
topics and speakers from Cor- lectures … participants will sealed the game – a shot that ful veterans, the evening was
nell and other organizations. learn about ongoing research went high, bounced off the a chance to swap stories and
Nina Bassuk, professor of and outreach efforts to extend back glass and flew skyward revisit old memories. David
horticulture, will deliver the the lives of urban trees, as before bouncing off the back Caleca ’96 of New York City
first Plantations-themed lec- well as the many ways in of BU goalie Kieran Millan and recalled catching a puck and
ture of the series, titled “Why which public gardens enrich into the net – brought elated staying up all night for tickets.
Do We Need Trees?” Dec. 7 at our lives.” Cornellians to their feet in a Todd Rethemeier ’93, M.Eng.
7 p.m. Bassuk is author with Also speaking as part of the flurry of high fives before the ’94, M.B.A. ’95, of Long Island,
Peter Trowbridge of “Trees “Changing Earth” series will goal was summarily contested recounted the road trip he took
in the Urban Landscape” and be Jonathan Lunine, Cornell’s and rejected. The point, mem- to Ann Arbor, Mich., to cheer the
leads the Urban Horticulture David C. Duncan Professor of bers of the officiating crew Big Red during the first round
Institute at Cornell. Astronomy. Lunine will speak ruled, did not count because it of the 1991 NCAA tournament.
Don Rakow, the E.N. Wilds April 18, 2012, on the possibil- had been blown dead by a ref- This year, Rethemeier brought
Director of Cornell Planta- ity of life on other planets. eree’s whistle after he lost sight his nephew Jake Abel ’15 and
tions, will give the second The 92nd Street Y serves of the puck. Tim Murray ’15 to the game.
Plantations-themed lecture, all ages with programming Play continued into overtime The Big Red returns home to
titled “Why Do We Need in music, art, education and when, at 2:12, a wide shot by BU wrap up the first portion of its
Green Spaces? The Impor- health for New Yorkers of all junior Max Nicastro deflected schedule against ECAC Hockey
tance of Public Gardens and denominations and ages. Cor- off the stick and thigh of BU foes St. Lawrence on Dec. 2 and
Parks in Our Communities,” nell Plantations is the botani- junior Ross Gaudet and into the Clarkson on Dec. 3.
March 14, 2012. Beyond ful- cal gardens, arboretum and goal, ending the game in Bos- — Claire Lambrecht,
filling people’s need for a con- natural areas of Cornell and is ton’s favor, 2-1. freelance writer
nection to nature, Rakow will a member of Ithaca’s Discov-
talk about how the roles of ery Trail partnership. Edited by Anne Ju AMJ8@cornell.edu
6 December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu
Transistors made from natural cotton Notables
fibers could lead to wearable devices Campus sustainability awards
Smarter, more functional clothing incor- along with semiconductive and conductive Kathleen Carolyn (“K.C.”) Alvey ’12
porating electronics may be possible in the polymers were used to tailor the electronic and Spring Buck, operations manager at
near future, according to a study co-authored behavior of natural cotton fibers. Cornell’s recycling and solid waste unit,
by Cornell fiber scientist Juan Hinestroza. Cotton was chosen as a substrate because received Cornell University Partners in Sus-
Hinestroza, associate professor of fiber of its mechanical and inherent comfort tainability Awards Nov. 17 for their “critical
science, was part of an international team properties, relative cheapness and wide- role in the sustainable transformation of the
that developed transistors using natural spread use in fabric and clothing. Cotton Cornell campus.”
cotton fibers. fibers are lightweight and sustainable. Buck, who works at R5 (which stands for
“Creating transistors from cotton fibers In the study, the first step was aimed at respect, reduce, reuse, rethink, recycle) oper-
brings a new perspective to the seam- creating a conformal layer of nanoparticles ations in Facilities Services – received the
less integration of electronics and textiles, over the rough topography of cotton. The staff award, and Alvey, a natural resources
enabling the creation of wearable electronic next layers were either conductive or semi- major in the College of Agriculture and Life
devices,” Hinestroza said. conductive coatings; the final step was to Sciences, was given the student award at a
The innovation represents a significant build the devices. “The layers were so thin ceremony following the President’s Sustain-
step forward because it lays the groundwork that the flexibility of the cotton fibers was able Campus Committee annual summit.
for creating even more complex devices, preserved,” Hinestroza said.
