VT College of Science Magazine Annual 2014 | Page 2

Message from the Dean
Welcome to the 2014 College of Science annual magazine. This year we’ve taken a slightly
different approach to what we normally do to focus on a specific portion of our science team
– the women of science. Over the past 10 years, the College of Science has been fortunate to
have an average of 56 percent of its undergraduate population made up of women. Unfortunately, only about 40 percent of our graduate level students are women, and an even smaller
percentage of our faculty.
Lay Nam Chang
Dean, College of Science

ADMINISTRATION
Lay Nam Chang Dean
Tim Long Associate Dean for
Research and International Outreach
Gary L. Long Associate Dean for
Curriculum and Instruction
J.P. Morgan Associate Dean for Graduate
Studies and Strategic Initiatives
Janet Sanders Assistant Dean for Finance
and Administration
Jerry Via Assistant Dean for
Undergraduate Instruction

ADVANCEMENT
Jenny Orzolek Director of
Development
Rosaire Bushey Director of
Communications
Vacant Director of Alumni
Relations
Tim Howland Associate Director of
Corporate and Foundation Relations

DEPARTMENT HEADS
Biochemistry Peter Kennelly
Biological Sciences Brenda Winkel
Chemistry Jim Tanko
Economics Nic Tideman
Geosciences Nancy Ross
Mathematics Peter Haskell
Physics Leo Piilonen
Psychology Bob Stephens
Statistics Eric Smith

I hope this introduction to some of the outstanding scientists, alumni, and students we have
serves as an inspiration for those women who are considering a career in science to not only
pursue their undergraduate degrees, but also to carry on and bring their experiences and
talents to graduate programs and beyond.
The stories in these pages aren’t tales of triumph over adversity – rather they are a glimpse
into the triumph of talent and perseverance, proving that ability in the sciences isn’t determined by chromosomes. This issue will also give you a glimpse into the world, as the students
and faculty presented here represent several countries and all the departments within the
college.
Also, in case you’ve missed it, last year we introduced a quarterly digital-only publication
for the college. You’ll see a short synopsis of each issue produced so far on page 24 of this
magazine. I encourage you to go online and subscribe to our publications. It’s a great way to
stay up-to-date and connected with the college.
Lastly, you’ll notice that the Virginia Science Festival will launch this year on Oct. 4 here in
Blacksburg. The festival is being organized along the lines of events in much larger cities
throughout the nation. The fact that we, along with our partners in Roanoke, can host such an
event for the entire state of Virginia is a testament to the achievements of our faculty, staff,
and students; the impact of the work undertaken by Virginia Tech on a local, regional, state,
national, and, increasingly, a global level; and the innovation inspired by our research.
The College of Science will naturally be involved, but the real winner in this endeavor is science in general as the festival will allow us to reach out to people on a larger scale and incorporate resources from across the state.
So, I invite you all to grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy this issue of the COS
Magazine, whether in paper or digital form, and feel free to comment on Facebook at VTCoS.