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Feb.
24, 2003 |
Belfort Elected to the National Academy of
Engineering
Georges Belfort, the Russell Sage Professor of
Chemical Engineering at Rensselaer, has been elected to the National
Academy of Engineering (NAE). Belfort was elected for his advances
in bioseparations using membrane filtration, affinity processes,
and membrane bioreactors for biotechnology. He joins the NAE as
one of 77 new members and nine foreign associates.
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Thomas Griffin
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Election to the NAE is one of the highest honors
accorded to a person in engineering. Academy membership recognizes
those who have made "important contributions to engineering
theory and practice, including significant contributions to the
literature of engineering theory and practice," said NAE
President William A. Wulf. Membership also recognizes those who
have demonstrated accomplishment in "the pioneering of new
fields of engineering, making major advancements in traditional
fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches
to engineering education."
Belfort joins Rensselaer President Shirley Ann
Jackson and nine other faculty members who are members of the
Academy.
"Dr. Belfort's work is at the intersection
of engineering and biology," said President Jackson. "His
pioneering work in biotechnology holds vast potential for medical
science. For instance, he has developed better methods for separating
proteins that, once scaled up for commercial use, could lead to
increased production of desirable proteins such as insulin. Being
elected to the National Academy of Engineering is a significant
achievement for Dr. Belfort and for Rensselaer and its initiatives
in biotechnology."
"My election is particularly pleasing as
it acknowledges the wonderful and incisive research work of my
many students, post-docs, visitors and collaborators," said
Belfort. "Their considerable efforts and the support of my
wife, Marlene (an active collaborator), and three sons, David,
Gabi, and Yona, has been critical. Together with Steven Cramer,
his group, and others, we have been able to establish a nationally
recognized center of excellence for the recovery of biological
molecules as applied to the biotechnology industry. I am indebted
to all these people and to Rensselaer for giving me the opportunity
to think about and do unexpected things. Engineering and biology
is a potent combination for advancing health care and offers a
wonderful opportunity for the Rensselaer community."
For more information go to press
release.
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