President Jackson Makes Predictions on "Big Data" at The World in 2013 Festival

On Saturday, December 8th, Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson will participate in The Economist Magazine’s “The World in 2013 Festival,” a day-long series of discussions and predictions for the coming year. The Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in NYC. She is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m., making predictions regarding “Big Data.” Big Data is what our new concentration in Business Analytics is all about! Learn more about this new offering at: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/academics/lsmt/business_analytics/index.html. For more information about the Festival, visit: http://www.economist.com/events-conferences/americas/world-2013

Save the Dates: FREE Faculty Webinar Series Continues

Mark your calendars and register now for these FREE Faculty Webinars scheduled from now through the month of February 2013. The outstanding lineup includes:

December 19, Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., "Carbon Capture and Sustainable Environment"
Presented by Professor Norberto Lemcoff, Ph.D.
Department of Engineering and Science

2013

January 9, Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., "Hidden Determinants of Supply Chain Agility"
Presented by Professor John Maleyeff, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Lally School of Management and Technology

January 16, Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., "The New World of Big Data"
Presented by Professor James Stodder, Ph.D.
Lally School of Management and Technology

January 23, Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., "Post Carbon Energy Scenario"
Presented by Professor Sudhangshu Bose, Ph.D.
Department of Engineering and Science

February 6, Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., "Intellectual Property Challenges in a Global Supply Network"
Presented by Lynn Chipperfield, J.D., Lecturer
Lally School of Management and Technology

February 13, Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., "Understanding and Valuing Cash Flow"
Presented by Lou Gingerella, Lecturer
Lally School of Management and Technology


All webinars last about one hour and include a Q&A period. Registration is FREE but limited to the first 100 participants. Please reserve your seat by registering at: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/multimedia/webinars.html

Professors Maleyeff and Venkateswaran have Paper Published in "The TQM Journal"

John Maleyeff, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Venkat Venkateswaran, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, along with Edward A. Arnheiter, had their paper entitled, “The continuing evolution of Lean Six Sigma,” published in the Volume 24 Issue 6 issue of The TQM Journal. The paper identifies upcoming challenges related to the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles and techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the changes needed to ensure that LSS continues to support an organization’s competitiveness. To read the abstract, please visit: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=1754-2731&volume=24&issue=6&articleid=17054888&show=abstract. Dr. Maleyeff in on the faculty of the Lally School of Management and Technology, and Dr. Venkateswaran is a faculty member in the Department of Engineering and Science.

Special Event: "The Election Impact on Global Finance"

Left to Right: James Stodder, Randall Peteros (moderator), Louis Gingerella

Tuesday, November 13, 2012
5 - 8 p.m.
Seminar Hall
Free! All are welcome to attend!

Join Rensselaer Professors Jim Stodder, Randy Peteros, and Lou Gingerella for a lively debate-style discussion about the global financial implications as a result of the Presidential election. Professors Stodder and Gingerella will challenge each other with contrasting viewpoints as Professor Peteros moderates and presents discussion questions.

• 5 - 6 p.m.
  Refreshments, Networking
• 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  The Debate
• 7:30 - 8 p.m.
  Questions from the audience

Register to attend this free event: http://apply.ewp.rpi.edu/register/?id=e4c9fcb6-4ce6-48c9-93c7-ba7b77e6274b

2012 Leadership Speaker Series Conference: Leading Global Strategies to Deepen and Expand Markets

Thursday, October 18, 4-9 p.m., Seminar Hall, Rensselaer Hartford Campus
Hosted by the Hartford Chapter of the Rensselaer Alumni Association

This seminar will feature keynote speaker Joseph McIsaac III, MD, MS, Vice President, Hartford Anesthesiology Associates, Inc., and Chief of Trauma Anesthesia, Hartford Hospital. The Executive Panel will include experts from insurance, financial services, healthcare, life science, venture capital, technology, defense, and government. A networking reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will follow.

The Speaker Series focuses on all areas of growth at the leadership level. Specifically, the Conference will examine: How are global pressures creating opportunities for innovation to improve outcomes? How do we continue to innovate under new regulations? How do we standardize processes globally?

This event is open to everyone and all are welcome to attend. For more information and to register for the Conference, please visit: http://alumni.rpi.edu/s/1225/index.aspx?sid=1225&gid=1&pgid=2189&cid=5087&ecid=5087&crid=0&calpgid=403&calcid=1156

Happy Constitution Day!

September 17 is Constitution Day, commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. You can read the Constitution online at: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html. You can also learn more about Constitution Day by visiting: http://library.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=972.

Annual U.S. News & World Report Ranking Places Rensselaer Among the Best National Research Universities in the U.S.

