SEAS welcomes new dean of graduate affairs The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) welcomes a new associate dean of graduate affairs to campus this fall. The new dean is Stephen Friedfeld, who comes to Princeton from Cornell University where he served as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Photo by Tom Stillman SEAS Dean Maria Klawe helps Stephen Friedfeld, new associate dean of graduate affairs, welcome students to campus at the graduate student orientation ceremony. “ Stephen’s references were overwhelmingly positive about him, saying he’s exceptionally intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, energetic, creative, professional, etc.,” said SEAS Dean Maria Klawe. “They are obviously very sad to lose him at Cornell, but think this position is a wonderful match for his talents. I agree, and I’m thrilled he will be joining us.” At SEAS he will advise graduate students, work to increase and improve the career opportunities available to them, and work with the faculty and administration to address SEAS graduate students’ academic, social, and quality-of-life concerns. He will also assist the six SEAS departments to recruit and retain highly qualified graduate students. Dean Friedfeld holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Cornell and a Ph.D. in environmental sciences from Rice University. University mourns Melissa Huang Melissa Huang, a sophomore engineering student, was found dead in her dorm room bed in Wilson College on Sunday, Sept. 5. She was 19. Her parents, Leon Keng-Lock Huang and Sauling Huang were on campus on the day of their daughter’s death. Princeton University President Shirley N. Tilghman met with them and Wilson College students to offer comfort, counseling, and guidance. Melissa came to Princeton from Cumberland Valley High School, where she graduated with honors in 2003. There, she participated in cross-country and track and field, including a very successful 4 x 800 relay team. She spent this summer working on a chemical engineering (ChE) research project with ChE Assistant Professor Jeffrey Carbeck and ChE Professor Ilhan Aksay. The University has planned a memorial service for Melissa. It will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the University Chapel. The Wilson College community has established a fund in Melissa’s memory. The fund was created with the approval of her family, who will help decide how to use any contributions. Donations may be sent through the University to: Melissa M. Huang ’07 Memorial Fund, Princeton University, c/o Nancy Kalmikoff, Gift Records, P.O. Box 5257, Princeton, NJ 08543-5357. Students who would like to talk with counselors have been encouraged to contact the Counseling and Psychological Services unit at the University Health Center. [ contents ]   [ previous story ]  [ next story ]   [ top of page ]