[Vision2020] The UI Friday Letter (November 9, 2007)

[Tom Hansen]

Copied and pasted below is the UI Friday Letter for November 9, 2007, from
UI President White.

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University of Idaho
Office of the President
Moscow, Idaho 83844-3151
Phone: 208-885-6365
Fax: 208-885-6558

The Friday Letter
A Newsletter for University of Idaho Alumni and Friends November 9, 2007

Dear Friends,

Ten years ago, professor of physics David McIlroy discovered he could
synthesize nanowires in his laboratory. These wires had a diameter that is
10,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. In 1999, he
discovered nanosprings that coil up like a telephone cord. As a result of
these discoveries, Professor McIlroy received a W. M. Keck Foundation grant,
the first and only Keck Foundation grant to be awarded to an institution in
Idaho, to expand his research. Now, the University of Idaho has become one
of the foremost institutions in the world in the area of nanospring
research, where materials and devices are constructed at the smallest scale
possible.
	
One year ago, Professor McIlroy and colleagues from the colleges of Science,
Engineering and Agricultural and Life Sciences were selected to receive
funding from the University's program to support strategic initiatives. The
group created the Biological Applications of Nanotechnology (BANTech)
program to integrate nanotechnology with the biological sciences, with the
mission of developing new techniques for drug delivery and biological
sensors for medical applications. 

The results have already been impressive. Earlier this year, professors
Carolyn Hovde Bohach, Greg Bohach and McIlroy of the BANTech program
published a groundbreaking paper on the use of nanowires to deliver drugs
into cells that could evolve into a new form of cancer therapy. Other
BANTech researchers are utilizing nanomaterials for gene therapy and DNA
testing. In addition, McIlroy and other colleagues have formed a company to
market products for hydrogen storage, hydrogen conversion and the next
generation of solar cells (photovoltaics), all based on nanomaterials
developed in McIlroy's laboratory. The company plans to establish a
nanomaterials manufacturing facility in Idaho.

The University of Idaho truly leads in research - research that can have
real impact on lives. Ours is one of just five university programs in the
Northwest that are recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for high or very
high research activity. Our work in nanomaterials illustrates how an initial
research concept in a laboratory can develop over time into a significant
contribution to the state's economy and to people's lives throughout the
world. Multiply this project by the number of talented research faculty we
have, and you have an idea of the power and potential of University of Idaho
research.

Tim White	
President

Here's the latest news from the University of Idaho:

More than 50 women high school students are on campus today to participate
in the University's Women in Engineering Day activities. The event is
designed to break down social barriers, empower future women engineers, and
give the young women the confidence they need to pursue a career in
engineering, Women in Engineering Day includes a panel discussion with
engineers, engineering lab tours and an engineering design activity.

Next week is Vandal Pride Days in Boise, and special events are scheduled
November 14-17 leading up to the Idaho-Boise State football game at noon on
Saturday. Join Idaho alumni, family and friends to celebrate our Vandal
Spirit at a variety of activities. Details at www.idahovandals.com/vpdboise.

Professor of Economics Emeritus Sheikh Ghazanfar received the Washington
State University Alumni Association's Alumni Achievement Award on October 6.
Ghazanfar earned three degrees from WSU: A bachelor's with honors in
Business Administration in 1962, a master's in Economics in 1964, and a
doctorate in Economics in 1969. He then began teaching at Idaho and retired
in 2002. Ghazanfar is a renowned expert in the field of Islamic studies and
its influences on western cultures.
 
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences is happy to announce the
William Billingsley Endowment in the Lionel Hampton School of Music.
Professor Billingsley served on the music faculty from 1954 to 1984. He
passed away in the spring of 2007. To honor his legacy, friends, family and
former students have created a $25,000 endowment that will benefit faculty
and students of the School of Music. The impact of Professor Billingsley's
leadership will benefit students and faculty for years to come. For more
information or to contribute to the fund, please contact Jennie Hall,
director of development, (208) 885-5013, jenniej at uidaho.edu. 

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

Came a tribe from the north brave and bold . . .

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