Archive – May, 2012
Graduate students honored for excellence in teaching
Posted May 31, 2012; 09:00 a.m.
The Princeton Graduate School will present awards to six graduate students in recognition of their outstanding abilities as teachers.
Slideshow: Princeton alumni to make memories at Reunions
Posted May 30, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
This year, more than 20,000 Princeton University alumni, family members and friends are expected on campus for Reunions 2012, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Before the event — which runs Thursday through Sunday, May 31 through June 3 — dozens of alumni submitted photos via email and social media to be featured in a slideshow highlighting past Reunions.
'Reunions Memories'
Posted May 30, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Dozens of Princeton alumni submitted photos via email and social media to be featured in a slideshow of Reunions memories before this year's fun begins.
Two to receive Phi Beta Kappa teaching awards
Posted May 30, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
The Princeton University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will honor Daniel Oppenheimer , associate professor of psychology and public affairs, and Michael Smith , the McCosh Professor of Philosophy, with its annual awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
To spread, nervous system viruses sabotage cell, hijack transportation
Posted May 30, 2012; 09:00 a.m.
Princeton University researchers have found that herpes and other viruses that attack the nervous system may thrive by disrupting cell function in order to hijack a neuron's internal transportation network and spread to other cells.
Worker injured in fall from Fisher Hall roof
Posted May 29, 2012; 05:56 p.m.
A 55-year-old contractor broke his ankle when he fell 20 feet from the roof of Fisher Hall dormitory in Whitman College at about 4:24 p.m. today. The man was installing sound equipment for a Reunions event.
Wireless 'tooth tattoo' detects harmful bacteria
Posted May 29, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Using silk strands pulled from cocoons and gold wires thinner than a spider's web, researchers at Princeton University have created a removable tattoo that adheres to dental enamel and could eventually monitor a patient's health with unprecedented sensitivity.
Princeton to honor four secondary school teachers
Posted May 29, 2012; 08:46 a.m.
Princeton University will honor four exceptional New Jersey secondary school teachers at its 2012 Commencement on Tuesday, June 5.
Engineering at Princeton
Posted May 28, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
In the 50 years since Princeton University's Engineering Quadrangle's was built, engineering at Princeton has expanded while integrating seamlessly within one of the world's finest liberal arts institutions.
Video feature: Engineering at Princeton
Posted May 28, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
In the 50 years since Princeton University's Engineering Quadrangle was built, engineering at Princeton has expanded while integrating seamlessly within one of the world's finest liberal arts institutions.
It's in the bag: Course gives students tools to manage fledgling enterprises
Posted May 25, 2012; 03:00 p.m.
A new class sponsored by Princeton's Keller Center, called "Entrepreneurial Leadership," is designed to give students a taste of the real business world as beginning entrepreneurs.
Fascination for Latin and literature inspire salutatorian
Posted May 24, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Butterworth, an exceptional student in classics whose love of literature and rapid mastery of Latin has evoked high praise for her insightful readings of original texts, has been named salutatorian for the Class of 2012. She will continue the Princeton tradition of delivering a speech in Latin at Commencement on Tuesday, June 5.
For valedictorian Fleming, links across disciplines helped forge path
Posted May 24, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Nathaniel Fleming's focus on the natural sciences — coupled with a consistent curiosity about how different fields interact and overlap — guided him on the path to being named valedictorian of Princeton University's Class of 2012. The Eugene, Ore., native will deliver the valedictory address at the University's Commencement ceremony Tuesday, June 5.
Folding light: Wrinkles and twists boost power from solar panels
Posted May 24, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Taking their cue from the humble leaf, researchers have used microscopic folds on the surface of photovoltaic material to significantly increase the power output of flexible, low-cost solar cells.
UPDATE: Frick Lab reopened after temporary evacuation
Posted May 23, 2012; 05:11 p.m.
About 300 people were evacuated from the Frick Chemistry Laboratory today after a glass container in a storage cabinet broke and injured a postdoctoral researcher.
Geological record shows air up there came from below
Posted May 23, 2012; 01:00 p.m.
The influence of the ground beneath us on the air around us could be greater than scientists had previously thought, according to new Princeton University research that links the long-ago proliferation of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere to a sudden change in the inner workings of our planet.
