MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY
STATE
APRIL 30, 2009
Rare isotopes are fleeting bits of matter created
numerous constituencies who understand the
primarily in the super-extreme environment of
importance of the decision and the value of its
stars. They can't be seen or felt. But at Michigan
impact.
State University, the research to produce and
study these short-lived atomic nuclei is making
an enormous impact in the world of science, an
impact that translates to benefits for everyday
lives around the globe.
The proposed $550 million facility will bring
together an international community of top
scientists to advance understanding of rare
nuclear isotopes—helping unlock the mysteries of
nature and the universe and fueling breakthrough
On December 11, 2008, the U.S. Department of
applications for medicine, national security, and
Energy announced that MSU—a world leader in
the environment.
rare isotope research and home to the nation's No.
2–ranked graduate program in nuclear physics—
had been selected to design and establish the
"The opportunities to advance human knowledge
through science and the potential for scientific
iviSU Hillel creates
community
discoveries to improve the human condition are
Reaching out and creating community at Michigan
tremendous," says MSU National Superconducting
State University and beyond always has been the
Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) Director Konrad
primary mission of MSU Hillel—the Lester and
President Lou Anna K. Simon, and that sentiment
Gelbke, who was tapped to lead FRIB. "This will be
Jewell Morris Hillel Jewish Student Center—one
was echoed far beyond Michigan State by
a transformational facility—not just for MSU but
of the premier Jewish student life programs in
for the best scientific minds around the world."
the country.
FRIB will build on MSU's half-century commitment
Today, students who are part of MSU Hillel continue
to accelerator-based experimental nuclear science.
to reach out in a variety of ways—forming
For years, MSU has operated a user program at
partnerships with their peers to make a difference
the National Science Foundation–funded NSCL, a
to others and to share their cultural heritage while
world-class rare isotope research facility that has
finding commonality.
Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).
"This is a great day for science," responded MSU
MSU's graduate program in nuclear physics is ranked
second in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
served 700 researchers from 100 institutions in
more than 30 countries. FRIB is expected to
increase the quality and quantity of research
opportunities for approximately 1,000 university
and laboratory scientists, postdoctoral associates,
and graduate students around the globe.
In addition to regular activities that enrich the MSU
experience for students—from weekly Shabbat
dinners and alternative breaks to Taglit-Birthright
Israel trips and Israeli cultural programming-
MSU Hillel actively partners with Michigan State,
hosting educational programs and events in
The main advantage—and attraction for
cooperation with the university's Jewish Studies
researchers—is FRIB's beating heart, a high-energy
Program, James Madison College, and a number
linear accelerator that will be nothing less than an
of student organizations. Hillel also works with
experimental game changer.
the Office of Admissions to talk about MSU and
Like the existing superconducting cyclotrons at
NSCL, the new accelerator will launch nuclei down
Jewish life with prospective students.
"Jewish life on campus is very vibrant," says Jessica
Katz, an MSU alumna who works as the program
Continued insider.
,:ontinued inside