A West Virginia University biometrics researcher is among a select group of scientists who will demonstrate their research at a National Science Foundation (NSF) open house in Washington, D.C., Monday (Feb. 4).

Arun A. Ross, assistant professor in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, will travel to the nations capital with two of his students to represent WVU s biometrics team and demonstrate the technology being developed in his group at the University.

The open house, which is free and open to the public, will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the NSF headquarters in Arlington, Va. The event will showcase the work of more than 30 NSF -supported scientists, engineers and educators from across the nation.

Biometrics technology uses physical and behavioral traits such as fingerprints, face, voice and hand geometry to establish an individuals identity. The field is rapidly growing with applications ranging from accessing computers and paying for groceries to being permitted to cross a border.

WVU is known worldwide for its identification technology research and education. The University offers the nations first undergraduate degree in biometric systems along with dual undergraduate offerings in biometric systems and computer engineering, and in biometric systems and electrical engineering.

Ross is part of the WVU -based Center for Identification Technology Research, the only NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center focusing on biometric identification.

Ross joined WVU s faculty in 2003. Last year, he received the NSF s prestigious CAREER Award, which supports the early career-development activities of teacher-scholars who most effectively integrate research and education within the context of the mission of their organization. He is the co-author ofHandbook of Multibiometricsand the co-editor ofHandbook of Biometrics.