Class snapshot: 'Policy Issues and Analysis of Nonprofits, NGOs and Philanthropy'
Posted May 23, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Stanley Katz, a Princeton University lecturer with rank of professor in public and international affairs, is teaching the course "Policy Issues and Analysis of Nonprofits, NGOs and Philanthropy," which provides graduate students with a foundation for understanding nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations and philanthropy, and related policy issues at the local, national and international levels.
2012 Commencement activities planned
Posted May 22, 2012; 03:30 p.m.
Several University activities for undergraduate and graduate degree candidates and their families are planned for Sunday through Tuesday, June 3-5.
Princeton University Commencement to be held June 5
Posted May 22, 2012; 01:48 p.m.
Members of the news media who wish to attend any of Princeton University's 2012 graduation ceremonies Sunday through Tuesday, June 3-5, must contact the University's Office of Communications no later than 3 p.m. Friday, May 25, to request credentials.
FACULTY AWARD: Princeton's Bernevig receives 2012 Blavatnik Award
Posted May 21, 2012; 02:00 p.m.
Bogdan Bernevig, the Eugene and Mary Wigner Assistant Professor in Theoretical Physics in Princeton's Department of Physics, is among 11 researchers nationwide to receive a 2012 Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists from the New York Academy of Sciences.
Alumni to return to campus for Reunions
Posted May 21, 2012; 01:51 p.m.
More than 20,000 Princeton University alumni, family members and friends are expected on campus Thursday through Sunday, May 31 through June 3, for Reunions activities.
Nine students receive 2012 Spirit of Princeton Award
Posted May 21, 2012; 01:00 p.m.
Nine students have been named winners of the 2012 Spirit of Princeton Award, which honors undergraduates at Princeton University for their positive contributions to campus life. The award recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the undergraduate experience through dedicated efforts with student organizations, athletics, community service, religious life, residential life and the arts.
Video feature: 'A Princeton Story'
Posted May 21, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
The video feature "A Princeton Family" documents three siblings now at Princeton — all the first generation in their family to go to college — chronicling their academic and personal experiences on campus, including each sibling's path toward engineering.
'A Princeton Story'
Posted May 21, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
The Alvarez siblings talk about their experience at Princeton.
University reimburses Department of Energy extended assignment funds
Posted May 21, 2012; 11:21 a.m.
Princeton University has agreed to reimburse $1 million to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) following a report by the DOE inspector general (IG) on a program at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) under which employees were assigned to work for extended periods of time at other U.S. laboratories engaged in fusion energy research. The University manages PPPL under a contract with the DOE.
Georgian president details nation's transformation
Posted May 18, 2012; 11:07 a.m.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili presented his nation's transformation as a test case for democracy in the post-Soviet era during an address Thursday, May 17, at Princeton University. "We want to create a modern society," Saakashvili said to ...
University prepares for local hospital relocation
Posted May 18, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Princeton University students and employees may continue to access emergency and other medical services when the local hospital opens its new facility on May 22. The University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) will move to a state-of-the-art building located near campus on Route 1 in Plainsboro, N.J.
Seniors to present new adaptation of Aristophanes' 'The Birds'
Posted May 18, 2012; 08:30 a.m.
Seniors Sea Bass Franco and Clayton Raithel have created a new script and original music for Aristophanes' "The Birds," which will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, May 31-June 1, in the Matthews Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Video feature: Princeton's Glee Club
Posted May 17, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
The Princeton University Glee Club, which performs a repertoire of sacred and secular choral music from the Renaissance to the present day, allows students with a wide range of nationalities, majors and skills to participate in a shared passion — singing. In a video about the Glee Club, 89 students gathered one warm April afternoon to rehearse "Sednalo e Djore Dos," a Bulgarian folk song that tells the story of an outgoing girl trying to get the attention of a shy boy.
Princeton's Glee Club
Posted May 17, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
One afternoon in April, 89 students in Princeton's Glee Club gathered to rehearse a Bulgarian folk song that tells the story of a girl trying to get the attention of a shy boy.
Conference to discuss 'Legacy of Progressivism'
Posted May 17, 2012; 08:38 a.m.
The sixth annual James Madison Program Visiting Fellows Conference will focus on "American Constitutionalism and the Legacy of Progressivism," with sessions at various times Monday and Tuesday, May 21 and 22, in Lewis Library, Room 120.
University making changes to homeownership programs
Posted May 15, 2012; 10:17 a.m.
