The most cited scientist in the world of engineering is a chemist — our own Joseph Wang. Professor Wang’s groundbreaking work in the development of portable “lab-on-a-chip” sensing devices landed him at the top of the Institute for Scientific Information’s list of the most cited scientists in engineering for the past decade. He was to be honored, along with other top scientists in engineering, physics and computer science, June 17 at the annual conference of the American Society for Engineering Education in Montreal, Canada. The high number of references that other scientists make to Joe Wang’s work is a measure of the importance of his research. He helped develop a wristwatch- like glucose monitor for use by diabetics, to mention just one recent

application. His latest project, in collaboration with scientists at other institutions, aims to create a palm-sized device to detect the presence of explosives and nerve agents. The grant proposal was submitted before September 11, but the work has taken on greater significance since then.

A truly world-class scientist, Joe Wang was in the first group of New Mexico State faculty members to be awarded Regents Professorships early this year. We expect to announce more endowed professorships this fall in a continuing effort to recognize and reward the exceptional scholars who have chosen to work and teach at New Mexico State.

In another endorsement of the quality of our faculty, three were selected as Fulbright Scholars to teach and study abroad in 2002-2003. Rani Alexander of Sociology and Anthropology will be on assignment in Mexico, Phillip G. Benson of Management will travel to Morocco, and Robert Weissberg of Communication Studies is going to Germany.

Among recent student achievements, honors student Alana Jacobson of Phoenix, Ariz., has been selected as a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar and will receive a full academic scholarship for the remainder of her undergraduate education. Aggie guard Eric Channing received the highest academic honor in college basketball for the second consecutive year as he was one of five players named to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-America Men’s Basketball Team.

Commencement Honors

Bob, ’79, and Jo, ’79, Asprey, of Las Cruces and Huntsville, Ala., who received honorary doctorates at Commencement in May, chat with New Mexico State University President Jay Gogue at a reception at the president’s home. Bob Asprey is a founder and chief technology officer of Huntsville-based 2C Computing. Jo Raabe- Asprey started Adventure Aviation in Las Cruces in 1998.Photo by Darren Phillips