Coast to Coast West: A Showcase of The New Polytechnic and Presidential Global Game Changers Panel PR E S E N TE D B Y
The Rensselaer Silicon Valley Executive Council
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019 Rosewood Sand Hill Menlo Park, California
IBM is proud to be a longstanding partner to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and its future leaders. ibm.com/responsibility
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A SHOWCASE OF THE NEW POLYTECHNIC and PRESIDENTIAL GLOBAL GAME CHANGERS PANEL RECEPTION AND RESEARCH SHOWCASE WITH REGIONAL CUISINE AND WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE
The Baruch ’60 Center for Biochemical Solar Energy Research
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems (cMDIS)
Cognitive and Immersive Systems Lab (CISL)
The Rensselaer Institute for Data Exploration and Applications (IDEA)
The Jefferson Project at Lake George
Student Life Showcase featuring CLASS and The Arch
WELCOME
John Capek ’83, ’84G, ’85G, ’87G, ’88 Ph.D., Chair, Rensselaer Silicon Valley Executive Council
S TUDENT REMARKS
Gino Gasbarro ’18, ’19G, Mechanical Engineering (B.S.); Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.)
Naila Brown ’19, Business and Management
G LOBAL GAME CHANGERS PANEL: THE FUTURE OF VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTING
Moderated by The Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
G LOBAL GAME CHANGERS AWARD PRESENTATIONS
UNITED AIRLINES
WESTERN DIGITAL
Presented by The Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
ENSEMBLE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
Members of the Rensselaer Orchestra
Mary Simoni, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS)
Kimberley Dolanski Osburn, Manager of Operations and Administrative Services, HASS
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ďƒš DEAR FRIENDS, It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to our latest immersive showcase of The New Polytechnic, including transformative research, innovative pedagogy, the first West Coast Global Game Changers Panel, featuring a distinguished group of accomplished alumni, and a special ensemble musical performance by Rensselaer faculty, staff, and members of the Rensselaer Orchestra. We also are delighted to celebrate two inaugural recipients of the 2019 Global Game Changers Award, whose generous philanthropy has significantly enhanced our efforts to make a world-class Rensselaer education available to talented and deserving students worldwide. I encourage you to visit the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research showcases, and to engage with our renowned faculty members who are leaders in addressing the greatest of global challenges and opportunities. Please also take time to meet with our new Vice President for Student Life and our remarkable students, who look forward to sharing their experiences with our award-winning pedagogical initiative, Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students (CLASS), and our pioneering program, The Arch. These unique programs prepare our graduates to meet the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. Thank you for joining us for what promises to be an informative and entertaining evening. On behalf of Rensselaer, I appreciate your steadfast support.
Sincerely,
SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON, Ph.D. President Professor of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Professor of Engineering Sciences
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 2019 COAST TO COAST WEST SPONSORS
Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting scholarship and educational opportunities at Rensselaer for our students today, and in the future. EVENT SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
2018 COAST TO COAST WEST: SCHOLARSHIP GALA SPONSORS
2018 COAST TO COAST EAST: SCHOLARSHIP GALA SPONSORS
Dinner Sponsor
Dinner Sponsor
Friends of Rensselaer
IBM
IBM
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bridging the Gap Circle
Bridging the Gap Circle
United Airlines
The Boeing Company
Sodexo
United Airlines
Western Digital University
Sodexo
Corporate Sponsors
Corporate Underwriter
Applied Matierials
KeyBanc Capital Markets
Additional Corporate Support Provided By
Corporate Benefactor
Fidelity Investments
Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, LLP, Attorneys at Law
Artist Pianos
Cisco Facebook Juniper Networks Rensselaer Alumni Association Salesforce
United Group
Friends of Rensselaer
Murtha Cullina, Attorneys at Law
Benchemark Printing
Corning Incorporated JMZ Architects and Planning, P.C. Rose & Kiernan, Inc. Mimeo
Steinway & Sons
Corporate Sponsors
Xlinx
Direct Energy
Core BTS, Inc.
Rensselaer Alumni Association National Instruments
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TRANSFORMATIVE:
CAMPAIGN FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
Our Capital Campaign, publicly launched in October 2017, is designed to position Rensselaer for its third century of leadership in research, education, and technological innovation.
IMPROVING ACCESS; ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Enhance the student experience and “Bridge the Gap” that exists between our students’ needs and our available financial aid resources.
The Campaign will enable Rensselaer to continue preparing students to address the vital issues of today and the emerging needs of tomorrow. There are three pillars of the Campaign.
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EMPOWERING WORLD-CLASS TEACHING, WORLD-CHANGING RESEARCH
BUILDING OUT THE THIRD-CENTURY CAMPUS
Realize the Faculty 500 by increasing the ranks of
Continue to modernize and equip the academic,
our tenured and tenure-track professors to achieve
research, and student life facilities to transform
critical mass and lead in all crucial areas of research
our students into the next generation of resilient and
at Rensselaer.
inspired leaders.
As we approach our third century…we ask you to join us—to secure the future of Rensselaer, and guarantee a world-class education for generations to come. Together, we can be transformative.” – SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON, Ph.D., PRESIDENT, RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES We are grateful for the wisdom and partnership of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Board of Trustees, whose respected counsel and exceptional generosity have furthered the vision of The New Polytechnic, and positioned the university for success in its third century— transformative in the global impact of its research, in its innovative pedagogy, and in the lives of students at Rensselaer. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. President The Honorable Patrick Madden ACTIVE MEMBERS Arthur F. Golden ’66 Chair of the Board Wanda K. Denson-Low ’78 Vice Chair of the Board Curtis R. Priem ’82, Secretary of the Board
Mark M. Little ’82, Ph.D.
Mary L. Good, Ph.D.
Nancy S. Mueller
Michael E. Herman ’62
Daniel T. Pickett III ’90
Robin B. Martin ’71, ’72G
Janet C. Rutledge ’83
Francis L. McKone ’63G
Paul J. Severino ’69
Linda S. Sanford ’75G
Paula L. Simon ’68
G. Robert Tod ’61
Srinivasan Sivaram ’85G, ’86 Ph.D.
