Two Minutes

A musical scientist

A new strain of music has been drifting on the winds around campus since August. The melancholy sound of a bagpipe is a common part of the central campus ambiance on beautiful days, thanks to Albert DeFusco. He joined the Ames Laboratory staff as a chemistry postdoc Aug. 1, bringing his scientific mind -- and his bagpipes -- to Iowa State.

It's not genetic: DeFusco isn't reaching back to any Scottish roots by playing the bagpipes. When his younger sister started playing the Celtic harp, he was "inspired" by bagpipers performing at a festival. That was 1995, and he's been playing ever since.

Competitive piping: DeFusco is a serious bagpiper, with the hardware to prove it. He competes individually at the highest amateur level, and joined Carnegie Mellon University's award-winning "pipes and drums" band during his time in Pittsburgh. The group earned the top prize at last spring's Southern Maryland Scottish Games.

Impromptu concerts: His favorite outdoor practice spot is in front of Beardshear Hall -- an area near the cluster of trees shading marble benches gifted by the class of 1910. He moves indoors in inclement weather, with early morning sessions in the music department's practice hall. DeFusco said he generally practices about an hour each day.

Garb and all: Although he doesn't don the full regalia for his practice sessions, he does have the appropriate attire on hand. From the ancient MacDonald tartan kilt to the rakish Glengarry headwear, DeFusco's wardrobe is authentic bagpiper garb.

--Erin Rosacker