Professor Stodder Attends World Energy Congress in Korea

James Stodder, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, Lally School of Management, attended the 22nd World Energy Congress in Daegu, Korea, October 13-17, 2013. The Congress meets every three years on different continents with approximately 3,000 organizations representing 90 countries. The theme of this year's conference was, "Securing Tomorrow's Energy Today."

In a presentation to students, Professor Stodder talked about the viewpoint of Big Oil as well as the other voices that were heard at the Congress. He discussed subsidies, using fossil fuels as a supplement to renewables (inversion idea), and the dawn of microgrids. "The fact that no one is paying the bill doesn't mean that it isn't accumulating," he said.

He cited sources such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IGPCC), the Global Electricity Initiative (GEI), and EnergyBiz magazine. Dr. Stodder also touched upon the numerous fuel cell companies in Connecticut.

Professor Stodder provides a detailed review of his participation in the Congress in his webinar entitled, "World Energy Congress, 2013" available for on-demand viewing here.

CLASS Event in Hartford and Groton, October 2013

Connect with Rensselaer Through CLASS*

*Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students

The first CLASS event of the Fall 2013 Term was held the week of October 19 - 26 at Rensselaer's Hartford Campus, Groton Site, and at off-site corporate cohort programs. Students had the opportunity to enjoy some food while networking with fellow students and faculty from various academic disciplines.

Each night featured a faculty presentation on different topics and a drawing with Rensselaer prizes. Through CLASS, Rensselaer students are connected to a network of faculty, staff, and other students who lend support and guidance and help to build a strong community of learners as they strive to become the leaders of tomorrow.

CLASS is an institute-wide RPI initiative, begun with undergraduates on Rensselaer's Troy campus, and now extended to graduate students at the Hartford campus and Groton site.

Read a detailed review and view photos from the October CLASS event at: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/news_and_events/events/class_1013/index.html

Rensselaer’s M.S. in Engineering Science Offers New Concentration Areas

Rensselaer’s Hartford Campus is updating its Master of Science in Engineering Science with three new concentrations: Energy Systems, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), and Sustainable Development (SD). These concentrations are being offered for the Spring Term 2014. Students will learn cutting-edge EH&S and energy systems that result in dramatic benefits for their organizations.

As the world continues to depend on and consume resources, environmental impacts and sustainability have become critical. The program will appeal to a broad range of professionals who will benefit from best practices and the opportunity to join a world-class technological research university with a global reputation. For more information, please visit: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/academics/does/mses_flex/index.html.

Program faculty will include:
•  Sudhangshu Bose, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, Department of Engineering Science
   Dr. Bose is an expert in energy systems and technology with 25 patents.
•  David L. Rainey, Ph.D., Acting Dean, Rensselaer at Hartford
   Dr. Rainey in an internationally-known author on subjects including sustainable development.           
•  James Stodder, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, Lally School of Management
   Dr. Stodder is a quantitative economist and a participant in the 2013 World Energy Congress.

Candidates interested in applying to the program are encouraged to attend an exciting, upcoming event at the Hartford Campus. An interactive forum on energy solutions will be held on December 4 as part of Rensselaer’s Energy, Environment, and Economics Discussion Series. The purpose of this series is to provide a forum for experts, corporate leaders, community participants, faculty, and students to engage in intellectual dialogues pertaining to today’s global energy and environmental challenges.

For questions about the Master’s degree program and the event, please contact Clarence Byers, Senior Program Manager, at 860-548-2479; 800-306-7778, ext. 2479; or byersc@rpi.edu.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Earns High Rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, and PayScale

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was again ranked 41^st in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, 2014 Edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” This is the fourteenth year in a row that Rensselaer has been named among the Top 50 Universities in the nation. View the 2014 rankings at: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-2803

 
A new higher education ranking program by Business Insider named Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 44^th in the nation of “America’s Smartest Colleges.” See the complete list and learn about the methodology for the rankings at: http://www.businessinsider.com/complete-ranking-of-americas-smartest-colleges-2013-9

Rensselaer also ranked high in several categories for the 2013/2014 PayScale “College Salary Report.” Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute rankings by Salary Potential:
• Ranked 36^th “Overall”
• Ranked 22^nd for “Northeast Schools”
• Ranked 11^th for “Engineering Schools”
• Ranked 19^th for “Research Universities”
• Ranked 29^th for “Private Schools”
The full list of colleges is available at: http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/full-list-of-schools

President Jackson Named a Member of White House’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Steering Committee 2.0

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson Appointed by President Obama to National Manufacturing Role | News & Events

Happy Constitution Day!