such as cotton-based circuits, Hinestroza Two kinds of active transistors, organic elec- Vet lab gets ‘gold’ for green
said. This would allow fabrics to sense body trochemical transistors and organic field effect The New York State Veterinary Diagnos-
temperature, automatically heat up or cool transistors, were also demonstrated. Both tic Laboratory, which opened a year ago
down, or track heart rate or blood pressure kinds are widely used in the electronics indus- and houses the Animal Health Diagnostic
in high-risk patients, as well as to monitor try as components of integrated circuits, which Center, has recently been awarded a “gold”
physical effort of high-performance athletes. control the functions of such common devices certification by the Leadership in Energy
“Perhaps one day we can even build com- as phones, televisions and game consoles. and Environmental Design (LEED) Green
puters out of cotton fibers in a similar way The study represented an interdisciplin- Building Rating System, as judged by the
as khipus – a recording device based on ary, collaborative effort between fiber sci- U.S. Green Building Council.
knots and used by the Inca empire in Peru,” entists from Cornell, physicists from the The gold designation recognizes efforts
Hinestroza added. University of Bologna and electrical engi- to control erosion and sedimentation; pro-
The research was published online Sept. neers from the University of Cagliari, both vide access to alternative transportation,
13 in Organic Electronics. It describes a new in Italy, and materials scientists from the including storage and changing rooms for
technique in which conformal coatings – Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de bicyclists; and offer preferred parking for
which are those that follow cotton’s irreg- Saint-Étienne in France. those driving low-emitting/fuel-efficient
ular topography – of gold nanoparticles — Farhan Nuruzzaman ’12, writer intern vehicles. In addition, superior indoor envi-
ronmental quality options were installed; a
storm water management plan and Green
Building educational program have been
Robots exhibit high-level behaviors from developed; special roofing material was
used to reflect heat, making the building’s
processing structured English commands temperature easier to regulate; and auto-
matic lighting controls have been installed.
Move over, Jetsons. A humanoid robot and automatically generate the code for the
named Mae is traipsing around Cornell’s robot to successfully accomplish its task.”
Autonomous Systems Lab, guided by plain- The LTLMoP toolkit combines logic, lan-
English instructions and sometimes even guage and control algorithms. The group Obituary
appearing to get frustrated. has demonstrated the algorithms by getting
Mae understands and executes English Mae, a 2-foot robot NAO humanoid made
commands, thanks to algorithms and a by Aldebaran Robotics, to simulate looking Professor Emeritus Emil Haller
software toolkit called Linear Temporal for missing items in a grocery store while Emil J. Haller, professor emeritus of edu-
Logic Mission Planning (LTLMoP) being also avoiding spills in the aisles. Depend- cational administration at Cornell, died
developed in the lab of Hadas Kress-Gazit, ing on what she finds, the robot takes action Nov. 20 at Strong Memorial Hospital in
assistant professor of mechanical and aero- based on the specifications that were given Rochester, N.Y. He was 78.
space engineering. to her. Haller authored and co-authored numer-
According to Kress-Gazit, the future of The “store” is located in the Rhodes Hall ous professional publications and books in
robotics is in the ability of robots to easily Autonomous Systems Lab. Mae knows how his field.
understand everyday users and to act reli- to react in certain situations – for example, if His research interests included admin-
ably in different situations. a “missing item” is encountered, she alerts istrative, social and political questions
“The big picture is that we want to a manager. If she sees a “spill,” she’ll avoid surrounding small and rural schools, the
have anybody tell the robot what to do,” the area. nature and usefulness of research in edu-
explained Kress-Gazit, who studies how to Traditionally, a controller for these rela- cational administration, and the causes of
create provably correct, high-level behav- tively complex tasks requires specifically underachievement of poor and minority
iors for robots. “You don’t want to have a programming the robot to react in every students in U.S. schools, with special atten-
programmer who’s been doing the job for- conceivable state it may find itself in. This is tion to the attitudes and actions of teachers.
ever to have to write the code for every the tedious and error-prone nature of robot- Haller earned his bachelor’s degree at the
single behavior, as is currently done in the ics today, the researchers say. University of Missouri and his Ph.D. from
field. You want to take what someone said — Anne Ju the University of Chicago.
CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle 7
>>The essen
More than just tape: 3M
partners with food scientist
tials>people professor of food science, tests Using this new device, pre-
meat samples suspected to be pared samples are loaded and
>>details>>data tainted with Salmonella, he may quickly assessed. The result-
>>happenings be able to do so even faster, ing data is then available for
thanks to a new high-tech tool immediate analysis and docu-
recently added to his arsenal. mentation via a direct computer
The food scientist has part- connection.
