Defending NCAA Champion & Ninth-Ranked North Carolina Holds Off UAlbany, 87-70, at Smith Center

Chapel Hill, N.C. - Ed Davis had 18 points and Deon Thompson scored 15 in leading North Carolina to an 87-70 victory over UAlbany on Wednesday, Dec. 30 before 19,225 fans at the Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels are ranked ninth in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today national polls.

The Tar Heels, who won their fifth NCAA championship last year, led 5-4 early, but then went on a 12-2 run. Freshman John Henson, who had eight points off the bench, hit a basket before Thompson made two free throws to end that outburst. UAlbany (4-10) was still hanging around at 29-19 when Logan Aronhalt canned a 3-pointer and Scotty McRae made a baseline jumper. But UNC followed with 10 unanswered, including three consecutive three-pointers. Will Graves, a junior swingman who scored nine points, buried back-to-back long-range shots.

Still leading 55-36 in the second half, North Carolina (11-3) began to pull away with six straight. Davis, a 6-foot-10 sophomore who is a Naismith Award candidate, made a pair of baskets and Dexter Strickland sank two foul shots. The Tar Heels, who shot 60 percent from the field in the final period, extended their margin to 75-45 when freshman David Wear scored in transition midway through the half.

The Great Danes, who trailed by as much as 38 points with less than eight minutes remaining, then showed some grit with 15 consecutive markers. Billy Allen, who had a career-high 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, tallied the final eight in that spurt, including a pair of three-pointers. Will Harris, who netted 19 of his 22 points after the intermission, later drilled a 3-pointer to slice the deficit to 87-67 with 2:22 to play.

"I thought we made great progress and embraced the little things," explained UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose squad was playing the reigning defending national champion for the second straight year. "I am proud of our guys because they competed and are closer to being a team. North Carolina is so long with four guys 6-foot-9 or bigger. Their pressure bothered us, especially with having two young kids run the point. That run where they hit three consecutive three's hurt."

Larry Drew II and Leslie McDonald each scored nine for the Tar Heels, who have one of the top 10 offenses in the nation at more than 85 points per game. UAlbany's Mike Black, a freshman guard, had a career game with 10 points and five assists as a starter. The Great Danes were wrapping up a stretch of eight consecutive road games on the schedule.

"We played hard and got better today," offered Harris, who reached the 20-point mark for the fifth time this season. "We have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful and the younger players will remember this in their minds. Mike Black handled himself well and was under control. This will be a confidence booster."

Paw Prints: The Great Danes faced their fourth-highest ranked opponent as a Division I program ... North Carolina is ranked No. 9 in both national polls ... UAlbany appeared before the fourth-largest crowd in its Division I history (19,225) ... Billy Allen's career-best 16 points were eight better than his previous mark set against Sacred Heart on Dec. 20, 2008 ... Will Harris scored 20-plus points for the fifth time this season ... freshman center Blake Metcalf pulled down a career-best eight rebounds ... UAlbany will play its first home game since Nov. 22 on Sunday against Yale at 4:00 p.m. ... the game will be televised on Time Warner Cable (TW3).

University of Albany Women's Soccer Recognized as Ninth-Most Improved Division I Program Following 2009 - UAlbany Sports 2009

Camarillo, Calif. - The 2009 University at Albany women's soccer team was recently recognized by Somis Sports as the ninth-most improved Division I program in the nation. The Great Danes, who won just three matches in the 2008 campaign, posted their highest single-season win total in 21 years with an 8-10-1 overall record.

Somis Sports ranked Maryland as the most improved squad in 2009. Oregon State was second, while Santa Clara, DePaul and George Mason rounded out the top five.

UAlbany head coach Mary-Frances Monroe, whose staff was recognized by the America East Conference for her team's improved play, led the Great Danes to their first-ever conference postseason tournament appearance. A native of Northport, N.Y., Monroe was an All-America standout at UCLA and Connecticut and has played professionally with the Boston Breakers and New England Mutiny.

Five members of the 2009 UAlbany squad were chosen to the All-America East Conference second team, including Ashley Tirabassi, the school's career scoring leader with 46 points (19 goals, 8 assists). Chelsea DeVerna, the conference's rookie of the year, led the team in scoring with six goals and three assists and netted two game-winners. Rebecca Lee, a sophomore midfielder who also made the second team, is among several returning starters. Maggie DeVerna and Casey Marks, who were named All-America East as freshmen, helped UAlbany win three conference matches for the first time and register seven shutouts.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Men's Basketball Meets Defending NCAA Champion North Carolina on ESPNU Television

Chapel Hill, N.C. - UAlbany meets defending NCAA champion North Carolina on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the Dean E. Smith Center. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU. Fans can also listen to the contest on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland and Greg Tobben handling the broadcast.

The Tar Heels are ranked No. 9 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today national polls. North Carolina (10-3) has a storied history with five NCAA titles, including the 2009 national championship, 18 Final Four appearances, 27 Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season titles and 17 ACC Tournament crowns.

Head coach Roy Williams has a 186-40 record in his seventh season at his alma mater. Williams, who has 604 career victories at the collegiate level, guided UNC to a 34-4 campaign one year ago en route to an NCAA title.

Deon Thompson, a 6'8" senior, is the team's top returning scorer and rebounder and a Wooden Award candidate. He is averaging 15.9 points and 7.6 rebounds. Marcus Ginyard (6'5") scores at an 11.0 clip and is one of the ACC's top defenders. The fifth-year senior was a medical redshirt last season. Ed Davis, a 6'10" sophomore, contributes 14.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. A preseason All-ACC selection, Davis is on the Naismith Award Watch List. Larry Drew II adds 8.3 points and 6.5 assists, the fourth-best mark among Division I players. The sophomore guard's father, a 10-year NBA veteran, is presently an Atlanta Hawks' assistant coach. Tyler Zeller, a 7-foot sophomore, also scores in twin figures at 10.5 points per game. North Carolina is second on the NCAA's all-time wins list with 1,993.

UAlbany (4-9) is playing its final opponent in a string of eight consecutive road dates, breaking the previous mark of five straight away games to start the 2004-05 season. The Great Danes, who are facing the defending national champion for the second year in a row, are battling its sixth team this season who earned a 2009 NCAA Tournament berth. Will Harris (15.4 ppg) and Tim Ambrose (15.1 ppg) are among the top scorers in the America East Conference. Senior guard Mike Johnson adds 8.0 points and a team-leading 3.6 assists. Scotty McRae is averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds since moving into the starting lineup on Dec. 8.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

U.S. Education Secretary Appoints University of Albany Provost Susan Phillips to National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the appointment of University at Albany Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Phillips to the newly constituted National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI).

While on the committee, Phillips will advise the Secretary on accreditation issues and the eligibility and certification process for institutions of higher education.

NACIQI advises the Secretary on accreditation issues and the eligibility and certification process for institutions of higher education. It is also charged with recommending to the Secretary the accrediting or state approval agencies that should be recognized as reliable authorities for judging the quality of postsecondary institutions and programs.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "The appointment of University at Albany Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Phillips to the Department of Education's National Advisory Committee for Institutional Quality and Integrity speaks to the excellence of New York's higher education system. Dr. Phillips, with her dedication to teaching and learning, and commitment to maintaining that excellence, will be a strong asset to NACIQI, Secretary Duncan, our state and nation. ”

"Dr. Phillips embodies the experience, professionalism and integrity needed to successfully advocate for higher education in New York State and the nation," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher, who nominated Phillips to the Secretary of Education. "Dr. Phillips has distinguished herself as a resourceful and purposeful leader with a deep understanding of the institutional and management dimensions of higher education."

"Dr. Phillips is especially well-qualified for an appointment to NACIQI," said U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer and Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand in endorsing Phillips. "Dr. Phillips is a nationally recognized scholar in vocational psychology and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, where she chaired the Committee on Accreditation -- one of the largest accrediting agencies in the nation."

"We are proud of Susan Phillips, and honored by her appointment," said UAlbany President George M. Philip. "As she has demonstrated throughout her University at Albany career, Dr. Phillips will provide the leadership and commitment necessary to move NACIQI forward, broaden its vision, and help set strategic priorities for the future of higher education in the United States."