Ronald J. Zlatoper, Admiral, USN (Ret.) ’63
Jackson P. Tai ’72 Theodore J. Wojnar, Jr. ’80 Edward J. Zander ’68
George Campbell, Jr., Ph.D. John W. Carr ’77, ’79G Gary T. DiCamillo ’73 Frank M. Fischer ’64, ’65G David M. Hirsch ’65 Linda Pitzi Jojo ’87, ’92G John E. Kelly III ’78G, ’80 Ph.D.
HONORARY TRUSTEES Howard N. Blitman ’50
TRUSTEES EMERITI
John J. Nigro
Cornelius J. Barton ’58, ’63G, ’66 Ph.D.
Robert O. Swanson ’58
Thomas R. Baruch ’60 Robert P. Bozzone ’55 John H. Broadbent, Jr. ’59 The Honorable Arthur J. Gajarsa ’62
Jeffrey L. Kodosky ’70
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WEST COAST LEADERSHIP IN ACTION We are very proud that several members of the Rensselaer Board of Trustees call “The Golden State” of California home, and we appreciate not only their extraordinary philanthropy, but also their enthusiastic willingness to act as loyal ambassadors for Rensselaer on the West Coast. Through their continued examples—opening their homes, sharing their expertise, facilitating partnerships, and establishing meaningful connections among their personal and professional circles—they inspire fellow alumni, alumnae, and friends of Rensselaer to follow suit. In recent years, as a result of our strategic and transformative investments, Rensselaer continues to advance the goals of The Rensselaer Plan 2024, which importantly include increasing the number of enrollments by talented, diverse, and deserving students emanating from the West Coast. We are grateful for our Trustees’ continued leadership and guidance as we move into our third century of educating these future leaders.
THOMAS R. BARUCH ’60
WANDA K. DENSON-LOW ’78
FRANK M. FISCHER ’64, ’65G
FRANCIS L. MCKONE ’63G
NANCY S. MUELLER
CURTIS R. PRIEM ’82
SRINIVASAN SIVARAM ’85G, ’86 Ph.D.
EDWARD J. ZANDER ’68
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PRESIDENT’S CABINET AND DEANS’ COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Peter Konwerski, Ed.D. Vice
DIRECT REPORTS
Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.
President, Student Life
TO THE PRESIDENT
President
Jonathan D. Wexler Vice President,
Craig A. Cook, J.D. Secretary of
Enrollment Management
the Institute and General Counsel Jonathan S. Dordick, Ph.D.
DEANS’ COUNCIL
Special Adviser to the President on
Thomas M. Begley, Ph.D. Dean,
Strategic Initiatives; Howard P.
Lally School of Management
Isermann Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering Graig R. Eastin Vice President, Institute Advancement Prabhat Hajela, Ph.D. Provost Barbara J. Hough Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Curtis M. Breneman, Ph.D. Dean, School of Science Evan Douglis Dean, School of Architecture
Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center Bruce Hunter Executive Director of the Office of Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer, New Ventures, and Emerging Ventures Ecosystem Karl Lampson Director of Rensselaer Technology Park LeNorman Strong Special Assistant to the President
Stanley M. Dunn, Ph.D. Vice Provost, Dean of Graduate Education Shekhar S. Garde, Ph.D. Dean,
Richie C. Hunter Vice President,
School of Engineering; Elaine S. and
Strategic Communications and
Jack S. Parker Chair in Engineering
External Relations
Johannes Goebel Director, Curtis R.
Aric Krause, Ph.D. Dean for
Robert Hull, Ph.D. Senior Associate
Academic and Administrative Affairs
Vice President, Research
at Hartford
John E. Kolb ’79, ’83G
Mary H. Simoni, Ph.D. Dean,
Vice President, Information Services
School of Humanities, Arts, and
and Technology and Chief
Social Sciences
Information Officer Lee A. McElroy Jr., Ph.D. Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Curtis N. Powell Vice President, Human Resources Claude D. Rounds Vice President, Administration
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RESEARCH SHOWCASE FEATURING A
REGIONAL CUISINE AND WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE
Research at Rensselaer fulfills the vision of The New Polytechnic, an emerging paradigm for higher education which recognizes that global challenges and opportunities are so great they cannot be adequately addressed by even the most talented person working alone. Rensselaer serves as a crossroads for collaboration—working with partners across disciplines, sectors, and geographic regions—to address complex global challenges, using the most advanced tools and technologies, many of which are developed at Rensselaer. Research at Rensselaer addresses some of the world’s most pressing technological challenges—from energy security and sustainable development to biotechnology and human health. Meet with the following leading-edge researchers to discuss their work and its potential applications:
• DEEPAK VASHISHTH, Ph.D. Director, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies Professor of Biomedical Engineering • JENNIFER HURLEY, Ph.D. Richard Baruch M.D. Career Development Professor of Biological Sciences • HUI SU, Ph.D. Director, Cognitive and Immersive Systems Lab Research Professor of Computer Science • JAMES HENDLER, Ph.D. Director, The Rensselaer Institute for Data Explorations and Applications Tetherless World Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Sciences • ROBERT HULL, Ph.D. Senior Associate Vice President for Research Director, Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems Henry Burlage Professor of Engineering • K.V. LAKSHMI, Ph.D. Scientific Director, Baruch ’60 Center For Biochemical Solar Energy Research Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology • RICK RELYEA, Ph.D. David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Director, Margaret A. and David M. Darrin ’40 Fresh Water Institute Director, The Jefferson Project at Lake George
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CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY AND INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (CBIS)
DEEPAK VASHISHTH, Ph.D. Director, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies Professor of Biomedical Engineering The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary
CBIS provides multi- and interdisciplinary educational
Studies (CBIS) interweaves life sciences, physical
and diverse research experiences to predoctoral and
sciences, and engineering into the fields of
undergraduate students through nationally funded
biotechnology and medicine, opening exciting new
training programs in Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative
pathways to innovation and discovery.
diseases, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, stem
From complex biological networks to nanoscale assemblies that mimic biological processes, CBIS is a powerhouse, conducting transformative and translational research from molecules to human health. More than 200 CBIS scientists and engineers are working to uncover the molecular basis of
cell engineering, and regenerative medicine, while promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields. CBIS serves as the central resource for Institute-wide research in biotechnology and interdisciplinary studies.
biological mechanisms and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. They use biological systems as the basis for new therapeutics, create new cellular niches and bioprinting technologies, critical in tissue regeneration and biopharmaceuticals, and develop new devices, high-throughput tools, and imaging modalities for medical diagnosis.
