March 21, 2007
Garbage Gas: Polytechnic University Researcher Develops Bioplastic as a Disposable Source of Biodiesel
In an effort to develop a new source of sustainable energy, researchers at Polytechnic University, the premier New York-based technology and engineering higher education institution, have bioengineered a fuel-latent plastic that can be converted into biodiesel. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded the researchers $2.34 million to advance this innovative technology and transfer it to industry. The commercialization of the technology will lead to a new source of green energy to households worldwide. Professor Richard Gross, director of Polytechnic University's National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules (CBBM) developed the new bioplastic using vegetable oils. He also partnered with DNA 2.0, a biotechnology company specializing in gene synthesis, to develop enzymes that can both synthesize and break the fuel-latent plastic down into biodiesel after its use. "We showed DARPA that we could make a new plastic from plant oils that has remarkable properties, which includes being tougher and more durable than typical polyethylenes. Additionally, the bioplastic can be placed in a simple container where it is safely broken down to liquid fuel," said Dr. Gross. "Polytechnic University has a long history of innovation, and we are confident Professor Gross' research will revolutionize how we produce and consume biofuels," noted Jerry M. Hultin, president of Polytechnic University. "Gassing up at the pump could be part of the past thanks to the possibility of this research." The process of converting biogengineered fuel-latent plastics into biodiesel is of interest to DARPA since the U.S. military can use this technology on the frontline. "Military units generate substantial quantities of packaging waste when engaging in stationary field operations. If we can turn this waste into fuel, we will see a double benefit - we will reduce the amount of waste that we have to remove, and we will reduce the amount of new fuel that we must deliver to the units," explained Khine Latt, program manager for DARPA's Mobile Integrated Sustainable Energy Recovery program. The next phase of the research will entail developing a more efficient low-cost process for both manufacturing the bioplastic and converting it into biodiesel. The personal generation of biodiesel is an important step in developing green technologies and reducing waste.
Source: Polytechnic University, New York
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March 15, 2007
St. John's University: Tobin Alumnus Uses MBA Experience to Reach Success
Former MBA student Mory Katz, CEO, Direct Response Corporation, Response Insurance Group, visited the Queens campus to speak to MBA students about overcoming volatile market conditions and treacherous adversaries within the auto insurance industry. Part of the Colman Mockler Distinguished Leadership Program, Mr. Katz' seminar, entitled "Making Things Happen", explained to students how what he learned while a student of the Tobin College made his success as an entrepreneur possible by teaching him to be ready to face the consequences of his decisions and actions. "The working knowledge I received here class by class was very valuable and helped open many doors for me," said Katz. The Direct Response Insurance Group was formed in 1995 to capitalize on the burgeoning direct-to-the-consumer business model and recruited Mr. Katz in 1998 to help them take their innovative concept and grow it within the framework of a national footprint-something, he says, that had been attempted by many large auto insurers with little or no success. While Mory Katz recounted his challenging journey, students and faculty members were riveted by the vital business decisions he needed to make, while having to deal with ruthless competition, in order to make his company successful. Something, he says, all future entrepreneurs will be forced to do at some point in their careers.
Source: St. John's University, Queens Campus, New York
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March 12, 2007
Healthcare Management MBA Offered by William Woods University
William Woods University is offering Chesterfield area residents the opportunity to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) degree with healthcare management concentration. Best of all, it can be done without quitting work. This unique degree appeals to both hospital-based managers/services and those involved in ancillary service positions. Additionally, the program reaches individuals in private practice support services. The program will begin with an orientation at 6 p.m. April 4 at the Jewish Community Center, 16801 Baxter Road, Chesterfield. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the university's Graduate & Adult Studies program prior to then, but walk-ins will be accepted. Call 1-800-995-3199 or contact WWU by e-mail at cgas@williamwoods.edu. Kristen J. Fritschie of Mexico, Mo., completed her MBA with healthcare management concentration at WWU's Columbia campus in 2005. "WWU is the only program that works for the working adult. Whether you are working full time, have a family or just a hectic life, William Woods University ensures that you have a work-life balance while giving you a fabulous education," she said. The 36-hour degree program for full-time working adults is designed to equip the healthcare management professional with focused skills and knowledge for professional practice. This is an 80-week MBA with four specific healthcare courses integrated into the program: Overview of Healthcare Management, Legal Aspects of Healthcare Management, Healthcare Economics and Healthcare Human Resources. Blending theory and practice, the program uses a cohort model to make a truly applications-oriented program. Fritschie had high praise for the cohorts. "They provide and teach teamwork and accountability," she said. Students choose to enroll in the William Woods program for a variety of reasons. As a registered nurse, Pearl Lariosa of Jefferson City believed an MBA with healthcare management concentration would "be very beneficial in the future." Lariosa, who graduated in August 2004, chose William Woods "because of its flexible program designed for full-time working adults with family to raise." William Woods University has sought to find synergy among all healthcare professionals with classes taught by the area's leading healthcare experts. Bud Smith, healthcare executive and facilitator for WWU's MBA with healthcare concentration, said, "I am very much aware of the need for an advanced healthcare degree for anyone seeking to move up in management and leadership positions, whether it be hospital- based or private practice groups." In addition to the MBA, William Woods offers several other Graduate & Adult Studies programs, including the ACCESS program of general education, an associate of arts degree in liberal studies, a B.S. in management (BSM), a BSM with human resources emphasis, a B.S. in paralegal studies and a new bachelor of social work degree. Graduate programs include MBAs with accounting or human resources emphasis, a master of education (M.Ed.) in administration, curriculum/instruction or athletics/activities administration and a specialist of education (Ed.S.) in school administration or curriculum leadership. William Woods can tailor any of its programs for a particular business or community.
Source: William Woods University, Missouri
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March 2, 2007
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine: Local Naturopathic Medical School Receives Virginia G. Piper Grant
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) was the recipient of $24,000 from the Virginia G. Piper Grant to help continue to serve the uninsured and underprivileged in the Phoenix area. "If the doctors weren't here, we would struggle a lot. There are a lot of parents here who don't have cars and can't take their kids to see a doctor. So that's one of the things that we really love about them (SCNM N.D.s), that they're right here on campus," mother of Hamilton Elementary School student-patient. The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust donates millions to Maricopa County in support of healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. SCNM is a first-time recipient of the Virginia G. Piper Grant and received the full amount available. Funds will be allocated to SCNM's Sage Foundation for Health to improve patient care at Hamilton Elementary School. The grant will provide updated medical equipment, a medical reference library, and Spanish language training to better serve patients. These improvements will increase the number of patients seen along with providing shorter recovery times based on improved communication and diagnosis. SCNM is delighted to be awarded the necessary funds to continue serving the area's under-privileged population.
Source: Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
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