"This committee will play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of accountability for accrediting agencies," Duncan said. "These agencies have the formidable task of assuring that schools participating in federal student aid programs provide a quality education to their students. These six new members bring varied expertise, talent, and experience to the committee, and their input will be invaluable as the department continues to improve these programs."

Phillips earned her bachelor's degree in human biology at Stanford University and doctorate in counseling psychology at Columbia University. An internationally recognized scholar in vocational psychology, her work has focused on decision-making and career development. She has also been instrumental in creating cross-disciplinary initiatives, including developing research capacity for university-community partnerships through the University at Albany's NIH-sponsored Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities, and leading public-private partnerships designed to study best practice in schools.

Phillips joined the University at Albany faculty in 1979, and is a professor of counseling psychology. She is the recipient of the Holland Award for outstanding research in career and personality psychology, the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Cooperative Leadership Award from the National School Development Council. A Fellow in the American Psychological Association, her work has appeared in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, the Journal of Vocational Behavior, and The Counseling Psychologist.

Phillips, active in promoting excellence in academic programs and professional practice, has led the American Psychological Association Committee on Accreditation - one of the largest accrediting agencies in the nation. She chairs the Joint Designation Committee of the National Register/American Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and has served on the executive boards of the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center, the Hudson Mohawk Regional School Support Center, and the Capital Area School Development Association. She was also appointed by the New York Board of Regents to their policy advisory group, the Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching, in 2005, and continues to serve on this board. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, a licensed psychologist, and was named the 1998 Distinguished Psychologist by the Psychological Association of Northeastern New York.

Established in 1972, NACIQI was changed by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 (P.L. 110-315) from a 15-member committee appointed solely by the Secretary of Education to an 18-member committee appointed equally by the Secretary, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The House and Senate are expected to complete their appointments soon and the newly formed committee will then meet shortly thereafter.

The Education Department’s six members, appointed for three-year terms, are:

Susan Phillips, provost and vice president for academic affairs, University at Albany, State University of New York;

Earl Lewis, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.;

Jamienne Studley, president and CEO, Public Advocates Inc., San Francisco, Calif.;
Aron Shimles, student, Occidental College, Los Angeles, Calif.;

Frank Wu, professor, Howard University Law School, Washington, D.C.; and ,

Frederico Zargoza, vice chancellor of economic and workforce development, Alamo Colleges, San Antonio, Tex.

More than 3,000 Students and 30,000 Community Members Visit University of Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering During 2009

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (“CNSE”) of the University at Albany hosted more than 3,000 elementary, middle and high school students and over 30,000 members of the community through its educational and public outreach programs and initiatives this year, representing a 20 percent increase over 2008.

In all, more than 7,000 students interacted with the UAlbany NanoCollege throughout the year, including educational programs, workshops, seminars and conferences conducted by CNSE faculty, students and staff at off-site locations such as schools and museums throughout the Capital Region and across upstate New York.

In addition, a diverse group of partners and stakeholders representing the education, technology, business, government, community and non-profit sectors participated in educational and community outreach initiatives at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex – the most advanced research enterprise in the academic world – as part of a unique effort to showcase the growing impact of nanotechnology on society and the global leadership of the UAlbany NanoCollege and New York State in nanoscale science and engineering.

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, “The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to provide pioneering educational and community outreach initiatives that support both the growing interest in nanotechnology, and the genuine enthusiasm for the recognized global leadership of CNSE and New York State in this emerging science. It is particularly exciting to introduce thousands of students to nanoscale science and engineering, which will enable unparalleled career opportunities and help ensure the development of an educated and skilled high-tech workforce to sustain further nanotechnology investment and growth in New York.”

CNSE’s educational outreach initiatives were highlighted by the inaugural Institute of Nanotechnology and Youth (“INTY”) Summer Workshop, which introduced at-risk students to nanotechnology; the “NanoHigh” program, a partnership with the City School District of Albany, which was completed by 18 Albany High School students and included the introduction of an advanced nanoscience course; educational forums targeting educators and administrators; four editions of the popular NanoCareer Day, which gave students at 40 schools an introduction to the exciting world of nanotechnology; and two week-long summer “NanoCamp” programs held in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology in Troy.

Community outreach activities at CNSE included the month-long celebration of “NANOvember,” which attracted more than 3,000 attendees and featured CNSE Community Day, a series of Community Lectures, and the first-ever “Nano in the Mall” program at Crossgates Mall; CNSE’s fifth high-tech job fair in the past three years; a partnership with the Capital District Transportation Authority to place an educational nanotechnology display at the Rensselaer Rail Station; and hosting of the 2009 Capital Region Leadership Conference and the 2009 High School Achievers of Color Luncheon.

University of Albany Women's Basketball Downs Fairfield, 63-52, to Remain Unbeaten at SEFCU Arena - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Felicia Johnson scored a career-best 17 points and Julie Forster added a career-high 16 points to go along with eight rebounds and two blocks in leading UAlbany to a 63-52 victory over Fairfield on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes won their third straight game and improved to 5-0 at SEFCU Arena for the first time in program history.

UAlbany (6-4), which led 31-23 at halftime after holding its opponent to just 29 percent shooting through 20 minutes, went ahead by double digits for the first time by scoring the first four points of the second stanza. Forster nailed a jumper and Johnson added two free throws to give the hosts a 35-23 advantage.

Fairfield (6-3), which entered the night having won three of its past four games, chipped away at the lead and cut the deficit to seven at 39-32 on a three-pointer by Katelyn Linney to force the Great Danes to call a timeout with 11:34 left. That was the closest the Stags would come the rest of the way.

The Great Danes, who matched last season's win total with the victory, answered back by scoring 10 of the next 13 points to go ahead, 49-35, at the 10:27 mark on a short jumper by Tabitha Makopondo. Cassandra Callaway added five straight points during the stretch. The advantage grew to as many as 15 points at 52-37 when Makopondo netted her second straight field goal after grabbing an offensive rebound. The visitors would cut the deficit to eight on a pair of shots from downtown by Linney and Stephanie Geehan, but it was not enough as the Great Danes held on for their fifth straight win at home to start the season.

"We knew we had more speed, so we really wanted to push the ball and make them guard us at a fast pace," said Johnson, who entered the evening among the America East assist leaders and ranked second in the conference with a 1.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. "I think we did a good job with that."

After the teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of play, UAlbany scored eight straight points to go ahead by a 12-8 score with 12 minutes remaining in the half and never surrendered its lead. Forster sparked the run by canning consecutive shots. Fairfield came within a basket courtesy of a three-point field goal by Desiree Pina which made it 20-18, but the Great Danes shook off the small rally by scoring 11 of the half's final 16 points to end the stanza ahead by a comfortable eight points.

"At halftime, we reiterated over and over in the locker room that this was a very good team," added Johnson. "Just because we were up at halftime, we knew that this game was not over by any means. We did a good job of staying focused and limiting their runs. When they made a run, we stopped it and then made our run."

UAlbany shot a season-best 44.2 percent (23-52) from the floor while holding Fairfield to a season-low 31.3 percent (21-67) from the field. The Great Danes also outshot the Stags from behind the arc, 30 percent (3-10) to 22.7 percent (5-22), and from the charity stripe, 70 percent (14-20) to 62.5 percent (5-8).

In addition to Johnson and Forster, the Great Danes were paced by Charity Iromuanya's eight points and three steals. Basavand and Callaway added six and five points off the bench, respectively.

Stephanie Geehan led Fairfield by accumulating her sixth straight double-double on 17 points and a game-high 11 boards. She also contributed three blocks and three steals. Pina and Linney also scored in double figures, accounting for 12 and 10 points, respectively. Taryn Johnson had nine points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

"Every game we get better, so the confidence continues to build on a game-to-game basis," said head coach Trina Patterson, whose team will travel to face undefeated and 14th-ranked Nebraska (11-0) on Wednesday, Dec. 30. "They all believe in each other, and everybody understands their role. We are going to play Nebraska hard, and we are going to play them with a lot of effort (next week). We know it's going to be a tough game, but we're going to be ready."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Student-Athletes Give Back to the Capital Region Community for the Holidays

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany student-athletes been participating in the Albany County Department for Children, Youth and Families Adopt-A-Family program during the holiday season. Members of all nineteen UAlbany intercollegiate athletic men's and women's teams raised money and bought gifts for sponsored families as a part of the project, sponsored by the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

"It's a humbling experience," said UAlbany tennis player Caitlin Crowley. "It makes you feel really good to know how appreciative the family is to receive these gifts at Christmas time."

