Accolades: March 4, 2002

Lester Gerhardt, associate dean of engineering, was selected by the Singapore government as chairman of its newly created Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB will work closely with the government to help identify and chart research programs, help forge high-quality links with local and overseas R&D organizations, and attract high-caliber researchers to the Institutes. Gerhardt has been working with Singaporean universities and the government for more than 15 years. 2/25/02

Mark Holmes, chair and professor of mathematical sciences, will receive a 2002 Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology at the upcoming 13th annual International Conference on College Teaching and Learning. The conference explores creativity in higher education learning, with emphasis on research and practice in teaching, especially on uses of innovative learning strategies and advanced technologies in online learning and the face-to-face classroom. The award is given to recipients "based on their highly creative contributions to teaching, learning, and technology at their respective colleges and universities." More than 1,000 faculty members in all academic fields are expected to attend this year's conference, sponsored by the Center for Advancement of Teaching and Learning and Florida Community College at Jacksonville. 2/18/01

Joyce McLaughlin, the Ford Foundation Professor of Mathematics, has been appointed to the board of trustees for the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles. This institute is one of three in the United States, supported by the National Science Foundation, and whose purpose is to sponsor focused research programs, each lasting one semester, and shorter workshops on emerging research topics. A major goal of this institute is to strengthen ties between mathematics and other sciences. 2/18/01

The work of Rensselaer's Office of Marketing and Media Relations netted several awards in the 17th annual Admissions Advertising Awards competition, sponsored by the Admissions Marketing Report. Rensselaer's "Why Not Change the World" ad series captured gold awards in both the Newspaper and Magazine Advertising Series categories. The School of Engineering's Engineering News captured gold in the Newsletter category. Rensselaer also received "Merit" awards in both the brochure and direct mail categories. 2/18/01