This is the last e-Pulse of the semester as we prepare to settle in for a long winter's nap (some may argue that started in mid-October). But before we drive out of sight, we have five hand-crafted stories that will make you wonder why you ever wished for sugar plums. Think of it as our gift to you. As always, please enjoy in moderation.

One of the newest student groups at the College is The Panther Project. The group works with the Capital District chapter of Habitat for Humanity and already has more than 50 active members. They have been on two builds since the start of the semester, with a goal of doing one to two builds per month going forward. Looking to the future, the group is planning its first out of state trip over spring break, and there are already discussions about an international trip in 2015 through Habitat's Global Village program.

Associate Professor Amy Barton Pai has been invited to participate in a panel discussion about chronic diseases at the first New York State Health Data Code-a-thon. The event is being organized by the NYS Department of Health and will be held on December 19-20 at RPI. The Code-a-thon will bring together tech experts, public health professionals, academics, and others to discuss how to leverage state health data to help New Yorkers improve their health. Organizers hope apps will be developed out of the event that will help New Yorkers more easily identify resources to help combat diabetes and obesity.