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Science, the Engine of Prosperity
September 30, 2011
Renowned physicist Dr. Michio Kaku, the world's foremost
authority on the future of the future, knows where the most
creative and innovative ideas will come from: Leading educational
institutions like Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
"Rose-Hulman is a jewel of a university," stated Dr. Kaku while
on campus Sept. 23-24 to receive the college's Excellence in
Innovation Award and presenting the Oscar C. Schmidt Memorial
Lecture. "So many universities snuff out that flower of
curiosity in innovation in their students. Studying becomes a
grind, becomes a chore rather than being a delight in the pursuit
of knowledge. What we have (at Rose-Hulman) is a 'hot house',
a hands-on university that really unleashes the creativity and
initiative of kids, rather than squashing them and turning them out
like computer cards."
Dr. Kaku is a famed futurist, best-selling author, theoretical
physicist, acclaimed public speaker, and radio and television
personality. He explores the science of tomorrow: from
computing power to artificial intelligence, from the evolution of
communications to the reshaping of our genetic inheritance.
His Rose-Hulman lecture examined topics in his latest book, the New
York Times best-seller Physics of the Future. He examined how
science will shape human destiny and people's daily lives by the
Year 2100.
"Science is the engine of prosperity. What is the rocket
fuel that drives science? It is innovation," Dr. Kaku
stated.
Future innovations impacting mankind will feature a combination
of biotechnology, computers/telecommunication, artificial
intelligence and nanotechnology/material science, according to Dr.
Kaku.
"Some combination of these will give us the great fourth wave of
innovation and creativity that will propel society forward," he
said.
Dr. Kaku became the second recipient of Rose-Hulman's Excellence
in Innovation Award, which recognizes people with visionary
leadership, passion and a proven track record of success in
engineering, science and mathematics.
"Dr. Kaku provides valuable insight on what course our students
should take to help pave the way for the future. He
appreciates the role that education will play in shaping our
ambitions and aspirations," said Rose-Hulman President Matt
Branam. "As Rose-Hulman looks to examine its role in the
future of engineering, science and mathematics education, it was an
important time to have Dr. Kaku speak to our students, faculty and
staff members."
As the Henry Semat Professor of Theoretical Physics at the
Graduate Centre of the City University of New York, Dr. Kaku's goal
is to complete Einstein's dream of a "theory of everything" -- a
single elegant equation that unifies the fundamental forces of the
universe. His two radio programs "Explorations in Science"
and "Science Fantastic" focus on topics such as frontiers in
physics, black holes, time machines, hyperspace, the human genome
project and genetic engineering.
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Dr. Michio Kaku leads the way. Behind him,
accomplished Rose-Hulman astronomer,
Dr. Richard Ditteon. |
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Dr. Kaku explains that the most fascinating and complex ideas in
science today in many ways so elegant and easy to understand.
His award-winning Discovery Channel television program "Sci-Fi
Science," based on his best-selling books, reaches millions of
households worldwide. He has been featured on several
documentaries by both the Public Broadcasting System and the
British Broadcasting Corporation such as "Einstein Revealed" and
"Science Odyssey." He also appears as a guest on Late Show
with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert's
The Colbert Report, Real Time with Bill Maher, Conan O'Brien's
Conan Show and many others.
Dr. Kaku received a bachelor's degree (summa cum laude) from
Harvard University in 1968, graduating first in his physics
class. He went on to the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory at the
University of California-Berkeley and received a Ph.D. in
1972. He is also a visiting professor at the Institute for
Advanced Study at Princeton University and is a Fellow of the
American Physical Society.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was the first recipient
of Rose-Hulman's Excellence in Innovation Award,
during the 2010 Decade of Innovation Celebration in
Indianapolis. Daniels also presented the Oscar C. Schmidt
Lecture in 2003 when he was the director of the U.S. government's
Office of Management and Budget.
The Oscar C. Schmidt Lecture brings to Rose-Hulman national
leaders to discuss issues important to the campus community.
The lecture was established 50 years ago through the generosity of
the Cincinnati Butcher's Supply Company in memory of the late Oscar
C. Schmidt, a pioneering manufacturer of machinery for the packing
industry.