September 17 is Constitution Day, commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

• Read the U.S. Constitution at this link.
• Learn more about Constitution Day at this link.

Rensselaer at Hartford Employees Honored with Service Awards

Rensselaer at Hartford staff members were recognized at the annual Rensselaer Employee Service Recognition and Retirement Dinner held August 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York. Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and David L. Rainey, Ph.D., Acting Dean, Rensselaer at Hartford, recognized each employee and presented anniversary thank-you gifts from Rensselaer. Incremental five-year service awards were given to the following employees:

Five Years of Service

• Linda Kresge, Administrative Associate, Academic Programs

• Eric J. Patenaude, Business Analyst, Enrollment Management and Marketing

• Brendan L. Wilson, Business Analyst, Academic Programs

Ten Years of Service

• Mary S. Dixey, Director of Academic Technology, Cole Library

Fifteen Years of Service

• Thomas J. Bittel, Senior Communications Specialist, Enrollment Management and Marketing

• Brian J. Clement, Director, Technical and Information Services

• John F. Gonyea, Senior Student Services and Financial Aid Administrator, Enrollment Management and Marketing                                
• Adam Hechler, Senior Analyst/PC System Administrator, Technical and Information Services

• Paul Sartini, Multimedia Producer, Technical and Information Services

10 minutes with: Shirley Ann Jackson; from "The Business Review"

Pam Allen

Reporter- The Business Review

Jul 5, 2013, 6:00am EDT

http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/print-edition/2013/07/05/10-minutes-with-shirley-ann-jackson.html

Professor Stodder's Paper Has Global Reach

Professor Jim Stodder at the Venice Biennale

Rensselaer Professor James P. Stodder, Ph.D., Lally School of Management and Technology, has been a part of the International Scholars Program (ISP) faculty since ISP was launched in June 2008. Rensselaer’s ISP is a study abroad program for graduate students designed to expose young professionals to a first-hand set of international experiences in conjunction with global organizations. Students complete four and a half weeks of study in Rome, Italy, as one of the international destinations.

This year, after finishing his teaching assignment in Rome, Professor Stodder decided to visit the 55th International Art Exhibition in Venice, at the Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia). Most major countries have national pavilions with exhibits there. The Greek Pavilion was a display with films on the history (and emotional symbolism) of money. Naturally, Dr. Stodder was quite interested in this exhibit since it is in his field of expertise.

Imagine his surprise when he came across one of his own academic papers cited in the main display area on evidence that alternative monetary systems can be viable. Professor Stodder’s paper was just one of a couple of dozen academic papers cited there. In addition to being known for his economics expertise, now he can claim his paper is a work of art!


View photos and read more about the Greek Pavilion display entitled, “History Zero,” at: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryZeroStefanosTsivopoulos and http://artsy.net/#GreekPavilion. Watch an interview with the Greek director of the display/film, artist Stefanos Tsivopoulos, at: http://www.labiennale.org/en/mediacenter/video/55-b60.html.


Dr. Stodder’s bio is available at: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/faculty/bio/stodder_j.html. Visit his faculty homepage, http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/~stoddj/, to learn more about his academic publications and current research projects.

Rensselaer at Hartford Students Gain Real-World Perspective During an International Experience in Germany

Twenty Rensselaer graduate students, guided by Dr. David Rainey, Acting Dean and Professor of Practice, Rensselaer at Hartford, and Dr. Sudhangshu Bose, Professor of Practice, traveled to Munich, Germany, in May, to engage in discussions with executives from some of the most successful European corporations. 

The purpose of the week-long trip was to have a truly interactive learning experience and obtain insights and knowledge from cutting-edge leaders in high-tech businesses. The international trip is an integral component of Rensselaer’s M.S. in Management degree program with a concentration in Sustainability and Clean Energy Management, and the M.S. in Engineering Science with a concentration in Environmental and Energy Engineering. The coursework focuses on sustainability and how strategic and technical leaders create innovative solutions and robust systems. Classroom sessions were held at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). TUM is one of the top-ranked universities in Germany. 

