Dr. Alan Adler (interview); Creator: Adler, Dr. Alan; Interviewer(s): Bob Mather and Jason Hofer; Interview location: unknown; Running time: 50 min., Apr 24, 1996

Coverage: 1974-1990s
Topics discussed : (side A): Background; undergrad at University of Rochester; grad at University of Pennsylvania; member of faculty at Penn after receiving Ph. D; started the molecular biology and general honors programs there; New England Institute; basic research institute located in Ridgefield, CT; worked there for 7 years; campaign against Nixon by the basic research field lead him to "do in" the field, which he did after his election; Nixon diverted money from basic into applied research (industry); Dr. Paul Hines; helped get him a job at WestConn after he lost his job in basic research; began initially part; time in chemistry department; Dr. Haas; found a full; time position for him; Teaching philosophy; chemistry department always had high standards; concerned for student needs; ACS accredited department; Technological improvements for the school; took "crappy labs" and funds to fix them up w/ modern equipment; Research grants; first 8 years at WestConn was very active; had a solar energy grant for 3 years; Involved in the Shroud; did a tour on it around 1980; conservation of Shroud; authenticity of it; Science can only disprove things; WestConn memories; pushed for the Everyday Chem. program; developed the bio/chem. Program; Student changes; social attitudes reflect students; Nixon era "beat up" students; students don't know what to make of the world and need to forget about the B.S the world throws at them (side B): Importance of education; Media; often misquotes and misinforms; hysteria of Mad Cow's Disease; Retirement; took the "Golden Handshake" deal; wasn't going to initially, but encouraged by his daughters to do it; Future; hopes for further progress at WestConn; worst thing to do is cut funding for education, which is first thing they do; Dangers of world disease; Misuse of forensic evidence in courts