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ďƒš COGNITIVE AND IMMERSIVE
ďƒš THE RENSSELAER INSTITUTE
SYSTEMS LAB (CISL)
FOR DATA EXPLORATION AND APPLICATIONS (IDEA)
HUI SU, Ph.D. Director, Cognitive and Immersive Systems Lab Research Professor of Computer Science The Cognitive and Immersive Systems Lab (CISL) is a multi-year collaboration between Rensselaer and IBM to lead in the research and development of immersive cognitive systems. CISL promotes a culture of multi-disciplinary research to create scientific breakthroughs and technical innovations that augment group intelligence in real-world scenarios. The paradigm of human-computer interaction will soon shift towards partnership between human beings and intelligent machines through human-scale and immersive experiences.
JAMES HENDLER, Ph.D. Director, The Rensselaer Institute for Data Exploration and Applications Tetherless World Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Sciences We increasingly live in a data-driven, web-enabled, supercomputer-powered, globally interconnected world, and this poses significant new challenges to scientists and engineers throughout all of their disciplines. Attacking these problems will require significant new technologies for sensing the environment, collecting and analyzing this data, using it to
What changes will this paradigm shift bring to our
simulate engineered, biological and social systems,
world? How will it transform our society? And how will
and applying these results to provide effectors,
it help us to solve the large and complex problems we
physical or cyber, that can help solve critical global
face today?
challenges. The Rensselaer IDEA enables researchers across the entire campus to access such technologies via the development of critical computational methodologies including data-intensive computing, large-scale agent-based simulation, advanced visualization, and artificial intelligence and machine learning.
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CENTER FOR MATERIALS,
BARUCH ’60 CENTER FOR
DEVICES, AND INTEGRATED SYSTEMS (cMDIS)
BIOCHEMICAL SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH
ROBERT HULL, Ph.D.
K.V. LAKSHMI, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice President for Research
Scientific Director, Baruch ’60 Center For Biochemical
Director, Center for Materials, Devices, and
Solar Energy Research
Integrated Systems
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and
Henry Burlage Professor of Engineering
Chemical Biology
The Center for Materials, Devices, and
The supply of secure, clean, sustainable commodities is an
Integrated Systems (cMDIS) aims to
important challenge facing the 21st century. Energy security,
advance next-generation electronic and
national security, and economic security can likely be met
optical devices, manufacturing and
only through addressing current environmental concerns.
robotics, integrated biomaterial devices, energy harvesting and storage, electric transmission/distribution, responsive and adaptive built environments, and nanostructured composite materials, among other leading-edge technologies.
The Baruch ’60 Center for Biochemical Solar Energy Research is focused on elucidating fundamental mechanisms of solar energy conversion in natural and artificial photosynthetic systems and applying this knowledge to the design of novel technologies that harness solar energy to produce high value products from greenhouse gases. Examples of research at the Baruch ’60 Center include pioneering solar technologies for the conversion of CO2 to high value industrial chemicals at net-zero energy consumption, harnessing solar energy to split water as an alternative fuel, and developing solar desalination methods to meet the global demand for clean water. The Center establishes Rensselaer as a leader at the forefront of solar energy research, engaging the national and international solar energy research communities in collaborations that are built on the uniquely powerful capabilities of the Baruch ’60 Center. The scientific and technological goals of the Center are integrated into a model interdisciplinary program of research and education at the graduate and undergraduate levels to train future leaders in solar energy research.
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THE JEFFERSON PROJECT AT LAKE GEORGE
RICK RELYEA, Ph.D. David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Director, Margaret A. and David M. Darrin ’40 Fresh Water Institute Director, The Jefferson Project at Lake George The Jefferson Project at Lake George—a collaboration
The Jefferson Project builds upon more than
between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM
40 years of environmental monitoring by researchers
Research, and The FUND for Lake George—aims to
at the Margaret A. and David M. Darrin ’40 Fresh
understand and manage threats from human activities
Water Institute. The powerful combination of multi-
that include pollution from road salt, introductions of
disciplinary researchers, cutting-edge experiments,
invasive species, and inputs of excess nutrients to
advanced monitoring technologies, high-resolution
preserve and protect one of the world’s most pristine
computer modeling, and innovative facilities like the
natural ecosystems, and an economic cornerstone
Helen-Jo and John E. Kelly III ’78 Data Visualization
of the New York State tourism industry. The Jefferson
Laboratory, is providing an unprecedented scientific
Project research team includes more than 200
understanding of Lake George.
Rensselaer faculty, staff, and students from across the entire campus including Biological Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, the School of Engineering, the School of Architecture, and the Arts. These researchers collaborate with 20 IBM scientists and engineers and The FUND’s staff, contractors, and science advisors.
The Jefferson Project has set the global standard for demonstrating how complex natural systems can be studied with advanced technologies for the purpose of sustaining protection. As the project has matured, it is now expanding to other lakes to help understand human impacts on freshwater resources, with a particular focus on the global issue of Harmful Algal Blooms.
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ďƒš STUDENT LIFE SHOWCASE FEATURING CLASS and THE ARCH
PETER KONWERSKI, Ed.D. Vice President, Student Life
The Rensselaer approach to education prepares students for leadership and for life. Undergraduates can take advantage of extraordinary learning opportunities, including research, internships, and international programs.
CLUSTERED LEARNING, ADVOCACY, AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS (CLASS)
CLASS is a comprehensive approach to the student experience at Rensselaer. Through ongoing support, guidance, and co-curricular activities, CLASS connects students to a network of faculty, staff, and other students, ensuring that they are part of a strong community of learners. As students strive to become the leaders of tomorrow, CLASS helps them develop the intellectual agility, multicultural sophistication, and global awareness that will enable them to change the world.
THE ARCH
The Arch is a unique approach to education that provides flexibility in the semester schedule, allowing students to pursue professional and personal development opportunities that prepare them to meet the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. Rising juniors attend a full academic summer semester, The Arch, between their sophomore and junior years, taking junior-level classes while receiving focused attention from professors. The Arch away semester is an opportunity for students to pursue their passion, follow their dreams, and make a difference all while gaining valuable experience during the fall or spring semester of their junior year.  