The University will be making changes, effective July 1, to the terms, management and eligibility requirements of its programs that support the purchase of homes in the Princeton area by faculty and staff.
Fleurbaey chosen for endowed professorship
Posted May 15, 2012; 10:12 a.m.
Marc Fleurbaey, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Public Affairs and the University Center for Human Values, will be named the Robert E. Kuenne Professor in Economics and Humanistic Studies and professor of public affairs and the University Center for Human Values, effective July 1, 2012.
Board approves 16 promotions
Posted May 15, 2012; 10:10 a.m.
The Board of Trustees has approved the promotions of 16 faculty members, all effective July 1, 2012.
Three faculty appointments approved
Posted May 15, 2012; 10:07 a.m.
The Board of Trustees has approved the appointments of three professors.
Employee retirements: March-May 2012
Posted May 15, 2012; 10:03 a.m.
The following is an updated list of University employee retirements.
Employee obituaries: April-May 2012
Posted May 15, 2012; 09:58 a.m.
The following is an updated list of University employee obituaries.
By the numbers: University raises funds for United Way
Posted May 15, 2012; 09:51 a.m.
The University raised $185,665 for the United Way in this year's campus drive.
Employee spotlight: Robin Fitzgerald-Frink
Posted May 15, 2012; 09:46 a.m.
Employee spotlight on Robin Fitzgerald-Frink, administrative assistant in the Office of Research and Project Administration.
Four faculty members honored for excellence in mentoring graduate students
Posted May 14, 2012; 03:10 p.m.
Four Princeton University faculty members have been named recipients of the Graduate Mentoring Awards by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning and will be honored during the Graduate School's hooding ceremony Monday, June 4, on Cannon Green.
Gathering for Katzenbach set for June 21
Posted May 14, 2012; 01:31 p.m.
A gathering in honor of former U.S. Attorney General and Princeton University Trustee Emeritus Nicholas Katzenbach will be held at noon Thursday, June 21, in Richardson Auditorium of Alexander Hall on the University campus. Katzenbach, a member of the Princeton Class of 1943, died May 8 at the age of 90.
Elman sparks regional-global approach to East Asian history
Posted May 14, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Princeton University scholar Benjamin Elman has studied the history of East Asia for most of his intellectual life. Instead of getting easier, it has become more complicated — which for him is a good thing. Elman's ongoing interest is to re-examine our understanding of China and Japan by rethinking how the history of East Asia has been told, especially in the West, but also in China, Japan and Korea.
Honoring past computer science great, Schmidt looks forward
Posted May 11, 2012; 03:41 p.m.
Computer science is among the most forward-looking of disciplines, and in an address at Princeton University on Thursday evening, May 10, Eric Schmidt paid tribute to Alan Turing, one of the giants of the field, by looking ahead to an almost unimaginable future.
Graduate School applications reach record high
Posted May 11, 2012; 10:51 a.m.
Princeton University's Graduate School offered admission to 1,226 of the record 12,077 applicants who applied for the 2012-13 academic year, with the school's global reputation and strong financial aid program contributing to a continued increase in applications, particularly among international students.
Conference looks at developments in immigration
Posted May 11, 2012; 08:56 a.m.
National and international experts will discuss "New Developments in Immigration and Immigration Reform in the United States" during a conference from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, in the Friend Center Convocation Room.
Class snapshot: 'American Environmental History and Thought'
Posted May 10, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Deborah and Frank Popper, who are both visiting professors of civil and environmental engineering and at the Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI) at Princeton University, are teaching the course "American Environmental History and Thought," which allows undergraduates to explore the links between environment and development in the United States.
Princeton alumnus and trustee Katzenbach, leading figure in U.S. civil rights history, dies
Posted May 9, 2012; 06:33 p.m.
Nicholas Katzenbach, a Princeton University alumnus and trustee emeritus who was a towering figure in U.S. civil rights history, died of natural causes Tuesday, May 8, at his home in Skillman, N.J. He was 90.
Sinfonia to give concert
Posted May 9, 2012; 11:35 a.m.
Princeton University Sinfonia will give a concert at 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. The program includes works by Mussorgsky, Turina and Mendelssohn.
Senior Cooper to present dance piece based on Tibetan rituals
Posted May 8, 2012; 02:36 p.m.