Students visited: (1) Siemens’ Energy Sector transformer business unit in Nurnberg. Large 800kV to 1200kV power transformers that weigh as much as 400 tons are produced at this plant. Vice President Robert Stuerzebecher presented Siemens’ strategies, solutions, and the challenges facing its global business. (2) OSRAM Opto Semiconductor facility in Regensburg, which produces state-of-the-art LEDs that provide energy-efficient lighting solutions. Vice President Alfred Haas detailed the technical developments and the process requirements for producing high-tech products. (3) The MAN Truck and Bus operation in Munich is a top-ranked international supplier of commercial vehicles and transport solutions. CEO Anders Nielsen advocates that, “Sustainability is our worldwide responsibility towards society and environment.” (4) The Audi A4 assembly plant in Ingolstadt, where Dr. Antonia Wade, head of Corporate Responsibility, presented a compelling picture of Audi’s sustainability initiatives. (5) BMW’s WELT in Munich showcased their advanced designs such as an e-vehicle and hydrogen car. (6) President Johannes Winklhofer of IWIS Systems, a producer of specialty components in Munich, told the students, “With standard machines you only get standard parts; IWIS modifies machines to make them one of a kind to produce better parts that no one can copy.” And, (7) Porsche’s manufacturing facility in Stuttgart.   

View photos at: www.ewp.rpi.edu/academics/study_abroad/munich05_2013/index.html  

Rensselaer’s International Scholars Program Awarded a CQIA Gold Innovation Prize

The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) Partnership’s 26^th Annual Conference on Quality and Innovation was held on June 12. Rensselaer’s International Scholars Program (ISP) was awarded a Gold Innovation Prize for 2013. John Maleyeff, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Practice, represented Rensselaer at the Conference and accepted the award on behalf of all the faculty and support staff who comprise the ISP team.  

ISP is designed to expose young professionals to a first-hand set of international experiences in conjunction with global organizations. Initiated in June 2008, the ISP is a study abroad program for graduate students. It combines coursework, visits to local business and industry sites, expert guest speakers, and a comprehensive project. Credits are incorporated into several Master’s degree programs at Rensselaer. Students are joined by Rensselaer professors who teach courses and coordinate all other events. A total of 18 outside-of-classroom events take place during the time abroad. The ISP project provides an opportunity for students to solve internationally relevant real-world problems, in conjunction with an organization located in one of the resident locations. 
           
Since its inception, 91 students have participated in the ISP. As a result, they have enhanced educational opportunities (e.g., many have been offered impressive internships), better employment opportunities (e.g., many have been considered distinct from peers with similar degrees), and they benefit personally and professionally by experiencing life as a global citizen. An unintended benefit for faculty members is their own career development.  They have a renewed awareness of global business, cultural, and industry issues, and have brought this knowledge to the working professional classroom in Hartford. Learn more about Rensselaer’s ISP at: www.ewp.rpi.edu/isp.
          
The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) Partnership Inc., America’s first state-level quality award was founded in 1987 utilizing the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Performance Excellence criteria in an effort to advance innovative programs that improve quality performance and marketplace competitiveness. Annually, the CQIA Partnership sponsors Five Steps to the Baldrige Award, with the CQIA Innovation Prize as Step One.

Acting Dean, David Rainey, has Book Published on The Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership

David L. Rainey, Ph.D., Acting Dean, Rensselaer at Hartford, and Professor of Practice in the Lally School of Management and Technology, has authored the book, The Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership: Becoming a Successful Strategic Leader through Principles, Perspectives and Professional Development, recently published by Information Age Publishing.

Sustainable Leadership (SL) encompasses the broad roles and responsibilities of leaders that cut across the whole organization and the entire extended enterprise. The underpinnings of SL require strategic leaders and professionals to play leading roles in dealing with critical issues affecting business and people.

According to Dr. Rainey, “Sustainable strategic leaders ensure that their organizations and enterprises are fully capable and responsive to external forces and market spaces and have the potential to be successful. They serve and support markets, customers, and stakeholders and provide them with solutions and successful outcomes.”

The Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership (PSL) involves the ongoing learning and development of business leaders and students to become true strategic leaders who employ the principles, philosophies, values, capabilities and perspectives for achieving sustainable success. “True leaders are dedicated to their endeavors and never stop making transitions and transformations to higher levels of sophistication,” said Professor Rainey. To learn more about the book, please visit: http://www.infoagepub.com/products/The-Pursuit-of-Sustainable-Leadership.

New PayScale Rankings for 2013 Announced

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 9^th for “2013 College Education ROI Rankings – Best ROI by Region, Northeast Schools”

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 13^th for “2013 College Education ROI Rankings – ROI Rank for Private not-for-profit Universities”
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 21^st for “2013 College Education ROI Rankings – Overall College ROI Rank”

-- PayScale

Read more about the rankings at:
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/School=Rensselaer_Polytechnic_Institute_(RPI)/Salary

Rensselaer Commencement Speaker and Honorands Announced for 2013

Renowned Human Rights and Civil Liberties Pioneer Congressman John Lewis To Address Rensselaer Graduates at 207th Commencement

Retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula M. Burns, and Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Pioneer Patty Stonesifer Also Will Receive Honorary Degrees May 25

U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA) — one of the nation’s most dedicated and courageous civil rights leaders — will address Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates at the 207th Commencement May 25, 2013. He will join a group of high-level business, military, and nonprofit foundation leaders who will participate in the graduation ceremonies.

