Over the next year, Dr. Larry Hornak, Byrd Professor in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and founding director of the Center for Identification Technology Research at West Virginia University will be lending his expertise to the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. where he has received a new appointment as program director in the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships of the Engineering Directorate.

Hornak has accepted this assignment through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act which permits state and university employees to be temporarily placed in positions within federal government offices.

“Larry’s appointment speaks to the strength of the research and education efforts here at WVU,” said Gene Cilento, Glen H. Hiner dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

While in Washington, Hornak will be responsible for long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program, as well as manage proposal peer review, pre- and post award processes. The appointment is a temporary assignment and arranged such that all three parties – the NSF, WVU, and Dr. Hornak – mutually benefit.

“This assignment will enable me to learn more about the mechanisms for transition of academic discovery to innovation as well as participate in the shaping of efforts nationally, something I have become very interested in through my experiences with CITeR,” said Hornak. “I look forward to sharing our best practices as well as bringing back to WVU national best practices which can advance its land-grant mission.”

In his years of service to WVU, Hornak has distinguished himself as a faculty leader. In addition to his efforts leasing CITeR, he was the founding co-director of WVNano, WV’s statewide nanosciences initiative and has served in numerous roles in faculty governance including Faculty Senate chair and co-chair of the 2010 Plan, WVU’s first comprehensive strategic planning effort.

-WVU-

nr/09/28/10

CONTACT: Nicole Riggleman; College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304-293-4257; Nicole.riggleman@mail.wvu.edu

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