Elizabeth Cooper will present her senior thesis dance project, "Tsok," at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 13, in the Chancellor Green Rotunda. Inspired by Cooper's fieldwork in Tibet, "Tsok" fuses movement, music and text. Guests will be invited to become part of this site-specific experience.
Schmidt Fund awards support transformative technologies
Posted May 8, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
A nitrogen sensor that can monitor environmental change, a "no-frills" quantum computer and a laboratory small enough to fit inside a single cell are the three technologies selected to receive support this year at Princeton University from the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund.
Oates and Pagels receive Behrman Award
Posted May 7, 2012; 05:06 p.m.
Princeton professors Joyce Carol Oates and Elaine Pagels have received the University's Howard T. Behrman Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities.
Canaday forges new understanding of history of sexuality
Posted May 7, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Margot Canaday, an assistant professor of history who will be promoted to associate professor July 1, is a political and legal historian who studies gender and sexuality in modern America. In addition to her undergraduate course "Gender and Sexuality in Modern America," she regularly teaches a graduate seminar on the history of sexuality in America and courses on the American state, gender and work, and approaches to American history.
Cancer collaboration could someday help dogs and their humans
Posted May 7, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
In pursuing cancer treatment for her dog, Olga Troyanskaya, a computational biologist at Princeton University, started a research collaboration with canine oncologist Karin Sorenmoto with the potential to learn more about cancer, possibly leading to new treatments for dogs and humans as well.
FACULTY AWARD: Four Princeton faculty elected to National Academy of Sciences
Posted May 7, 2012; 10:30 a.m.
Four Princeton University faculty members are among the 84 new members recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences for noted and ongoing achievement in original research: William Bialek; Pablo Debenedetti; John Groves; and Nai Phuan Ong.
Fleming named valedictorian, Butterworth selected as salutatorian
Posted May 6, 2012; 04:52 a.m.
Nathaniel Fleming, a psychology major from Eugene, Ore., has been selected as valedictorian of Princeton University's Class of 2012. Elizabeth Butterworth, a classics major from Auburn, Mass., has been named the Latin salutatorian.
Telephone facilities being repaired-UPDATED
Posted May 6, 2012; 03:47 a.m.
Repairs have been completed and telephone service has been restored as of 2:45 p.m. Tuesday. Crews are working to repair a problem with the telephone facilities connecting the University to the public network. Until the problem is corrected, there will be limited circuits available to make or receive calls to or from non-University numbers.
Reaching Their Peak
Posted May 4, 2012; 02:08 p.m.
Meet the Princeton students and kids with disabilities who meet and scale to new heights in the Peak Potential program.
Student Work: 'Tsok' dance thesis
Posted May 4, 2012; 09:04 a.m.
"Tsok," a dance thesis by senior Elizabeth Cooper, will be performed at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 13, in Chancellor Green Rotunda.
President of Georgia to discuss nation's transformation
Posted May 3, 2012; 03:08 p.m.
Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia, will deliver a lecture on "Georgian Democratic Transformation: A Test Case for the Post-Soviet World" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall. Admission is free, but tickets are required for entry and will be available beginning Thursday, May 10. Ticketing and simulcast information is available on the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs website.
Video feature: Turing's legacy and computer science at Princeton
Posted May 3, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Considered the father of computer science, Alan Turing earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton in 1938. In this video Andrew Appel, chair of the Department of Computer Science, discusses Turing's legacy. Princeton is hosting a conference May 10-12 in honor of the centennial of Turing's birth. Featured speakers include Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, a 1976 Princeton alumnus, and eight winners of the Turing Award (the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in the field of computing). Registration to the conference is free and open to the public.
Alan Turing at Princeton University
Posted May 3, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Alan Turing, who earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1938, is considered the father of computer science.
New Global Collaborative Networks projects selected
Posted May 3, 2012; 09:00 a.m.
Princeton University's Council for International Teaching and Research has selected four faculty proposals to receive funding for the creation of global network initiatives.
Psychology professor to discuss political divide
Posted May 2, 2012; 04:10 p.m.
Jonathan Haidt, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, will speak on "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People, Particularly Intellectuals, Are Divided by Politics" at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in Lewis Library, Room 120.
BodyHype Spring 2012 'Feel the Red'
Posted May 2, 2012; 01:08 p.m.
BodyHype presents its 2012 spring show at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 10 p.m. Friday, May 11, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Theater Intime.