Lewis will receive an honorary degree, along with Retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula M. Burns, and Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pioneer Patty Stonesifer.

“Congressman Lewis is indeed a ‘profile in courage,’ an extraordinary example of the power of an individual to change the world,” President Shirley Ann Jackson said. “At about the same age as our students, he stood up for what was right by sitting down at lunch counters, walking across a bridge in Selma, and marching on Washington. In doing so, with a persistent commitment to non-violence, he helped lead our nation through the civil rights era to a new day. Long considered the ‘conscience of the U.S. Congress,’ for more than a half century he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of equality, justice, and fairness for all. We are honored to have this Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and true American hero address the graduates at Rensselaer.

 “We also look forward to honoring and hearing from three other influential leaders in corporate America, the military, and the foundation and nonprofit sectors,” President Jackson added. “As chairman and CEO of Xerox, Ursula Burns has led the transformation of a Fortune 500 company, and the conversation on the importance of inviting young people to pursue math and science careers. As former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen guided the U. S. armed services through a shift in mission and in culture. As Chair of the White House Council on Community Solutions, and a pioneer in Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Patty Stonesifer has remained focused on creating access, reducing inequities, and expanding opportunities for others. Each has been global in reach and profound in impact, and we are honored by their participation in our Commencement.”

Process Improvements in Behavioral Health Workshop

The Connecticut Health Council and Founding Partner Rensselaer at Hartford will debut a new series of workshops focusing on process improvements in the health sector. The first workshop in this series, April 3 at Rensselaer's Hartford campus, will explore process improvements in behavioral health. Chief Executive Officer of InterCommunity, Kim Beauregard, and Chief Operating Officer Tyler Booth, will present on how new efficiencies are leading to improved outcomes.

Increased demand for health care services coupled with changes in health care funding has led to a greater focus on process improvements. These monthly workshops will feature experts from the health care field who will share innovative processes that have led to improved outcomes and expanded care.

Rensselaer's own Paul Hine, Lecturer, will moderate the workshop. Registration and networking begins at 7:30 a.m. and the program runs from 8 to 9 a.m.

Learn more and register at: http://www.cthealthcouncil.com/programs-events/event-calendar/2013/03/05/process-improvements-in-behavioral-health-workshop

The Connecticut Health Council’s primary activity is to host programs focused on health sector topics and that feature speakers of regional, national, and international renown. The series provides a forum for a robust network of experts, professionals, and other parties interested in leveraging and promoting Connecticut’s considerable health sector assets as a primary driver of economic and employment growth in Connecticut.

Rensselaer's Graduate Engineering Programs Climb in "U.S. News & World Report" Rankings for 2014

The School of Engineering and several of its programs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute made gains on this year’s list of Best Graduate Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The School of Engineering ranked 38^th in the nation, up from 42^nd a year ago. Within the school, mechanical engineering moved up three spots to 24. Overall, six engineering graduate programs were ranked among the top 25 in their field, while nine programs ranked within the top 30 in their field.

View the 2014 rankings at: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-02121

 “The School of Engineering at Rensselaer is known around the world for excellence in education and research, and the success of its graduates. The latest graduate program rankings by U.S. News & World Report highlight our upward trajectory and further affirm the high quality and impact of a Rensselaer engineering education. We are pleased to see many of our most popular graduate programs ranked among the top 25 in their field, and to be recognized as among the nation’s top 40 engineering graduate schools,” said David Rosowsky, Dean of the School of Engineering at Rensselaer.

Rensselaer's Hartford Campus and its Groton Site offer several engineering program options. Learn more at: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/academics/does/index.html

Rensselaer Professors Peteros and Maleyeff have Paper Published in the "International Journal of Management"

Randall G. Peteros, J.D., Professor of Practice, and John Maleyeff, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Practice, had their paper entitled, “Application of Behavioural Finance Concepts to Investment Decision-Making: Suggestions for Improving Investment Education Courses,” published in the Vol. 30, No. 1, 2013 issue of the International Journal of Management. The authors suggest that, “In practice, investment decision makers do not always behave in ways that are consistent with the assumptions made in courses that teach investment decision making in business schools.” To read the abstract, please visit: http://www.internationaljournalofmanagement.co.uk/2013/2013-2.html

Spring Seminar Series 2013 -- Free Live Events!

