Nobel Physicist and Rochester Alum to be Named Secretary of Energy

The story, from Physics Today News Picks

Steven Chu has an extensive and impressive resume, including earning his B.S. in physics at the University of Rochester in 1970.

(and he's a Missouri native)

Aside from the sweet connections I (sort of) have with him, the fact that President-elect Obama has chosen a brilliant physicist and administrator for this post is incredibly refreshing.

Obama and Science

Obama's general regard for science has become quite clear in recent weeks. You may have also seen this news item about raising the national visibility and respect for those doing basic research:

From the Washington Times

My hope is that the Obama administration reverses the apparent political trend to favor funding of development over pure research disproportionately. Andrew Revkin (added to blogroll) has been discussing this in his recent posts:

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/