Carnegie Mellon Today

Cover Story: A Star's Trek

It's September 2007, and just as he has been doing for the past couple of months while driving around Los Angeles, Zachary Quinto grabs a rubber band from the cup holder in the center console of his Toyota Prius. He wraps it around the ring finger and pinky of his right hand, binding them together. His left hand remains on the steering wheel. His right hand is now in rehearsal.

The actor is accustomed to doing whatever it takes to prepare for scenes—accents, intonation, attitude. His latest role requires muscle training, but not for bigger biceps. His ring finger and pinky need to stick together while parting from his forefinger and...

April 2009, Vol. 6 No. 2

Alas, spring is here. For millions of "Trekkies" around the world, there is something to be particularly excited about this spring—the release of the latest Star Trek movie. Learn in this issue's cover story how Carnegie Mellon's Zachary Quinto (A'99) ended up playing Mr. Spock, one of Hollywood's iconic roles. There are plenty more amazing stories to read, too, in all of the online departments. Make sure to click on News Flash, Alumni, Making Noise, The Fence, Beyond the Cut, Inbox, Columns, and Inspire Innovation. By the time you're done reading, the dog days of summer will be here, along with the July issue of Carnegie Mellon Today.

PS: If you've already completed the Last Word crossword puzzle in the print issue, click on Columns, followed by Last Word to find the puzzle's solution.

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The Sky Is Not Falling

These days, no matter where people are, what they're doing, or who they're with, there is one topic on their minds—the economy. Members of the media have been searching for answers, and possibly some reassurance, too. They're finding both from Allan H. Meltzer, Tepper's legendary economics professor.

An Excellent Foundation

The life of Rajee Ramachandran was a parallel of opposites with the life of Prabhu Goel. One had a life of opportunity that included a PhD at Carnegie Mellon. The other had a life of limitations, including no money for college tuition. Yet, the lives of two strangers, 9,000 miles apart, would intertwine.

The Green Chemist

The chemical industry is about 150 years old and, undeniably, it has brought the world enormous benefits. But sometimes there is a price. Unforeseen adverse health and environmental effects can show up decades after a chemical has been commercialized. Enter Carnegie Mellon's Terry Collins who is developing real-world solutions.

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