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ABOUT CLASS AND THE ARCH: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students is in the devotion and continued commitment to every student’s well-being from faculty, professors, and students all across campus.” – NYA JACKSON ’19 Not only are the classes and labs at Rensselaer outstanding, but this applies to the school community as well. I have been able to make connections with students, faculty, and staff through clubs and programs that I have been involved with during my time on campus.” – GINO GASBARRO ’18, ’19G I really enjoy the class sizes in my Biomedical Engineering courses this summer. I also have enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with students in my cohort.” – JENNIFER MAKAREVICH ’19 Working in a hospital, rather than an academic lab, has given me a chance to see firsthand the life-changing effects of the treatments we are developing.” – REBECCA WILEN ’19
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STUDENT AMBASSADORS
JAKE BILLINGS ’21 Allan and Roberta Ginsberg ’62 Scholarship Denver, CO Computer Science “Hands-on projects, like those at the Rensselaer Center for Open Source, allow me to build my experience with entrepreneurial product design while giving back to the community. I am proud to follow in my grandfather’s Rensselaer footsteps as I work toward my computer science degree at Rensselaer!” NAILA BROWN ’19 Jeanne and Frank M. Fischer ’64 Patroon Scholar Guilderland, NY Business and Management, Concentrations in Management Information Systems and Accounting “Rensselaer is the type of university that creates opportunities to excel outside of academics. Performing at Carnegie Hall with the Rensselaer Orchestra is something I’ll never forget.” GINO GASBARRO ’18, ’19G Barbara W. and William J. Raymond ’60 Scholarship Northridge, CA Mechanical Engineering, B.S., M.Eng. “Because of the knowledge and skills I have gained during my time at Rensselaer, I was fortunate to get an early taste of the real world of engineering. For example, during the spring 2018 semester, I was on a co-op working for Hasbro in Pawtucket, Rhode Island as a project engineer on the PlayDoh Team.”
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SUNNY LE ’19 Jeanne and Frank M. Fischer ’64 Scholarship Greenville, NC Industrial and Management Engineering “Once I establish myself as a respected member of the safety engineering community, and obtain a wide breadth of knowledge, I would like to start a safety consulting company for companies and firms that focus on public projects for communities in need or humanitarian causes such as hunger, water resources, and health care.” JONAH MUDSE ’22 Collaborator, Disaster Response Apps: Project FuelScan, Fairy Godmother Manhattan Beach, CA Information Technology and Web Science “I knew Rensselaer would present opportunities for me, but I never could have imagined being able to experience anything like winning first place in the IBM Hack-a-thon, and taking second at the Clinton Foundation’s Call for Code.” JACKIE PELHAM ’16, ’21 Ph.D. Voorheesville, NY Biochemistry and Biophysics Carol D. and Samuel C. Wait, Jr. ’53 Undergraduate Research Scholars Fund Miriam and Milton A. Prince ‘34 Fund for Undergraduate Research Support John L. Marsh ‘58 Undergraduate Research Scholars Fund “Whether it’s time in the research lab, designing and building bridges for regional competitions, or participating in the arts, athletics, or outreach, the academics, culture, and community here at Rensselaer allow us to discover our passion and transform us into leaders and thinkers that can change the world.” NICHOLAS VILLALOBOS-BEST ’21 Glenn M. Mueller ’64 Endowed Memorial Scholarship Union Beach, NJ Mechanical Engineering “I appreciate the sense of shared community among the students at Rensselaer, and the autonomy we enjoy. Being in such a driven student body inspired me to start a new student club, in addition to volunteering with the Sustainability Task Force.” 2 0 1 9 A S H O W C A S E O F T H E N E W P O LY T E C H N I C A N D P R E S I D E N T I A L G L O B A L G A M E C H A N G E R S P A N E L
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GLOBAL GAME CHANGERS PANEL
THE FUTURE OF VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTING
Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., Institute leadership, and Rensselaer alumni who are leading venture capital investors and entrepreneurs consider the future of venture capital, a key fuel for innovation in the United States and around the globe.
MODERATOR: THE HONORABLE SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON, Ph.D. President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute PANELISTS: THOMAS R. BARUCH ’60, J.D. Founder and Managing Director, Baruch Future Ventures, LLC
Topics for discussion will include ways that
Trustee Emeritus, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
venture capital investing can help to address humanity’s greatest challenges, including climate change; the hurdles that have to be surmounted when commercializing products based on transformative science and engineering; the advent of crowdfunding, initial coin offerings, and other alternatives to venture capital; the question of whether business dynamism is declining in the United States; the globalization of venture capital; and the characteristics of management teams worth investing in.
JOHN CAPEK ’83, ’84G, ’85G, ’87G, ’88 Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Ventures, Abbott Chair, Rensselaer Silicon Valley Executive Council MARCIAN EDWARD “TED” HOFF, Jr., Ph.D., ’58 “Father of the Microprocessor” Member, National Inventors Hall of Fame CURTIS R. PRIEM ’82 Co-Founder and Former Chief Technical Officer, NVIDIA Secretary, Board of Trustees, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute SRINIVASAN SIVARAM ’85G, ’86 Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Memory Technology, Western Digital Trustee, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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GLOBAL GAME CHANGER PARTICIPANTS
SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON, Ph.D. President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute The Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. is the 18th
(PBPM). During her tenure at the NRC, Dr. Jackson
president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, celebrating
spearheaded the formation of the International
20 years of leadership at the oldest technological
Nuclear Regulators Association (INRA), and served
research university in the United States, where she
as its Chairman from 1997–1999. Dr. Jackson is a
has led an extraordinary transformation since 1999.
Life Member of the MIT Corporation, and a former
Described by Time Magazine as “perhaps the ultimate
Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian
role model for women in science,” Dr. Jackson has held
Institution. In October 2017, she was named Regent
senior leadership positions in academia, government,
Emerita of the Smithsonian Institution.
industry, and research. A theoretical physicist, Dr. Jackson holds an S.B. in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics, both from MIT. In September 2014, United States President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Jackson as Co-Chair of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, where she served until January 2017. Dr. Jackson also served on the U.S. Secretary of State International Security Advisory Board from 2011–2017, and the U.S. Secretary of Energy Advisory Board from 2013–2017. From 2009 to 2014, Dr. Jackson served on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), and, as part of PCAST, was
She serves on the boards of the Council on Foreign Relations, and major corporations that include FedEx, IBM, and Medtronic. She is a former member of the board of the World Economic Forum USA (WEF USA). Dr. Jackson is an international fellow of the British Royal Academy of Engineering, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and the American Philosophical Society, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physical Society. She holds 53 honorary doctoral degrees.
