Researchers in Eye-Tracking Technology
A group is being formed for Rensselaer researchers interested in eye-tracking technology. According to Wayne Gray, professor of cognitive science, "eye tracking is emerging as the technology of choice in a number of domains. An organized special-interest group on this technology may help Rensselaer leverage our individual interests and expertise in this field to gain a competitive edge in obtaining private and government funding for our efforts."

Those interested should contact either Qiang Ji in electrical, computer, and systems engineering at qji@ecse.rpi.edu or Wayne Gray at grayw@rpi.edu. 10/28/02

Transitions
The Division of Institute Advancement has announced a reorganization. The Office of Corporate, Foundation, and International Advancement and the Office of Individual Gifts and Gift Planning have been merged into one group called the Office of Individual and Organizational Advancement. Bill Shumway, formerly director of corporate, foundation, and international advancement, has been named director of the new unit, effective Nov. 1.

"Bill is uniquely qualified to set the strategic direction for this new team, build ambitious goals, and resource this team to achieve results of historic proportions," said Terri Van Patten, assistant vice president for development and alumni relations. "I look forward to working with him in this role to move Rensselaer's "Fortune 500" prospects — including individuals, corporations, and foundations — to new levels of philanthropy for Rensselaer." 10/28/02

Expert on Population To Speak Oct. 28
Werner Fornos, president of the Population Institute, will be on campus Monday, Oct. 28, to speak about "Population and Sustainable Development: A Perspective from Earth Summit 2002." His lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in Room 203 of the Ricketts Building.

The Population Institute is an international educational nonprofit organization that works to increase awareness of the social, economic, and environmental consequences of rapid population growth. Established in 1969, the Institute — with members in 172 countries — is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Fornos has been described as the foremost spokesman on global population issues.

Carl McDaniel, professor of biology at Rensselaer, was one of 13 United Nations delegates with the Population Institute to attend the Earth Summit in Johannesburg Aug. 26-Sept. 4. 10/21/02

Friends of Folsom Library Presents Luncheon and Talk by James Neal Oct. 30
The Friends of Folsom Library will hold its annual luncheon Wed., Oct. 30. James Neal, vice president for information services and university librarian at Columbia University, will be the featured speaker. Neal's talk is titled "The Revolution in Scholarly Communication: New Roles and Responsibility for the Academic Library."

At Columbia Neal provides leadership for university academic computing and network services and a system of 22 libraries. He is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, and a consultant and published researcher with a focus in the areas of scholarly communication, intellectual property, digital library development, organizational change, and human resources development.

The luncheon begins at noon in the Russell Sage Dining Hall. Please contact Kim Scott at ext. 8329 or scottk2@rpi.edu for more information. RSVP by Oct. 23. To register, click here. 10/14/02