Letter from the Vice Provost--MTU Research Magazine 1997

Expanding the role of research

Dr. Sung Lee
In recent years, Michigan Tech has made significant progress toward gaining national and international attention for our research. It is gratifying to note that the progress is being made while maintaining our traditional strength in excellent undergraduate education.

That is only right.

The best teaching often comes out of vigorous research. As the frontiers of knowledge are being expanded, the new discovery is passed on to students in laboratories and classrooms. A strong research environment is also an effective means for attracting and nurturing talented and energetic faculty.

This issue of Research is a good testimonial of our philosophy.

Each of the researchers profiled within these pages has also made great strides in the classroom. The beneficiaries of scientific inquiry are, ultimately, the students. They will begin their careers having been shaped by teachers who refused to teach the status quo theories, equations, and histories.

They will be better for it, and so is Michigan Tech.

Now, about this issue:

Imagine going to the lumberyard and having to decide what shade of red you would like for your kitchen cabinets. It just might happen, thanks to the incredible work by Vince Chiang in the Institute of Wood Research.

Ceramics conjure up images of coffee mugs and bathroom tiles. But our researchers have created a ceramic (dubbed alumina) that is so strong nearly 200 organizations are knocking at the door, mulling over possible uses.

"Making meaning out of messages" defines the research of Diana George. Her profile reveals a teacher intent on making students active participants in the bombardment of images and words that has become modern culture.

In case you still don't believe all this talk about research positively impacting students, our FutureCar team is nothing but students (with guidance from faculty and administrators). But then, students and automobiles are a natural, especially at MTU.

Next, we delve into the sub-microscopic world of DNA molecules and Xiaoqiu Huang's breakthrough work in that absolute essence of life, via computer programs he has created.

Finally, we've got a thing for moose. Previous Research magazines have discussed the moose (and wolves) on Isle Royale. This time, we stay on the U.P. mainland, albeit from the air, and answer the question, "What's a mathematician like Tom Drummer doing in a helicopter?"

As usual, our Developments section will keep you up to date on the latest breaking news of note. In all, the words and photos contained herein should drive home the point: we are a premier research university whose heart and soul remains teaching.

That will never change.

Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sung M. Lee
Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School

	Imagine going to the lumberyard and having to decide what shade of red you would like for your kitchen cabinets. It just might happen, thanks to the incredible work by Vince Chiang in the Institute of Wood Research.
	Ceramics conjure up images of coffee mugs and bathroom tiles. But our researchers have created a ceramic (dubbed alumina) that is so strong nearly 200 organizations are knocking at the door, mulling over possible uses.
	"Making meaning out of messages" defines the research of Diana George. Her profile reveals a teacher intent on making students active participants in the bombardment of images and words that has become modern culture.
	In case you still don't believe all this talk about research positively impacting students, our FutureCar team is nothing but students (with guidance from faculty and administrators). But then, students and automobiles are a natural, especially at MTU.
	Next, we delve into the sub-microscopic world of DNA molecules and Xiaoqiu Huang's breakthrough work in that absolute essence of life, via computer programs he has created.
	Finally, we've got a thing for moose. Previous Research magazines have discussed the moose (and wolves) on Isle Royale. This time, we stay on the U.P. mainland, albeit from the air, and answer the question, "What's a mathematician like Tom Drummer doing in a helicopter?"