Co-Chair of the President’s Innovation and Technology
In 2007, describing her as “a national treasure,” the
Advisory Committee (PITAC).
National Science Board selected Dr. Jackson as the
Before taking the helm at Rensselaer, Dr. Jackson was Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), from 1995 to 1999. At the NRC, Dr. Jackson conceived and promulgated risk-informed, performancebased regulation and created a new planning, budgeting, and performance management process
recipient of the Vannevar Bush Award for “a lifetime of achievements in scientific research, public policy, and senior statesman-like contributions to public policy.” In 2016, United States President Barack Obama awarded Dr. Jackson the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest honor in science and engineering.
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THOMAS R. BARUCH ’60, J.D. Founder and Managing Director, Baruch Future Ventures, LLC Trustee Emeritus, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Mr. Thomas Baruch currently invests in early stage
Mr. Baruch was a founding member of President
companies focused on resource scarce and climate
Barack Obama’s National Advisory Council on
sensitive markets out of his family office, Baruch
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where he advised
Future Ventures (BFV). Mr. Baruch founded Formation
the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White
8 in 2011, a venture capital fund with $950M
House. He is a member of the Executive Committee
under management, and currently serves as an
of the U.S. Council of Competitiveness and a member
Emeritus Partner.
of the Steering Committee of its Energy, Security,
Mr. Baruch earlier formed CMEA Capital in 1988 with New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and 3M Corp.
Innovation and Sustainability Initiative and the U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative.
He was responsible for managing a total of $1.2B of
Mr. Baruch is an advisor to Eight VC, ClearSky Power
capital across seven funds at CMEA where he personally
& Technology Fund and TAI Partners, a China-based
led investments resulting in 15 IPO’s including, Aclara
venture fund. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering
Biosciences, Codexis, Inc., Entropic Communications,
from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he
Flextronics, Inc., Intermolecular, and Symyx
currently serves as a Trustee Emeritus; he also holds
Technologies and, eight M&A transactions including
a J.D. degree from Capital University and is a registered
Silicon Spice, acquired by Broadcom (BRCM).
U.S. Patent Attorney.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Baruch worked at ExxonMobil for 12 years and later founded Microwave Technology, Inc. where he served as CEO for six years. Currently, he serves on the board of Codexis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDXS) as Chairman Emeritus and, numerous privately held companies and public service entities.
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GLOBAL GAME CHANGER PARTICIPANTS
MARCIAN EDWARD “TED” HOFF, Jr., Ph.D. ’58
JOHN CAPEK ’83, ’84G, ’85G, ’87G, ’88 Ph.D.
“Father of the Microprocessor”
Executive Vice President, Ventures, Abbott
Member, National Inventors Hall of Fame
Chair, Rensselaer Silicon Valley Executive Council
Dr. Marcian E. “Ted” Hoff has been recognized with
Dr. John Capek was appointed to his current position
numerous awards for his work leading to the first
in June 2015. In this role, he leads Abbott’s venture
microprocessor, including induction into the National
investment organization. Previously, he had served as
Inventors Hall of Fame, the Kyoto Prize, and the
executive vice president, Medical Devices, and senior
National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Dr. Hoff
vice president, Abbott Vascular, heading up Abbott’s
also is a member of the Rensselaer Polytechnic
global vascular business.
Institute Hall of Fame, and was named a Stanford University Engineering Hero.
Before joining Abbott, Dr. Capek served in various management roles at Guidant Corporation, including
From 1990 until his retirement in 2007, Dr. Hoff was
president, Guidant Vascular Intervention and vice
chief technologist at Teklicon, Inc., a company
president and general manager of Bioabsorbable
founded in 1986 to assist attorneys in patent litigation.
Vascular Solutions.
Prior to his work at Teklicon, Inc., from 1984 to 1990, Dr. Hoff was an independent consultant assisting attorneys in intellectual property litigation.
He also served as vice president and general manager of Guidant Germany and vice president, marketing, Guidant Cardiac Rhythm Management Group.
In 1983, Dr. Hoff joined Atari and served as vice
Before joining Guidant, Dr. Capek was manager of
president for corporate technology until the company’s
New Product Technology at Eli Lilly and Company.
sale the following year. Prior to joining Atari, Dr. Hoff
Dr. Capek is Chair of the Rensselaer Silicon Valley
was employed by Intel Corp., beginning in 1968, the
Executive Council.
company’s founding year. There, he helped develop semiconductor memory products, the first microprocessors, and products for telecommunications.
Dr. Capek has a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, a master’s degree in electrical engineering, a Ph.D.
From 1962 to 1968, Dr. Hoff was a research associate
in biomedical engineering, and a master’s degree
at Stanford University, where he received a Ph.D. in
in business administration—all from Rensselaer
1962 and master’s degree in 1959. Dr. Hoff earned
Polytechnic Institute.
his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1958.
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CURTIS R. PRIEM ’82
SRINIVASAN SIVARAM ’85G, ’86 Ph.D.
Co-Founder & Former Chief Technical Officer, NVIDIA
Executive Vice President, Memory Technology,
Trustee; Secretary, Board of Trustees, Rensselaer
Western Digital; Trustee, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Polytechnic Institute
Institute
Mr. Curtis Priem is an inventor who has authored
Dr. Srinivasan Sivaram is an executive vice president
almost 200 U.S. and international patents, all of which
at Western Digital, responsible for the company’s
relate to graphics and input/output systems. In 1984 he
industry-leading NAND flash memories and other
designed the first graphics processor for the PC, the
memory and storage technologies. Dr. Sivaram has
IBM Professional Graphics Adapter and wrote the first
more than 35 years of experience in semiconductor
ray tracing program on a personal computer, while at
technology and manufacturing. He has held executive
Vermont Microsystems. He was the architect of the GX
positions at Intel, Matrix Semiconductor, and at
which was the standard accelerated graphics processor
SanDisk after its acquisition of Matrix. Additionally, he
across Sun Microsystems’ line of workstations.
was the founder and chief executive officer of Twin
In 1993, Mr. Priem co-founded NVIDIA Corporation, a manufacturer of graphics, multimedia, and artificial intelli-
Creeks Technologies, a solar panel and equipment company.
gence GPUs, and served as the chief technical officer
Dr. Sivaram serves on the board of directors of the
from 1993 to 2003. Mr. Priem also is president of The
Global Semiconductor Alliance, the US-India Business
Priem Family Foundation, which he established in 1999.
