John Hansen designed communication system for satellite launched into orbit
The Minotaur I rocket launched by NASA from its Virginia facility in November was carrying a unique satellite that communicated using a digital interface system designed by Professor John Hansen of the Computer and Information Sciences Department. The rocket was carrying 29 miniature satellites including one built by students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which uses Hansen’s system. Called “TNC-X,” Hansen’s invention has been used in digital communications systems in over 40 countries, often to support first responder teams preparing for disaster situations.
New book by Ray Belliotti examines Biblical parables
In his newest book, Jesus the Radical: The Parables and Modern Morality, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Philosophy Raymond Belliotti interprets and critically examines parables in the New Testament. Belliotti explained that, unlike academic philosophers, religious reformers used stories to establish their moral conclusions. As a result, the Bible is rich with imaginative parables, colorful characters and magical allure. This is Belliotti’s 15th book.
President Horvath named to AASCU Board of Directors
President Virginia Horvath was named to the board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU). AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of over 400 public colleges, universities and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historiccommitment to under-served student populations and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic and cultural development.
Alberto Rey exhibits in Spain, subject of new book
The Museo Extremeño e Iberoamericano de Arte Contemporáneo in Badajoz, Spain, dedicated a floor to 10 video projections of Visual Arts Professor Alberto Rey’s work this past summer. The exhibit included some of his past documentaries as well as five new site-specific videos from his Biological Regionalism Series. In addition, SUNY Press has published a book that outlines the progression of Rey’s art and how it has been affected by his life, fly fishing, social investigations and environmental issues.
Nezhukumatathil named in Huffington Post’s Top 200 Advocates for American Poetry
Professor Aimee Nezhukumatathil of the Department of English was named in Huffington Post’s 2013 Top 200 Advocates for American Poetry. Other notables on the list include Garrison Keillor, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, and several U.S. Poet Laureates, including W.S. Merwin, Billy Collins and Rita Dove. Aimee is best known for her jovial and accessible reading style and lush descriptions of exotic foods and landscapes. Her awards include the Pushcart Prize for, “Love in the Orangery.”
James Piorkowski, Evan Drummond, and guitar alumni hold Oasis Guitar Week in Bronx
Distinguished Professor James Piorkowski of the School of Music was among the Fredonia alumni and faculty who led the Oasis Guitar Week at the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music this past summer. With the assistance of Fredonia Adjunct Professor Evan Drummond and three recent Fredonia classical guitar graduates — Anthony LaLena, Jahzeel Montes and David Sobel — the event included a faculty concert and teaching guitar to 11 to 16 years olds.
Ted Steinberg helps launch new SUNY effort to create online textbooks
Distinguished Teaching Professor Ted Steinberg has written the first chapter in a pilot SUNY project designed to control higher education costs by producing online textbooks and making them available to college students — for free. Literature, the Humanities and Humanity, the sixth book written by Dr. Steinberg, was the first of 15 textbooks written by SUNY professors and accepted by the “Open SUNY” textbook program for the 2013-14 academic year. Steinberg, whose collegiate career spans four decades, is an enthusiastic supporter of the program and its goal of benefitting students who are confronting ever-increasing textbook prices.
Tom Loughlin acts in his 11th season with Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Department of Theatre and Dance Chair Tom Loughlin appeared in Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s production of, Hamlet,in July. He played Polonius as well as the First Gravedigger. It was his 11th season with the venerable Buffalo tradition, which just completed its 38th season.
Sherri Mason continues to gain national attention
Biochemistry/Environmental Sciences Professor Sherri Mason and her collaborators have found high concentrations of microplastics in lakes Erie and Ontario, due primarily to exfoliates found in soaps and other cleansing/beauty products. Dr. Mason was featured in a New York Times article on Dec. 14 and on NPR’s, “All Things Considered,” on Dec. 16.
Geologist Baird receives teaching award
Dr. Gordon Baird of the Department of Geosciences was presented with the Eastern Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists’ Outstanding Educator Award in November. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the education and training of geologists.
Admissions’ Williamson earns numerous poetry honors
Admissions Counselor Brandon Williamson, ’07, was voted Best Poet of the Month in October, as judged at a Poetry Slam in downtown Toronto. He has also been invited to be a guest on a radio show, “Nik Beat,” that broadcasts throughout Toronto and worldwide online on the topic of spoken word. In addition, his “Pure Ink” poetry slam team performed at the Empire State Team Poetry Slam in Rochester, earning first place honors in the statewide competition. Shortly thereafter, Pure Ink became the first American U.S. team ever to win the Q.E.W. International Poetry Slam held at the Burlington Performing Arts Center in Burlington, Ont.
David Kinkela edits new book on global environment
David Kinkela, associate professor of History and director of the Honors Program, is one of three editors of the new book, Nation-States and the Global Environment: New Approaches to International Environmental History, published by Oxford University Press. Other editors are Erika Marie Bsumek and Mark Atwood Lawrence, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Kinkela’s research focuses on the history of U.S. environmental politics in a global age. He is currently working on a new book project called, An Island of Plastic: A History of Waste, Water, and Petrochemicals.
Benton, Marafiote have research published
Assistant Professor Bond Benton and fellow Communication Associate Professor Tracy Marafiote co-authored the article, “Fatalism, Fear, and Retribution: Japanese Environmentalism in Godzilla vs. Biollante,” which appears in the Journal of Japanese Science Fiction Fantasy. Also, Dr. Benton’s article, “Have You Paid Your Taxes? Body-slams, Antisemitism, and the Case of Irwin R. Shyster,” was recently published in the Journal of Popular Culture, the premier journal of popular culture studies. The piece explores how anti-Semitism has been presented in the world of professional wrestling.