UAlbany's athletic department and its student-athletes have been associated with the Adopt-A-Family project for several years. Through the project, all money is raised and donated by the athletic teams. Representatives from each team then go out, purchase the items and wrap them. A few representatives from each team then go to the family's homes to deliver the gifts before Christmas. SAAC members also participated in Salvation Army bell ringing at local shopping centers throughout the Capital Region during the holiday season.

"To see families that are in need of basic necessities, it's just awesome to be able to give to them, especially during the holidays," said Rowland, who helped purchase items such as bed sheets, blankets, laundry detergent and toiletry items for the family. Crowley also added that she made sure to buy coloring books and other fun items for the young children in the family.

"It is really rewarding to see their faces when they know they're going to have gifts under the tree to open," said Crowley. "Hence why I went out and bought other fun things. I wish we could have done more!"

Crowley, a native of Burnt Hills, N.Y., and Rowland, who hails from Albany, both felt that giving back to the local community is an important part of being a UAlbany student-athlete.

"It is overwhelming and touching to be a part of this program," said Brendan Rowland, an all-conference outfielder for the Great Dane baseball team. "I feel privileged as a UAlbany student-athlete to be able to help people in the community that gives so much back to us."

SAAC, which is made up of at least two representatives of each UAlbany athletic team, helps to coordinate several community service activities each semester. Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy has made community service one of the athletic department's top initiatives since he arrived on campus more than nine years ago.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Men's Basketball Loses at Loyola (Chicago), 68-56, in First-Ever Meeting Between Programs

Chicago, Ill. - Freshman Ben Averkamp had 17 points and Geoff McCammon added 16 in leading Loyola (Chicago) to their fifth consecutive win in a 68-56 victory over UAlbany on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at Gentile Center.

Loyola (9-2) quickly turned a 10-point halftime cushion into a 41-26 lead four minutes into the final period when McCammon buried a three-point field goal from the top of the arc. UAlbany (4-9) rallied to within eight twice, including 47-39 as Tim Ambrose converted a driving layup from right of the lane.

The Rambers, who are off to their best 11-game start since the 2005-06 campaign, regrouped with six in a row. Averkamp, who made 6 of 9 from the field and grabbed nine rebounds, scored in the paint. Walt Gibler, a sophomore who had nine points off the bench, hit another basket and Terrance Hill and Andy Polka each made a free throw to push the margin back to double digits.

"Their frontcourt dominated our frontcourt," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team has dropped six of its last seven outings. "We did some good things on defense. We pressured the ball and our energy was good. But they made us pay for every mistake and we take way too many three-pointers."

In the first half, UAlbany was as cold offensively as the temperature outside. The Ramblers took a 31-21 lead to the intermission by holding the visitors to 34.5-percent shooting and forcing 10 turnovers. Loyola led 7-0 at the start and later pushed out to a 10-point lead when Gibler drilled a three-point field goal from right of the key.

The Great Danes closed to within 20-14 as Will Harris connected in transition. But Loyola followed with six unanswered. McCammon, a junior guard who made 6 of 11 from the floor, scored a basket and sank two free throws to sandwich around Courtney Stanley's follow shot in the lane. UAlbany's Billy Allen later canned a 3-pointer to close the gap to 28-21, but Hill answered with a step-back, long-range jumper just before the buzzer sounded to end the period.

"I had two guys coming at me (every time I touched the ball), so I passed to find the open man," explained Harris, the team's top scorer who was held to eight points. "It's a new style of defense (full-court pressure). We made some plays, but we need to get more comfortable and practice it more."

Fran Urli was the lone UAlbany player in double figures with a career-high 12 points, all in the second half. Ambrose, who did not start for the first time this season, had eight points, and had his eight-game, double-digit scoring streak come to an end. Hill, a transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, finished with 13 points for the Rambers, who shot a sizzling 65 percent in the final half.

Paw Prints: Loyola (Chicago) has won 10 of its last 11 home games against non-league opponents ... the Ramblers compete in the Horizon League ... UAlbany also met Detroit from the Horizon League in November at the 2K Sports Classic Albany Sub-Regional ... Scotty McRae tied a season-high with seven rebounds and added five points ... Chicago native Mike Black, a freshman guard, made his first start since Nov. 13 and had five points and three assists ... Billy Allen, who was in the starting five for the first time this year, equaled a season-best with six points.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Keyana Williams Named America East Conference Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Keyana Williams has been selected as the America East Conference Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week, as announced on Monday, Dec. 21 by the conference office. The freshman is being honored by the league for the first time in her career.

Williams, a 6-foot-2 forward who was the top-ranked America East recruit by All-Star Girls Report, had a career outing and fell just shy of her first career double-double in UAlbany's thrilling 53-49 win over Army on Saturday, Dec. 19 at SEFCU Arena. She finished with nine points and 10 rebounds, both career highs, in the game which featured 15 lead changes and seven ties. After Army missed a three-pointer which would have sent the contest to overtime, Williams came away with the key rebound among a scrum of players from both teams with 1.4 seconds remaining in regulation and made a free throw at the opposite end to ice the victory. Neither team had led by more than three points in the tightly-contested final 10 minutes until Williams' shot at the charity stripe sealed the final outcome.

UAlbany (5-4) has started the season a perfect 4-0 at SEFCU Arena for the first time since the 1997-98 season, which also matches a program best. The Great Danes also hold a 4-0 record against opponents they lost to during the 2008-09 campaign. UAlbany will look to improve to 5-0 at SEFCU Arena for the first time in school history when Fairfield visits the Capital Region on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Travels to Chicago for First-Ever Meeting Against Loyola - UAlbany Sports 2009

Chicago, Ill. - UAlbany travels to Loyola (Chicago) for the first-ever meeting between the programs on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Tip-off is 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Fans can listen to the contest on Fox Sports Radio, AM 980, with Rodger Wyland handling the broadcast. The game can also be seen free of charge through the Horizon League, www.horizonleaguenetwork.tv/loyola.html.

Loyola (8-2) is off to its best 10-game start since the 2005-06 campaign. The Ramblers upended SIU-Edwardsville,79-61, for their fourth straight win on Sunday, Dec. 20. Head coach Jim Whitesell is in his sixth season with the program. He has a 365-272 career record at the collegiate level. Whitesell has led Loyola to its lone 20-win season since 1985, a win over No. 15 Butler last year and the program's first victory over a Southeastern Conference opponent (Georgia) since 1964. Terrance Hill, a junior who transferred from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, is the team's leading scorer at 12.4 points per game. Hill earned first-team all-region honors last year. Walt Gibler, a 6'7" sophomore, adds 11.7 points off the bench. Geoff McCammon is the third Loyola player scoring in double figures with a 10.2 average. He had a team-high 21 points, on 9-of-13 shooting, in a 66-63 win over San Francisco on Dec. 12. Marcus Thomas is scoring at an 9.0 clip and has made 23 three-point field goals. Andy Polka, at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, contributes 7.0 points and a team-leading 9.7 rebounds.

UAlbany (4-8) is nearing the end of a string of eight consecutive road games, the longest in the school's Division I history. Will Harris is averaging 18.4 points and shooting 56.5 percent from the field over his last seven starts. Tim Ambrose, a 6-foot junior, adds 15.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Ambrose has an eight-game, double-figure scoring streak. Brett Gifford, a 6'11" senior, has put together solid back-to-back efforts, including a nine-point, five-rebound outing against Iona on Dec. 17. Senior guard Mike Johnson contributes 8.6 points and 3.5 assists.

University of Albany Women's Basketball Edges Army, 53-49, to Stay Perfect at SEFCU Arena - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Senior captain Charity Iromuanya hit two clutch free throws with 21 seconds remaining and finished with 10 points, six rebounds and four steals to lead UAlbany past Army, 53-49, on Saturday, Dec. 19 at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes, who lead the America East Conference in scoring defense, improved to a perfect 4-0 at home for the first time since the 1997-98 season after holding their third opponent to under 50 points.