Council, and Akshaya Patra, the world’s largest NGO
In 2000, Rensselaer honored Mr. Priem with the William F. Glaser ’53 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2005, he received the Albert Fox Demers Award from the Rensselaer Alumni Association. In 2008, the
dedicated to feeding school children. Previously, he served on the boards of several start-up firms, and was entrepreneur-in-residence at Crosslink Capital and XSeed Capital.
Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center
He has published numerous technical papers and a
(EMPAC) was named after Mr. Priem in recognition of
textbook on Chemical Vapor Deposition. He holds
his generous support of research in the Arts.
several patents in semiconductor and solar technologies.
Mr. Priem is the 2016 recipient of the Rensselaer
Dr. Sivaram received his master’s degree and Ph.D.
Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2018
in materials science from Rensselaer Polytechnic
was recognized for his transformative campaign gift to
Institute, where he also serves as a member of the
endow the Curtis R. Priem ’82 Cognitive and Immersive
Rensselaer Board of Trustees. He is a Distinguished
Systems Constellation. Mr. Priem holds a Bachelor of
Alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, in
Science degree in computer systems engineering from
Tiruchi, India, where he received his bachelor’s degree
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
in mechanical engineering.
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Unique & Talented Weerapat, NCG
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Western Digital is leading the transformation of big data. We’ve been storing the world’s data for more than 50 years. Once, it was the most important thing we could do for data. Now we’re helping the world capture, preserve, access and transform data in a way only we can. We live everywhere data lives. To allow the world to leverage data in more interesting, innovative, and valuable ways. Are you open-minded? Independent? Unique? Intellectual? Curious? Our exceptional challenges require your exceptional skills. Your diversity empowers us. You’re the next big thing in data. Come shape the future with us.
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Western Digital and the Western Digital logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. ©2019 Western Digital Corporation or its affliates. All rights reserved.
You &
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THE
GLOBAL GAME CHANGERS AWARD GAME CHANGER: A person or idea that significantly changes the course of events We are pleased to celebrate two inaugural recipients of the 2019 Global Game Changers Award, whose transformative investments have significantly enhanced our efforts in making a world-class education available to deserving students, regardless of socio-economic background.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O T H I S EVENING’S AWARDEES.
SRINIVASAN “SIVA” SIVARAM ’85G, ’86 Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Memory Technology, Western Digital; Trustee, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
LINDA PITZI JOJO ’87, ’92G Executive Vice President, Technology, and Chief Digital Officer, United Airlines, Incorporated; Trustee,
MARK GRACE ’82, ’83G, Senior Vice President of Devices, Western Digital
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Experience tells us that when
We are grateful to Western Digital for empowering students toward
potential students are able to visit
high achievements. Our alumni and Western Digital Rensselaer
Rensselaer, they are more likely to
Polytechnic Institute Executive Champions Siva Sivaram and Mark
enroll. By providing flight vouchers
Grace, with their University Recruiters, are actively engaging with
to accepted students who might
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students, faculty and administration
otherwise not be able to travel to
to help new graduates transition into the workforce. Students can
campus, United Airlines is allowing
access Western Digital career opportunities through The Arch
bright young men and women from
Program, and the company’s RAMP Summer Intern Program and
underrepresented groups—with
LAUNCH New College Graduate Program. 36 talented students also
limitless potential—to experience,
received Western Digital Scholarships for STEM, which assist and
first-hand, the opportunities that
encourage underrepresented and underprivileged student
await them at Rensselaer.
populations around the globe pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM major.
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RENSSELAER REGIONAL NETWORKS
SILICON VALLEY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAIR John Capek ’83, ’84G, ’85G, ’87G, ’88 Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Ventures, Abbott EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CO-CHAIR
There currently are three Rensselaer regional
Prabhat Hajela, Ph.D.
networks located in key geographic locations
Provost, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
where larger communities of Rensselaer alumni, alumnae, and parents live and work—Silicon Valley, the Greater New York Region, and New England. Each network is led by an Executive Council comprised of talented alumni, alumnae, and parents, and a senior academic leader from the Institute. The goal of each regionallyfocused network is two-fold: To offer substantive opportunities for engagement around business development,
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAIR, WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE Cheryl Porro ’93 Chief Technology Officer, Thrive Global EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAIR, PARENTS SUBCOMMITTEE Adrienne Roberts P’21 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS Sujit Banerjee ’94 Managing Director, K1 Investment Management LLC
career advancement, graduate recruitment,
Deepak Chandani, P’18
student placement, and prospective student
CEO, Anthem Group of Companies
recruitment.
Karishma Chandani, P’18
To build or expand strategic Rensselaer
COO, Anthem Group of Companies
partnerships among individuals, companies,
Sandeep Mirchandani ’88
foundations, and government agencies that align with the expertise of Rensselaer in
CEO, Beetl Robotics
groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and
John Russo ’78
innovative pedagogy.
CEO, Internet Technology Ventures
For more information about the Rensselaer Regional Networks and Executive Councils, please visit: giving.rpi.edu/regional-networks/
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GREATER NEW YORK
NEW ENGLAND
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CO-CHAIR
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAIR
Roy N. Davis ’78G
Kathryn I. Murtagh, Esq. ’87
Former President of Johnson & Johnson Development
Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director,
Corporation, and Corporate Vice President, Business
Sustainable Investing, Harvard Management
Development Johnson & Johnson
Company, Inc.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CO-CHAIR
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL VICE CHAIR
Albert “Bud” Lowenthal ’67
Robert Hull, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board and CEO of Oppenheimer Holdings
Senior Associate Vice President for Research
Inc., and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer)
Director, Center for Materials, Devices and
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL VICE CHAIR Jonathan S. Dordick Ph.D.
