Juke box repair and nanotechnology: two fields with no discernable point of connection. Yet Alfred Petteruti – who journeyed from juke-box repairman to 1954 Brown graduate with a degree in electrical engineering – and his family are in the process of funding one of the most technically advanced spaces in the School of Engineering’s forthcoming research building.
The ground-floor imaging suite will host high quality electron microscopy tools and advanced imaging technologies. Electron microscopy, a fundamental tool, is used by engineers and scientists in the study and development of new devices and materials. This suite will support the increased nanoscale research taking place at Brown, allowing scholars to create and study very small structures – down to a few atoms in width. The space will be open to all Brown faculty, staff, and students as well as to off-campus collaborators.
“The new imaging lab will give students access to technology that will enable them to research and design projects using the most advanced engineering tools,” says Steven F. Petteruti ’83, P’14, who leads a capstone class in the undergraduate Business, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations program. “Brown students will be able to work on more challenging projects in the future.”
In addition, says Robert A. Petteruti ’81, P’13 P’17 – who teaches in the University’s Program in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship – this effort will “enhance Brown’s ability to engage in future research and teaching initiatives in science and technology as well as attract top faculty and students. The imaging lab is one physical aspect of the new SOE facility that will expand Brown’s technical capabilities and provide critical tools and infrastructure so necessary to support these initiatives.”
Lenore A. Petteruti Kopko ’86 is also “excited to support this effort as it dovetails my belief and passion in the importance of technology education and research. It is my hope that Brown will continue to maintain its excellence in all disciplines and especially in the areas of science and engineering.”
But an equally compelling reason for supporting this space – as well as for supporting spaces like the Petteruti Laboratory for Design and Entrepreneurship (part of the Brown Design Workshop in Prince Lab) and the Petteruti Lounge in the Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center – is family. “Our father, who was the first in his family to attain a college degree, found his eyes opened to a much larger and exciting world of scientific and technological innovation,” says Ann Marie Petteruti Barone ’84. “We take pleasure in lending our support to Brown, which has left its valuable imprint on our lives. It is our hope that the school continues its legacy of excellence across a wide array of disciplines for the benefit of our present and future generations.”
“Brown has played a significant role in the education of three generations of my family, echoes Robert Petteruti, “it feels very natural for us to support the University as we do.” 