New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, disturbed about a perceived decline in the level of science and engineering education in the United States, and determined to do something about it - in his state, at least - has appointed a science and engineering policy committee. The committee, charged with developing a strategic plan for ensuring excellence in the state's science and engineering education programs, is the first of its kind in New York.
As the chairman of this committee, Cuomo appointed Steven B. Sample, president of the State University of New York at Buffalo. Led by Sample, the committee will also focus on improving the state's economic competitiveness. The group, which includes representatives from industry and government as well as academia, began its analysis of these issues in December. It will spend the next seven months developing its plan, which it plans to present to the governor in September.
Sample,...