Rensselaer Magazine December 2008

			The Eye of the Machine At its core, machine vision is a vast puzzle of algorithms and computer code. The end results, however, are more easily understood, as are their real-world applications. Radke’s work holds the potential to impact—and even shape—the future of how humans utilize and interact with technology.

			Lighting the Way Uncovering the wonders of lighting innovation is the focus of Rensselaer’s acclaimed Lighting Research Center (LRC), which over the last 20 years has built a reputation as the premier academic institution of its kind in the United States.

			Chasing Trains When Jim Shaughnessy ’55 took his camera to Troy’s Union Station in the winter of 1946, he wasn’t planning to reinvent railroad photography. He was simply 13 years old and curious—curious about steam engines and about how to capture their power and grandeur on film.



		Memories of Ned Harkness

		Rensselaer lost a legend when Ned Harkness died Sept. 19 on his 89th birthday. Harkness coached RPI hockey and lacrosse teams to national championships, becoming the first coach in NCAA history to win national titles in two sports. It took an uncommon man to mold rookies into champions, and those who played for him were transformed for life.

Photos: “The Eye of the Machine” by Mark McCarty; “Chasing Trains” by Jim Shaughnessy ’55; “Memories of Ned Harkness” by Mark McCarty


	VP for Strategic Communications and External Relations: William Walker Managing Editor: Tracey Leibach Art Director: Diane Piester Alumni News Editor: Meg Gallien Web Designer: Daria Robbins ’03		Contributors: Amber Cleveland Gabrielle DeMarco Jason Gorss Ellen Johnston Nancy Kelly Michael Mullaney Jessica Otitigbe		Photographers & Illustrators: Scott Barrow Ray Felix Tom Killips Lonny Kalfus Mark McCarty Kris Qua

Rensselaer (ISSN 0898-1442) is published in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter by the Office of Strategic Communications and External Relations, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590. Opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or the policies of the Institute. ©2008 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.