VT College of Science Magazine Spring 2010 | Page 2

Contents F e at u r e s Unraveling Clues to 2 Genetic Medicine Research group gaining international attention for development of genetic therapies for cancer On the cover: Successful delivery of DNA into a human cervical cancer cell using DNA delivery agent developed by Theresa Reineke and her team. The polymer signal is red, and the DNA signal is green. Having information about the spatial locations of delivery agents in the cell provides researchers with the ability to design more effective DNA carriers. 10 Hahn Hall North Dedicated Virginia Tech honors former university President T. Marshall Hahn with building naming 12 Helping Haiti COS alumnus returns to Haiti offering medical help and desire to serve 8 Faculty give back through scholarships Other stories 5 Math: It’s more fun than you think! 6 Researcher finds effective way to humanize science 7 Theralase uses COS research to successfully destroy breast cancer cells College of Science Virginia Tech Mail Code 0405 Blacksburg, VA 24061 540/231-5422 [email protected] www.science.vt.edu 9 Researchers evaluate resistance training for diabetes prevention 16 Economics student named College Reporter of the Year 16 Geoscientist named Virginia’s 2010 Outstanding Scientist Managing Editor/Writer Catherine Doss Contributing Writers Albert Raboteau, Susan Trulove, Sandy Broughton Copy Editor Richard Lovegrove Photographers Michael Kiernan, John McCormick, Jim Stroup Designer Nathan Skreslet 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. College of Science Magazine Spring 2010 Read past issues of the College of Science Magazine at www.science.vt.edu/news/magazine/index.html