Schools

Chemistry Department Gets Landmark Nod; Stanley, Students Head to Washington

A roundup of the latest news from the campus of Stony Brook University.

The 2003 Nobel prize in medicine recognized the achievements of Paul Lauterbur, the professor whose 1973 paper in the journal Nature and related research laid the groundwork for modern-day magnetic resonance imaging – commonly known as MRI.

Lauterbur conducted that research at the chemistry department at Stony Brook University, which on Friday was honored as a national scientific landmark by the American Chemical Society.

"It is indeed a seminal scientific achievement," said Dr. Nancy Jackson, president of the ACS. "Probably everyone in this room has had an MRI or knows someone who has had one. It is important in screening, protection, diagnosis and treatment."

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The landmark designation puts the development of the MRI in the company of advances like nylon (a widely-used synthetic material), streptomycin (the first effective drug used to treat tuberculosis), Tide (the first synthetic laundry detergent), and Scotch Tape (self explanatory) – all of which the ACS has recognized as achievements which have benefited society in a way that "makes science accessible," Jackson said.

Scientists from a variety of disciplines and research affiliations gathered Friday at the chemistry building to honor the achievements of Lauterbur, whose name also identifies an apartment-style residence hall on campus.

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John H. Marburger III, the university's vice president for research, described the development of the MRI as "a complicated device that draws on many technologies." In fact, he said, Nature had even rejected the first version of Lauterbur's landmark paper.

"MRI didn't have that kind of eureka moment ... it took a long time, and it wasn't obvious," Marburger said. "It opened an entirely new window on the operation of the human body."

Stanley, Students Lobby Lawmakers in Washington

Responding to a bill passed in February by the House of Representatives, university president Samuel Stanley Jr. and a delegation of students traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to urge lawmakers to preserve federal education assistance and scientific research funding.

The bill would slash Pell Grants by as much as 15 percent, or $845, from the maximum of $5,550 currently available to the neediest students, and reduce funding for scientific research and other support programs. According to the university, more than 6,100 students receive Pell Grants – that's more than a third of the undergraduate poulation – and would collectively see a loss of around $4 million in aid next year.

Seniors Charles Rico, Rachel Alexandria Roger, and Ruby J. Syed, along with presidential intern Melody Mercedes, joined Stanley in addressing members of New York's Congressional delegation on the matter.

"These students came to Washington with a powerful message: help me continue my education so I can help build a brighter future for America,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, a member of the House Higher Education Subcommittee. His Congressional district includes the Stony Brook campus. “I hope for our nation’s sake they find a receptive audience, especially from those who previously cast votes to slash the programs that keep students in the classroom.”

Award Honors Memory of Journalism Student

The university's School of Journalism has announced an award to honor the memory of Jeanine Rescigno, a student who in Shirley. The $500 award, drawn from donations from family, friends, faculty and classmates, will acknowledge "Exceptional In-Depth Reporting by a Non-Traditional Student," and the school has plans to fundraise for a permanent endowment in her name.

"Jeanine’s talent, work ethic, personal values and personality left a lasting impression on faculty members who had the good fortune to have her as a student," the school said in its announcement.

Students should apply for the award by submitting an in-depth story, whether a print, online, multimedia or broadcast piece, that was published between April 15, 2010 and April 14, 2011. The deadline is April 15 via an online submission form.


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