New NMR

The Chemistry Department was recently awarded a $150,000 challenge grant for the purchase of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR). The grant from a private Richmond foundation will enable the department to replace the existing 13-year old NMR with a faster more sensitive instrument. The new NMR will allow the department to increase the number of research projects centered on NMR, increase the use of NMR in lower-level chemistry classes by 50%, introduce NMR on large biochemical molecules to the curriculum and research programs, and enhance outreach programs with Roanoke Valley Governor's School and Virginia Western Community College.

The most powerful instrument any chemistry department owns is an NMR. A first cousin to the MRI used in medical imaging, an NMR is able to detect fine nuances in the chemical environment of an atom. The NMR is so vital to an effective education in chemistry that the American Chemical Society, which accredits the chemistry program at Roanoke College, requires accredited programs to have a fully functional NMR. NMR is the only specific scientific instrument to be identified in this way.

The challenge grant requires that matching funds totaling $150,000 be raised by December 31, 2005. No more than 50% of the matching funds may come from other private foundations.

Roanoke Awarded Fulbright Visiting Specialist

Roanoke College has received a Fulbright award to host a Visiting Specialist for six weeks in Fall 2005. The program, Direct Access to the Muslim World, enables American colleges and universities to enrich their international programs and courses of study by providing opportunities for direct access and intensive exposure to specialists from Muslim communities in other countries. The program hopes to promote knowledge of values and societies of the Muslim world as a basis for mutual communication and understanding, and lay a foundation for educational development and expanded institutional exchanges.

The yet to be named Fulbright Visiting Specialist will be from Turkey, Lebanon, or Indonesia and will be hosted by the Sociology, Public Affairs, and Religion/Philosophy departments. The hosting departments will engage the visiting specialist in regular courses, workshops, special lectures and informal forums on campus during the period of his/her visit. The visiting specialist will also take part in several community programs.

» Holiday Greetings from Dr. Sabine U. O'Hara Enjoy a special holiday greeting from Dr. O'Hara as she spends her first holiday season in her new home here in Salem, Virginia.