Integrated Systems Henry Burlage Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Special Adviser to the President on Strategic Initiatives
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Howard P. Isermann Professor of Chemical and Biological
Dawn Fitzgerald ’87, P’18, P’22
Engineering
Head of Digital Transformation, Schneider-Electric
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Data Center Operations
John Daileader ’86
David Daglio, Jr. ’88
Managing Partner, Greenbrier Equity Group
Executive Vice President, The Boston Company
Carl de Stefanis ’76 President, dSA LLC John Delbridge ’91 Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Mimeo Todd Jay Mitty ’86, ’87G Chief Technology Officer, Liontree Advisers
B E C O ME A ME MB E R If you are interested in joining one of our Rensselaer Regional Executive Councils, please contact: Joseph Strodel Director of Individual, Major, and Principal Giving
Walter Nollmann ’77, ’78 MBA
Office of Institute Advancement
Co-founder, Alumni Capital Network Management
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Michael Richter ’68 Chief Compliance Officer, Omega Point
(518) 276-6095 (p) (518) 281-1796 (c) strodj@rpi.edu
The Honorable B. Lewis Stone ’58 New York County Supreme Court Justice (Retired) Partner, Rogers and Wells (Retired) 2 0 1 9 A S H O W C A S E O F T H E N E W P O LY T E C H N I C A N D P R E S I D E N T I A L G L O B A L G A M E C H A N G E R S P A N E L
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THE RENSSELAER
CORPORATE AFFINITY PROGRAM (RCAP) The Rensselaer Corporate Affinity Program is a new initiative designed to foster comradery among Rensselaer alumni and alumnae, deepen their level of engagement with their alma mater, and increase giving to Rensselaer. Each Corporate Affinity group is led by a Corporate Ambassador who has demonstrated a deep personal commitment to supporting Rensselaer through investments of time and resources and will work to strengthen engagement between alumni and alumnae and the campus community. Rensselaer’s Office of Corporate Relations will work with Corporate Ambassadors, as well as the Rensselaer Alumni Association and regional Advancement Officers, to create unique engagement and giving opportunities for alumni and alumnae at target companies with whom Rensselaer enjoys a depth and breadth of mutually beneficial partnerships. CURRENT RCAP COMPANIES
RCAP CORPORATE AMBASSADORS
The Boeing Company
Kareem Muhammad ’01, Senior Manager, Seat Integration Team
Cisco
Judy Priest ’85, Distinguished Engineer
Corning Incorporated
Thomas Capek ’86, Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer
Matthew Trosa ’12, Process Engineer
General Electric
Anne McEntee ’93, ’94G, ’98 Ph.D., Vice President, Services
Victor Abate ’86, ’88G, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Jessica Budris ’01, ’04G, Human Resources Manager
If you are interested in participating in the Rensselaer Corporate Affinity Program, please contact: Michael Bivens
Cindy Tapper-Peralta
Senior Advancement Officer, Corporate Relations
Advancement Officer, Corporate Relations
Office of Institute Advancement
Office of Institute Advancement
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
518-276-6057 (p)
518-276-6867 (p)
bivensm@rpi.edu
tappec@rpi.edu
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a p to
IBM Watson. Artificial intelligence with real business benefits.
20 1,400+
different industries. You’ll find Watson in banking, energy, healthcare, aerospace and more.
artificial intelligence patents awarded to Watson in 2017.
16,000+ Watson deployments.
Here’s why Watson is AI for smarter business: Watson learns more from less data. Watson’s algorithms are specially tuned so businesses can Working with enterprise-strength rapidly achieve accurate results AI can provide your business with from smaller, private data sets. real benefits. With Watson’s deep Watson reimagines learning capabilities, businesses your workflows. can find insights faster, enrich Because Watson can be customer interactions, make embedded within the many more-informed decisions and platforms and applications improve results. you already use, you can improve most aspects of how your business works. Watson protects your insights. You need to own all your data, your algorithms and your IP— with Watson you can. So the insights gained from your specific data stay yours. Visit ibm.com/watson IBM and its logo, ibm.com, Watson and Let’s put smart to work are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. See current list at ibm.com/trademark. 2 0 1 9 A Other S H product O W Cand A Sservice E Onames F Tmight H E beNtrademarks E W P ofOIBM L YorT other E C companies. H N I C ©International A N D P RBusiness E S I DMachines E N T ICorp. A L 2019. G LB33184 OBAL
GAME CHANGERS PANEL
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES AT RENSSELAER Each year, our parents, families, and students make the adjustment to life at college, and at Rensselaer, we recognize that this moment can be filled with excitement and apprehension. The role of parents and family members is critical in the success of our students. Because your involvement is crucial, we have created programs tailored just for you. Whether you are interested in philanthropy, our Parents Council, hosting an event for prospective students, or providing internship opportunities for students at your company, there are a number of ways for parents to get involved, give back, and make a difference.
PARENT AND FAMILY GIVING When families—whether it is parents, grandparents, or other family members—make a gift in support of students, the impact of these gifts can be felt throughout our campus. Each year, more than 1,400 families of Rensselaer students support Rensselaer. Rensselaer proudly acknowledges the generosity of families who support our educational mission. An annual gift of $2,500 more to the Rensselaer Annual Fund qualifies parents for membership in the Society of Families. Gifts to the Rensselaer Annual Fund are essential to our mission and support the areas of greatest need for our students. Lisa and Tom Capek ’86, parents of Madison ’20 (featured above), serve as co-chairs of the Society of Families and are invested in increasing parent and family engagement with Rensselaer, including gifts at a leadership level.
THE ARCH The Arch is a unique approach to education that provides flexibility in the semester schedule, allowing students to pursue professional and personal development opportunities that prepare them to meet the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. Rensselaer prepares students for rewarding careers in the work world, including co-ops and internships through The Arch. If you or your company are currently looking for top talent, please consider partnering with Rensselaer. The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) will help connect you with future professionals who are motivated and skilled. Please visit info.rpi.edu/the-Arch for more details.
ALUMNI AND STUDENT EVENTS AND SEND-OFF RECEPTIONS Alumni and alumnae from across the country and around the world gather to welcome new Rensselaer students and their families. These events are hosted by alumni and/or current families, and provide opportunities to share hints and ideas on living and thriving at Rensselaer.