UAlbany (5-4), which also improved to 4-0 against teams it lost to last season, was trailing 45-44 with 2:55 left after Erin Anthony converted two free throws. The teams traded the lead three more times. Iromuanya used a screen at the top of the key and drove in for a layup to put the Great Danes ahead by one at the 2:36 mark. On the next play, Nalini Hawkins came back the other way with a short jumper to put the Black Knights ahead, 47-46. The Great Danes kept fighting, and a good jumper by Felicia Johnson from the right elbow put the hosts back ahead by one at 48-47.

Following a missed three-pointer by Hawkins, Julie Forster drew a foul while attempting a hook shot and sunk both of her free throws to extend the UAlbany lead to three points at 50-47. Two free throws by Hawkins closed the gap to one with 32 seconds remaining. Iromuanya was fouled on the ensuing possession, and came through with two key free throws which pushed the Great Dane lead up to three with 21 ticks left.

"We do whatever it takes to win," said Iromuanya, who helped the Great Danes improve to 2-1 in games decided by five points or less this season after going winless at 0-9 in close games last year. "It wasn't about me (at the free throw line). It was about us. We are all willing to make sacrifices for the better of the team so we can win."

After taking a timeout, Army missed two desperation three-pointers in an attempt to tie the game and force overtime. Keyana Williams grabbed the rebound off the second miss, and put the game on ice at the charity stripe with 1.4 seconds left to keep the Great Danes unbeaten at home.

"I hope (our success at home) can generate more enthusiasm for the program and attract more fans," said head coach Trina Patterson, whose team will conclude its three-game homestand when it hosts Fairfield on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. "We have a whole different team with so many newcomers, and a whole different thought process. These girls are about team first and individuals second. We played with a lot of effort and heart."

The first half had six lead changes and four ties, as each squad went on two major runs but couldn't break away. After the teams exchanged the first four baskets, Army scored eight of the next nine points to take a 12-5 advantage. The run was capped by a three-point field goal by Jessie Coiffard.

UAlbany climbed back into it by scoring the next nine points to take a 14-12 lead with 11:58 left. Ebone Henry came off the bench and made two field goals, while Johnson converted a shot from downtown during the stretch. Trailing 17-15 at the midway point of the stanza, Army scored nine straight points and appeared to be in control going into halftime.

However, the Great Danes went on an 8-0 run to take a one-point lead at 25-24 with 48 seconds left in the half after Johnson and Melia Basavand canned shots from downtown on consecutive plays. The Black Knights were able to take a 26-25 lead into the break thanks to an 18-foot jumper by Hawkins.

UAlbany once again got a balanced scoring effort, as five players netted nine or 10 points. Forster finished with 10 points and three steals, while Johnson had 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. Williams fell just shy of her first career double-double with nine points and 10 boards. Henry added nine points off the bench.

Army (5-6), which most recently played neck-and-neck with 16th-ranked Oklahoma for 35 minutes before the Sooners went on a run at the end, was led by Anthony's sixth double-double of the season. The junior forward finished with 14 points and 14 boards. Hawkins added a game-high 21 points, while Coiffard contributed nine points and four rebounds.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Men's Basketball Continues Long Road Trip With 75-62 Defeat; Iona Shoots 54 Percent

New Rochelle, N.Y. - Scott Machado had 14 points in leading Iona to his third straight with a 75-62 victory over UAlbany on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Hynes Athletic Center.

Iona (7-4) turned a five-point halftime lead into a double-figure margin in the opening minute of the final period. Mike McFadden scored before a steal led to Machado's three-point field goal. Still leading 55-45 with 14:53 remaining, the Gaels broke the game with 12 consecutive points. Trinity Fields, Jonathan Huffman and Rashard McGill each nailed a 3-pointer in that decision run. The Gaels shot 54.7 percent the field, the top mark by a UAlbany opponent this season.

"We didn't help ourselves in the second half," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team committed 11 of its 17 turnovers after the break. "Their pressure wears on you and they are a good team. It took us eight seconds to get across the line, another nine seconds to identify whether it was man, matchup or zone, and then you have less time to attack the defense."

In the first half, each team shot a high percentage as Iona took a 41-36 lead to the break. UAlbany (4-8) wiped out an early 8-2 deficit behind the play of Will Harris, who had 16 of his 20 points in the opening period. Harris canned a three-point field goal to draw his team even at 12 apiece and another long-range jumper for a 17-12 margin.

The Great Danes, who shot 50 percent in the half, upped their advantage to 26-16 as Harris ended a string of seven unanswered with a 3-pointer from the right wing. The Gaels later countered with a run of eight straight to take a 30-28 lead on Machado's driving layup. After UAlbany's Brett Gifford scored in the lane, Iona broke the deadlock with 11 of the game's next 14 points. Jermel Jenkins ignited the outburst with a three-pointer from the right corner. Jenkins, a sophomore guard who came off the bench, added three more baskets that built the lead to 41-33. The Gaels were an impressive 61 percent from the floor, on 19-of-31 shooting, in the period.

"We handled things well in the first half, but then we were careless in the second half," explained UAlbany's Tim Ambrose, who totaled 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and a career-high six steals. "They made us pay for every mistake we made."

Iona's Jonathan Huffman, a 7-foot senior who transferred from Louisville, finished with nine points and six rebounds. Machado added six assists and five steals to his scoring total. The Gaels were coming off an 82-73 victory over Big East Conference member Providence on Dec. 12.

"It was an uptempo game with a lot of running," said UAlbany's Harris, whose team has lost five of its last six outings and seemed to slow down against the defensive pressure in the final period. "They have a lot of ball-screen action and the combination of all those factors makes you exert a lot of energy."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Explores New $3.5 Million Initiative With National Institute for Sustainable Energy

EYP Opens New EYP/Energy Offices at UAlbany NanoCollege as Part of National Institute for Sustainable Energy

Joint CNSE-EYP initiative also includes launch of Alternative Energy Test Farm and development of the ‘NanoIDEA' workforce training program with seed funding from NYSERDA.

Albany, NY - The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany and Einhorn Yaffee Prescott ("EYP") Architecture and Engineering PC of Albany today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the EYP/energy group to CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex, part of a $3.5 million initiative that includes the opening of an Alternative Energy Test Farm and the development of a joint educational and workforce training program to prepare the professionals who will design and operate the high-tech buildings of the 21st century.

More than 20 EYP/energy executives, managers, architects, designers and engineers are now located at the UAlbany NanoCollege, with collaborations underway on a variety of initiatives that utilize nanoscale technologies to support energy efficient and environmentally friendly building design and operation. The number is projected to exceed 35 EYP/energy employees as green energy programs expand over the next two years.

Those efforts are enhanced by the opening of a leading-edge Alternative Energy Test Farm, which provides for the evaluation of zero energy concepts based on the development and testing of nanomaterials and nanoelectronics for clean energy technologies such as fuel cells, solar photovoltaic cells, ultracapacitors and power electronics.

In addition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA") announced seed funding will be available to help establish a joint CNSE-EYP initiative called "NanoIDEA," or "Nanotechnology Instruction for Design, Engineering and Architecture," which will include educational and workforce training programs designed to prepare building designers, architects and operators to utilize nanoscale-enabled sensors, controls and other innovations for the construction and operation of high-tech facilities.

The growing collaboration is part of the $3.5 million National Institute for Sustainable Energy ("NISE"), a joint CNSE-EYP world-class center for zero energy and sustainability research and development, business advancement, commercialization and workforce training that serves as both a catalyst for energy technology innovations and as a magnet for the attraction of clean energy businesses and industries to the Capital Region and New York State.


EYP President and CEO Tom Birdsey said, "We are excited to launch EYP/energy's new location at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex, which will enable us to tap into unparalleled intellectual and technological resources to accelerate the integration of nanoscale technologies into building design and operation. This collaboration will support innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities, a hallmark of EYP's expertise driven design practice, combined with unmatched opportunities to train the high-tech building designers, engineers and operators of the 21st century."

Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, "The ‘NanoIDEA' program will play an important role among the initiatives that are helping to ensure that New York's green collar workforce will be prepared to support a world class alternative energy sector. This partnership between EYP and CNSE offers a superb combination of industrial expertise and academic know-how. The collaboration they are announcing today will help develop and deploy clean and renewable energy technologies and help build the clean energy future Governor Paterson has envisioned for New York State."

U.S. Representative Paul Tonko said, "The critical national need to increase our use of clean and renewable energy technologies while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels will be enhanced by this pioneering collaboration between EYP and CNSE through the National Institute for Sustainable Energy. This is a great demonstration of New York's ability to play a leadership role in fostering essential nanotechnology innovations, and illustrates the unique public-private partnership model that we must build on to support national competitiveness and security."

Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari said, "I congratulate EYP on its vision and foresight in locating its EYP/energy group at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. This partnership further demonstrates the far-reaching impact of New York's rapidly expanding nanotechnology sector, which continues to create high-tech jobs throughout a variety of industries while also addressing the most critical issues of our generation, such as the need for clean and renewable energy technologies."

Assemblyman Jack McEneny said, "What is particularly exciting about this collaboration between EYP and the NanoCollege is that it will further advance clean energy technologies while also training an important segment of our future workforce, providing additional opportunities for high-tech jobs for New Yorkers."

CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to welcome EYP/energy to CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex, where it will build on EYP's recognized global leadership in the design and operation of energy efficient and green high-tech facilities. The innovative research and pioneering ‘NanoIDEA' program that this partnership will enable through the National Institute for Sustainable Energy will serve to accelerate the deployment of renewable and sustainable energy technologies, while further establishing the Capital Region and New York State as sought-after locations for the clean energy industry."

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Professor and Director of CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC"), said, "I look forward to working with the top-flight team at EYP/energy to further the development of alternative energy technologies that are of vital importance to our nation's energy and economic future. By incorporating nanotechnology know-how into the design and operation of high-tech buildings, CNSE and EYP are further building a strong alternative energy sector in New York, which already numbers more than 200 companies and is growing quickly."

The offices of EYP/energy, as well as the Alternative Energy Test Farm, are located within CNSE's 250,000-square-foot NanoFab East building, which opened in March 2009 as part of a $150 million expansion at CNSE's $5 billion Albany NanoTech Complex.

About EYP. Founded in 1972, EYP is a 300-person multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering and interior design firm with offices in Albany, NY; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Orlando, FL and Washington, DC. Consistently EYP is ranked among the 25 largest A/E firms in the nation by Building Design and Construction Magazine and in 2006 was the 4th largest provider of services to higher education clients. With over 60 LEED Accredited Professionals, EYP provides sustainable design services to Education and Federal Government clients and has many LEED Certified projects. As a leader in promoting energy efficiency in buildings that result in considerable short and long-term cost benefits, EYP has provided related services to a broad range of clients including: the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), United States Coast Guard, New York Power Authority, U.S. Department of State, National Park Service, United States Department of Navy, numerous colleges and universities and others in the industrial, institutional, commercial, government and healthcare sectors.

University of Albany's Department of Biological Sciences Receives 600k National Institutes of Health Grant & Partners With General Electric

UAlbany Professor Melinda Larsen will offer new insights into cellular signaling during complex developmental processes and highlight the use of this technology in areas beyond cancer drug discovery.

University at Albany researcher Melinda Larsen, Department of Biological Sciences, was awarded a two-year, $600,000 stimulus grant through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Challenge program to examine salivary gland development to provide insight into the root causes of gland disorders, including the inability to produce saliva. For the Salivary Gland Protein Profiling Project, Larsen will collaborate with a team of scientists at GE’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna, N.Y., led by Michael Gerdes, a cancer cell biologist in the Center’s Biosciences organization and adjunct professor at UAlbany’s Department of Biological Sciences.

The consequences of salivary gland damage can have a devastating effect on a person’s quality of life, including increased infections, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and chronic pain. This project will provide insight into how salivary glands could be regenerated after facial trauma or chemotherapy damage. It will also support a more comprehensive program to improve oral health, which is being driven by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the NIH.

GE scientists have developed new molecular pathology technology that can create a visual map of more than 25 proteins within a single tissue sample at the sub-cellular level and apply sophisticated imaging analysis tools to collect and interpret the data. With the ability to study multiple proteins in one sample, GE’s technology could provide more insight than ever before into the signaling networks and cell activity characterizing salivary gland disorders and other diseases.

“It is critical to understand how glands develop in order to design therapeutics to regenerate or replace tissue damaged by disease or injury,” said Larsen. “With this study, we will not only gain insight into how glands develop and also produce a set of tools that will be applied to understanding disease.”

GE’s protein mapping technology is the same platform being used in an ongoing cancer research partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, in which the two companies have demonstrated the ability to visualize and map complex biomarker networks in cancer tissue samples. This could enable faster drug development at less cost and more personalized therapies.

“The use of the GE’s protein mapping technology on this project demonstrates the broader application it can have in biomedical research and discovery,” said Gerdes. “The studies being done by Dr. Larsen will offer new insights into cellular signaling during complex developmental processes and highlight the use of this technology in areas beyond cancer drug discovery. We’re proud to be working with the University at Albany to test our technologies in new application areas and to aid in advancing basic research.”

Larsen’s research on the salivary gland is also being supported by additional funding through the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. In 2008, she was awarded a five-year, $1.5 million grant to develop a mathematical model to describe and predict salivary gland development and a two-year, $400,000 grant to engineer scaffold material to support growth and saliva production by salivary gland cells in vitro.

Saliva is the product of secretions produced by both major and minor salivary glands. Saliva production can be compromised as the result of Sjogren’s syndrome, the second most common autoimmune disease in the United States. This disease affects two to four million people, 90 percent of whom are women. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the body’s immune system attacks the saliva-producing salivary gland cells as well as other fluid-producing cells in the body. Radiation therapy also destroys these cells.

The lack of saliva causes a number of complications that considerably decreases a person’s quality of life, including increased tooth decay and infections, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, and considerable pain Little is known about the causes of salivary gland destruction due to Sjogrens syndrome and radiation treatment. Current treatments are insufficient and no cures exist for either condition.

“The collaboration between GE and UAlbany scientists is a sterling example of how a high-level research university can partner with industry to benefit the economic and scientific profile of the region,” said James Dias, Interim Vice President for Research at UAlbany. “In turn, the benefits of leading-edge technology developed by GE and accessed by UAlbany’s researchers before it becomes a mainstream tool provide a win-win relationship, while advancing the research mission and competitiveness of UAlbany researchers.”

Courtesy: UAlbany News

University of Albany's Center for Financial Market Regulation Receives 800k National Science Foundation Grant

UAlbany Develops Pioneering Curricula in Financial Market Regulation
NSF grant of $800,000 supports project aimed at developing students' computational thinking skills for financial market management.

As worldwide financial markets become more complex and the volume of data balloons, regulators and compliance professionals increasingly rely on computing and information technology to guarantee safeguards in the market. To prepare students for careers in financial market regulation, the University at Albany's Center for Financial Market Regulation (CFMR) will develop pioneering new curricula to introduce students to the critical role of computational thinking in financial market oversight and regulation.

With a grant of $800,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create materials that will be freely available for educators and others to use, the Center will design case studies, modules, and a series of courses to help students develop computational thinking skills in financial market supervision and beyond. The project is funded by NSF's Computer & Information Sciences & Engineering Directorate, Pathways to Revitalized Undergraduate Computing Education program.

"The paradigm shift that has 'IT-ified' the financial industry needs to be mirrored by a corresponding shift in our educational programs," said UAlbany President George M. Philip. "The far-reaching consequences of the economic meltdown dictate the need for a holistic approach to integrate computational thinking into every aspect of a student’s education."

"Today's markets are driven by computer science -- high speed hardware, sophisticated software, and huge databases," said George Berg, chair of Computer Science and head of the CFMR development team. "This project will help students see the value of computational thinking by showing its importance to financial markets and their regulation. Computational thinking has an enormous impact in many fields -- mathematics, business, public policy, and throughout the social sciences."

