VT College of Science Magazine Summer 2006 | Page 2

Contents F e at u r e s 2 Getting Inside Your Head Chemists create a nanoparticle that can be used as both a diagnostic and therapeutic agent to target brain tumor cells. 6 Predicting the “Big One” Tremor chasers do seismic research in Central Virginia. 8 Changing the Future Psychologist establishes a clinic offering desperately needed services for autistic children and their families. Ot h e r s t o r i e s 11 Goldwater Scholar 14 News 12 All in the Family 15 New Faces 13 COS Homecoming College of Science Virginia Tech Mail Code 0405 Blacksburg, VA 24061 540/231-5422 [email protected] www.cos.vt.edu Cover image courtesy of Panos P. Fatouros, Ph.D., Department of Radiology,Virginia Commonwealth University. Managing Editor/Writer Catherine Doss Contributing Writers Susan Trulove, Brian Skinner Copy Editor Richard Lovegrove Photographers T. Corvin, Rick Griffiths, Michael Kiernan, John McCormick, Bob Veltri Designer Nathan Skreslet College of Science Magazine Summer 2006 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.