>Cornell People nered with 3M to test a new
molecular diagnostic system
Wiedmann said he will use
the device alongside more tra-
Communism 2.0 that could cut pathogen detec- ditional methods while he tests
A Cornell professor’s take on communism will soon be published by Com- tion times from 72 hours to just samples as part of several of
18 hours. his ongoing research projects,
munists.
“Rapid and easy detection of which trace how pathogens
In fact, interest in Bruno Bosteels’ 2011 book, “The Actuality of Com- food-borne pathogens is a con- like Salmonella and Listeria are
munism,” is galloping across Asia and Europe. tinuing challenge, and we are transferred throughout the
“The idea of communism is rising from its grave once again – but what very excited to test this product food chain.
does it effectively amount to? Bosteels confronts this issue with no and see if it can make the pro- The data he collects not only
illusions, in a critical dialogue with today’s Leftist thinkers, as well as cess quicker,” Wiedmann said. will support the range of uses
with radical political practices such those of the Morales government 3M, a Minnesota-based com- of 3M’s new instrument, but
in Bolivia. A beautifully written work which is a must for everyone pany known for its innovation also add to their database of
interested in what’s left of the contemporary Left,” reads a blurb for in many marketplaces, has a pathogen reactions, which will
successful Health Care Divi- be a valuable resource to the
the book.
sion focused on food safety. machine’s developers, as well as
Bosteels, a professor of Romance studies dubbed “one of the ris- For decades, 3M Food Safety future customers. Many of the
ing stars of contemporary critical theory” by his English-language has been a leader in producing pathogens Wiedmann tests in
publisher, has signed translation deals with publishers in China, Korea 3M Petrifilm Plates, microbial his laboratory are not available
and Germany. indicator count plates. 3M is anywhere else.
expanding its scope into devel- 3M’s Robert Koeritzer said his
>Course Work oping the next generation of
scientific technology, and the
company was drawn to Cornell
because of Wiedmann’s promi-
new device – a sleek, robust nence in the field of food safety
In Darwin’s steps unit about the size of a laptop – and the college’s connections
Cornell Adult University offers an educational voyage to Patagonia, is designed to be easy enough to within the broader food industry.
Argentina, to retrace the footsteps of Charles Darwin, March 15-26. use outside the lab, by industry — Stacey Shackford, CALS
Participants will visit destinations critical to the development of his
revolutionary ideas with Warren Allmon, director of the Paleontological
Research Institution.
News from the Assemblies
The itinerary includes visits to the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio,
the habitats of Peninsula Valdés and Puerto Madryn, the Tierra del Fuego
National Park, Glaciers National Park and a catamaran sail through the Update for the week of Nov. 28
Beagle Channel. The following are brief reports and move internal operations
from the Student Assembly policies to EA bylaws.
>Essentially NYC (SA), Graduate and Professional
Student Assembly (GPSA),
• SA: Dec. 1. Conclusion of
byline funding discussions.
Gone birdies gone Employee Assembly (EA) and
University Assembly (UA). Upcoming meetings:
The School of Visual Arts in New York City will host a preview screening • SA: Dec. 2, 4:45 p.m., 132
of “The Lost Bird Project,” documenting Cornell associate professor of Recent meetings: Rockefeller Hall. Special meet-
art Todd McGrain’s series of sculptural works preserving the memory of • GPSA: Nov. 28. Presentation ing to complete outstanding
five extinct North American bird species, including the passenger pigeon from and questions for President business from Dec. 1 meeting.
and great auk. David Skorton and Vice Presi- • UA: Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m., 316
dent Susan Murphy. Break-out Day Hall. Discussion on Cam-
The screening is Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the SVA Theatre, 333 W. 23rd St.
sessions on mentoring, teach- pus Code of Conduct Title IX
ing and advising of graduate compliance proposals and reso-
>Be Essential and professional students and lution on retiree parking.
setting the spring 2012 agenda. • EA: Dec. 7, 12:15 p.m., 316
Have a tip to share on something essential, interesting, hidden, strange Latest newsletter: www.cornell- Day Hall. Presentations regard-
or otherwise worth knowing about at Cornell? Send it to cunews@cornell. gpsa.com/buzz/2011-11-18. ing employee community sur-
edu and include “Essential” in the subject line. • EA: Nov. 16. Adopted reso- veys planned and in progress.
lution to establish new vice • GPSA: Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m.,
chair for communications office Bache Auditorium, Malott Hall.