Construction to begin this summer on new graduate student housing complex at Hibben-Magie site
Posted May 2, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
Construction will begin this summer on the Lakeside graduate community, which will replace the Hibben and Magie apartments with new apartment buildings, townhomes, common areas and a parking structure that are designed to meet graduate students' needs and Princeton University's planning and sustainability goals.
Day named director of news and editorial services at Princeton
Posted May 2, 2012; 10:00 a.m.
Daniel Day, a veteran media executive and journalist who has significant experience in emerging and traditional forms of communications, has been appointed director of news and editorial services in the Office of Communications at Princeton University. His appointment is effective May 14.
Two University jazz ensembles to perform
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:33 p.m.
The Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble and the Birth of the Cool Ensemble will perform "Sounds of Revolution or Evolution? The Music of Bebop, Cool Jazz and Hard Bop" at 8 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. Anthony D.J. Branker, director of the Program in Jazz Studies, will direct.
Creative writing students to read new fiction
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:28 p.m.
Seniors in the Program in Creative Writing will present readings of fiction at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, in Palmer House, 1 Bayard Lane.
Composers Ensemble to present 'Newspeak'
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:23 p.m.
As part of Composers Ensemble, Lainie Fefferman and Quinn Collins, both Ph.D. candidates in the University's program in composition, and Dmitri Tymoczko, associate professor of music, will perform new works in the concert "Newspeak" at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall.
Creative writing students to read new poetry
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:19 p.m.
Readings of senior thesis poetry will take place at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer St. The event is part of a series that concludes with readings of fiction at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, in Palmer House.
Theater critic O'Toole to give Robert Fagles Memorial Lecture
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:13 p.m.
Irish theater critic, scholar and visiting professor Fintan O'Toole will present the 2012 Robert Fagles Memorial Lecture titled "Art and Violence" at 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, in East Pyne, Room 010. The lecture is part of a series presented by the Fund for Irish Studies.
Richardson Chamber Players to perform concert inspired by landscapes of Constable
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:09 p.m.
The Richardson Chamber Players will perform a concert titled "Constable and Landscape" at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 6, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, in conjunction with the Princeton University Art Museum's exhibit "John Constable: Oil Sketches from the Victoria and Albert Museum."
Daniels to give vocals master class
Posted May 1, 2012; 05:04 p.m.
Countertenor David Daniels will coach University vocal students in works of Handel and Schubert at 4 p.m. in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall. The master class is open to the public.
Countertenor and choreographer to give recital with dance
Posted May 1, 2012; 04:59 p.m.
Countertenor David Daniels and choreographer Mark Morris will present a recital with dance at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall. Wendy Heller, professor of music, will give a pre-concert talk with Morris at 7 p.m.
L'Avant-Scène to perform Maeterlinck drama
Posted May 1, 2012; 04:52 p.m.
The French theater workshop L'Avant-Scène will perform the symbolist drama "La princesse Maleine" by Maurice Maeterlinck at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in the Chancellor Green Rotunda.
Alumna Siverd's 'Wanderland' updates 'Alice in Wonderland'
Posted May 1, 2012; 04:46 p.m.
Veronica Siverd, a 2010 alumna, will present her play "Wanderlust," a modern reimagining of "Alice in Wonderland," at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 3-4, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6, in Hamilton Murray Theater.
Creative writing students to present new work
Posted May 1, 2012; 04:11 p.m.
Seniors in the Program in Creative Writing will present new work in a series of readings. Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting and literary translation readings will take place at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, in the Chancellor Green Rotunda. The series will continue with readings at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at the Nassau Club, and at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Palmer House.
New website for Class of 2016 available
Posted May 1, 2012; 01:21 p.m.
Incoming freshmen and their families can find important information about attending Princeton, as well as interact with University staff and students, via the new website Your Path to Princeton. The site enhances and replaces the previous welcome site for incoming freshman classes.
Video feature: 'The Stairways of Princeton'
Posted May 1, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
The Princeton University campus offers a melding of traditional and modern architectural influences. Through a focus on stairways, it is possible to perceive the shifts of time through design.
The Stairways of Princeton
Posted May 1, 2012; 12:00 p.m.
The Princeton University campus, in 2012, offers a melding of traditional and modern architectural influences. Through a focus on stairways, it is possible to perceive the shifts of time through design.