Spinal research interests
Actor Christopher Reeve’s death earlier this month has brought new attention to the efforts of Kevin Craig, director of core engineering and professor of mechanical, aeronautical, and nuclear engineering, and Dr. Allen Carl, an Albany Medical Center surgeon and an expert on spinal diseases and disorders. The pair have been working together to devise new methods of treatment for scoliosis and researching spinal implants since the early 1990s.
Over the decade of research, Craig and Carl were able to conclude that the best method for treatment of spinal disorders is to stabilize the spine and gradually correct the errors by pulling and stretching the spine over a period of time. According to Craig, surgery and bracing, which are drastic changes happening in a short amount of time, are traumatic events to the spine and may even cause paralysis if not done properly.
Together, Craig and Carl have developed what is called a Shape Memory Alloy Internal Linear (SMAIL) actuator. This implantable micro-machine is designed to attach to the vertebrae and exert corrective forces on the spine. It is controlled externally using heating and cooling mechanisms to reset the spine. Though it was patented in 1996, more tests and research must be done before it is suitable for use on patients.
Fuel prices hurting CDTA
Increasing gas prices are causing a problem for the Capital District Transportation Authority. Given an annual budget of $2.1 million a year for diesel, it is estimated that if the fuel prices at least remain steady until this upcoming March, CDTA will have almost $629,400 extra in fuel costs for the year, nearly thirty percent over their budget. The price of diesel fuel went from just over 82 cents per gallon last April to $1.59 per gallon this month.
It has been suggested by Chief Financial Officer Milt Pratt that some of the money could be covered by mortgage tax revenue in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga, but this pillar of support is not all too sturdy. CDTA says that it cannot rely on the increase of gas prices to attract more customers either, as the general population does not consider the price of gas for each trip they take. According to CDTA, an increase in parking fees, however, might cause more people to use public transportation as opposed to personal vehicles.
New professorship filled
Pulickel Ajayan was named the first Henry Burlage Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the eleventh annual Honors Convocation on Friday, October 15. The professorship was created as a request of the late Henry Burlage Jr. ’44 in memory of his father.
Ajayan is an established expert in electron microscopy. His main focus of research at RPI is with carbon nanotubes and their growth. He studies how they form structures and what properties they have in relation to their size and confinement.
Ajayan has been with the RPI faculty since 1997. He works with nanotechnology research associated with RPI’s Center for Directed Assembly of Nanostructures. Prior to joining the RPI faculty, he earned his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University in 1989.
Wenser named Pillar
Katrin Wesner, the administrative manager of the Student Health Center, received the 2004 Pillars of Rensselaer Award at the 32nd Annual Service Recognition and Retirement Dinner. This award, which is the highest honor the Institute gives to any staff member, was established in 1993 for the purpose of honoring staff members who have been with the Institute for a long time.
The award is meant to be given to a staff member who has a firm understanding of Rensselaer’s history and mission and plays an active role in both the community at RPI and the community of which they are a part.
Wesner has been with the RPI staff since 1989. She received her masters degree at RPI and now has her certificate in health systems administration. She is also a certified administrator in practice management. Wesner has played an active role in RPI’s communiversity events as well as other organizations such as the YWCA and Habitat for Humanity.
