We lost one of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s best last week. Dr. Edward L. “Ted” Shuster, 45, died suddenly Thursday, September 16, 2004 while walking near his home in Greenwich, N.Y. after being struck by an alleged drunk driver. He was a native of this area, the son of Nancy and the late William Shuster, a professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Ted was an alumnus of Rensselaer’s geology program twice over (B.S., 1981; Ph.D. 1994) and continued on at the school he loved to become a research assistant professor in the fields of environmental geology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology. Ted was an exceptional scientist and a renowned investigator of surface water processes and contamination. His work contributed heavily to our understanding of hydrology and the environment—particularly as they pertain to this region’s water resources. Most recently, he was in the process of implementing Riverscope, an innovative study with real-time monitoring of Hudson River water quality. He loved being out on the river, even in the worst weather (a frequent occurrence). He was a dedicated researcher whose work not only enriched his life, but the lives of everyone in this area. Ted was an extraordinary teacher and a favorite among both graduate and undergraduate students. His classes, including sedimentology, environmental geology, and ground-water hydrology, were highly regarded by both his peers and his students, considered by some to be among the best offered at Rensselaer. His charismatic charm and his authoritative knowledge made him an excellent lecturer, but his greatest attribute was his ability to make tough concepts seem easy. He was a committed instructor in the classroom, lab, or field, and always gave generously of his time in answering questions or helping a student with homework. Most of all, Ted was a fabulous person—the kind of individual most of us aspire to be. He possessed an irrepressible attitude and an infectious smile that persisted even in the face of adversity. He shared this joy with both his school and the community at large. Ted was an actor and director in three local theater groups. He also was a long-standing member of the Silver Bay Association, a YMCA conference center and training camp in the Adirondacks, and he dedicated much of his free time to his work with the camp’s alumni organization. Additionally, he was an outstanding photographer, enjoyed hiking, and was an Adirondack 46er. Funeral services will be held for Ted on October 2. Rensselaer will hold an official memorial service shortly thereafter. Donations may be made in Ted’s memory to the Silver Bay Emp Alumni Scholarship Fund. Ted will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and the hole made by this loss will affect the entire community. Rensselaer has lost a native son, a distinguished alumnus, an exceptional researcher, an extraordinary teacher, and a dear friend and colleague. Yet Ted’s spirit lives on, in the contributions he made in his work and in his life. We are all richer for his time with us. -Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences