CSI ceremony hails opening of polymeric research
center
Staten Island Advance - March 11, 2005
“Polymers” is the buzzword in chemistry circles.
Now, faculty and students at the College of Staten Island have the
capability to conduct high-tech research in the field, thanks to the
new Center for Engineered Polymeric Materials (CePM) on the
Willowbrook campus.
Yesterday, CSI president Dr. Marlene Springer presided at an
inaugural ceremony in CSI’s Center for Performing Arts, introducing
guest speakers to an assemblage of 50.
“This is a major breakthrough for us,” she said. “It’s a delight to
be supportive of such an endeavor.”
CePM will help conduct research in engineered polymeric materials,
which involve the coming together of smaller molecules to form
larger compounds with similar structural units.
In addition, the center will give students access to the latest
information and training. Professor Nan-Loh Yang, Director of CePM,
presented information regarding the team of faculty and staff
members responsible for this pilot effort. He also acknowledged
financial supporters and sponsors.
“This center joins the state’s growing constellation of research
facilities,” said Kathleen Wise, a representative of one sponsor,
the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic
Research (NYSTAR). “This is a new and exciting opportunity that
awaits us, and we look forward to a long relationship with CSI.”
A $2.3 million grant from the state will fund CePM through the next
five years, as part of Gov. George Pataki’s research and economic
development initiative.
“As we all know, the technology of tomorrow is based on the
fundamental research of today,” said Alan G. MacDiarmid, guest speak
and a 2000 chemistry Prizewinner. This is particularly true in this
21st century, when it’s up to us whether we are going to be leaders
or followers.”
‘This is the age of polymers” continued. We’re starting off in the
right direction as we look forward to continue [research] in the
future.”
Dr. Springer, along with MacDiarmid, Yang and other CePM members,
concluded the ceremony by cutting a maroon-colored ribbon to
official open the center.
By Kacey Semler
Reprinted here with permission from the
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