WVU researcher selected to demonstrate biometric recognition technology at NSF open house

Dr. Arun A. Ross, an assistant professor in West Virginia University’s Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, has been selected to demonstrate his research at a National Science Foundation (NSF) open house next week.

Ross and two of his students will travel to Washington, D.C., to demonstrate biometric recognition technology being developed at WVU. The open house will showcase the work of more than 30 NSF-supported scientists, engineers and educators from across the nation.

The NSF chose to feature West Virginia from among the 27 states and territories that participate in its Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The NSF-funded EPSCoR initiative is intended to develop the research base in states that have historically received the least federal research and development funding.

"We are pleased and proud the NSF selected West Virginia’s EPSCoR program from all those in the country to highlight at this event," said Dr. Paul L. Hill, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission vice chancellor for science and research. "It’s a real vote of confidence in our program and the groundbreaking biometrics research being done right here in West Virginia."

Biometrics technology uses physical and behavioral traits such as fingerprints, face, voice and hand geometry to establish the identity of an individual. 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. The university offers the nation’s only undergraduate degree in biometric systems, along with dual undergraduate offerings in biometric systems and computer engineering, and in biometric systems and electrical engineering. Ross works at the WVU-based Center for Information Technology (CITeR), the first comprehensive academic center for biometrics in the country.

Ross joined WVU in 2003 as part of the West Virginia EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement initiative to recruit faculty and improve the state’s research infrastructure. 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.

The open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, at the NSF headquarters in Arlington, Va. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Ginny Painter at (304) 558-4128, ext. 6, or ginny.painter@wvresearch.org.

Caption: Dr. Arun Ross, standing at left, explains the intricacies of the human thumbprint while demonstrating the biometric technology he and his colleagues hope to improve upon at the WVU-based Center for Information Technology Research (CITeR). Photo by Chris Southard.