Virginia Tech
Mail Code 0405
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/231-5422
[email protected]
www.cos.vt.edu
ADMINISTRATION
Lay Nam Chang Dean
Sheryl Ball Associate Dean for Curriculum,
Instruction, and Advising
George Crofts Associate Dean for
Administration and Finance
Carole Nickerson Director of Strategic
Support
Nancy Ross Associate Dean for Research,
Graduate Studies, and Outreach
Jerry Via Assistant Dean for Undergraduate
Instruction
Deborah S. Wilson Career Services
Coordinator
ADVANCEMENT
Matthew Banks Director of Development
Mara K. Barker Associate Director of Alumni
Relations
Catherine Doss Communications Manager
Tim Howland Associate Director of Corporate
Relations
Erik Kahill Associate Director of Development
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Biochemistry Peter Kennelly
Biological Sciences Robert Jones
Chemistry Joe Merola
Economics Aris Spanos
Geosciences Robert Tracy (interim)
Mathematics John Rossi
Physics Royce Zia
Psychology Jack Finney
Statistics Geoffrey Vining
Message from the Dean
“There is a single light of science, and to brighten it
anywhere is to brighten it everywhere.
”
-Issac Asimov
Dear Alumni and Friends,
It is a great privilege for me to welcome you to the inaugural
issue of Virginia Tech’s College of Science Magazine. We have
developed this publication as a means of keeping all of you –
who are arguably some of our greatest ambassadors – informed
of the remarkable achievements taking place in the college.
It is no coincidence that our cover story in this first issue deals
with light – as a metaphor and as a phenomenon. When we take
Issac Asimov’s quote above to heart, we realize that science is
all about shedding light. Illuminating the previously unknown.
Brightening understanding in different areas of our complex
world.
Light is also symbolic of the all-encompassing nature of science.
Science transcends across disciplines. Our feature story on lightactivated cancer research currently underway in the college well
exemplifies this notion. In addition, our story on deep underground
neutrino detection indicates the breadth of our undertakings.
Our disciplines, too, know no boundaries among race, culture,
gender, or nationality, as you will see from the introduction
of 22 new world-class faculty members in the College of Science.
I encourage you to use this publication as a two-way vehicle of
communication. We love to hear from our alumni and friends.
Please e-mail us at [email protected] and visit our website at www.cos.vt.edu. Of course, you may also write to us at
College of Science Magazine, Virginia Tech, Mail Code 1036,
Blacksburg, VA 24061.
Sincerely,
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against
employees, students, or applicants for
admission or employment on the basis
of race, gender, disability, age, veteran
status, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, or political affiliation. Anyone
having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal
Opportunity.
Lay Nam Chang
Dean
College of Science
College of Science Magazine
Issue No.1 Fall 2005
College of Science