Berg heads a development team that comprises David McCaffrey, co-director of the Center for Financial Market Regulation and Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, InduShobha Chengalur-Smith, chair of the Information Technology Management Department in the School of Business, Robert L. Bangert-Drowns, dean of the School of Education, and Theresa A. Pardo, director of the Center for Technology in Government.

The interdisciplinary team will work with financial firms and government and industry regulators to create problem-based undergraduate curricula that address current and future needs of the field. These teaching materials will first be used in financial market regulation courses, and then extended to courses in computing, business, public policy, economics, mathematics, and the social sciences to show the widespread importance of computational thinking.

"The regulatory landscape has become increasingly complex," said John F. Malitzis, executive vice president in the Market Surveillance division, NYSE Regulation. "As financial markets become more intricate, oversight will increasingly rely on technologies yet to be developed. It is essential to develop educational programs that will anticipate the market's growth and the levels of computational and analytical skills required to work with its strengths and weaknesses."

Gerard Citera, counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell and member of the Executive Committee for the Center for Financial Market Regulation, said, “The members of the Advisory Council to the Center have been very supportive and have recognized the need for programs of this type. One of the strengths of CFMR, and a unique characteristic that distinguishes it from others, is the way it works cooperatively with this diverse Advisory Council and taps into members' knowledge, experience, and expertise in financial market regulation."

Edward Reinfurt, executive director of the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR) said, "The financial markets are critically important to the economy of New York State, the nation, and the world. The financial crisis has made clear the need for effective regulation, and the Center for Financial Market Regulation should be applauded for focusing its education and research on this concern. This project builds on the Center's strengths by addressing the technological and educational needs essential to better prepare professionals for careers in financial market assurance."

The Center for Financial Market Regulation is a partnership of the University at Albany, Albany Law School, and professionals in financial markets, law, and regulatory organizations. The Center designed the nation’s first undergraduate major and minor in financial market regulation.

Courtesy: UAlbany News

University at Albany School of Public Health Researcher Edward Fitzgerald Receives National Institute on Aging Grant

UAlbany Epidemiologist Awarded $176,489 from NIH to Study Effects of Perfluorinated Compounds on Older Adults.

University at Albany School of Public Health researcher Edward Fitzgerald has received a $176,489 Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to examine the association between exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and nervous system and thyroid function among older adults. NIA is part of the National Institutes of Health.

PFCs are chemicals designed to make materials stain and stick resistant, including furniture fabrics and carpets, pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags, and Teflon coating on pans. PFCs do not easily break down and are found to exist for many years after contact. Expanding upon existing research focused on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenylethers (PBDEs) and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs), this study will examine if PFCs cause subtle deficits in neuropsychological function, especially learning and memory.

The target population for this research is men and women between the ages of 55 and 74, a group considered at risk for age-related neurological deficiencies. Similar research is under way involving serum samples and data collected from a group of older adults to examine the neurological effects of PCBs, PBDEs and DLCs. Utilizing the existing data, Fitzgerald will study the impact of PFCs, and evaluate whether persons with higher concentrations of these compounds in their serum have lower scores on tests of learning and memory, and on other measures of neuropsychological function.

This is the first known project to examine how PFCs affect the nervous system and endocrine function in older adults and their potential interaction with PCBs, PBDEs and DLCs. It is a collaborative project involving epidemiologists, statisticians, chemists, psychologists and gerontologists.

"“Research on the role of exposure to environmental chemicals in the aging process is critically important, given the increasing number of older adults in the USA and the medical costs of treating age-related diseases," said Dean Philip Nasca of the School of Public Health.

"While numerous investigations have linked exposure to environmental contaminants to deficits of the developing nervous system in children, relatively few have examined whether older persons may also be at risk," said Fitzgerald, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the School. "This study holds particular significance given the declines in memory and other cognitive functions that typically occur with increasing age."

Courtesy: UAlbany News

University of Albany Awarded $360,000 From U.S. Department of Education To Support Doctoral Students in Mathematics

The University at Albany has been awarded $360,000 from the U.S. Department of Education to help students attain doctoral degrees in mathematics. The award provides fellowships with stipends of up to $30,000 per year for four UAlbany doctoral students, beginning in the fall 2010 semester.

The three-year graduate fellowships are targeted to help offset a national shortage of scientists and engineers in mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer and information sciences, engineering, geology, nursing, and physics.

"This award recognizes the excellence of our program and its people as well as its trajectory of training quality doctoral candidates," said Professor and Chair Kehe Zhu of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. "It will allow us to recruit and appropriately reward talented U.S. graduate students, while at the same time enhancing and invigorating our graduate program."

"This twelve-month graduate assistantship gives us the opportunity to support almost twice as many Ph.D. students each year for the next several years," said associate professor Karin Reinhold, the director of graduate studies for the Department of Mathematics, who helped secure the award.

Funding is also provided for travel to conferences and for research, as well as for graduate student fees not covered by traditional teaching assistant grants.

Through previous U.S. Dept. of Education awards, UAlbany supported 33 doctoral students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Their numbers include tenured professors at the University of Michigan, South Florida University, Pace University, Union University and Lafayette College.

To apply for a fellowship, contact Reinhold at reinhold@albany.edu. Applicants with excellent academic records who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue a doctorate in mathematics will be considered. Students from minority groups are encouraged to apply.

University of Albany Center For Technology In Government Scholars Recognized as Ranking Members of the Digital Government Community

Theresa Pardo, Anthony M. Cresswell, Sharon Dawes, and J. Ramon Gil Garcia were recently ranked in the top ten of scholars in the field of digital government, according to a recent article from Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Electronic Government. The area of digital government research is a relatively young field compared to other well established disciplines, yet the field has produced approximately 300 peer-reviewed articles per year since 2004. The paper’s author, Hans J. (Jochen) Scholl, associate professor, Information Science, University of Washington, notes that “for a young domain of study, this is a remarkably high output volume.”

The Center for Technology in Government (CTG), formed in 1993, has been a pioneer of digital government scholarship. Its mission, as one of UAlbany’s universitywide centers, is to examine important public problems at the intersection of policy, management; and technology; the essence of digital government research. In 1998, CTG organized a workshop funded by the National Science Foundation where 67 researchers and government practitioners convened to discuss ways to collaborate to produce innovative and effective information-based government services. The workshop report, Some Assembly Required: Designing a Digital Government for the 21st Century, was one of two reports funded by NSF that set the stage and established a multi-disciplinary agenda for the new domain of digital government research.

Scholl’s (2009) article entitled, Profiling the EG Research Community and Its Core, identifies eight CTG researchers and alumni as part of a 50-strong core of this international research community. Among the top 10 are Pardo (#2), Cresswell (#7), Dawes (#5), Gil-Garcia (#1), and Scholl (#3). Both Gil-Garcia and Scholl are former CTG graduate assistants. Gil-Garcia stayed on at CTG as a post-doctoral fellow from 2005-2007 and continues his affiliation as a research fellow from his current position as an assistant professor in the Division of Public Administration and the director of the Data Center for Applied Research in Social Sciences at Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE) in Mexico City. In addition, Luis Luna-Reyes (also a former CTG graduate assistant), Enrico Ferro (a 2005 visiting scholar to CTG from Italy), and CTG program associate Natalie Helbig are listed in the top 50.

In addition to leadership in publishing digital government research, CTG has been actively encouraging a global digital government research community through conference development, leadership in the Digital Government Society of North America, and several grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). These NSF grants have given CTG the opportunity to study the development of a digital government journal, to participate in research collaborations with European-funded projects in the United Kingdom and Italy, to join US research delegations to China, India, and Hungary, and most recently, to lead a multi-year effort (2005-2009) to develop a sustainable international community of digital government researchers through international working groups and an annual international institute for doctoral students.

Ten years after CTG’s ground breaking report, the Center has once again been funded by the National Science Foundation to convene a similar workshop of digital government researchers. The workshop will examine the impact of "rich-context" information technology research, explore strategies for securing the funds targeted at research of this type, and lay out an agenda for interdisciplinary “rich context” research in information technology in the public sector. The workshop is set to take place in the spring of 2010.

