Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 28 April 16, 1998 - NEWSMAKERS

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

NEWSMAKERS

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 28 - April 16, 1998

Virginia Tech faculty and staff members and students are often the subject of significant national and state-wide news coverage. To better inform the university community about these accomplishments, the Office of University Relations has compiled this monthly report. This report excludes coverage in the Roanoke news-media market. For more information about the articles mentioned, call Julie Kane, university public-relations coordinator, at 1-9934, or contact your college public-relations office.
Virginia Town & City (November 1998): Virginia Tech's Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) was mentioned in the cover story, "Buchanan Bounces Back." CDAC provided guidelines for the town's revitalization.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (December 5, 1997): Matthew McAllister , professor of communication studies, was quoted in a story about the blurring of TV commercials into TV programs.
(San Francisco) KCBS Radio (February 27): History Professor William Ochsenwald discussed the U.N.-Iraq weapons inspection agreement in a live five-minute interview.
UPI (Feb. 20), NBC Radio (February 21,22): William Velander , professor of chemical engineering and director of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Institute, was interviewed by UPI's science writer, Glen Geralick of Washington, D.C., for a story on a biosensor that he and Kent Murphy of electrical engineering developed. Subsequently, Velander was interviewed by NBC Radio for a similar story used during the weekend of Feb. 21, 22.
Peterson's Magazine Group (March 1998): Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Richard Conners and Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Recruitment Bernard LaBerge authored of a column, "Graduating Engineer & Computer Careers," on how to get a graduate teaching assistant or a graduate research assistant.
Scientific American (March 1998): Kenneth Reifsnider , professor of engineering science and mechanics and associate provost for interdisciplinary programs, was quoted in an article about the use of composite materials in aircraft design. The article featured Reifsnider's MRLife performance simulation code, which can predict the remaining strength and life of composites. Reifsnider, who is the director of the Center for Composite Materials and Structures, originated the MRLife code to help major industries estimate the durability and damage tolerance of composite materials and structures, especially under complex loading and environmental conditions such as those endured by aircraft.
The Virginia Engineer (March 1998): A feature article appeared about Karl Kroemer , professor of industrial and systems engineering, and his success as the author of ergonomics textbooks. Another article about the Virginia Tech Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team's work in this year's national Future Car Challenge quoted the team's faculty advisor Doug Nelson , professor of mechanical engineering (ME). Also, Dan Inman , professor of ME and engineering science and mechanics, was cited for his election as a fellow of the American Society of Mechanics.
Dallas Morning News (March 1): Professor of Communications Studies Marshall Fishwick was quoted in a story on pop culture's influence.
A&E Network (March 4): Alumni Distinguished Professor of History James I. Robertson Jr ., discussed the life of the common soldier in the Civil War on "The Foot Soldiers."
Virginia News Network (March 10): Horticulture Professor Diane Relf advised homeowners on caring for their outdoor plants during an expected winter freeze.
Virginia News Network (March 12): Horticulture Professor and Extension Tree Fruit Specialist Richard Marini discussed the impact of a recent hard freeze on apple and peach crops in Virginia.
The Chronicle of Higher Education (March 13): Finance Assistant Professor Vijay Singal was quoted extensively in a story on universities investing in emerging markets.
Fairfax County Cable (week of March 1): Fisheries and Wildlife Professor Michael Vaughan was featured in a story about hibernating animals on "Parks Plus," a program airing nine times during the week on the cable system.
Washington Post (March 16): Wildlife Professor Mike Vaughan is quoted several times in story about the growing number of suburban encounters with black bears.
Wisconsin Public Radio (March 23): A live interview aired with women's studies Martha McCaughey about her book Real Knockouts .
The Chronicle of Higher Education (March 27, 1998): Doris Zallen authored the "Point of View" editorial on the back page on the topic of genetic enhancement.
The Women's Review of Books (April 1998): Martha McCaughey's book, Real Knockouts , was featured. The review described it as "complex, densely argued and original."