The annual ranking of Rensselaer by U.S. News & World Report — 41st in the nation among national research universities — is one of a number of recent external surveys that recognize the high quality of a Rensselaer education. The new rankings and other recent surveys confirm that the Institute remains among the top national research universities in the world, and that the Rensselaer School of Engineering and the Lally School of Management and Technology remain among the leading schools in their categories.

The Rensselaer Plan has allowed Rensselaer to transform the institution into a leading technological university. That plan is currently being refreshed to address the new realities and challenges of the 21st century. The Rensselaer priorities remain the same: development of the best educational and research programs and facilities for students, faculty, and researchers.

In addition to the new U.S. News ranking, several other organizations — based on a research among students, employers, other universities and other external audiences — recently placed Rensselaer high in their rankings. Here are some recent examples:

• Princeton Review – Based on interviews with students, this education services company highlighted the quality of the Rensselaer academic programs, student life, and facilities.
• Business Insider – This business website known for its ongoing research on financial, media, technology and other industries, ranked Rensselaer fourth on its list of the world’s best 50 engineering schools – based on surveys of engineers, professionals, and entrepreneurs at technology companies.
• Wall Street and Technology – In their first national study of the top technology schools from which Wall Street firms hire the best IT specialists, Rensselaer was ranked in the top five, along with Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech.
• Forbes – This international business magazine ranked Rensselaer as one of the “Ten Colleges That Are Great Brands,” citing the successful rebranding that began in Year 2000 under The Rensselaer Plan.
• Business Week – this international business magazine (and Bloomberg wire service) ranked Rensselaer — and the Lally School of Management and Technology —  second on its list of the top 10 business schools with the best financial aid.

Contact: Mark Marchand Phone: (518) 276-6098 E-mail: marchm3@rpi.edu

International Scholars Program (ISP) Participant Awarded "Best-of-the-Best" Prize!

Anthony DeMaio, a member of the ISP class 2011, is pursuing a Rensselaer MBA with a concentration in global enterprise management. He is well on his way to "Changing the World!" Read about his success in The Change the World Challenge. http://www.rpi.edu/about/inside/issue/v6n12/change.html

Professor Mesiya, Communications Expert, Authors Book on "Contemporary Communication Systems"

Mohammed Farooque Mesiya, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, Department of Engineering and Science, Rensselaer at Hartford, has authored the book, Contemporary Communication Systems, recently published by McGraw-Hill. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to modern analog and digital communication systems. Semiconductor revolution (Moore’s law) and advances in software technologies continue to drive the rapid development of digital communication systems. In this context, the book includes a detailed coverage of the relevant topics in digital compression, multiplexing, and synchronization techniques.

According to Dr. Mesiya, “Communication systems form the infrastructure of today’s optical fiber, cellular, and satellite communication networks. Contemporary Communication Systems uses Simulink as a key pedagogical tool to develop appreciation of the fundamental concepts in the design and analysis of communication systems. The book engages students in the issues relevant to system and product design by integrating a discussion of the theoretical concepts with the extensive hands-on use of visual and simulation resources to reinforce learning.” For more information about the book, please visit: www.mhhe.com/mesiya.

Dr. Mesiya’s areas of expertise include wireless communications and networks, optical fiber communication and networks, digital communications and signal processing, and broadband networks and architectures. He has published several books and numerous articles in refereed journals and conference papers. To learn more about Professor Mesiya, please visit: www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/~mesiyf/.

Rensselaer Named One of Wall Street's Top Technology Schools

Read the article entitled, "Wall Street Firms Are Aggressively Hiring From the Nation's Top Technology Schools," at: http://ubmtechweb.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=17177&item=132293

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is Ivy League!

Read the editorial entitled, "How fast can ivy grow?" at: http://westfaironline.com/25056/how-fast-can-ivy-grow/

President Shirley Ann Jackson Selected as an International Fellow of the British Royal Academy of Engineering

One of only four International Fellows in the 2012 Class

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson has been selected as an International Fellow of the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering.

Announcing the 2012 Class of Fellows today, Sir John Parker, GBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said, “We welcome our new Fellows – the collective expertise and vision of the best engineers is what drives our ambitious agenda and makes so many good things possible.”

According to the Royal Academy, Dr. Jackson was chosen for her “research and leadership experience in industry, education, and government as well as her expertise in high-energy physics.” She is one of only four International Fellows in the 2012 Class.

“Selection as an International Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering is only for those at the pinnacle of engineering achievement,” said retired U.S. Court of Appeals Senior Circuit Judge Arthur J. Gajarsa ’62, chairman of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Board of Trustees. “President Jackson has left her mark in engineering and related fields throughout her career, whether at Bell Labs, in the nuclear energy arena, or more recently focusing locally, nationally, and globally to harness scientific discovery and technological innovation to spark the economy and to meet the grand challenges and opportunities of our time. The Rensselaer community benefits from and is extremely proud of President Jackson’s achievements.”