PARENTS OF RENSSELAER
Membership in the Society of Families provides the opportunity to connect with faculty, campus leaders, and other parents at special receptions and events. It is a great way to stay connected through philanthropy and volunteerism on behalf of Rensselaer.
All parents of Rensselaer students are members of the Parents of Rensselaer association, and receive the bi-weekly Parents E-newsletter. The Parents Council is a group of dedicated parent and family volunteers who serve as Rensselaer ambassadors and provide feedback to the Student Success Office on topics of particular interest to parents and families. Parents also have the opportunity to come together annually on campus for Family Weekend.
For more information on the Parents Council and support from Student Life staff, email parents@rpi.edu.
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MUSICAL PROGRAM AND MUSICIAN BIOGRAPHIES
PIANO TRIO NO. 3, OP. 26 Music: Édouard Lalo (1823-1892) First Movement, Allegro appassionata John Parin ’18, ’19, Violin Frank Peters ’21, Cello Mary Simoni, Ph.D., Piano
MARY SIMONI, Ph.D. (Pianist) is Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Rensselaer, and Professor Emerita of Performing Arts Technology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Simoni was recognized as a Steinway Artist at an event at Steinway Hall in New York on November 15, 2017. She is the author of several books on electronic
CONCERTO FOR TWO VIOLINS IN A MINOR, RV 522 Music: Antonio Vivaldi (1660-1743) First Movement, Allegro John Parin ’18, ’19, Violin Chey Barlao ’18, Violin Frank Peters ’21, Cello Mary Simoni, Ph.D., Piano
music composition, including Algorithmic Composition: A Guide to Composing Music with Nyquist, co-authored with Roger Dannenberg (2013: University of Michigan Press) and Analytical Methods of Electroacoustic Music (2006: Routledge). She is a 2002 Medal Laureate of the Computer World Honors Award for her research in digital music information retrieval. Simoni’s music and multimedia works have been
GOODNIGHT, MY SOMEONE From The Music Man Music and Lyrics by Meredith Wilson (1902-1984)
performed in Asia, Europe, and throughout the United States, and have been recorded by Centaur Records, the music journal Leonardo (published by MIT Press), and the International Computer Music
Kimberley Dolanski Osburn, Soprano
Association. She is the recipient of the Prize in
Mary Simoni, Ph.D., Piano
Composition by the ArtNET Virtual Museum, and was named semi-finalist for the American Prize in Composition-Chamber Music. Her research has been funded by the Knight Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs.
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KIMBERLEY DOLANSKI OSBURN (Soprano) is the
CHARMAINE-GRACE “CHEY” BARLAO ’18 (Violin)
most recorded soprano for early American Musical
recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Theatre and Operetta and can be heard in the Victor
Biochemistry and Biophysics. Music has always been
Herbert and Jerome Kern recordings, located in the
Barlao’s favorite outlet to express herself and connect
Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, and
with others regardless of language or region. Coming
others across the nation. In May 2011, Osburn
from a musical family, Barlao studied a number of
received her first Lincoln Center credit, as Rosalina,
musical instruments including piano, guitar, and
in Giordano’s Opera, Il Ré.
voice. Her real passion is the violin, which she has
She has performed with the Detroit Symphony
studied for 14 years.
Orchestra, Detroit Classical Revolution, the Detroit
A native of Monroe, NY, Barlao participated in several
Chamber Winds, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra,
New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA)
and the Comic Opera Guild of Traverse City, among
high school ensembles, serving as concertmaster for
others. Recently, she has performed at the Curtis R.
10 orchestras. As concertmaster for the Rensselaer
Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts
Orchestra, her musical leadership led to an outstanding
Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer, with Music faculty
performance of the Rensselaer Orchestra at Carnegie
and the Rensselaer Orchestra. Having placed first in
Hall as part of the 2018 Rensselaer Scholarship Gala.
the Harold Haugh Light Opera Competition in 2005, Osburn is sought after for numerous light opera and operetta performances across the nation.
In addition to her pre-med and musical studies at Rensselaer, Barlao served as president of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society; competed as a member
Osburn received her M.M. in Vocal Performance
of Rensselaer’s women’s varsity swim team; and was
from the University of Michigan School of Music,
a Resident Assistant with the Division of Student Life.
Theatre and Dance, where her mentor was the iconic African-American soprano, Shirley Verrett. In addition to her musical career, Osburn serves as the Manager of Operations and Administrative Services for the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) at Rensselaer.
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FRANK DANIEL PETERS ’21 (Cello) is a biomedical
JOHN PARIN ’18, ’19 (Violin) earned a B.S. in
engineering major from Holmes, NY. He has been
Computer and Systems Engineering and—through
studying the cello for nearly 12 years, and is currently
Rensselaer’s co-terminal degree program—expects
the principal cellist of the Rensselaer Orchestra. Prior
to complete a M.S. in Information Technology with
to attending Rensselaer, Peters was the principal
a concentration in Software Design and Engineering
cellist of the Westchester Putnam Youth Symphony,
in May.
New York’s All-State Orchestra, and was invited to perform in the Honors Performance Series at the Sydney Opera House.
Parin has studied violin for 11 years, having the privilege of performing at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, and
Initially, Peters was drawn to Rensselaer because of
the Concert Hall of the Curtis R Priem Experimental
its reputation for a rigorous engineering program.
Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). He
However, he was both surprised and delighted to
served as concertmaster or principal violinist of the
learn about Rensselaer’s music program. Peters is
Nevada All-State Orchestra and the Rensselaer
immensely grateful to everyone who has made the
Orchestra. A native of Las Vegas, NV, John was
music program a reality so music can continue to be
drawn to study at Rensselaer by the flexibility and
an essential part of his life.
freedom to pursue the two distinct yet rewarding passions in his life—music and technology. Like technology, music is central to Parin’s life because it is a universal language that allows him to connect with people of different backgrounds and ethnicities, creating a bond that he considers one of the most valuable experiences in life.
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WE ARE EDUCATING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED CAREERS.
For Details, Contact: Center for Career and Professional Development (518) 276-6234 hiretalent@rpi.edu To learn more, visit: rpi.edu/dept/cdc