Accused of misconduct, Purdue researcher claims 'one-sided smear campaign'
By Brian Wallheimer
The [Lafayette, Indiana] Journal & Courier

May 11 , 2007

Purdue researcher Rusi Taleyarkhan is calling accusations against him unfair attempts to spoil his name, while his accusers are looking forward to new inquiries.

The U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology's subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight slapped Purdue Thursday with a memo chastising the university for what it deemed an inadequate inquiry into Taleyarkhan's conduct.

Taleyarkhan claimed in 2002 to have achieved bubble fusion, a process that could create massive amounts of energy at little cost and without harsh environmental impacts. But since his findings, there have been allegations of research misconduct. Among them are claims that Taleyarkhan was involved in writing papers that purported to independently verify his original findings and that he put students' names on the papers when they weren't involved in the work.

Taleyarkhan, in an e-mail to the Journal & Courier, writes the issue off as an attempt to assassinate his reputation, and even implies racial discrimination.

"Where are the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons of the Asian community during this episode that has caused this biased and openly one-sided smear campaign," Taleyarkhan wrote.

Lefteri Tsoukalas, Purdue nuclear engineering professor and former head of the department, was one of the first to level allegations of wrongdoing against Taleyarkhan. He applauded a new inquiry, but was disappointed that a new Purdue inquiry committee appointed had many of the same members as the original inquiry.

"Congress is very thorough with their approach," Tsoukalas said. "I wish Purdue had done the same thing."

Purdue President Martin Jischke said he will appoint other independent members at the urging of Congress.

A Purdue inquiry into the matter last year exonerated Taleyarkhan of any wrongdoing, but the congressional committee's review of the inquiry said there were "findings that appear to point to a likelihood of misconduct that should have resulted in further investigation."

Taleyarkhan complained that the congressional memo didn't include any of the positive findings that cleared his name.

"Why (is) this intentional cherry-picking of points from the written reports specially chosen to portray a negative image?" Taleyarkhan wrote. "Is this the American system we are to follow, or is it just politics as usual?"

Taleyarkhan argues his findings have been replicated and confirmed in different science journals and at conferences.

But those who argue against Taleyarkhan said those confirmations were tainted by his involvement.

Kenneth Suslick, chemistry professor at the University of Illinois who has alleged wrongdoing, said there is nothing easy about leveling accusations in the scientific community.

"It's very sad and regrettable time when a scientist has to stand up against another scientist," Suslick said. "If Taleyarkhan wants to dispel all of this, he can do so very quickly. He can bring a bunch of people into his laboratory and reproduce his experiment right in front of their eyes."

Suslick is giving Purdue documentation that he says proves Taleyarkhan was involved in research misconduct.

Purdue officials have promised to cooperate with the congressional committee and vowed a new inquiry to address the controversy. Details of the inquiry are being kept secret, per university rules, to protect the names of researchers involved.

Comment on story:

Dr. Susslick's idea for an onsite review Posted by: sbkrivit on Fri May 11, 2007 11:20 pm
My highest respects for Mr. Brian Wallheimer for showing such admirable follow-through to dig deeper.

Now, take a closer look at this statement from Ken Susslick:

"It's very sad and regrettable time when a scientist has to stand up against another scientist," Suslick said. "If Taleyarkhan wants to dispel all of this, he can do so very quickly. He can bring a bunch of people into his laboratory and reproduce his experiment right in front of their eyes."

Then take a look at this communication:

*******
Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:23:55 -0500
From: Rusi Taleyarkhan
To: Steve Krivit
Subject: Feedback on Sonofusion review

Steve: Per my recollection outside of Purdue those present were:

Bill Coblenz - DARPA, Graham Hubler - ONR, Peter Schmidt- ONR, Ross Tessien - IDI, Felipe Gaitan - IDI, Wylene Dunbar - IDI, Ken Suslick (and 2 students), Seth Putterman (and 1/2 student(s)), JaeSeon Cho - Oak Ridge

Rusi
*******

Then take a look at this signed affidavit from Ross Tessien attesting to a positive result on March 1, 2006. A second experiment was run on March 2, 2006, at the request of Tessien. His handwriting at the bottom indicates positive result from this experiment as well.

Keep digging Mr. Wallheimer, there is still more...

Steven Krivit
Editor, New Energy Times

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