Rensselaer Ranked 4th on “The World's Best Engineering Schools” List by Business Insider

Ranking Based on Surveys of Engineers, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs Working at Technology Companies
Rensselaer  Polytechnic Institute has been named one of the top engineering schools in the world. Industry-focused website Business Insider ranked Rensselaer fourth on its list of “World's Best Engineering Schools.” The rankings were based on surveys of engineers, professionals, and entrepreneurs working at technology companies.

“Rensselaer’s engineering programs are held in very high esteem among the academic and scientific communities. We have long been recognized for the quality of our academic programs, the unique experiences we afford our students, and the ability of our graduates to make significant contributions early in their careers. This latest ranking provides clear evidence of the value placed on our world-class engineering programs by the companies that hire our graduates,” said David Rosowsky, dean of the School of Engineering at Rensselaer. “We are immensely pleased to be recognized by Business Insider as one of the best engineering schools in the world.”

Business Insider asked survey respondents to rate how valuable degrees from different engineering schools are to the future careers of graduates. Rensselaer placed fourth with a score of 4.16 out of 5, behind Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the top-ranked California Institute of Technology. Rounding out the top 10 were: University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon University; Cornell University; Georgia Tech; Harvard University; and Princeton University.

Survey results show the two most important factors in choosing an engineering school are the skills and knowledge acquired in school (74 percent), and the brand value of the school (19 percent). The survey identified IBM, Cisco Systems, Intel, Microsoft, and Oracle as key employers of Rensselaer graduates.

See complete results of the survey at: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-worlds-best-engineering-schools-2012-6

We Have our Winner from the iPad Contest held at the Liquid Lounge at the Connecticut Science Center!

Congratulations to Kristen Brierley, of Vernon, the iPad winner from the contest at the Liquid Lounge event held on June 8 at the Connecticut Science Center! In the Rensselaer contest to guess the number of Smarties rolls in a container on display, Kristen guessed the exact number of 674. This was the first time she had attended the Liquid Lounge, as she and a co-worker decided to go after work that Friday and walked over the bridge from their office in East Hartford. Kristen works at the Robert M. Cheverie & Associates PC law firm and is attending law school at the Western New England University School of Law. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Rensselaer table. We'll see you at the next Liquid Lounge on September 14, 2012!

Essay by President Jackson featured in American Scientist Magazine

An essay by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson is included in The American Scientist Magazine’s 100th anniversary feature titled: “100 Reasons to Become a Scientist or Engineer.” (They added 25 new essays to the scientists featured in the 75th edition.) To read Dr. Jackson’s essay, visit: http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/feature/2012/4/100-reasons-to-become-a-scientist-or-engineer/20

Prabhat Hajela Named Provost of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Dr. Prabhat Hajela, an experienced academic and administrative leader, has been appointed provost of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, effective July 1, 2012, it has been announced by Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson. A professor of aerospace engineering and vice provost at Rensselaer, Hajela has served as acting provost since Jan. 1, 2012. Read more at: http://news.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=3047

Graduates Urged To Seize Modern Day “Sputnik Challenge” and “Take Chances” at RPI's 206th Commencement

Congratulations to all the graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's 206th Commencement! You have joined a network of over 90,000 alumni worldwide! Read a recap about Commencement at: http://news.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=3046 or watch the archived webcast of the Commencement ceremony at: http://mediasite.itops.rpi.edu/Mediasite5/Viewer/?peid=21a6aaff9c8b45678167737adcedc4f41d

The 10th Annual President's Commencement Colloquy Available to Watch on YouTube

The 10th Annual President's Commencement Colloquy was an invigorating discussion about "Honoring Tradition, Responding to a Changing World." President Shirley Ann Jackson noted that the colloquy is now a firmly rooted tradition at this important time of transition in the Rensselaer academic calendar.

Of this year's honorands, President Jackson said, "This year we are privileged to be honoring leaders of each branch of the U.S. government -- executive, legislative, and judicial -- along with pioneers in the technology and academic settings. Our 2012 honorands exemplify that cross-section of government, business, and academic leadership and achievement that come to the fore in responding to and shaping our changing world."

The Colloquy is available for viewing at: www.rpi.edu/colloquy. Don't miss this fascinating conversation of insightful dialogue with an extraordinary array of leaders!

Hartford Campus Responds to the Needs of Corporations in Three Growth Areas

The Hartford Campus continues its mission to deliver outstanding Education for Working Professionals (EWP) by offering new focal areas of study for the 2012/2013 academic year. Changes to technology and the global business environment are moving at warp speed and companies need highly-educated employees to be at the forefront of change. Offerings to meet these needs include: an M.S. in Computer Science with a Concentration in Secure Information and Communication Systems (SICS); an M.S. in Management with a Concentration in Contemporary Financial Management in a Global Setting; and an M.S. in Engineering Science with a Concentration in Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S).

