VT College of Science Magazine Spring 2009 | Page 2

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S 2 Expanding the World of Polymers Renowned chemist continues to discover new uses for polymer materials 6 Fighting Infections Virginia Tech senior developing vaccines to battle viruses 10 Medical Breakthrough Key protein molecule linked to human chronic inflammatory diseases OTHER STORIES 7 William Starnes Spotlight 11 VT STARS Motivates High Schoolers 8 NSF Funds Nanotechnology Research 12 9 College Names New Associate Dean Renowned Biochemist Joins National Capital Region College of Science Virginia Tech Mail Code 0405 Blacksburg, VA 24061 540/231-5422 [email protected] www.science.vt.edu Managing Editor/Writer Catherine Doss Contributing Writers Jeffrey Douglas, Alyssa Haak, Barbara Micale, Albert Raboteau, Susan Trulove, Barry Whyte Copy Editor Richard Lovegrove Photographers Kim Petersen, Rick Griffiths, Michael Kiernan, John McCormick, Jim Stroup Designer Nathan Skreslet College of Science Magazine Spring 2009 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 Equity and Inclusion.