Brendan J. Lyons reports for the Times Union that Dr. David O. Carpenter, head of the Institute for Health and Environment at the University at Albany "is no longer on an alternate assignment and may now teach and conduct research on campus." Nine months ago he was directed to not to visit any campuses and to perform his duties from home as the school investigated his extensive work testifying as an expert witness in toxic pollution cases. University officials made Carpenter the subject of a disciplinary investigation last year after a Freedom of Information Law request was filed by an attorney with Shook Hardy & Bacon, a Missouri law firm that represents Monsanto Company in toxic pollution cases it has faced across the nation. "UAlbany’s investigation regarding Dr. Carpenter has concluded, and no discipline will be imposed based on such investigation," a university spokesman said in a statement. "As is standard, UAlbany and Dr. Carpenter also entered into a Conflict Management Plan to ensure future activities are carried out in compliance with all applicable laws and policies. UAlbany reiterates in the strongest possible terms our full commitment to unfettered academic freedom." Carpenter says he donates the money he receives from testifying in pollution cases to Ph.D. students and the university's research program. He has testified against Monsanto in numerous "toxic tort" cases. Carpenter said Feb. 22 that he is, "very happy that the university has concluded its investigation and announced that my work as an expert witness did not merit discipline." Read the full story in the Times Union.