There has been a shift in U.S. corporations to bring IT offshoring and outsourcing back in-house. According to Houman Younessi, Ph.D., Professor of Practice and Assistant Dean for Academic Programs, “This ‘revolution’ is being driven by the very hot concept of security, especially in emerging cloud computing. Companies need to strike a balance between security and accessibility on the Internet.” The M.S. in Computer Science with a Concentration in SICS addresses security issues in the future of cloud computing.

“The M.S. in Management with a Concentration in Contemporary Financial Management in a Global Setting takes a holistic approach to corporate finance with an inside/outside view that is not just quantitative, but also qualitative,” said John Maleyeff, Ph.D., Professor of Practice and Area Coordinator for the Lally School of Management and Technology. The program will be delivered using a blended learning approach, linking courses together and providing flexibility and convenience for working professionals.

David L. Rainey, Ph.D., Professor of Practice and Acting Dean at Rensselaer at Hartford, describes the M.S. in Engineering Science with a Concentration in EH&S as a comprehensive program offering contemporary coverage of these far-reaching subjects. Dr. Rainey explains, “EH&S mandates have always been complex. What has changed is the more demanding expectations of stakeholders and society and the critical need for both large and small companies to go beyond compliance with laws and regulations.” Sustainability is another important aspect that will be examined in this program.

To learn more about these new cohort offerings, please visit: www.ewp.rpi.edu.

Hartford Chapter of Rensselaer Alumni Association Presents PGA Master Private Lessons

The Rensselaer Hartford Alumni Chapter proudly presents the Springtime PGA Master Private Clinic Series to be hosted at Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, Connecticut, just 15 minutes from Hartford. It is a beautifully conditioned course in a peaceful and relaxing setting. The course represents Pete Dye's first championship design in New England. The 6,711 yard, par 70 layout has a combination of open links-style and traditional tree-lined holes to provide golfers a challenging and enjoyable round of golf.

A series of three private group clinics by P.G.A. Master Ciaran Carr is available for a single price of $50 for dues paid members of the Hartford Chapter and $70 for their guest. Non-dues paid alumni price is $60 per person and their guest is $75. The number of participants for the series is limited to no more than ten. Registration is limited to one guest per alumnus/a. Sessions are one (1) hour with the first 20 minutes as a demo and the remaining 40 minutes for one on one working sessions with each person. Each participant will receive $25 in range credit for practice on the driving range. We also have additional clinics later in the spring that will be conducted by Golf Course assistants for only $99 per person for a series of five clinics. It is called “get golf ready.”

Our group will meet at the Wintonbury Hills Golf Course Club House at 8:45 a.m. on May 5. If you have questions regarding the golf series, please contact Carol Thorney ’03G at carol@tasolutions.us. Sign up online for the series of three private group lessons by May 3. Register at: https://secure.imodules.com/s/1225/index.aspx?sid=1225&gid=1&pgid=1912&cid=4477 

New Graduate Business School Rankings Released from "U.S. News & World Report"

Rensselaer's Lally School of Management and Technology ranked 70th Best Business School and 78th Best Part-time MBA according to U.S. News & World Report, 2013 Edition, "Best Grad Schools." View the rankings list at: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/mba-rankings/page+3

Lally School of Management and Technology Reaccredited by AACSB International

Rensselaer's Lally School of Management and Technology has been reaccredited by AACSB International, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. Read more about the prestigious AACSB accreditation at: http://www.aacsb.edu/media/releases/2012/schools_maintain_aacsb_accreditation.asp

Rensselaer President Jackson in New PBS Documentary

Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson is quoted in a new PBS documentary entitled "Energy Quest USA," part two of a three part series that began with "EARTH: The Operators’ Manual," and also includes "Powering the Planet." For more information and to see President Jackson in the promotional trailer, visit the PBS website: http://www.pbs.org/programs/earth-the-operators-manual/

Rensselaer Commencement Speaker and Honorands Announced

Rensselaer Announces Commencement Speaker and Honorands for 206th RPI Commencement Ceremony: http://news.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=3019

iPad drawing

And the winner is...

Jennifer Franklin of Rensselaer's Hartford Campus draws the winning name for the iPad 2 giveaway. Congratulations to Ricardo Perez!

FREE Faculty Webinar Series Continues

Reminder: Our next FREE Faculty Webinar takes place on February 22 at 11:30 a.m.! Join Ernesto Gutierrez-Miravete, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, Department of Engineering and Science, as he discusses the topic, "Modeling and Simulation for Advanced Metal Manufacturing." Registration is FREE and open to everyone, but limited to the first 100 participants. Read the topic abstract and register today at: http://apply.ewp.rpi.edu/register/?id=e4af70e97868416786f34a01527cd168

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