Research Notes

CITI technology division appoints new director

The University's Center for Information Technology appointed Pete Honeyman as the new director. CITI is a branch of the University's Information Technology Division.

Honeyman joined CITI in 1986 and is also an adjunct associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science. Prior to his involvement at the University, he was a member of the technical staff at Bell Labs as well as an assistant professor of computer science at Princeton University.

"As director, Peter will lead advanced development and research projects, while establishing partnerships with external sponsors. He will focus his efforts on engaging with enterprising organizations outside the University to embark on joint research projects," ITD Executive Director Jose-Marie Griffiths said in a statement.

Honeyman is also a University alumnus.

'U' chemists give talk on new data

University chemists and professors Christine Evans and Mark Mowery presented their latest data on polymer chemistry at this week's American Chemical Society meeting.

Peaks and valleys are important factors in determining where polymers form in single molecule layers, according to the researchers.

"In polymer chemistry, as in architecture, it's important to pay close attention to your building base," Evans and Mowery said in a statement.

The polymers have a definite preference for valleys. Researchers will gladly receive this news, which helps them utilize ultrathin molecular films and polymers, instead of silicon and microcircuitry, Evans said.

"Varying the surface topography gives us one more tool we can use to direct and control the growth of these single-layer polymers," Evans said. "It takes us one step closer to our ultimate goal, which is exploiting polymers' potential to revolutionize nanoscale or ultrasmall technology."

ITD recommends anti-virus kit

Recently, viruses have been causing problems for students using University computers, so ITD has proposed a solution in a small package.

After extensive research, ITD suggests using Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit to combat viruses on several software programs.

A computer virus - a program that replicates itself - may be harmless, while others could cause immense destruction, according to an ITD statement. Computer viruses have existed for about 10 years.

Previously, software like F-Prot and Disinfectant have been used to combat computer viruses. However, a new kind of infection called the Word Macro virus, which infects Microsoft Word 6.0, has wreaked havoc on University computers, according to an ITD statement.

The first Microsoft Word Macro virus, called "Concept," appeared on campus accidentally after being distributed on a CD-ROM with the release of Windows 95.

Macro viruses infect Microsoft documents rather than programs or applications.

Education Dept. seeks proposals

The U.S. Department of Education will finance some University projects under its Library Research and Demonstration Program.

The department is seeking grant proposals from University researchers that will improve libraries, library education and information technology. The deadline for applications is May 12. For more information, call 936-1354.

- Compiled by Daily Staff Reporter Marc Lightdale.

04-17-97

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