Virginia Tech offers one-stop-shop research showcase

The College of Engineering at Virginia Tech is hosting the Northern Virginia Engineering Showcase on March 5, 2004 at the Marriott Tyson's Corner in Vienna, Va. The showcase will provide a review of a broad cross-section of advanced technology and basic science research at Virginia Tech, the commonwealth's premier research institution.

Faculty presentations will provide those who attend with a clear idea of the directions and capabilities of the many research groups in the college. "This is going to be an excellent one-stop-shop opportunity for agency program managers, corporate research contacts, and members of the Virginia Tech College of Engineering family to find out what the commonwealth's number one engineering school is accomplishing, both in Blacksburg and in Northern Virginia." said Doug Eckel, director of research advancement for the college.

Morning sessions will be available on the following research topics: enhancements in biomedical engineering, mechanical and design engineering advances, growth areas in advanced materials and industrial systems/human factors engineering.

The guest speaker during lunch will be Bob Lambert, corporate senior vice president of new technology and new media for the Walt Disney Company. He is responsible for identifying and developing new technologies and business opportunities that will impact the Disney organization in the years ahead, and integrating these new media initiatives into company strategies and practices.

Lambert, a 1979 graduate of electrical and computer engineering at Virginia Tech and a Virginia native, founded and chairs Disney's interdivisional New Technology forum and its technology synergy programs. For 19 years he advised Disney's corporate and divisional management on new media initiatives and technology strategy throughout its business units.

The afternoon session of the research showcase includes presentations on: computational sciences/cluster computing, initiatives in transportation and wireless communications, and efficiencies in power electronics/engineering.

Space for this comprehensive showcase is limited to 90 attendees. Interested participants may register online at: http://www.eng.vt.edu/nves/. Further information is available by contacting Doug Eckel at (540) 231-3347 or via email at deckel@vt.edu.