University of Albany Women's Basketball Holds Off Wagner to Remain Unbeaten at SEFCU Arena - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Charity Iromuanya netted a season-high 17 points and Julie Forster registered her first career double-double on 11 points and 11 rebounds in leading UAlbany to a 63-56 win over Wagner in non-conference women's basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 12 at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes, who held off a late run after leading by as many as 23 in the second half, remain unbeaten at home and have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 17.7 points in those contests.

UAlbany (4-4), which led 34-23 at halftime after closing out the opening stanza on a 12-1 run, scored the first four points of the second half. After missing 14 consecutive shots, Kelly Clark netted the Seahawks' first field goal in almost eight minutes at the 17:11 mark and followed up with another score the next time down the floor to make it an 11-point game.

The Great Danes responded with a 10-2 run, which was sparked by Tabitha Makopondo's conventional three-point play, to go ahead by a 48-29 score with just over 13 minutes left in the contest. A fastbreak layup by Ebone Henry, who made her first career start, gave the hosts a 23-point cushion at 56-33 with under nine minutes to play.

Wagner (2-7), which suffered its fourth straight loss, initiated an effective fullcourt press to make a big run at the end. A fastbreak layup by Kanifa Hicks following a steal with 4:58 on the clock cut the lead to 16 points, forcing the Great Danes to call a timeout. Iromuanya made an open layup with 2:12 left to put the Great Danes ahead, 63-48, before the Seahawks made a furious attempt to rally. The visitors scored the last eight points of the game before time ran out on them.

"We came out strong and really focused, but we let them come back by playing sloppy in the end," said Iromuanya, the team's captain. "Overall, everybody was on the same page and we worked really hard."

The first half featured two quick lead changes and three ties. Andrea Reed, who has led the Northeast Conference in assists the past two seasons, hit a jumper to put Wagner ahead by a 6-4 score before the Great Danes went on a 12-2 run with four players scoring during the stretch to take the lead for good.

Wagner was able to tie the score at 22 when Veronick Fournier canned a three-pointer from the left corner, but the Great Danes came back by scoring 10 straight and 12 of the half's final 13 points while forcing the visitors to miss their last seven shots. Iromuanya added five points and an assist on a fastbreak layup by Henry to give the Great Danes an 11-point lead at the break.

"We had several players who were not 100 percent, and we were low on numbers," explained head coach Trina Patterson, whose team will now gear up to host an Army squad which played neck-and-neck with 16th-ranked Oklahoma until the final six minutes of the contest two days ago. "We did not keep our energy level up. You can't make excuses, but I am happy that we were able hang on (to get the win). We really improved our shooting from the perimeter."

In addition to her game-high 17 points, Iromuanya grabbed eight rebounds and recorded four steals to lead the way for UAlbany. Henry netted 14 points to go along with seven rebounds and three steals. Forster added two blocks to her double-double performance.

Wagner was paced by Reed, who led the team with 13 points, five assists and three steals. Ashley Olsen pulled down 14 boards, including 10 in the first half, and finished with six points. Kelly Clark contributed nine points and five rebounds off the bench.

"I am looking forward to our next game against (Army)," added Patterson, who will look to guide the Great Danes to their fourth straight win at home to open the season next Saturday. "They are a mentally tough team, but we will be ready for them."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Rosario's Three-Point Shooting Sends Men's Basketball to OT Loss at Central Conn. State

New Britain, Conn. - Vince Rosario had 17 points and made a key three-point field goal in overtime in leading Central Connecticut State to 70-68 victory over UAlbany on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Detrick Gymnasium.

Central Connecticut State (3-5) led 64-63 in the extra period, when Rosario nailed one of his five 3-pointers from the left wing. Shemik Thompson, who had 16 points, sank a pair of foul shots for a six-point margin and the home-opening win looked secure. But UAlbany's Tim Ambrose made a three-point play when he was fouled on a driving shot and a steal led to Scotty McRae's slam dunk. After CCSU's Joe Seymour made the second of two free throws with 4.6 seconds left, Ambrose misfired on a driving 14-footer as the horn sounded.

UAlbany (4-7) appeared to be in control with one minute to play in regulation. Ambrose, who had 16 points, knifed his way into the lane and then set up Will Harris for a layup on the left baseline that gave his club a 60-56 advantage. But in the previous two matchups the unexpected always happens in this series. Leading 60-58, Derrek Tartt found himself alone following a steal, but the freshman missed a two-handed dunk with 10.8 seconds remaining. Thompson made two free throws to draw his team even and Harris was not close on a three-point attempt as buzzer sounded to end regulation.

"They went small and pressured us defensively," UAlbany coach Will Brown said. "The breakaway dunk was not the deciding moment in the game; it was all the stuff that led to that point. We gave them new life in the overtime. We had plenty of opportunities and a pretty good look at the end."

The Great Danes built a 50-44 lead with 8:18 remaining on Mike Johnson's three-point play. The senior guard finished with 12 points before fouling out in overtime. Central Connecticut rallied to tie the contest at 56 apiece when Rosario drained a long-range jumper from the top of the arc.

"We are down right now, but we fought to the end," said UAlbany center Brett Gifford, who matched a career-high with 10 points and added eight rebounds and two blocks. "We told Derrek (Tartt) to keep his head in the game. Things happen during the course of any game."

In the first half, nothing was settled as the Great Danes took a 32-31 advantage to the intermission. Central Connecticut took a 15-7 lead in the early going when Rosario buried a three-point field from the top of the key. UAlbany regrouped with 10 unanswered. Gifford scored off a high-low exchange from Fran Urli to put his team ahead. The Blue Devils, who later trailed by as much as six, regained the lead, 29-28, on Thompson's offensive rebound. Tartt made a pair of free throws to put UAlbany back in front.

CCSU's Robby Ptacek had 12 points off the bench, while David Simmons added 11 points and 16 rebounds. Urli, a 6-foot-8 junior, scored a career-high 10 for the Great Danes, who edged the Blue Devils by one last year and won in overtime the previous season.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Sourbeer and Livergood Named to America East Volleyball All-Academic Team - Ualbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - Seniors Valerie Sourbeer and Laura Livergood were both named to the 2009 America East Volleyball All-Academic Team as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon.

Sourbeer, the only unanimous selection among the eight honorees, maintains a 3.63 cumulative grade point average with a major in business administration. An all-conference first team selection, Sourbeer lead the Great Danes this season, averaging a team-best 3.09 kills per set. She was also one of the team's top hitters, recording a .270 hitting percentage, and recorded 29 total blocks. Sourbeer, a member of both the America East and UAlbany Athletics Honor Rolls, was also an all-academic team selection last year.

Livergood earned her first all-academic team award after posting a 3.64 GPA in human biology. A defensive specialist, Livergood played in 25 matches as a senior, averaging 1.53 digs per set. A member of the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll and the UAlbany Athletic Director's Honor Roll, she also recorded 14 service aces as a senior.

To be nominated for distinction on the America East All-Academic Team, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 cumulative GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.

UAlbany wrapped up the 2009 season with a 22-9 record overall. The Great Danes won their third straight regular-season title before falling to Binghamton in the America East Conference Championship match.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Announces Men's Lacrosse Schedule; NCAA Champion Syracuse Among Opponents - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Dec. 10 the school's men's lacrosse schedule for the 2010 season. The Great Danes, who have captured four America East Conference championships in their history, will play five games against conference opponents. The non-league schedule features five teams who made last year's NCAA Tournament field, including defending national champion Syracuse.

UAlbany begins its 11th season at the NCAA Division I level on Saturday, Feb. 27 against Denver. The Pioneers are led by first-year head coach Bill Tierney, who guided Princeton to six national titles. The Great Danes meet Syracuse in the Carrier Dome on the first Saturday in April. In 2009, the Orange garnered their tenth NCAA championship in a thrilling 10-9 overtime victory against Cornell. UAlbany will be Johns Hopkins' homecoming opponent on Saturday, April 10 in a game that will televised on ESPNU at 2:00 p.m. The Blue Jays have won nine NCAA titles, including the 2007 crown.

The Great Danes will battle three other teams who made NCAA appearances last season. UAlbany travels to Massachusetts, the ECAC champion, and defending America East winner UMBC, on March 9 and April 17, respectively. Siena, the 2009 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titleist, will play at John Fallon Field on Tuesday, March 2.