8
8 December 2, 2011 Cornell Chronicle CHRONICLE ONLINE: www.news.cornell.edu
THINGS
TO DO
Dec. 2-9, 2011 Fall Dance Theatre Concert. See No. 1.
ANDREW GILLIS
1.
Forum, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in B20 Lincoln Hall, with a red carpet, a free reception with gour-
features music by student composers, and met food and $1 mocktails from 8 to 8:45 p.m.,
Artistic movement
the Cornell University Jazz Band performs and paparazzi snapping pictures of guests.
Students and faculty will present a diverse
with guest trombonist Bret Zvacek, Dec. 3 at
program of original dance works in the
Fall Dance Theatre Concert, Dec. 2-3 at the
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.
8 p.m. in Barnes Hall. Other events feature
student piano and vocal recitals, and Cor-
nell jazz, avant-garde and gamelan ensem-
6. Outdoor gear sale
Looking for a deal on used gear for camp-
The concert features work by dance faculty bles. Information: music.cornell.edu. ing, cycling, skiing or paddling? Want to sell
members Jumay Chu and Byron Suber and some of your own gear? Cornell Outdoor
by seven student choreographers, with solo
pieces, duets, trios and group performances
in a variety of music and dance styles. Per-
4. Journeys on film
Cornell Cinema will wrap up its 2011
Education (COE) will hold its used gear sale,
Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to noon in Bartels Hall. COE
also accepts consignments before Dec. 3; con-
formances are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5, Ithakid Film Fest with two area premieres: tact 607-255-1807 or .
available at the Schwartz Center box office “Turtle: The Incredible Journey,” Dec. 3 at
2 p.m., and “Eleanor’s Secret,” Dec. 10-11. Gear includes canoes, kayaks, bikes, tents,
(weekdays), by calling 607-254-ARTS or backpacks, stoves, rain gear, paddles, outer-
online at www.schwartztickets.com. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children
age 12 and under. wear, skis, snowshoes and climbing equip-
2. Christmas Vespers
The Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers pro-
“Turtle” is an award-winning, kid-friendly
documentary following an endangered
loggerhead turtle’s journey from Florida
ment. Discounted tickets for the 2012 Banff
Mountain Film Festival in Ithaca will be avail-
able. Information: www.coe.cornell.edu.
gram will be presented Dec. 4-5 at 7:30 p.m.,
featuring the Cornell University Chorus
and Glee Club and guest organist Mariko
across the Atlantic Ocean and back to her
nesting ground. In “Eleanor’s Secret,” a boy
embarks on an animated adventure with
7. Town-gown recognition
The Office of Community Relations hosts
Morita. Admission is free. storybook characters. the inaugural Town-Gown Awards and
5.
The chapel will be decked with trees and Recognition Ceremony, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.-
greens and lit by candlelight for the lessons noon in the College of Veterinary Medi-
and carols service, with songs of the Advent
Big Red Showcase cine’s Law Auditorium. Open to the public.
The National Society of Minorities in Hos-
and Christmas seasons, traditional read- The informal event will highlight notable
pitality hosts The Big Red Showcase, Dec. 2,
ings by members of the Cornell community Cornell-community partnerships and recog-
8-11 p.m. in Statler Auditorium. The event
and familiar Christmas hymns. nize top elected leaders and local profession-
celebrates the diverse talent on campus
3. Musical reflections
with participants performing in five main
categories: music, dance, comedy, spoken
als. President David Skorton will speak on
“The Importance of Town-Gown Relations.”
8.
The Cornell University Chorale performs word and cultural spirit. Winners in each
music by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, category will be eligible to be the grand-
prize winner selected by the audience. Museum holiday
Joni Mitchell and others in “We Can Remem- The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
ber All the Good Things You Are,” a musical Admission is free, and donations will invites the community to celebrate at its
reflection on the state of America a decade be accepted for flood victims in Owego, annual holiday party, Dec. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.
after 9/11, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. in Sage Chapel. including canned food, blankets, clothing The party will feature performances, activi-
The Department of Music presents several or other necessities. ties for families and refreshments. Free and
other free programs this week. A Sound Art The showcase theme is a Hollywood premiere, open to the public.