All Rensselaer students, alumni, and community members are cordially invited to take part in the Spring Seminar Series 2013. We encourage you to invite friends, family, and coworkers to participate in the series. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

All events will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Seminar Hall at Rensselaer's Hartford Campus.
Wednesday, March 13 -- "Renewable Energy Storage: From Technology to Practical Markets and Products," presented by Robert J. Friedland ('94 MBA), President and CEO, Proton Energy Systems d/b/a Proton OnSite.

Hydrogen generated using electrolysis has a unique role in storing excess renewable energy for a variety of present and emerging energy markets. As countries buy more and more renewable technology on their grids, the inherent intermittent nature of the sun and the wind causes many problems for utilities faced with a base load demand for power. This problem is exacerbated with many countries shuttering their traditional base load stalwarts like coal and nuclear. Beyond the grid there are exciting markets emerging in fuel cell vehicle transportation and also in enhanced biogas production. This talk will explore these market demands and the potential for electrolysis to serve them in the future.

Thursday, March 28 -- Topic TBA, presented by David L. Rainey, Ph.D., Acting Dean, Rensselaer at Hartford, and Professor of Practice in the Lally School of Management and Technology.

Monday, April 15 -- TBA

For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/news_and_events/events/spring_seminars2013/index.html

Rensselaer Alumnus and First Space Tourist Working on Mars Project

Rensselaer Alumni in Space

Dennis A. Tito ('64 M.S. Engineering Science), founder and CEO of Wilshire Associates, Inc., became the world's first space tourist, traveling aboard a Soyuz spacecraft with a Russian crew to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2001. Tito paid close to $20 million for a seat on the spacecraft. He spent two weeks in space during late April and early May, including a stay on the ISS. As a graduate student, Tito worked at United Aircraft in Windsor Locks while studying in the aerospace program.

Tito has founded a new nonprofit called the Inspiration Mars Foundation, with a plan to launch a manned Mars flyby mission in 2018. The announcement has generated a lot of excitement. Read more about it and watch interviews with Tito at:

http://www.space.com/19981-private-mars-mission-married-2018.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feedutm_campaign=Feed%3A+spaceheadlines+%28SPACE.com+Headline+Feed%29

http://www.space.com/19983-private-mars-mission-dennis-tito-interview.html

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/inspiration-mars-dennis-tito-millionaire-space-tourist-announces/story?id=18610223

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/video/inspiration-mars-sending-married-couple-red-planet-18609841

Birthday Wishes to Rensselaer Alum George Ferris, a Google Doodle, and an Interesting Article about the Inventor

Happy Birthday to Rensselaer alumnus and Hall of Fame member, George W.G. Ferris, who designed the original Ferris wheel! Learn more about his induction into RPI's Alumni Hall of Fame: http://www.rpi.edu/about/alumni/inductees/ferris.html.

Google celebrates with a two-in-one doodle today. Read more about Google's homage to the inventor in this fascinating article: http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/0214/George-Ferris-How-a-farmer-s-son-invented-the-best-ride-on-Earth

President Jackson Interviewed in the Financial Times about "Big Data"

Please see the article:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/ff439394-6a73-11e2-a7d2-00144feab49a.html#axzz2JxwZlo1i

President Jackson Interviewed for Professional Engineering (PE) Magazine

In an exclusive interview with Professional Engineering (PE), a UK-based business and technology magazine, Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson calls for more low-carbon energy sources. She explains why we need a diverse energy mix to ensure security of supply. Read what she had to say at: http://profeng.com/news/obama-adviser-calls-for-more-low-carbon-energy-sources

President Jackson Essay Appears in The Washington Post

The Washington Post Innovations section published a special report on-line on Inauguration 2013: Ideas about innovation for the new Congress and President Obama, which includes an essay by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson titled, “Invest in what is next.” 

In the essay she warns that “looming, deep federal cuts in scientific research and development funding could do significant damage. These cuts stand to dramatically slow the pace of economic growth in the U.S., undermine our national security, hinder our competitiveness, and reverse any recent gains we have made in developing the human capital -- the young scientists and engineers – so essential for innovation.” And she urges the Congress to sustain investments in scientific discovery and technological innovation. 

Read her essay here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-innovations/invest-in-what-is-next/2013/01/18/095e25ce-60ec-11e2-b05a-605528f6b712_story.html