UAlbany has three conference home games, including a pair of late season clashes with America East-rivals Stony Brook (April 24) and Binghamton (May 1). Each game will be televised on Time Warner Cable (TW3) in the Capital Region. In addition, the Great Danes host Patriot League regular-season champion Bucknell and Colonial Athletic Association opponent Drexel. UAlbany faces Ohio State for the first time and tangles with Delaware for the eighth consecutive year. The America East postseason tournament is slated for May 5 and 8, and each round will be hosted by the higher seed.

Scott Marr, a two-time America East coach of the year, has 27 letterwinners returning from last season's 7-7 squad. Brian Caufield earned honorable mention USILA All-America honors, the sixth player in the program's Division I history to be recognized. Caufield, a junior attackman, scored 45-plus points for the second straight season with 24 goals and 27 assists. Joe Resetarits was voted first-team all-conference as a freshman after accounting for 34 goals and nine assists. Senior defenseman Mark Kelly, who had 30 ground balls one year ago, was a member of the All-America East second team. Goalkeeper John Carroll posted a .496 save percentage as a freshman.

2010 University at Albany Men's Lacrosse Schedule

February - 27 (Sat.), at Denver, 3:00.

March - 2 (Tue.), Siena, 4:00; 6 (Sat.), at Delaware, 12:00; 9 (Tue.), at Massachusetts, 3:00; 12 (Fri.), Ohio State, 7:00; 21 (Sun.), Drexel, 1:00; 27 (Sat.), Bucknell, 1:00; 31 (Wed.), at Hartford*, 3:30.

April - 3 (Sat.), at Syracuse, 4:00; 10 (Sat.), at John Hopkins, 2:00 (ESPNU); 11 (Sun.), Vermont*, 3:00; 17 (Sat.), at UMBC*, 1:00, 24 (Sat.), Stony Brook*, 7:00 (TW3)

May - 1 (Sat.), Binghamton*, 7:00 (TW3); 5 (Wed.), at America East Conference Tournament+; 8 (Sat.), at America East Conference Tournament+.
*America East Conference Opponent +Played at Higher Seed's Home Facility All Times Eastern


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Rebounds in 78-60 Victory Against Pennsylvania at the Historic Palestra - UAlbany Sports 2009

Philadelphia, Pa. - Tim Ambrose had 20 points and Will Harris added 19 in leading UAlbany to a 78-60 non-league road win against Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at The Palestra. The Great Danes ended a three-game skid.

Pennsylvania (0-6) trailed 39-32 at the halftime, but started the final period with baskets by Darren Smith and Rob Belcore. UAlbany (4-6) was still ahead, 47-42, but then erupted with a string of 10 consecutive points. Mike Johnson, who had 15 points and seven assists, canned a jumper in the lane and Billy Allen delivered a three-point field goal in transition. Brett Gifford scored on a follow shot in the lane and Ambrose made a free throw to end the run.

The Great Danes, who made a season-best 54.1 percent from the field, on 33-of-61 shooting, pushed their margin to 20 with 7:45 remaining. Jake Lindfors scored off a second-chance opportunity and made a driving layup, before Ambrose sank two foul shots for a 65-45 advantage. UAlbany led by as much as 23 in the stretch.

"This was a straight scout game where we had to execute the game plan," explained UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team posted its largest road win margin since Feb. 22, 2007. "Mike Johnson did a good job on (Zack) Rosen, who is the heart and soul of their team. We forced them to defend for long periods of time and kept them from making a run in the second half."

In the first half, UAlbany snapped an 8-8 tie when Johnson made a 3-pointer from the left wing and Fran Urli scored in transition. Penn closed the gap to 20-19 as Dan Monckton hit a slam dunk following a steal. The Great Danes sped away with seven unanswered. Johnson made a basket and Ambrose followed with a three-point play as he was fouled while making a 16-footer in the circle. UAlbany held that eight-point margin for much of the period by shooting 51.5 percent from the floor.

"We have a shot to be a good team if we are focused and execute," said Johnson, whose squad struggled in a 29-point loss three days ago. "We gained some confidence (with this win), but we need to keep playing defense and take care of the ball."

Jack Eggleston had 15 points for the Quakers, who were held to 42-percent shooting. Mike Howlett and Rosen had 10 apiece. UAlbany's Harris, who is averaging more than 20 points in his last five starts, made 8-of-14 from the field and added six rebounds.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Announces Women's Lacrosse Schedule for 2010 Campaign - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Monday, Dec. 7 the school's women's lacrosse schedule for the 2010 season. The Great Danes, who reached the America East Conference postseason tournament for the third consecutive season, will play three opponents who made last year's NCAA field. UAlbany has a six-game conference schedule.

UAlbany begins its 11th season at the NCAA Division I level on Saturday, Feb. 24 against Marist, a team that advanced to last year's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship final. The Great Danes host three programs who qualified for NCAA post-season play last season. Massachusetts, the Atlantic 10 Conference champion, invades John Fallon Field on March 20, while Patriot League titleist Colgate comes to town three days later. The Raiders fell to evenutal national champion Northwestern in the NCAA's first round. Boston University, the five-time defending America East winner, is the opponent for the home regular-season finale on Saturday, May 1.

In addition, the Great Danes have non-conference home dates with California, Niagara and Canisius. Cal-Berkeley, a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, lost to Stanford is last year's MPSF title game. UAlbany has non-league road dates with Hofstra, Siena and Patriot League runner-up Lehigh, plus a neutral site game with Denver in Owings Mills, Md. America East opponents Binghamton and Stony Brook will travel to the Capital Region. The America East Conference postseason tournament, slated for May 6 and 8, will be held at the highest seed's home facility.

Lindsey Hart, who led UAlbany to its first winning campaign since 2000 last year and a No. 2 seed in the conference postseason tournament, has 17 letterwinners returning from the 2009 squad. Kayla Best, a senior midfielder, and Nikki Branchini, a junior defender, were each named to the IWLCA/U.S. Lacrosse All-Northeast Region second team. Best, who has 147 career points, earned All-America East recognition for the third consecutive season. Branchini has twice been voted to the all-conference first team. Jodi Battaglia and Mel Rorie scored 37 goals apiece last season. Battaglia, a junior attack, was picked to the All-America East first team, while Rorie was chosen second-team all-league.

2010 University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Schedule

February - 24 (Wed.), at Marist, 3:30; 27 (Sat.), at Hofstra, 1:00.

March - 6 (Sat.), Niagara, 1:00; 12 (Fri.), at Siena, 3:00; 14 (Sun.), Canisius, 1:00; 20 (Sat.), Massachusetts, 2:00; 23 (Tue.), Colgate, 5:00; 28 (Sun.), vs. Denver (Owings Mills, Md.), 12:00; 31 (Wed.), at Vermont*, 3:00.

April - 3 (Sat.), Binghamton*, 1:00; 7 (Wed.), Stony Brook*, 4:00; 12 (Mon.), at Lehigh, 3:30; 16 (Fri.), California, 4:00; 18 (Sun.), at UMBC*, 1:00; 24 (Sat.), at New Hampshire*, 1:00.

May - 1 (Sat.), Boston U.*, 4:00; 6 (Thu.), at America East Conference Tournament+; 8 (Sat.), at America East Conference Tournament+.
*America East Conference Opponent +Played at No. 1 Seed's Home Facility All Times Eastern

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Ranked #15 In LaxNews.com Writers Preseason Top 25 Poll

1. Syracuse (16-2)
2. Duke (15-4)
3. Virginia (15-3)
4. Carolina (12-6)
5. Hopkins (10-5)

6. Cornell (13-4)
7. Notre Dame (15-1)
8. Hofstra (11-4)
9. Navy (11-5)
10. Maryland (10-6)

11. Princeton (13-3)
12. Harvard (8-5)
13. Georgetown (7-7)
14. Loyola (9-5)
15. Albany (7-7)

16. Brown (12-3)
17. UMBC (12-4)
18. UMass (9-6)
19. Colgate (9-6)
20. Bucknell (9-7)

21. Ohio State (8-8)
22. Stony Brook (9-6)
23. Delaware (5-10)
24. Denver (7-8)
25. Drexel (7-8)